 Remember back in the day when the only way to get information on automobiles was to buy magazines with girls in bikinis washing motorcycles on the cover? With the advent of the Internet, the two subjects were separated. With the advent of social media, the automotive information comes to you. Here are the top 10 automotive Facebook as voted by the folks at BMW of Freehold.
- Autoblog.com. Interested in Andre Agassi’s customized, Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler? If you followed Autoblog.com’s Facebook page, you’d have known it was on eBay. Not just any auto blog, Autoblog.com “obsessively” follows the automotive industry, featuring car reviews, auto shows, eBay’s find of the day, and more.
- WorldCarFans. WorldCarFans.com is an online magazine that features “daily editorial coverage of emerging products and industry news, spy photos, motor shows, high resolution photos, videos, and more.” Follow their Facebook page to see photos of cars you’ll probably never drive. It doesn’t hurt to dream.
- Car and Driver Magazine. Even those with little interest in cars other than it getting them to and from work five mornings a week know that a car that lands on the Car and Driver top automobile lists is a car worth owning. That’s just one reason the Car and Driver Facebook page is a page worth following.
- Motor Trend Magazine. Auto manufacturers covet the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, which is why those who want the latest automotive news covet Motor Trend’s Facebook page. Unlike winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, however, anyone can gain access to Motor Trend’s Facebook page.
- Conceptcarz.com. Conceptcarz specializes in following vehicles from concept to production. Its in-depth look at automobiles features high-interest automobiles such as the Popemobile, a 1955 Scuderia Lancia, and a 1971 Porsche Spyder as well as automobiles coming out in the next few months.
- Edmunds.com. Edmunds claims you can “enhance your research and shopping experience by connecting with Facebook to get advice from your friends and local car experts.” In addition to researching your next car, Edmunds invites you to review your current or past vehicles.
- Motor Authority. Whether you own a high-performance or luxury car or just like to dream, Motor Authority is the authority to consult. Unlike similar blogs, Motor Authority focuses on the products as opposed to industry news. And unlike most Facebook friends who make things up to impress you, the cars on Motor Authority actually exist.
- Jalopnik. With thousands of websites and magazines on cars, it’s difficult to carve out a niche. That’s why Jalopnik has been so successful. Jalopnik is “obsessed with the cult of cars” and their Facebook page allows others with like obsession to share their opinion on topics like the coolest cars of all time that never happened, a rapper destroying his Lamborghini, and the best and worst cars you’ve driven.
- Autoweek. Autoweek has been online since 1995. It’s obvious their vision includes the use of newer technology to share car news, photos, reviews, and more.
- Road and Track. Road and Track provides car news, photos, reviews, and a car lovers community. Get behind-the-scenes peeks at luxury and cutting-edge automobiles years before they’re unveiled. Follow their Facebook page to find this information first.
 The daily morning car-warming ritual is carried out faithfully in most parts of the country from late November to early March. But is it necessary? BMW of Freehold has the answer.
The purpose of warming up your car. The main reason drivers start their car and let it idle is to warm it up by getting the oil circulating through the engine. Modern fuel injection systems, however, with the elimination of carburetors and chokes, have made engine idling unnecessary. After about 30 seconds, the oil is circulating and your car is ready to go. The Hinkle Charitable Foundation’s Anti-Idling Primer, in fact, asserts that idling forces the engine to operate in an extremely inefficient mode, which can harm the engine’s performance and lower its mileage. If you’re still skeptical, instead of idling, drive a little slower for the first mile or two.
Warming up the inside. Many commuters couldn’t care less about engine efficiency at 6:00 a.m. in the morning when it’s frigid cold. Instead, they just want a semi-warm vehicle to step into when it’s cold. However, according to the California Energy Commission, idling your car isn’t an effective way to warm up a vehicle. A more effective way to warm up your car is to actually drive it. If you really want to be on the cutting edge, electric cars allow you to pre-warm the vehicle via remote access without ever having to idle.
Idling and the environment. Still not convinced about the inefficiency of idling to warm up the vehicle? Perhaps you think engine inefficiency is a small price to pay for not freezing your fingertips when you enter your car. Maybe, a look at environmental effects will unfreeze your stance. Exhaust is harmful to human health, especially children. Certainly, exhaust is a necessary component of driving a car, but unnecessarily spewing exhaust adds to air pollution. Because idling often takes place close to curbs and sidewalks, pedestrians and children are especially at risk to the negative effects of exhaust.
The cost of idling. If air pollution and the potential harmful effects of unnecessary exhaust don’t convince you to cut down on idling, perhaps the cost of gasoline will. Idling wastes gas. Gas costs money, therefore idling wastes money — your money. Motorists are advised to turn off their engine when idling more than 10 seconds (traffic stops, excluded). You’ll save money. You’ll save the environment. You’ll save your engine. A new engine, by the way, costs money too. A lot of money.
Proper car warming procedures. Don’t stand by idly and let this information go to waste. If you’re worried about your engine’s performance, warm the car by driving it slowly. If you’re worried about being cold when you hop in the car, bundle up, start the car, adjust the radio, turn on the heat and get going.
 Ski trips, winter holidays and visits to Grandma’s house may have you out on the road when weather isn’t always conducive for a long, leisurely drive. Winter driving can keep you from chilling out, especially if you aren’t prepared for the trip–really prepared.
Check out these tips from BMW of Freehold that will help you enjoy your winter road trip in safety and in comfort.
Get a “well check” for your car
Getting stuck by the side of the road on a beautiful fall day may not be the worst thing that ever happens to you in life, but if the temperatures are plummeting, it’s snowing, sleeting or ice is forming, your car needs to perform like a champ, or you’re in deep trouble.
To ensure your car is road-ready and able to withstand inclement weather, bring it in to our dealership for a complete tune-up. This mechanical “physical exam” will let you know what needs to be repaired or replaced before you set out on your road trip.
Routine maintenance will alleviate the need for pit stops at out-of-state money-gouging garages or fly-by-night repair shops. It will also give you the confidence you’ve done everything necessary to ensure a safe trip for you and your passengers.
Service technicians will:
- Check your battery, cold weather is tough on batteries, and you need yours to be in tip-top shape
- Check for slow leaks, worn hoses and other needed repairs or replacement parts
- Check your windshield wipers and your window defrosters
- Check to see that your windshield-washer reservoir is filled to the top
- Check your coolant levels in your car and use anti-freeze made to withstand cold temperatures
- Check your tires and make sure they’ve got plenty of tread.
- Install snow tires if you choose to use them and make sure the tire pressure is at the optimum level
Prepare for the worst
- Charge your cell phones so you start off with a full charge
- Bring along your charger so you can keep your cell working
- Pack a bag of snacks and water bottles just in case you need them
- Pack a bag of emergency equipment like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, and blankets
- Plot your road trip and share the directions with another person who can help track you down if something goes wrong
- Fill up your car with gas, and don’t let it go lower than half a tank to avoid freezing gas lines
Bring along the fun
- Make up a playlist for your car so the driving time seems shorter and is more fun
- Consider bringing an audio book for the pleasure of having someone read to you while you drive
- If children are passengers, make sure they assemble a special bag that includes their favorite blankets, toys, or snacks
- Children get bored easily, so surprise them with some new games or toys suitable for a car trip
- Sweets can calm a crying child or stop the pangs of hunger; dole them out in emergencies or include them as part of your fun winter road trip.
Safe travels!
 Q. If I have a window chip repaired, could it still develop into a full blown crack?
A. Nothing lasts forever, including windshield repair. Because no two cracks or dings are alike, there’s no hard and fast rule about how long a repair will last. Read on for a detailed explanation of what to do if and when your windshield cracks from our service team at BMW of Freehold.
The size, severity and location of the crack, as well as the quality of the repair, all play a role in the life of the repair. There’s no guarantee that that three-inch crack won’t spread.
Many repairs are as strong as the original glass, but you just won’t know until it fails. Making sure you go to a reputable shop will help you get the highest quality repair job– your dealer is a good choice if you have a new car. Over-the-counter kits are a bit dicey.
If the worst should happen and you need to replace your windshield, make sure you get OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass. OEM glass is made to the same specifications as your original windshield. Aftermarket glass is often cheaper, but, unfortunately, you get what you pay for. Inferior quality glass can be a poor fit causing whistling and leaks and, worse yet, it can pose a safety risk. This is one area where spending a little more is definitely worth it.
 While it’s estimated that six percent of households in the United States lease vehicles, when income rises to $100,000 per year or more, the number rises to 13 percent. There are solid reasons to consider leasing a luxury car that goes beyond costs, mileage and maintenance issues. Allow our team at BMW of Freehold to explain.
Benefits of new technology
No matter the price range, all new cars come equipped with different levels of technology. Luxury cars often include the latest technological advances not only in safety, but in navigational features and plush creature comforts. What you get is a safer, more comfortable and easier to navigate car whether you drive in the city or urban areas.
Keeps costs low
You get more “bang” for your buck when you lease a luxury vehicle. Depending upon the length of your lease, your monthly payments should be 30 to 60 percent less than if you took out a car loan for the same term on the same car. While most leases don’t require a down payment, there are lease deals that do depending upon the vehicle being promoted. Because you pay only for the depreciation on the vehicle, you won’t pay sales tax on the full value of the car. Usually the tax is spread over the lease period rather than paid up front.
Mileage consideration
When you own your own car and put high mileage on it every year, when it comes time to trade it in or sell, high mileage lowers the selling price. The only time to have to think about mileage when leasing is when you choose a lease term. Avoid mileage fees at the end of your lease by figuring out how many miles you drive per year and then multiplying that number by the number of years you wish to lease the vehicle. Monthly costs are usually lower for longer termed leases.
Reduced maintenance costs
Smart lessees often tie the length of their car lease into the length of the manufacturer’s warranty coverage. If something goes wrong, you won’t be out-of-pocket for any maintenance costs unless you caused the problem.
Lease deals on luxury cars
Typically, you won’t find subsidized deals or rebates on luxury car leases. What you can find are indirect incentives that luxury car dealerships don’t view as wholesale discounting. They believe that if they offer a lease deal with low monthly costs based on discounted prices and high residuals, the lessee benefits even more. However, there are times when luxury car dealers do offer special incentives for very limited periods of time in order to move inventory and make way for newer models.
No used-car headaches
When you lease, you won’t have any more used-car hassles including haggling with potential buyers, worrying about mileage and pricing, or whether or not you should sell it yourself or trade it in. When you lease, you turn back the vehicle and walk away, unless it makes financial sense for you to buy your leased vehicle.
Your decision whether or not to lease a luxury vehicle should be dictated by sound financial planning. Costs, mileage and maintenance considerations should always take precedence over image.
 Whether you’re looking to have the coolest car on the block, the ability to alter your ride level on the fly, or better load carrying capabilities, it’s time to look into getting an air suspension system.
An air suspension system replaces conventional springs with air springs. These air springs are basically bags inflated to a specific pressure or height with an outside compressor via a valve on the bag. An air suspension system offers five key benefits as outlined in Hot Rod. Read on to learn more from our team at BMW of Freehold.
Adjustability. Anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of spending weeks adjusting and fine tuning springs and shocks in order to get the “perfect” ride would have gladly traded a platinum wrench (which may have ended up thrown through a garage window out of frustration) for an air suspension system. Because an air suspension system provides a lot more room for error when it comes to height, load, and rate, you can get the system fine-tuned in much less time, even on the fly.
Handling. In additional to being super cool, an air suspension system provides superior handling. They’re progressive, which means the more they compress, the stiffer they get. Combined with the aforementioned enhanced adjustability, you’ve got yourself enormous performance potential.
Customization. Everyone has his or her own idea of what a perfect ride feels like. With an air suspension system, the way your car handles can be accommodated with little or no component changes. A wide range of riding styles can be achieved by a simple adjustment of air pressure and shock valving.
Height. If those who switched from conventional suspension systems to air suspension systems were honest, quite a few would admit they got an air suspension system because they wanted to look cool. The cool continuum runs the spectrum between low riders or mini-trucks to the more common driver who simply wants to lower his or her ride for a unique look. Most air suspension kits put the vehicle several inches below standard vehicle heights and usually can be adjusted up for normal driving, filling it up with gas, or rolling it onto a truck bed.
Load carrying. Although air suspension systems are more commonly associated with young men trying to impress young ladies on a Saturday night with their sweet new ride, air suspension systems were originally designed for commercial use. More specifically, they were designed to help 18-wheelers carry more of a load while providing more comfort for the driver.
If this heretofore little known vehicle component intrigues you, check with our dealership service department to learn more about your options.
 You’re feeling pretty good having just paid off your car, until you need to replace the fuel pump, or the transmission, or any other components that could go wrong. Once the repair bill is calculated, you realize that it’s as much or more than a car payment, but you don’t want to continue making car payments. You probably wished you’d have gotten that extended warranty. Read on for more about the luxury of extended warranties from our team at BMW of Freehold.
Extended warranty basics. Most automobile manufacturers offer the option of purchasing an extended warranty, lengthening the original warranty period beyond the normal expiration date. With an extended warranty, you get most of the services from the dealer that the original warranty covers. Some consumers purchase the extended warranty with the original purchase of the vehicle and simply add it to the monthly payment. You can also purchase an extended warranty once the original warranty is about to expire.
Extended warranty or new vehicle. You’ll most likely discover that the cost of an extended warranty saves you a considerable amount of money when compared to the price of a new vehicle, which means you can have the peace of mind of having a car under warranty while not having to dish out a monthly car payment.
Extended manufacturer’s warranty vs third party company. There are two types of extended automobile warranties available on most vehicles. The aforementioned manufacturer’s extended warranty is the more common of the two and, in most cases, the more reliable. Third party companies also sell extended warranties, allowing you to get your vehicle worked on at certain shops and then reimbursing you for the costs. Make sure you read the fine print before purchasing an extended warranty and do your research, especially when it comes from a third party distributor, many of which aren’t as reputable as the dealership where you purchased the vehicle initially.
What extended warranties do not cover. When factoring in the cost of vehicle maintenance vs buying a new car, you should understand what is and isn’t covered by most extended warranties (as always, make sure you know what’s covered before you buy it.). Extended warranties cover most major vehicle components, but are not as extensive as the original bumper-to-bumper warranties you had when you first bought the vehicle. Wear items, such as head lights, tires, brakes, shocks are not normally covered with an extended warranty.
Things to consider. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for many years, you’re a likely benefactor from an extended warranty, especially if you’re on a fixed budget that could be blown up by a costly repair. Like any insurance product, there are differing costs and differing coverage. Make sure the extended warranty covers what you need it to cover and fits within your budget.
If your objective is to own your car without having a monthly payment and staying within a budget, the luxury of added protection is a good choice.
 Buying pre-owned is a great way for savvy consumers to find a dependable vehicle that can last for years. We have always taken pride in the quality and value of our used inventory. Now, DCH has made it even easier to find both amazing value and peace of mind when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
Why is the DCH Way a better way? Unlike other car dealers who sell pre-owned vehicles “AS-IS” or “buyer beware”, DCH stands behind every pre-owned vehicle sold with either a 90-day, unlimited-mileage limited warranty or the remaining manufacturer warranty.
You won’t find any “AS IS” vehicles on our lots—only fully reconditioned, professionally inspected and quality-certified vehicles of the highest standards in the industry all with some type of warranty coverage. We stand behind what we sell and make it our mission to deliver customer happiness in everything we do.
We carry three levels of used vehicles to fit your needs and your budget, and while every vehicle we sell is quality-inspected, reconditioned, and comes with a 5-day money-back guarantee or exchange, there are varying levels of warranty coverage based on each class explained below.
DCH Certified Vehicles must pass our comprehensive 125-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited-mileage $0-deductible platinum warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
DCH Value Vehicles are higher-mileage, older vehicles that must pass a rigid 60-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited mileage powertrain warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
Manufacturer Certified Vehicles have undergone a rigorous multi-point quality inspection by highly trained technicians according to the manufacturer guidelines and include varying degrees of warranty coverage and other inclusions per the manufacturer program guidelines
We are so confident in the quality of our pre-owned vehicles that each and every unit we sell comes with a 5-day/500-mile money-back guarantee or exchange. If you are anything less than completely satisfied with your purchase, bring it back to our dealership and we will help you find a new vehicle that you love—or provide your money back.
At BMW of Freehold, we are committed to the DCH Way of providing customers a fantastic car buying experience that they can’t find anywhere else. We know our pre-owned vehicle program is the most comprehensive in the industry, and we’d love to share it with you. Call, click, or visit us today to learn more.
*See actual program guide for details.
 Summertime is virtually synonymous with vacation. After all, what better time of the year is there to gather up your family for that highly anticipated getaway? Though summer is about to come to close, there’s still time for a last-minute vacation. A road trip is often a fun and economical option to reach your destination while bonding with loved ones. Our team at BMW of Freehold wants you to enjoy your excursion, safely, by following these road trip tips!
Tip #1: Get plenty of rest
Driving while sleepy not only puts you and your passengers in danger, it also puts the safety of other drivers in jeopardy. For that reason, it is very important to get a full night’s sleep prior to your drive. In addition to an extended rest, be sure to stop for bathroom breaks and pit stops along the way to break up the long commute.
Tip #2: Designate an assistant (or two)
Texting and driving do not go hand in hand. If you plan to be the driver, assign tasks – such as responding to text messages – to different passengers prior to embarking on your trip.
Tip #3: Prepare, prepare, prepare
You can never be over-prepared. Researching various aspects of your trip before getting on the road can prove quite helpful. For instance, by knowing alternate routes to your final destination in advance, you won’t have to be dependent on your GPS, ultimately saving yourself some time, money, and fuel.
Tip #4: Drive the speed limit
Though speeding is tempting, it is also dangerous and illegal. Why partake in unsafe driving or run the risk of getting a speeding ticket during your getaway? Instead, avoid speeding and give yourself ample time to get to your journey’s end. Ultimately, enjoying the ride (or drive) is a major part of the road trip experience; don’t ruin that by speeding.
Tip #5: Get necessary maintenance
Are your tires properly inflated? Are your brakes in good condition? Have you gotten your oil changed recently? Let us answer these questions and alleviate your car woes. Schedule a routine service appointment with us before you hit the road!
 Auto owners like you take pride in their cars. Regardless of whether you bought a new car from the showroom or bought your car used, you want to keep your vehicle looking like new for a long time. Unfortunately, modern life is the enemy of a great-looking car. Tar and stones from roadways can wreak havoc on beautiful finishes. Other drivers can carelessly dent your car in parking lots and refuse to accept responsibility for the damage. Debris flying out of trucks, birds, and other problems add to the long list of threats to your car. Rather than accepting dings, scrapes and grime on your car as a fact of life, follow these five steps from our team at BMW of Freehold to keep the exterior of your car looking fabulous.
1. Get covered
Rain, snow, and sunshine can all adversely affect the exterior of your car. You can do little about the weather while driving your car, but when you get home, you can cover your car to protect its beautiful finish. Although garages offer the best protection against outside forces for your car, you might find out that you can get similar results by using a car port or a portable garage. A portable garage is a flexible cover that you can put over your vehicle to protect its exterior while not in use.
2. Paint Protection Film
Special products exist that help protect the finish of your car at all times, even while you drive. Paint protection film creates a layer of protection between the exterior surfaces of your car and the environment, so your car can withstand an array of road hazards. This type of product eliminates expensive trips to your dealer’s body shop for touchup work and preserves the resale value of your car. Ask your dealer what recommended paint protection products will work best for your model.
3. Wash Your Car
Although a carwash can put the exterior of your car in jeopardy, it can help prevent harmful grime build up. If you care a lot for your car, you will give it a loving hand-wash and wax periodically to keep its finish looking great. While you wash, you can look for new scrapes and dents that either you or your dealer can quickly repair before they become ugly and embarrassing.
4. Cautious Parking
Parking lots pose some of the most severe threats to auto exteriors. Regardless of how carefully you park, someone else will come along and park too close to your car, giving your car a free dent. Although often minor, parking-lot damage can cost a lot to repair. Motorists these days live with the fear that a claim will cause their insurance premiums to rise, so they might not take responsibility for denting or scraping your car. It’s time to take parking into your own hands. You can try taking up two spots when you park, making it impossible for other car doors to reach your vehicle. Also, you can park far away from other cars where most people will never park. The long walk will give you valuable health benefits, and the remote parking spot can help prevent damage to your car.
5. Common Sense
Your best defense against scrapes, dents, and grime might reside under your own hat. Common sense should tell you to avoid roads while they undergo paving line-painting work. Avoid attempting to enter narrow alleys and resist the temptation to drive up to your mailbox when you get home at the end of the day. Never drive your car near trees and bushes. Always avoid dirt or gravel roads. Also, keep your garage and carport clear of tools and other objects that can easily fall and damage your car.
|
