You're set on buying your next vehicle used to save some cash. Good for you! As you can guess, we're all for investing in safe, reliable used vehicles that don't depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot. There are a number of ways to buy a used vehicle, such as through a private seller, an online dealer, or a reputable used car lot. Unfortunately, though, not every experience turns out for the best. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding scams when buying a quality used vehicle.

Avoiding Scams When Buying a Used Vehicle - 10 Tips

1. Do Your Research

Don't go into looking at a used vehicle without some knowledge about the make and the model. Before you start shopping, research the make, model, and year of the vehicle(s) you're interested in.

Familiarize yourself with their typical prices, common issues, and expected mileage. This knowledge will help you spot deals that seem too good to be true.

2. Always See the Car in Person

Never send money or make a purchase without seeing the vehicle in real life. Scammers often use fake photos or stolen images to lure unsuspecting buyers. If you're working with a private seller, always meet in a safe, well-lit, public location. Ask to see the seller's identification and ensure their name matches the one on the vehicle's title.

3. Take a Test Drive

A vehicle might look perfect when stationary, but issues often reveal themselves on the road. Always take a test drive before making a purchase. Try out all the vehicle's features and ask for maintenance records.

Check out these test drive tips for some important points to check when inspecting and driving a vehicle.

4. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN is a unique identifier for every car. It's a good idea to verify a vehicle's VIN online before purchasing. This will reveal if the vehicle has been stolen, flooded, or declared a total loss after an accident. 

Ensure that the VIN on all documents matches the one on the vehicle itself.

5. Get a Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report from a reputable provider like Carfax or AutoCheck can provide crucial information about the car's past, including accidents, maintenance records, and previous owners. If the seller doesn't provide one, consider purchasing it yourself.

Usually, if you buy from a used dealership, you'll be able to examine the vehicle history report at no extra charge.

6. Have the Car Inspected by a Trusted Mechanic

Even after reviewing the vehicle history report, it's wise to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car. They can spot potential issues that might not be visible to an untrained eye and could save you from costly repairs down the line.

At Tillema Auto, all of our vehicles are thoroughly inspected by our competent mechanics before becoming available for sale.

7. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics

Scammers often try to rush you into a decision. If a seller claims they're moving soon, going overseas, or need to sell quickly for a relative, be cautious. These are common tactics used to pressure buyers into hasty decisions.

If it feels scammy, there's a good chance that it is. Don't let your emotions overrule good decision making.

8. Avoid Unusual Payment Methods

Be extremely wary if a seller insists on payment through gift cards or other non-standard methods. This is almost always a sign of a scam. Stick to secure, traceable payment methods.

If you go through a private seller, it's always a good idea to write up a bill of sale and make sure that both parties sign it.

9. Watch Out for Curbstoning

Curbstoning is when dealers pose as private sellers to avoid regulations. They often meet buyers in parking lots or alongside curbs. To avoid this, try to buy from reputable dealerships or verify that the car's title is in the seller's name if buying from a private party.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feeling. If something feels off about the transaction, it's better to walk away than to risk falling victim to a scam.

Avoid Scams by Choosing a Reputable Used Car Dealership

At Tillema Auto, we break the mold by holding to the highest standards of trustworthiness, honesty, and fairness in the used vehicle industry. We know that your vehicle is a very important part of your daily life, and we want to see you end up in something that's reliable. We believe that treating customers right leads to long-term relationships that benefit both of us.

We're located in Byron Center, MI and offer a variety of used vehicles. Each one has been thoroughly inspected by our competent mechanics before being put on the lot.

Worried about avoiding scams, and want to take the hassle out of used vehicle buying? You can relax when you work with Tillema Auto. Browse our inventory online, or give us a call at 616-878-5991 to start your search.

Your vehicle can sometimes be like a second home. It's a major part of your life. (That's one reason why we prioritize making sure all of our customers have safe, reliable vehicles!) Whether you spend many hours per day commuting, or you drive less than the average person, an emergency is always a possibility. Fortunately, with these emergency preparedness tips, you can be ready for the most common mishaps you might face on the road.

Preparing For Emergencies: What to Keep in Your Vehicle

Just like we prepare our houses by furnishing them with things we might need, it's also important to stock your vehicle with emergency items. No matter how safe your vehicle seems, you can never guarantee that you won't wind up in an unfortunate car accident, find yourself with a nail in your tire, or get stuck in a snowdrift.

Fortunately, with a few choice items, you can be prepared for a large majority of common possible emergencies that may happen on the road.

These items don't take up much space, and many vehicles have special compartments that are specifically meant for these types of items. Before you take off on your next journey, run through this list. 

Is your vehicle prepared?

Safety and Visibility

Jumper Cables

A dead battery can leave you stranded. Always keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle to get a jump start from another car if needed.

You also never know when you'll run upon someone who might need your help! An extra pair of jumper cables is one of the first tools you should make sure that you have.

Flares or LED Road Flares

In case of a breakdown, especially at night or in low visibility conditions, flares can alert other drivers to your presence. They can help prevent further accidents and help keep you safe as you wait on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Battery Charger

A portable battery charger can be a lifesaver! You never know if you'll find yourself in an area where getting a jump start isn't possible. With a portable charger, you can jump your vehicle yourself.

Spare Tire and Jack

Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and securely fastened onto your vehicle. Don't forget to regularly check your spare tire's pressure and ensure you have a functional jack and lug wrench.

Remember, if you do have to use your spare, you should not drive on it for more than 50 miles.

Weather-Related Items

Blanket, Coat, and Gloves

If you live in a colder climate, it's a good idea to always keep a few pieces of cold weather gear in your vehicle in case of a breakdown.

Ice Scraper

During the colder months, make sure you always have an ice scraper for keeping your windows clear of ice and slush.

Cat Litter or Sand

These can provide traction if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or on ice.

Shovel

A compact, folding shovel is a great tool to have that can help you dig out of snow or mud.

Communication and Power

Phone Charger

Keep a car charger or portable battery pack to ensure your phone stays powered in emergencies. Even if you think you won't be gone for long, you never know if your trip will unexpectedly extend and you'll need to charge your phone.

Hydration

Water

A bottle or two of water is a great idea in case you end up being in your car for longer than expected.

Emergency Preparedness Makes a Difference!

We never expect an emergency. But being prepared in case one does happen can sometimes be the difference between getting home in a timely fashion or sitting on the road for hours.

By keeping these items in your vehicle, you'll be better prepared to handle a variety of emergency situations. Remember to check and replenish your emergency kit regularly, and stay safe on the roads!

Keep Your Vehicle Safe With Tillema Auto

Although the unexpected is always possible, having a safe and reliable vehicle is one of the best ways to prepare. At Tillema Auto, we're more than just a dealership. Matching our customers with safe, reliable used vehicles is our priority.

Ready to start your search? Contact us today, or check out our inventory online.

Keeping your car's fluids full and clean is vital for a lot more than just top performance. Low or dirty fluids can be a safety hazard, and they can also cause significant wear and tear to your vehicle. In this guide to understanding your car's fluids, we'll go over the main types of fluids that you should know about and how often you should check them.

Understanding Your Car's Fluids - 6 Fluids to Check

Your vehicle is a very important part of your day-to-day life, and it's important to keep it healthy. Having the fluids checked regularly is an excellent way to promote vehicle longevity as well as safety.

At Tillema Auto, we're committed to our customers' safety and to helping you keep a reliable vehicle. When you bring your car in to Tillema Auto for regular oil changes, we'll make sure that these fluids are topped off and clean.

If you check, change, or add fluid to your vehicle yourself, be sure to always check the manufacturer instructions for your specific vehicle to see what type of fluid you should be using.

Here are 6 fluids to check regularly.

1. Engine Oil

Engine oil is one of the most important fluids to be checking regularly. Engine oil lubricates the engine's moving parts. This prevents excessive wear and tear on your vehicle. Engine oil also cools the engine's parts, enhances fuel efficiency, and more. When it gets low or too dirty, you're not only risking extra wear and tear on your vehicle, but it can also cause the engine to overheat and could even cause a fire in more extreme cases.

You should change your oil approximately every 3,000 miles on semi-synthetics and 5,000 miles on full synthetic.

When you bring your vehicle in to Tillema Auto for an oil change, we'll also change the filter and check all of the other fluid levels of your vehicle. We'll also check tire pressure and the other major components to make sure that your vehicle is safe for driving.

2. Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is also extremely important. Without it, your brakes won't work. In addition to actually using hydraulic pressure to allow your brakes to actually stop the vehicle, brake fluid also helps to prevent rust and corrosion.

Here are a few ways that you can tell if your brake fluid needs attention:

• If the brakes feel different, soft, or don't respond as well as usual.

• If your ABS light is on

• If you notice a burning smell

If you're not sure your brakes are working quite right, give us a call at 616-878-5991, or stop by and see us. We're here to help!

3. Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid acts as a coolant and also lubricates the parts inside the transmission. It's important that this fluid is kept both full and clean in order to keep your internal gears from being damaged.

Your transmission fluid levels should be checked at least once a year, or every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.

Keep in mind that automatic vehicles use a different transmission fluid than manual vehicles.

4. Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid aids in the hydraulic steering system on vehicles that have power steering. When it gets too low, your power steering will no longer work.

If you notice squeaking when you turn your wheel or simply find that steering is becoming more difficult, it's time to top off your power steering fluid!

5. Coolant

By nature, engines get hot! Coolant is necessary to keep your engine from overheating. It also lubricates the parts and prevents damage to the head gasket, water pump, cylinder, and piston timing.

If your coolant is low, you'll need to top it off. However, if you notice it consistently being low, you may need to have your vehicle checked to see if there's a leak or another problem.

It's important to note that you should not add coolant when the engine is hot. If it's hot enough, the pressure can actually scald you.

6. Windshield Wiper Fluid

Keeping your windshield wiper fluid filled ensures that you can use your wipers effectively and keep your windshield clean in inclement weather or if it gets too dirty while driving. Of course, visibility is very important for safe driving!

If your fluid is low, simply top it off. A funnel is helpful for this.

We're Here to Help

Does understanding your car's fluids have you stumped? At Tillema Auto, it's our priority to provide safe, honest, and reliable vehicle service. Contact us or stop by our service center. We're here to help keep you safe on the road.

Having an auto repair shop that you trust brings a lot of peace of mind when it comes to keeping your vehicle on the road. No matter how well you take care of your car or whether or not you buy the highest quality vehicle, it's inevitable that at some point, a repair will probably need to be made. At the least, regular oil changes are essential for keeping your vehicle up and running. But figuring out who to trust can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for how to choose the right auto repair shop for you.

How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop - 5 Tips

Of course, you can always start with a Google search or by simply driving around town to see who's available near you. But how do you know who you can trust? Sadly, the auto repair industry can be known to take advantage of its customers. How do you know who will tell you the truth and not suggest unnecessary fixes?

Here are a few ways:

1. Check Google Reviews

A Google search can be very helpful for finding shops near you. Thankfully, Google also has a reviews feature. This lets you know quickly what past customers have thought of their experience.

Hearing the opinions of your neighbors who have already tried out a repair shop can be one of the best measures of a trustworthy mechanic shop.

(And if you're in the Byron Center, MI area, we'd be honored if you'd check out our Google reviews!)

2. Ask Local Friends

Asking people you already know is another great method. Most people have cars, and everyone has to take theirs in at some point. Don't try to figure it out all by yourself. Learn from the experience of your friends and neighbors!

3. Ask in Local Facebook Groups

Neighborhood or city-wide Facebook groups can be another great way to check with other locals. Search the group for existing posts about which auto repair shops are best, or make your own to ask around.

4. Research Your Repair in Advance

If you already know what's wrong with your vehicle, do a little research to find out in advance what a fair price is for the repair. For example, how much does brake replacement cost, on average? This will at least give you a number in your head before checking with the shop. If they quote you hundreds or thousands above what you're expecting, you can try somewhere else.

5. Make Sure They Work on Your Make and Model

If you've found a shop you like or that's well-liked by your friends, check with them to make sure they work on your make and model. Some mechanics only work on certain makes. Others may not have the capacity for newer electric vehicles or diesel.

Call Tillema Auto for Your Vehicle Maintenance Needs

While we specialize in honest used vehicle sales, we know that buying a vehicle is just the first step in the process of keeping a reliable set of wheels. That's why our expert mechanics at the Tillema Auto Service Department are always here to help with your vehicle maintenance needs. From oil changes and brake services to new tires, struts, and so much more, we're here to make sure that you stay safely on the road.

At Tillema Auto, we break the mold of sketchy and untrustworthy auto repair shops. Here, our customers are like family, and we treat them that way. It's our top priority for our customers to be able to trust our team. When you bring your vehicle to our service center, you can rest assured that we won't try to sell you unnecessary repairs or products.

Check out more services we offer, or call us today at 616-878-5991 to schedule your appointment.

Finding a high-quality used car can be difficult, and finding one for a decent price is even harder. One of the biggest fears of people shopping for a used car is that the vehicle they purchase will break down or need so much work that they spend much more than they wanted to. While there always is some level of risk in buying a used car, there are some things you can do to alleviate some of that risk. One of the major things you can do to lower risk is to make sure you're getting a car that is reliable. The truth is, that not every car is made equally. Some are more reliable than others. Check out the list below to see what are the most reliable used cars on the market.

Most Reliable Used Cars

When choosing a vehicle to buy, you want to make sure it's safe and reliable. While every car claims to be these things, some embody these attributes better than others. We at Tillema Auto have put together a list of some of the highest-rated used vehicles according to the J.D. Power rating scale.

This scale rates used vehicles from 0-100 by several categories; Quality/Reliability, Dealership Experience, Driver Experience, and Resale Value. 91-100 is Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-60 is Fair. Ideally, you'll be looking for something from Great to Best but there's nothing wrong with Average if that's what works financially for you. You do however want to avoid Fair if possible because those cars do not live up to our standards.

Honda Civic

The 2020 Honda Civic is a high-quality option for a used car. It's rated #3 in 2020 compact cars and offers a comfortable interior. It handles well, gets good mileage, and has ample seating. This vehicle definitely earns its score of 86 out of 100.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is one of the most reliable used cars on the market. While it doesn't have the best fuel economy, it handles exceedingly well and offers quite a bit of room for passengers as well as trunk space. These cars usually sell for somewhere in the $16,000-$20,000 range though they tend to be on the lower end of that spectrum. Despite its lower fuel economy and safety scores it still scores an 83 out of 100.

Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is fairly inexpensive for the quality it offers. It offers great handling and accessibility, making it a good vehicle for beginner drivers. Because of the engine's slightly below-average performance, this vehicle does rate a little lower on the rating scale, sitting at 76 out of 100. This by no means disqualifies it from being one of the most reliable used cars. It still offers great handling, mileage, and intuitive and user-friendly technology.

Honda CR-V

The 2016 Honda CR-V is one of the most reliable used cars on the market today. It offers impeccable fuel efficiency for its class as well as plenty of cargo space and leg room. U.S News ranked this car #2 in 2016 affordable compact SUVs. It's clear why this vehicle scored 83 out of 100.

Schedule a Test Drive!

If you're in the market for a used car, contact Tillema Auto today! We have plenty of reliable vehicles for you to test drive. Schedule a test drive and find the vehicle that suits your needs, we can't wait to hear from you!

Changing your car's oil regularly is one of the simplest ways of keeping your vehicle in good condition. This process increases your car's longevity and helps things to keep running smoothly. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, you run the risk of ruining your engine. Here are some signs that you are overdue for an oil change.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

For those who are unfamiliar with vehicles, it can be a little difficult to know when you need to change your oil. Luckily, however, if you know what to look for, the signs are easy to spot.

Check Oil & Check Engine Lights

In many cases, your car will tell you when maintenance is required. When your car is getting low on oil, the check oil light will light up. This will let you know you're running low on oil and are overdue for a change.

If the check engine light comes on, that means you might be well overdue for some maintenance. While this light may not always light up due to a lack of oil, there's a good chance it is the reason it comes on. This light indicates that the lack of lubrication is causing damage to the engine.

If either of these light up, be sure to schedule an appointment to either have your oil changed, or have a mechanic look at your engine.

High Mileage

Nothing consumes more oil than the act of driving. So the more miles you put on your vehicle, the quicker you'll need to have your oil changed.

If you've already had your oil changed in the past, the mechanic may have left an oil change sticker on your windshield. This sticker will tell you when your vehicle will need another oil change, either by date or by mileage.

If you don't have one of these stickers, no problem! Older vehicles typically need their oil replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months, while newer vehicles need it every 6,000 miles or 6 months. But, this also depends on the type of oil you use. Full-synthetic oil will last longer than conventional oil. 

Checking Oil Levels

You can also check how much oil your car has on your own. It's a very easy process. Simply pop the hood and find where your oil filler cap is. Once you open it up you can wipe off the dipstick located under the hood, and insert it into the oil reservoir. When you pull it back out, it should tell you what level your oil is at. If it's below where it should be, contact a mechanic to get your oil replaced.

It's also a good idea to note the color of the oil. If your oil is dirty or discolored, it's a sign you're overdue for an oil change.

Schedule A Service Appointment

If your car needs maintenance, whether it's something small like an oil change, or big like having more significant repairs done, Tillema Auto has you covered. Schedule your service appointment today to have your vehicle serviced by professionals who get the job done. At Tillema Auto, we treat our customers like family.

If you've ever been shopping for a used car, you know that it can be full of unnecessary difficulties. If unprepared, the process can be incredibly frustrating. Without doing enough research, you could get taken advantage of by untrustworthy sellers or end up with a car you regret buying. We at Tillema Auto know you have enough going on without the added stress this process brings. That's why we've put together this list of tips for finding the perfect car. Keep reading below to discover what you need to do to find the ride that's right for you.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Car

Don't let the stress of shopping for a new car ruin the experience for you. Buying a car should be an exciting process that brings you joy, but oftentimes that's not the case. But with these simple tips, the process can turn from stressful to successful. Here's what you can do to get ready to buy a used car.

Determine a Firm Budget

Before you start looking at cars, you need to determine how much money you can spend, and how much you're willing to spend. Obviously, you don't want to break the bank shopping for a new car, but you also need to be realistic with your budget. 

This number will differ for each person, depending on their income and expenses. That being said, people often recommend spending, at max, 10% of your take-home pay. This number can vary, but it’s a good idea to keep your car payment below 10% to make sure it doesn’t become a burden. This is especially true if the car will need work done.

Narrow Down Your List of Cars

The next step, now that you have a budget determined, is to narrow down the list of cars you're interested in. This may seem like a simple step, but it's actually more involved than you may think. Here are some tips on how to narrow down your list of vehicles.

1. Read Forums - Reading forums to see what owners of that car have to say is a great way to get unbiased reviews of how well the car handles and holds up over time. See what pros and cons other owners notice in the vehicle you’re considering.

2. Determine What Features You Need - When looking for a used car, there will be a few things that are must-haves for your vehicle. Determine how many seats you need, what you're looking for gas efficiency-wise, as well as other similar features. If you need something with a large cargo space, keep that in mind while shopping. If you determine what qualities are must-haves for your vehicle, you'll have a much easier time narrowing down your list.

Check the Vehicle History Report

Whenever possible, you should always take a look at the vehicle history report. If a car has a bad vehicle history report, you'll probably want to avoid buying that vehicle. This report will give you the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not you should buy that car. All you need to look it up is the vehicle's identification number, or VIN, and you'll know if the odometer has been rewound or if the vehicle has a salvage title. Luckily, most dealerships offer this for free for any vehicle in their inventory.

Schedule a Test Drive!

Now that you know what to look for before buying a car, the next step is to set up a test drive appointment. Taking a test drive is an excellent way to determine if the vehicle is right for you. Schedule a test drive appointment today to find the car that suits your needs! 

Buying a used car can be a stressful and confusing process. Between worrying about buying a lemon and struggling to find anything of quality within your price range, buying a car can be harder than necessary. If you don't do your due diligence, you could end up paying too much for a low-quality car or buying something with unforeseen problems. While it is common practice at Tillema Auto to ensure all vehicles are road-worthy and priced appropriately, not every dealership looks out for their customers like we do. A great way to avoid these outcomes is by taking the used car for a test drive. But even taking a test drive may not reveal all the information necessary to make a prudent decision. Check out these test drive tips to ensure you're getting the most out of your test drive experience.

Test Drive Tips: Before You Drive

Before going to the dealership to test drive a car, it's important to narrow down the kind of vehicle you are looking for. If you show up at a dealership without doing the proper research, it will be much easier to get overwhelmed and confused by the many options available. Before you start shopping, think about details like how many seats you need, what features are important, and if there’s a specific make or model you want to find. 

Inspect the Exterior

When you’re buying a used car, you know that the vehicles you are looking at aren’t going to be in perfect condition, but you also want to make sure you are still getting your money's worth. During your walk-around is the perfect time to get a feel for the vehicle, both aesthetically and utilitywise, before taking it for a test drive.

Here are just a few of the things to look for when inspecting the exterior:

1. Dents or Scrapes - The physical condition of the vehicle will affect the price, even if the vehicle still runs soundly. The exterior can also be a good indicator of how well the vehicle has been cared for. Dents and scrapes can cause rust, which, if ignored, can eat away at the car and cause structural damage.

2. Under the Hood - Check the oil levels, the color of the engine oil, and check the battery terminals, belts, and hoses for corrosion.

Inspect the Interior

Now that you've had a look at the exterior, it's time to take a look inside the vehicle.

Here's what to look for when inspecting the interior of your potential vehicle:

1. Seating/Comfort - Try out all of the seats in the vehicle - the driver's seat, the passenger's seat, and even the backseat. You probably won't be using those seats often in your own vehicle, but more than likely, you won't want your passengers or kids feeling uncomfortable. You can also make sure that the heat and A/C are working properly all the way to the back.

2. Cargo Space - When inspecting the vehicle, be sure to check the cargo space to see if it fits your needs. While this may not seem like an important detail to many, you’ll want to make sure it's a size you’ll be happy with. 

3. Bluetooth/Radio - This may not be important to everyone, but many people nowadays rely on Bluetooth in their car for directions or music without having to be distracted while driving. So it may be important to make sure Bluetooth is an option and that the radio is working properly.

Test Drive

Now that you have finished your inspection of the vehicle, it's time for the actual test drive.

Here's what to look for during your test drive:

1. Visibility - One of the most important things to consider when driving a vehicle is visibility. Does the car give you a high level of visibility without the use of a rear-view camera? If not, it may not be the right car for you.

2. Braking - A vehicle's brakes are the primary source of safety for the driver and their passengers. Make sure the vehicle's brakes are working properly before continuing with the test drive.

3. Handling - How does the car handle? Make sure the steering wheel is responsive and that the car handles itself well on all terrains. A good way to test is to take the vehicle on all types of roads, at different speeds, and check different gears on your test drive. If you feel the car pulling to one side or the other, this could indicate that the car may need some work soon (for example, alignment, suspension, brakes or tires, etc.).

Schedule a Test Drive

Now that you've read these test drive tips, you're ready to schedule a test drive! Schedule a test drive with Tillema Auto today, to find the vehicle that best fits you!

Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be the cause of a lot of unnecessary stress. If you don't take the proper steps to prepare for a road trip, problems can arise that ruin your whole experience. Don't let your vacation be ruined by a lack of proper preparation. We at Tillema Auto know it can be hard to know what to expect on a road trip, that's why we made this guide, to ensure you have the road trip essentials you need to succeed on your journey

Road Trip Essentials

Before beginning any road trip, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready to make the journey. It's a good idea to bring your vehicle in for an inspection to ensure your car will make the drive in one piece.

Long drives can take a toll on your vehicle, and if they're not up to the task, things can fall apart very quickly. You want to make sure your brakes, oil, and tires are up for the journey before embarking. 

If you’re driving three hours or less this may not be necessary, but it's still a good idea to have your vehicle regularly inspected. Otherwise, costly problems may arise during your travels. And the last thing you want during vacation is unnecessary stress and costs, or a stop at an auto repair shop in a town you’ve never been to before.

What Road Trip Essentials to Pack

When packing for a trip there are many things to consider. It's best to think through these things before you have to leave so that everything is prepared with time to spare.

Emergency Equipment

It's important to always be prepared for an emergency. Here’s some equipment you should always have on hand, whether you’re driving across the country or across town.

1. Jumper Cables - It is always a good idea to have a pair of jumper cables on hand in case your battery dies. If you are unsure how to use jumper cables, click here to make sure you're prepared. Having a pair of jumper cables also comes in handy for helping other drivers out. If anyone needs a jump, you'll be prepared to give them a hand.

2. Spare Tire - Few things can derail a road trip as quickly as a flat tire can. Always keep a spare tire on hand just in case. Changing a tire seems difficult on paper, but it's actually quite simple. Make sure you have the right tools and follow these steps and you'll have it changed in no time.

3. Tire Pressure Gauge - A tire pressure gauge is also incredibly useful. Many newer cars have this built into their display now, but for those who don't have that luxury, you can buy them separately. Always make sure your tires are full of air to avoid unnecessary complications.

Must-Have Car Accessories

There are several car accessories that will make your travels much easier on you.

1. Car Charger - A car charger is a must-have in today's world. With almost everything being on our phones, it's important to keep your phone charged in case of an emergency. Whether you need it for a GPS or to call for roadside assistance, a charger will ensure you can use your phone if needed (just don’t use it while driving!).

2. Phone Mount - A phone mount is a very helpful car accessory. It lets you navigate the roads hands-free. You simply set it up where you can see it. Then you don't have to keep looking away from the road to check the directions. An undistracted driver is a safe driver!

Schedule an Appointment

Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready! Don't stress about whether your vehicle will make the journey in one piece. Schedule an appointment with Tillema Auto today to ensure your car is ready to make the journey.

While a car with a gas engine is suitable for most people's needs, some may want a more eco-friendly option. Hybrid and electric cars are great ways to be conscientious of the impact you have on the environment while still having a reliable mode of transportation. Let's face it - not every city has great public transportation and not everyone can use completely green methods of getting around, such as biking or walking. Cities were designed for vehicle use and as such are not always completely walkable. That's why it's important to many people to have a vehicle with the smallest effect on the environment as possible. Keep reading to see how hybrid and electric cars can benefit you and the environment.

Hybrid and Electric Cars

Hybrid and electric cars offer a large variety of benefits. While these two categories of cars may seem similar, they are actually quite different.

The difference is in how these two types of cars are powered. A hybrid is powered by a combustion engine and an electric motor, which is why it is called a hybrid. In contrast, electric cars only have a battery and an electric motor.

Hybrid Vehicles

Considering hybrid vehicles have both a combustion and electric motor, it can be kind of confusing to some people how they work. While it may seem confusing at first, though, it's actually quite simple.

Hybrid cars use something called regenerative braking. Regenerative braking stores electricity created when braking in the electric motor. It then uses that electricity instead of gasoline the next time you accelerate. This ends up saving the driver a lot of gas, especially in the city where stop-and-go traffic is much more common. 

This is how regenerative braking saves the driver a lot of money on gas, because they use a lot less in the long run.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles on the other hand only use an electric motor. This is a much cheaper alternative to a combustion engine that guzzles gasoline. Cars with electric motors are typically much less complex and as such require much less maintenance. This lack of repairs can save the driver a significant amount of money compared to those who drive cars with gas engines.

These cars also save you quite a bit of money as electricity is much cheaper than gas. The reliance on electricity also reduces petroleum consumption, making it healthier for the environment.

Not only is it better for the environment, but it also creates a more pleasant driving experience. Electric motors are much quieter than gasoline engines so you don't have to deal with noisy engines anymore. This also eliminates the noxious smell of gasoline coming from the car.

That being said, while electric cars provide multiple benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks.

While charging an electric motor is cheaper than gas, it is harder to come by. You need to find specific charging stations to charge your car. This means you'll need a charger of your own in your garage if there are none near you.

And while the engine will usually require less maintenance, in the event it does break down, it often costs more to fix. Because electric cars are still somewhat uncommon, not every mechanic knows how to fix the electric motor, meaning labor would cost more than a gas engine does.

All types of engines offer unique benefits and disadvantages, so think carefully about what sort of car is right for you.

Find the Car For You

If you are looking for a car that will suit your needs, contact Tillema Auto today! With a wide range of makes and models, chances are we have the car you are looking for. Whether you want a hybrid, an electric car, or even a gas-powered car, we have what you need. Explore our inventory to find what you want and schedule a test drive today, our staff is ready and waiting to help you find your next car!