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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.

‘Tis the season to prepare your home for the holidays! This week we are helping you get your home ready for all that’s to come this upcoming month. And when you’re done getting your home ready, come on in to see our team at Zappone and let us help you get rid of that old ride and get into something a little healthier and ready to take on the winter weather! Let’s get started! Put seasonal items away for the winter While getting ready the holidays, it’s time to put all of your pool floats, lawn furniture and more away for the season. (Hopefully, you’ve already done this but if not, do so before the winter really takes over your yard) Clean your fireplace While temperatures will be dropping, you’ll be firing up that fireplace and it’s very important to have a professional clean out your fireplace and chimney. A dirty chimney and fireplace can lead to issues that can be disastrous. Storm windows make a comeback Storm windows can really help keep the heat in your home during those chilly winter days. If you have them, be sure to pull them down and they are working properly. Clean our your heating system We’re sure by now your heating system has been working hard to keep you and your family warm. It’s also important to have a professional clean out your heating unit to ensure that it is functioning properly. Also, do not store any items in front, near, or around your heating unit. Feel for those cool drafts Even the smallest of drafts can bring a shiver to you during the winter months. It’s important to make sure all exterior doors, windows, and other openings are totally sealed. Even think about investing in door cushions that are placed at the bottom of the door to keep cool air from coming into your home. Your Holidays Start Here!

With Springtime in full swing, we can count on roadway construction to begin any day now. Something that crosses our mind but we don’t put much thought into is how our driving can impact ourselves, other drivers, and the construction workers. We are here to help with some tips on how to keep everyone safe while you pass through construction zones. Safety is the most important thing to remember while passing through, if you are speeding or driving recklessly, you can be subject to tickets, along with doubled fines. Check out our top safety tips for passing through a work zone below. Pay attention, dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Stay alert and minimize any distractions that will take your concentration away from the road. Keep your headlights on. Pay attention to the other drivers, they can be unpredictable. Being alert can help you stay safe in a potentially bad situation. Don’t tailgate, follow other vehicles at a safe distance. Work zones are often referred to as “sudden stop” zones, be alert and brake when needed. Speed limits are set for a reason, obey them and be prepared to slow down further if conditions permit. Only change lanes when needed, traffic conditions permit, and where pavement markings indicate it is alright to change lanes. Follow instructions from workers, especially flaggers. Expect the unexpected; workers, other vehicles or equipment could enter your lane at any moment, be prepared. Lastly, be patient. You will get to your destination, better to be safe than sorry! Keep an eye out for construction zones this spring/ summer, and remember these tips while you’re passing through. You can stay ticket-free and keep everyone safe by your driving habits! Service Equals Safety!

Do you have a road trip planned for the springtime? The perfect way to start off that trip is with a brand new car from Zappone Granville! Our lot has the perfect vehicle you, your family, and your pets are looking for! Take a test drive and don’t forget to pack the essential road trip items when you head out to explore all that Upstate has to offer! In The Car Blankets and pillows Music Folding chairs Reading material Camera Cash for toll roads GPS Binoculars Wet wipes Puzzle books and quiet toys for kids Pen, pencil, notepad Tissues, paper towels, toilet paper Small bags for garbage Vehicle Emergency Kit Flashlight, roadside signal flares or reflective cones/warning signs First aid kit Booster cables, wrenches, screwdrivers (basic toolkit) A gallon jug of water Extra washer fluid, oil, transmission oil, brake fluid Rags, workshop towels, old blanket Gloves Spare belts (alternator, fan and air conditioner belts) Candle, warm clothes, heavy blanket (for winter travel) Duct tape and WD40 Zappone Granville Has The Vehicle For Your Road Trip

With the change of seasons comes the urge to clean everything, turn over a new leaf, and open all the windows and enjoy the fresh spring air. Of course, in your vehicle that might be a different story, especially if your air system isn’t the cleanest. This week’s blog is dedicated to telling you how you can make sure the air coming out of your vents is as fresh as the spring air itself and free of dust, pollen, dirt, and other nasty stuff that can create an odor. Take a look and follow our tips! Your first task is cleaning the physical vents that are in your vehicle, the ones you see and adjust every day. You’ll need cleaning solution, white vinegar, a vacuum, and cotton swabs! Give your vents a vacuum to get any loose dust out. Then you want to take a cotton swab that’s been dipped in a cleaning solution and really work it into the crevices and hard-to-reach spots. When the cotton swabs you’re using come back clean, you know you’ve gotten all the grime. Then, take another cotton swab dipped in white vinegar and just go over it all again to get rid of any lingering odors. The vinegar smell doesn’t last long, and when it disappears it takes odors with it. Give the vents one last vacuum and you’re done! Make sure you’ve gotten every single vent, even the one right up next to your windshield. The next step is to take a look at your cabin air filter. Your owner’s manual should cover how to access it, and if not there’s always YouTube. The cabin air filter is your barrier against everything that’s floating through the air that you drive your car through - pollen, dust, smells, odors - and it’s often a forgotten part of the vehicle. Take a look, and if you think it needs changing then schedule an appointment with us to have our service department take care of it! Finally, if you still smell something that reminds you of dirty socks in the car when you run the air, you might have mildew in your A/C evaporator. It’s easy to dry that up! Just drive about a mile away from home (that’s enough time to warm up your engine, you see) and then roll down all your windows and turn the air on full blast. Don’t use the A/C! Just regular old air will do. Keep it running for a minute or two, and that should be enough time to circulate air through the evaporator and dry up any residual moisture. Get Service Fast With Us!

The things that folks are looking for in new vehicles today are pretty much universal: something sturdy and reliable that can get you where you need to go and that gets good gas mileage. The last one is in bold because it’s one of the most important things to lots of shoppers. But say you’re happy with your current vehicle and don’t want to get a new one just yet… but kinda wish it got better MPGs. Well, thank goodness for you, there are some great tips in this blog to help increase them easily. Of course, you won’t go from getting 20 to getting 70, but these tips can help bump you up a few miles per gallon! First of all, don’t speed. Speeding is not only bad for your gas mileage, but it’s illegal. The best way to combat both of the negatives (the speeding and also the MPG drain) is to use your cruise control when you’re on the highway. This eliminates accidental acceleration and deceleration that can mess with your fuel economy and make it harder for you to get those MPGs you want! When coming to a stop, try to start braking earlier than you might usually. Long, slow brakes help conserve fuel and improve your fuel economy. It might seem like you’re holding up traffic, but everyone’s going to have to stop anyway, and you might as well save gas while you do it. A plus is that you might still be mid-brake when the light changes, and it takes less gas to accelerate from moving than it does to start from being stopped! When you aren’t actively moving, don’t idle. Idling not only is bad for the environment due to the exhaust gases it creates, but idling for a few minutes uses more gas than it takes to start your car. When you idle for too long, you are actually wasting your gas, believe it or not. If you’ve got a storage box or bike rack on top of your car, consider switching to something that is mounted in the rear. This won’t create as much drag and it’ll keep your vehicle aerodynamic, as it should be. The more aerodynamic your vehicle is, the better MPG’s you’ll get! The last thing is to focus on driving safely and obey all speed limits. When you’re really concentrating on the road (and not on your music or passengers or similar) you drive more efficiently. Try it out! You’ll see how well it can work! Our Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles!

If you suffer from blind spots in your vehicle, then there are a couple of very easy solutions for you to get rid of those blind spots and continue to drive safely. One does involve a little aftermarket modification, and the other requires a little bit of patience. Check them out below! The first solution is to simply get two small convex mirrors to attach to the outer corners of your vehicle’s wing mirrors. Make sure your mirrors are clean before you stick the little ones on, and then once you’ve stuck them on make sure they’re attached tightly so that they don’t fall off when you least expect it. The second strategy is to adjust the mirrors you already have: Adjust your rearview mirror to give you a view directly to the rear. Make it so that it best covers your rear window view. Don’t tilt it to get side views - just straight back through your window. Lean your head until it almost touches your driver’s side window. Adjust your left side mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car - no more. Lean your head to the passenger side as far as you can comfortably while still sitting up and adjust the right mirror so you can barely see the right side of your car. You shouldn’t be able to see the side of your car when your head is all the way upright! Try these out (well, try one out at least) and let us know how it helped! We’ll Fix Your Other Problems!

With the weather we’ve been having lately, it’s more important now than ever to make sure that you have a solution to any ice and snow that might accumulate on your car. The only problem is that if you’re pressed for time, scraping ice and snow can be daunting, time-consuming, and just not seem worth it to do the whole job. Here are some quick and easy tips to making sure that you get rid of all the ice and snow on your vehicle fast and make your vehicle safe for the road. First of all, you should have a quality plastic scraper in your vehicle. The best are the ones that come with the brush on one end and scraper on the other because sometimes all you need is that brush! Never try to get rid of ice on your car with anything metal, or by pounding at it. When you do this, you can scratch and chip your paint, break glass, or cause dents in your vehicle that cost money to get removed. If all you have is a light coating of ice or frost on your windows, you can make an easy defrosting solution that you can leave in your house and use on those icy mornings. Mix one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water in a spray bottle, and spritz it onto your windows. Wait a minute and then run the wipers. Clean and clear! If your doors and locks are frozen, never apply hot water or use an open flame (like a lighter) to try and thaw them. Cold water is what works - hot water will freeze again and could cause damage to your vehicle, but cold water is warm enough compared to the ice that it’ll help thaw it out. If you have the alcohol solution, try a bit of that as well. The most important thing is to have patience - preparedness is important, but if you’re impatient you can cause damage that you’ll regret later. Stay safe out there! Schedule Winter Service Today!