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Anyone who has found themselves bumper-to-bumper on I-85 or creeping along US-220 during a July afternoon knows that a North Carolina summer is no joke. The combination of soaring temperatures and heavy Piedmont humidity can quickly turn your vehicle's cabin into an oven, and when you’re commuting home, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning cooling system. Ensuring your vehicle’s prepared for the heat is the best way to guarantee a safe, comfortable drive, as well as costly repair costs, so let’s look at ways to help our vehicles beat the heat this summer!

It’s that time again here in North Carolina, when the "yellow haze" settles over our existence, and for the sake of this article, our vehicles. Even as the peak of the pollen season begins to fade in May, the residue left behind is far more than a cosmetic nuisance, so today let’s look at the impact of that stubborn "pollen paste" and cover some basics regarding how to properly clean and protect our cars.
 

When budgeting for a pre-owned vehicle, the window sticker is only the first part of the equation. In North Carolina, and specifically within the Greensboro city limits, our "Tag & Tax" system means that several state and local costs are due upfront. To help you plan more accurately, as you begin your vehicle search, we’ve outlined the mandatory fees and taxes you’ll encounter when registering your vehicle purchase this year.

There’s one threat unique to our region that demands protection: North Carolina’s salt brine. The liquid salt solution used by the NCDOT on I-40 and local roads is highly effective at preventing ice, but it is also, unfortunately, highly corrosive to your vehicle’s paint and finish. Left unchecked, the chemicals in this brine can accelerate clear coat fading, etch your paint, and drastically reduce your vehicle's long-term value. 

The short answer is: Yes, a mandatory Emissions Inspection is required for most used cars registered in Greensboro, though there are still exemptions, plus, this requirement is dictated by the county where your vehicle is registered. Let’s quickly get into breaking this down.

Whether it's the rush on Wendover Avenue or the traffic on I-40, for many of us the daily drive means navigating busy roads. Though the right car won’t erase traffic, it certainly can make our commutes less stressful - and dare we say, enjoyable? Today, let’s focus on some features we think you should consider giving more weight to when shopping for your next daily driver. 

When shopping for a vehicle, you may often see "4WD" and "AWD" listed in the drivetrain specs or general vehicle description, and out in the wilds of the internet you may also see people using these terms interchangeably; though there is overlap, they are different systems. Today we’re breaking down the unique specialties of both, and how they actually affect you in our region’s climate and terrain so you can make an informed decision on your next vehicle. 

When it comes to understanding your vehicle's true market value, most people focus on the big three: its condition, the mileage, and its maintenance or accident history, and though those are big factors, they're just the tip of the iceberg. Today, let’s take a deeper dive into elements that genuinely influence your car's resale value that you may not have yet considered.

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) have been widely adopted by manufacturers worldwide, they can offer excellent fuel efficiency and a remarkably smooth driving experience, making them an attractive option for those in the market. As a significant vehicle component, it's wise to understand what makes it tick and what to look for during your buying process, so today, we’re here to help you make an informed decision - let’s get into it!

Hybrid vehicles are known for great fuel economy and smoother drives, though buying a used hybrid is similar, but not quite the same, as buying a traditional gas-powered car. There are some extra layers to peel back, especially concerning that unique hybrid technology, but no worries, we're here to help you navigate the process. Let’s take a look at what to pay close attention to when you’re on the hunt.