Oct 04

With so much economic uncertainty, many people are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenses.  One way to reduce expenses that you may otherwise be paying is to routine car maintenance yourself.  With these DIY car maintenance tips you could be well on your way to saving a bit of hard earned cash every month.  If you’re hesitant to do car maintenance yourself, don’t be!  There are several things that you can quickly and easily do yourself.  It can save you time and money in the long run.  Plus, you can tell your friends and family how smart you are by knowing how to do auto maintenance yourself.

One of the easiest maintenance duties you can perform is replacing your dirty, old air filter with a clean, fresh one.  The average cost is minimal and it takes only minutes to do.  It’s recommended to replace the air filter every 12,000 miles, or once per year, whichever is first.  Rather than sending the car to the shop for the day, you can get the filter at a local auto parts store and do it yourself in about 10 minutes.

Another favorite of the DIY car maintenance tips is replacing windshield wipers.  Sometimes a shop that changes the oil in your vehicle will offer to do this service for you, but beware!  You may be paying a premium for them to do it instead of doing it yourself.  Again, this is a 10-15 minute project, and something that you can easily do yourself.  Find the right wiper blades at the auto parts store and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Some may be leery when hearing about DIY car maintenance tips that suggest replacing spark plugs yourself, but really it’s not rocket science here.  With the right tools, a little time, and a few dollars for parts you can do it yourself.  Spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000 miles.

You can save a considerable sum of money if you have the determination to do some simple car maintenance work yourself.  It might take a little time, but it would be worth it when you can pocket the money instead of paying for the work to be done by someone else.

Looking for new or used cars in Peterborough? Bancroft Motors, offers a large selection of both new and used vehicles. Visit us today at, www.bancroftmotors.ca, your premier GMC Dealer in Bancroft

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Aug 03

 

If you are in the market for a used car in Peterborough and are looking for more information about used cars, buying policies, or dealerships, then we invite you to take a closer look at our Web site. Our Web site is loaded with information that can help you find the right used car for your needs, find the best prices for used cars, and start the process of getting a used car loan in Bancroft.

Here are just a few ways that you can use our Web site to learn more about getting a used car:

Inventory

Whenever you buy a large item, such as a used car, it is important to be sure that you know as much as possible about that purchase before you buy. In order to help you get as much information as possible about our huge inventory of used cars, we have a Web site that is loaded with photographs and information for each of the used cars in the lot. This online inventory includes specific information about our used cars, including information about mileage, accessories, year of the car, and more.

Trade-in

Many of our customers trade in their existing cars for a percentage off of the cost of the new used cars that they buy from us. If you think that you will be trading in the car that you currently own when you buy your new used car, then take a look at our online trade-in evaluator in order to get a general idea of how much money you could save by trading your used car in. We have a link to the Canadian Black Book, which provides approximate values for used cars. Of course, we’ll be able to tell you more information after as inspect your used car!

Credit application

Many of our customers also take out loans in order to buy their used cars in Bancoft. If you think that you will be taking out a used car loan, then start the process from the comfort of your home or office by completing our online credit application. The online credit application will help us to learn more about your financial history and specific financial situation. We can then use this information to develop the right loan for your needs.

We look forward to helping you get the best used car for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today for more information or to get started!

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Jun 06

 

With gas prices at unheard-of levels with no hint of a decline any time soon, it seems time to out some hints out for saving gas as you drive.

The first technique is known as “hypermiling”. There are 2 basic components to hypermiling – conservation of momentum, and low fuel consumption rate.

Let’s tackle these individually.

Conservation of Momentum. To achieve this you want to aim for the smoothest ride possible, only hitting the brakes when you have to. Coast up to stop lights or signs, putting it in neutral along the way. Anytime you have some speed, try to maintain it as long as possible without stopping. It’s all about using fuel you’ve already burnt as long as you can. No more foot on the gas until you absolutely have to hit the brakes.

Low Fuel Consumption Rate. This has to do with rpms. Most of you have probably noticed that keeping your rpms low burns less fuel – it’s basic mechanics. One of the keys to do that is to accelerate slowly. Acceleration is a particularly fuel intensive moment – not only are rpms likely to be higher, but percentage of fuel combusted is also lower. You’ve all seen the thick clouds of black soot when a diesel rig gets going? That’s unburnt fuel, and your car does the same, although not as noticeably. So accelerate slowly and evenly for greater efficiency.

Another way to keep fuel down is to simply not speed. The key to realize here is that while speed is linear drag is exponential. That means that while 120km/h is only 20% faster than 100km/h, the drag at 120km/h is much greater than a 20% increase of the drag at 100km/h. So the faster you go, higher your fuel consumption rate will be, due to drag.

And hey, it’s safer to drive slowly as well.

The final tip is to simply plan your excursions. When gas was cheap it was nothing to pop down to the store to pick up something you forgot when shopping, and over time most people built up a habit of not planning. There was no point to – because if you forgot something it was no big deal to go get it. But all those little trips add up, so these days you’d be better served to write your errands and shopping needs down to avoid extras trips.

These tips will help you save gas and cut down on your fuel costs if you apply them.

If you are looking for quality new or used cars in Peterborough, come visit us at Bancroft Motors. Not only do we carry new and used vehicles, we also boast a huge inventory and new and used RV’s in Bancroft. Need financing? Don’t worry, we offer financing on all vehicles and RV’s, along with repairs and parts. Visit us Today!

 

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Jan 09

 

No matter what used car in Peterborough you decide to purchase you want to make sure it fits in within your lifestyle. You’ll want to feel comfortable in the car and feel like you can accomplish your daily tasks while having reliable transportation. You need to ask yourself some questions before deciding on what car is best for you. How often do you drive your car? How many people do you transport? Do you travel far often? How many hours a day do you spend in your car? For example, if you need to transport a lot of people you’ll need a bigger car than a sedan, and quite possibly a SUV could fit your needs. If you travel long distances in your car, you’ll want a car with low mileage that’s good on conserving gas.

Next, do you want to lease or buy your used car in Peterborough? You’ll have to consider this carefully because each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. If interest rates are low it may save you more money to buy the car rather than lease it. However, if you lease you can get a different car every couple of years and may be able to get a used car that would otherwise be out of your price range if you decided to buy. You can also find resources online that will allow you to calculate and compare your monthly loan payment to your monthly lease payment. Consider the cost of the specific car you wish to own. If it’s a little pricey you also have the option to research other cars in a similar market.

You want to create your own checklist and although you may not get everything you want in a specific car, you may be able to check more things off that list when you compare cars against each other. You’ll be able to compare price, mileage, warranty and various “bells and whistles,” so that when you line up certain cars against each other you’ll know which car tops the list in each area. Before even stepping foot on a dealership you should research the cars that interest you. You’ll want to come into the dealership with background information on the cars that you wish to test drive or inspect.

After visiting Bancroft Motors, your GM Dealer in Bancroft and test driving a car you need to allow yourself time to think. Don’t get wrapped into the sales pitch that is given to you or the “one day only” deal. Car dealerships are always in need of business and will do almost anything to get you to come back. You need to step away from the dealership and weigh your options. It’s also helpful to find out the specific car’s vehicle identification number, or VIN number. This way you can trace the car’s history and find out about any former accidents or previous issues with the car. Usually the dealership will provide you with a background report on the car and if they don’t that’s also something to take into consideration.

When figuring out the perfect used car in Peterborough it’s most important to remember the car is ultimately for you. It’s always good to get other people’s opinions on what they think of their own cars, but don’t let them influence your checklist or top priorities for the car that best fits you.

 

 

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Dec 14

 

If you’re in need of a new vehicle or used car in Peterborough, you’ve probably considered which would be the best option, which is either to get a car loan in Bancroft vs car leasing.  There are a lot of things to think about, but the central point is whether you want to own the car, or just want to keep paying for your method of transportation.

This is an important thing to decide, but you also need to make your choice as soon as possible. The worst situation you can get into is deciding to lease a car and then changing your mind later on, at which point the costs will be considerably higher than if you had just decided to buy in the first place.

This line of thinking lends itself more to buying a car than renting one. You should expect to drive around 22 000kms a year and to pay your loan off in four years. As such, you’ll only have 89 000 kms at the point where you can stop paying, and have many more kilomoeters to go for free.

Still, there are things that might push you to opt for a lease instead. It can be very nice always having a new car, it terms of both aesthetics and safety. In terms of money, you’ll reduce both your down and monthly payments, and you won’t have to worry about taking on the costs of repairs down the line.

Do keep in mind that the payments won’t stop coming, the way they would if you had bought your new or used car in Peterborough. Some people really appreciate being able to say their vehicle really belongs to them. You shouldn’t back out of a lease once you get into it, so above all, you must always know you’ve made the right decision. In the end getting car loans in Bancroft or car leasing in  comes down to preference, so there really is no wrong solution.

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Mar 30

Whether you have a used car or a new car, proper car maintenance can reduce your service bills, keep your car running smoothly, and extend the life of your car and its engine. Here are some of the things you need to look for when caring for your used car in Belleville:

Belts

Belts help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and that you stay safe while driving. In order to check your belts for durability and quality, simply push on the belt with one finger. The belt should only move by about half of an inch. If it moves more, you may want to have it checked by a professional. Also, make sure that the belt does not have any cracks or worn places.

Hoses

It’s important to check the hoses in your used car in Limerick regularly to ensure that they do not crack, tear, or leak. To check your hose, simply pinch the hose in between your fingers. If the hose feels spongy or sticky, then it’s time to replace it.

Tires

The tires should be one of the easiest things for you to check on your car because they require very little expertise in order to see if they are worn. When inspecting your tires, check to see how thick the treads are. If they look worn down or smooth, then you are experiencing balding, which could reduce your traction and increase the risks of driving. If your tires are balding, it’s time to replace them.

Windshield Wipers

It’s important to remember that on a used car in Bancroft, windshield wipers are not just there for convenience; they are also critical safety mechanisms that will help to keep your line of vision clear in rainy weather. Check to make sure that the rubber blade of the windshield wiper is in good condition, that it is not cracked, and that it is attached to the metal or plastic part of the wiper securely from end to end.

Keep in mind that if you used your windshield wipers to help remove ice from your windshield in the winter, then the wiper may become more easily cracked or damaged. Therefore, you may have to replace your wiper more frequently in the winter.

Contact Bancroft Motors for more questions about how to maintain or service your car in Bancroft. We’re always helpful to provide tips or schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

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Jan 12

When it comes to buying a used car in Belleville, we know that you have many options to choose from. That’s why we work hard to provide service, selection, and solutions that will make it easier than ever to afford the used car of your dreams.

Here are the Top 3 reasons that we think you should buy your used car from us:

Selection

No matter what kind of used car in Peterborough you’re looking for, it’s important to be sure that you have options to choose from. Having the right used car buying options can guarantee that you are completely happy with your used car choice for years to come. Plus, having plenty of cars to choose from can also help to ensure that you’ve done the research to know what’s possible. We have a wide variety of used cars for you to choose from. Begin your search online by looking through the used cars in our inventory, or come on down to our dealership to see which used cars from our lot may suit your needs. We look forward to showing you what’s available!

Great financing

The majority of our used car customers use our extensive financing program to help them afford to buy the right used car for their needs. Our financing program is multi-faceted and comes complete with options to help you afford to buy used cars with a loan, trade-in, special rate, and more. Get started learning more about which used car loan in Bancroft  may apply to your financial situation and needs by completing our credit application online or in person in our dealership!

Service

We provide excellent service on all of our used cars. This service begins with a complete inspection, which we perform before we put the used car on the market. Once we complete this inspection, we are confident that the used car is durable and will perform exceptionally well for years to come. However, we attach a warranty to every used car so that you can have peace of mind that your used car will continue to perform as you expect.

Contact Bancroft Motors today at www.bancroftmotors.ca  for more information about our used car buying program or to learn more about how we can help you get the right used car for your needs that will last for years to come!

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Jan 02

Happy New Year to all of our customers,  from the Bancroft Motors team.  We wish you and your family all the best in the coming year, and look forward to serving you in 2011.

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