Blog

Are you ready to conquer the wet weather headed our way this April?! We’re sure you’re ready and your rain boots are pulled out but if you’re not prepared, chances are your vehicle is not either. But don’t stress, we are here with a few helpful tips to make your spring season easy and conquerable! Spend some time checking those tips out below and if your vehicle is in need of a little TLC service, we encourage you to schedule your service appointment online today and don’t forget to snag a service coupon to save a little extra cash when you stop by! We look forward to working with you and your CJDR - see you soon! Wait Until The Weather Clears If you don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel during rain showers, postpone your travels and wait until the weather clears before heading out. There is no reason to put yourself in dangerous situations if not necessary. Double Check Your Vehicle It’s important to check your vehicle’s health year-round, but when it comes to April showers, we want to be looking for specific things. For example, we need to check our head and tail lights, windshield wipers, and our tires to ensure they’re not balding. Bald tires can reduce traction on wet roadways. Slow It Down As you should always adhere to the posted speed limit, when the roadway is wet, this is crucial. We encourage you to drive considerably slower since wet roads are dangerous and your vehicle reacts slower when it rains. Maintain A Safe Distance Between Cars As we said above, your vehicle reacts slower when it rains so it’s important to give yourself a little extra space between vehicles. You should leave several car lengths between you and the vehicle you are following. Avoid Standing Water Driving your vehicle through standstill water can cause hydroplaning and other dangerous situations for your vehicle. If you approach a puddle, wait for other vehicles to pass and avoid the area by changing lanes or steering around. Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!

Happy January! Can you believe we’re almost halfway through the winter season?! It’s hard to believe it but we’re ready to see what the second half of the winter season has in store. While temperatures are dropping here at Zappone, it’s common that breakdowns, hazards, and dangerous situations might arise. This week we have three steps to help you conquer the cold this winter and head into spring with no issues. Check out those tips below and if you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new CJDR, be sure to hurry on down to see our team and let us help you upgrade! We look forward to working with you! Pack an emergency kit Being prepared for a variety of situations is important. And it’s a great idea to always be prepared for whatever whenever, that’s why we encourage you to pack an emergency kit. This kit should include an extra coat, warm hat, gloves, and extra socks in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a blanket, phone charger, flashlight, bottle of water, and a small non perishable snack on board as well. Foggy windows are a thing of the past When temperatures start to drop, foggy windows are no stranger to your vehicle. Foggy windows can lead to potentially dangerous situations and it’s important to defog your windows before heading out for the day. An easy way to defog your windows is to roll down your windows before leaving or keep a clean chalkboard eraser in your vehicle to wipe away the fog. Keep your vehicle clean During winter months, salt, dirt, and grime tend to accumulate underneath your vehicle. This grime buildup can lead to erosion on your vehicle and it’s important to clean that off as soon as possible. We encourage you to stay up to date on car washes on warmer days and park your vehicle in the garage. Find Your New CJDR Here!

The Fourth of July is finally here and if you’re anything like us, this is the one weekend a year that you love! The official jump start of the summer, we’re excited to get things started, enjoy a cookout, and spend some time with our family! We get that finding and/ or creating a playlist for events can be a hassle. But we want to help take that burden from you! So, below is a list of 10 fan-favorite songs that we enjoy and we hope you and your guests will enjoy as well. Check it out and be sure to add a few of your own! Our Fourth of July Playlist: Lee Greenwald, “God Bless The U.S.A” The Beach Boys, “Surfin USA” Toby Keith, “American Soldier” Woody Guthrie, “This Land Is Your Land” John Mellencamp, “Jack & Diane” Martina McBride, “Independence Day” Carrie Underwood, “All American Girl” Miley Cyrus, "Party in the U.S.A." Bruce Springsteen, "Born In The U.S.A." Simon and Garfunkel, "America" Now, we did say that we have a few special offers. And what kind of holiday would it be if we didn’t hold our infamous Flash Sales Events? Of course, we have one! And if you’ve been neglecting your vehicle’s service schedule due to not wanting to pay for the service, we have you covered this July! Head on over to our Flash Sale Page for more details on our current incentives. So, claim a voucher, and let’s schedule a service appointment to get your vehicle into our service center! See you soon! Shop Our Flash Sale Today!

Summer is here. Temperatures are rising. Things are getting hot inside your vehicle. And you’re hoping to keep cool when you’re out and about adventuring. Luckily for you, we have tips to make that happen this summer! Check out those vehicle cooling tips below and if you’re in the market to upgrade into a brand new CJDR, you know where to find us! We look forward to helping you cool down right here at the dealership while we discuss all of our available options! Park in a garage, if/ when possible. If it’s possible, park your vehicle in a garage. This will keep your vehicle out of direct sunlight and you will benefit from the near-constant shade. Even a warm garage beats a vehicle parked in the sun baking in the sun. Keep your windows cracked. While it’s not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, we recommend leaving your windows slightly cracked when you exit when temperatures are high. Even a crack will promote ventilation and can help keep your vehicle cool. Invest in a solar-powered fan. Paired with cracked windows, a solar-powered fan can make your car feel cooler even on the hottest of summer days. These fans work to remove hot air from your car by creating constant air circulation, these fans lower your car’s overall temperature. Place blankets over your seats. If your vehicle has either leather or vinyl seating, you know just how hot these materials can get when exposed to sunlight and/ or increased temperatures. In order to keep your seats cool. Try placing a blanket or towel over them when you exit your vehicle. When you return, remove the blanket or towel. This will keep you from burning your legs on the hot seats. Leave your doors open before getting in. Before hopping into your vehicle, consider leaving your doors open for a few moments to allow the hot air to exit the vehicle. This can help regulate the temperature before you enter and take off to your next adventure. Find Your Next CJDR Here!

Things are heating up here in Granville and one of the easiest ways to cool down is with an ice cold popsicle! Don’t have any? No worries - this week’s blog is dedicated to making some homemade popsicles! We know it might sound time consuming and difficult, but it’s only three steps so we’re sure you can handle it! Check out those details below and contact our team when you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new CJDR from Zappone this June! We hope to see you soon! Things you’ll need: Popsicle mold (we recommend a silicone mold) Fruits and flavorings Popsicle sticks And of course, a freezer Step 1: First, you’ll want to mix your fruits together. If you’d like your popsicles to be on the sweeter side, add in flavors like honey, agave nectar, or sugar if needed. Don’t forget that when frozen, the flavor of the popsicle won’t be as strong. We suggest making your mixture slightly sweeter than you would a smoothie! Step 2: Now it’s time to pour your mixture into your mold! While the mixture will naturally expand when freezing, it’s important to leave a little space at the top of the mold. Let it freeze! Depending on the thickness of your popsicles, it should take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to freeze solid. Pro tip! Turn your freezer to the coldest setting possible. The quicker they freeze, the softer they will be in the end! Step 3: Finally, it’s time to unmold your popsicles and enjoy them! We suggest running your mold under warm water for about 10 seconds each. Then, your popsicles should pop right out and you can either enjoy them or place them back in the freezer for a snack later! Upgrade Your CJDR Today!

Bing. Bang. Boom. And just like that, June is here and we’re ready to hit the lake or the beach or the pool in the backyard to enjoy a little summer sun. With that being said, we’re here to remind you about the importance of sun protection in that hot summer sun. And below, you will find 10 tips to get the most out of your summer while staying, or at least trying, to stay sunburn-free! Let’s get started! Our Top 10 Tips for Sun Protection: Always use sunscreen, even on cloudy days Apply your sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside Limit your sun exposure times during 10 AM and 4 PM Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation Keep children covered and babies under 6 months completely covered and in shady areas Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, every hour if you’re swimming or sweating Be cautious around water and sand, these surfaces can actually increase chances of getting a sunburn due to reflection of sun rays If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you’re worried about extreme sunburns Accessorize smartly: sunglasses, hats, etc. Be cautious when it comes to medications and how they could react with the sun (consult your doctor if you are concerned about this) Now, you have your tips and you’re ready to get behind the wheel of something a little newer before it’s officially summer? Great! We’re here to help and with a variety of new offers and incentives, there’s something for everyone to love at Zappone! Just contact our team today and let’s get started! Find Your Dream CJDR Right Here!

Temperatures are dropping here in Granville and that means the road conditions could take a turn for the worse at any given moment. We want to make sure you stay on track this winter so we’ve listed out 10 important winter car care tips to keep your ride ready for whatever may come its way! Check them out below and stop by to upgrade your CJDR or service with our team today! Either way, winter is here to stay and we want to ensure your safety behind the wheel! See you soon! 10 Winter Car Care Tips To Keep You On Track: Create a winter emergency kit equipped with items you’ll need in an emergency Check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels Check your tires and tire pressure regularly Use winter windshield washer fluid Inspect your wiper blades and replace if needed Consider switching to synthetic oil and a durable oil filter Invest in a quality ice scraper to get the job done Have your battery tested and serviced Have your vehicle’s heating system tested and serviced Wash and wax your vehicle ahead of big storms and after Stay On Track In A New CJDR!

New year, new you. Am I right? I thought so! And a new year means some resolutions to help make you the best person you can possibly be. Whether you’re ready to find new hobbies, exercise more, get more sleep, or simply be present more in your everyday life - our top 10 New Year’s resolutions will help you decide just what you should be focusing on this year. So, take a look and be sure to add some of these to your resolution list! And share with a friend to help them choose too! 10 New Year’s Resolutions To Start: Eat healthier options Read one book per month Listen to more podcasts on the go Go to bed on time Drink more water Give yourself more compliments Spend less time on your devices Learn a new skill Be current on current events Treat yourself once a month Oh, and we have a bonus resolution for you! We want you to stay on top of your vehicle’s routine maintenance! Whether you’ve always been great at servicing your vehicle or you’ve fallen off in 2019, we want you to make it a priority this year. So, start that resolution right here, right now by scheduling your next service appointment. And be sure to snag a service special so you can save big while getting behind the wheel! We look forward to working with you and your CJDR! Start 2020 With CJDR Service! Schedule Here!

The snow is falling here in Upstate New York and that means one thing, it’s time for drivers to start going bonkers as it’s their first winter living here and seeing snow. With that being said, we want you to relax, take your time, and refresh on these winter driving tips that will help you on any roadway this winter. So, check them out and be sure to come see us to upgrade your ride and get into something a little more reliable, safe, and sturdy to help you make it through the winter! Be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Use your brakes carefully.  Brake early and carefully as it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Don’t use “cruise control” in wintry conditions. Be courteous to other drivers. Keep to the right except to pass, using turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same. Reduce speeds. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions. Allow for extra travel time or consider delaying trips if the weather is inclement. Don’t use your hand-held cell phone while driving, as mandated by law. Use your headlights, as required by law. Stay Safe In A New CJDR!

Wherever you’re headed this summer, one thing is for sure, you’ll have to stop and fill up the tank at some point. And if you’re like me, you’re not entirely sure what those numbers on the pump mean but not to worry, this week I am here to spell it all out for you! Take a look below to help differentiate what those differences are and why filling up your tank with the right stuff is so important! Got questions? We got answers! Give us a call today or stop in to see our team and let’s get you back on the road to summer fun! The difference between fuel types: The first and most obvious difference is the price! I mean, when you pull up and the “premium” fuel is more expensive, it’s pretty obvious that’s a difference. But, did you know that premium fuel usually runs about 20 cents higher than regular fuel? Well, that’s the truth. In addition to the price, premium fuel comes also offers a higher octane level. Those numbers, commonly seen as 92, 93 or 87, are to differentiate the octane levels of premium, being a higher number, to regular gas, lower number. Octane is how much compression a fuel can withstand before igniting within your engine. A higher octane fuel will not pre-ignite or explode as quickly as lower octane gas. The right fuel matters and here’s why: each vehicle on the road has been designed to work at its best with a specific fuel level. And if you choose to use a lesser fuel level than intended for your vehicle you could run into some issues such as engine damage, reducing your car’s power and fuel economy, and you’ll probably start to hear your engine “knocking.” This happens because lower octane levels allow combustion to happen too fast in your engine which can lead to all of the above problems. So, the solution? Just fill up with the right fuel! When the roles are reversed, using higher octane fuel when your vehicle calls for regular doesn’t risk much. But it also doesn’t benefit you in the way that you think it might. In fact, spending the extra money on premium fuel when you really could just be using regular is silly on your part. If you’re unsure which type of fuel you should be filling up with, give us a call or check your owners manual for answers! Start Fresh In A New CJDR From Zappone!

Let’s not waste time and get right into the deep of this week’s blog! We want to help you keep your small children safe inside your vehicle and that’s why this week we are bringing you a few car seat habits that you should be steering clear of! So, check them out below and if you need assistance or have questions, give our team a call or stop by! We’re here to help! Installing the seat improperly. The first step to properly installing a car seat is making sure that the seat will properly fit in your vehicle. Be sure to use anchors/ LATCH system/ seat belts to properly secure the seat and always choose a rear-facing seat until your doctor has recommended you to switch. Next, check to make sure the seat is securely fastened and go the extra step to have your seat checked at an inspection site. Incorrect use of harness and straps. The harness in your child’s seat could be in the correct position which could cause issues. The harness should always be kept at your child’s armpits. And the straps should not be too loose or too tight. Conduct a “pinch test”, if you can pinch the straps between your fingers, the straps are too loose and need to be tightened. Dressing your child in bulky clothing. While the weather may be warming up, there are still some mornings or nights where the weather can be a bit chilly. And while your first instinct is to put on a bulky coat or sweater, don’t. This will cause you to loosen the straps of the car seat and in the event of a collision, your child’s seat will be too loose to provide effective protection. Keep your child in a warm sweater and place a jacket on top after they have been strapped into their seat. Changing to a booster seat too early. While some booster seats can be used for children as young as three years old, this is not the exact age bracket they are intended for. If your child is between four and five years of age, at least 40 pounds, and have the ability to keep the seat belt strap properly positioned across the chest for the entire ride - then it is time to switch into a booster seat. But always consult your doctor before making the switch. Keep Your Family Safe In A New CJDR!

Scrub-a-dub-dub! It’s another cleaning blog and I know you’re probably wondering when these will end, and the answer is probably never! This week we have your guide on how to allergy-proof your ride so you don’t suffer from the sniffles, watering eyes, and sneezes this spring season! Check out these tips below and stop in to see our team if we can be of further assistance to you or if you’re in need of upgrading into a brand new CJDR from Zappone! We’re here to help and we hope to see you soon! Clean It The best way to start allergy-proofing your vehicle is to start with a clean slate. Yes, I know. More spring cleaning? Sorry but yup! You know just how dirty your vehicle can get, now think about how all that dirt, dust, and grime is adding to your allergies and making them worse. Totally nasty! We recommend wiping down your dashboard, seating, and vents as often as possible with a damp microfiber cloth and a solution with no irritants, harsh chemicals or strong scents. Vacuum, wash your floor mats and let dry completely before placing back into your vehicle. If you do, your floor mats can begin to grow mold and that’s not what we want! Stay away from air fresheners or cleaners that have harsh chemicals or any that could cause nasal irritation. Contain It Our clothing and shoes are the most frequent way allergens make their way into our vehicle’s cabin, which means it’s a smart idea to remove those articles of clothing that have come in contact with those allergens, if possible. We recommend storing them in a separate area, like your trunk and keep them confined, perhaps in a plastic bin. Keep your windows closed to keep allergens out during windy days or when pollen is at its peak. Go the extra mile to ensure that your weather stripping in intact and every window/ door shuts properly so dander can’t find a way in. If you’re traveling with pets this spring, keep them in their cage in your trunk or backseat with a t-shirt on them to keep their fur and dander from spreading all over the cabin! Replace It Cabin and air filters are your best friends when it comes to healthy and happy cabin breathing! Most people don’t know this but if your filters have deteriorated you’re breathing in all sorts of nasty particles. So, if you can’t remember the last time you swapped out those filters, now is the time to do it. It’s also a great idea to check up on those filters once again after pollen season or really any season for that matter. You’re looking to see if the filters have deteriorated, clogged or they are still in proper shape. Invest In It Investing in keeping your vehicle clean is a great way to cut back on those allergens. Our first investment is easy peasy, we recommend stopping by the car wash especially when pollen is out of control. Not only will this wash off all the dirt just lurking on your vehicle, but it also cuts back on the chances of that pollen making its way into your cabin if you bump up against your vehicle or through your air vents. All-weather floor mats are a great investment and can cut back on dander that calls your vehicle’s carpet floor mats home. Stay Fresh In A New CJDR!