Bump Up Those MPGs!

There’s nothing better than heading outside to treat your beloved CJDR to a DIY car wash in the warm summer air! If you agree, this week’s blog is for you! We are bringing you some helpful do and do not tips for an easy car wash process from the comfort of your own driveway! Whether this is your first time washing your vehicle yourself or you’re a seasoned pro - these tips will serve as a great starting point. So, check them out below and head out with your bucket of water and sponge to get started! Let’s get washin’! Zappone CDJR's Car Wash Do's and Don'ts: Do put your car in a shaded area or in a garage. The hot summer sun will make proper car care and cleaning, much more difficult. Wash your car on your lawn so any water runoff will be absorbed by the grass which is better for the environment. Do wet down your vehicle, thoroughly. All you need is a little sprinkle of water to rid your vehicle of any loose dirt or debris that have made your vehicle home. If you skip this step, expect scratches on your vehicle. Don’t use detergent or dish soap. There are many automotive soaps out there which is usually pH-controlled and has gloss enhancers. Use soaps designed specifically for your vehicle, not household soaps that can cause damage to your vehicle. Do wash your vehicle one section at a time and top to bottom. This will prevent dry soapy spots from forming on your vehicle. Do wet the car if temperatures are hot. Don’t let your vehicle dry in the sun, a shady spot or a garage will prevent water spots from forming on your vehicle. Do spend the extra few minutes drying your vehicle completely to avoid water spots. Ready to make a splash? Great! But if you’re thinking about upgrading your ride, our team here at Zappone CJDR in Granville will be happy to help you get behind the wheel of whatever model fits your needs and budget best. Stop in today or browse our online inventory and schedule a test drive with our team to get started! We looked forward to making your driving dreams a reality - let’s ride!

Spring is in full swing and that means that everyone is getting a fresh start! Give you vehicle one by keeping up with its routine maintenance this May! One of the most important tasks of vehicle maintenance is changing your oil! Changing your vehicle's oil may seem like a daunting task, but Zappone CDJR has put together some tips and tricks that can help you do it like a pro! Check those out below, and if you feel as though you don’t have the tools or time to perform an oil change yourself, you can schedule your service appointment right here at Zappones Service Center in Granville, NY! Zappone CDJR’s Tips For Changing Your Oil: Warm Up the Engine Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before draining the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, making it easier to drain out. Use a High-Quality Oil Filter Invest in a high-quality oil filter to ensure it traps contaminants and protects your engine. Check the Drain Plug Washer Inspect the drain plug washer for signs of wear or damage. If it looks worn or damaged, replace it before reinstalling the drain plug. Use a Torque Wrench When tightening the drain plug and oil filter, use a torque wrench to ensure you're tightening them to the correct specifications. Check the Oil Level After refilling the engine with new oil, check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary, but be careful not to overfill. By following these tips, you can change your vehicle's oil like a pro and keep your car running smoothly for miles to come.

Spring has nearly sprung and that means the sun will be shining, the birds will be singing– and there will be tons and tons of pollen in the air. If your nose has been running and your eyes have already started watering you may be desperate for an Oasis away from all the Springtime allergens. Well, don’t worry! Zappone CDJR has got your back! Listed below are our tips for allergy-proofing your vehicle! If you’re lacking the time or tools to try out these tips for yourself, schedule a service appointment with the CJDR service team and leave it to the professionals! Zappone CJDR’s Tips For Allergy-Proofing Your Ride: Clean It (Inside & Out) Getting in and out of your vehicle means it’s near impossible not to accumulate dirt, grime, and dust that’ll make your allergies worse over the course of the season. We recommend starting by wiping down your dashboard, seating, and vents as often as possible with a damp microfiber cloth and a solution with no irritants/ harsh chemicals. Next, vacuum your carpeting and be sure to clean and let your floor mats dry completely. Also, be sure to frequently stop by the car wash to clean off the exterior of your vehicle. Contain It Oftentimes your clothing and shoes are the way allergens make their way into your vehicle. While we can’t avoid this completely, it’s a smart idea to remove the articles of clothing that have come in contact with those allergens if possible. Try storing them in a separate area and keep them confined. Using a plastic bin in your trunk can work great for this. Be sure to keep your windows closed during peak pollen times to keep allergens out. And go the extra mile to ensure that your weather stripping in intact and every window/ door shuts properly so allergens can’t creep in. Replace It If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filters, the perfect time is now. It’s also a good idea to have them checked at the end of the pollen season to ensure they are still in proper condition and that they have not deteriorated over the season. All-weather floor mats are a great way to cut back on the number of allergens that make your carpeting their home and consider investing in some good seat covers. Lastly, stay away from air fresheners or cleaners that have harsh chemicals that could cause nasal irritation.