Are Your Wipers Damaged? Here’s How To Know!
Having properly working windshield wipers is a vital part of your safety when you are out on the road. It may not seem like a big deal but in certain situations, you want to know for a fact that your wipers will do what they are intended to do – and that’s to give you a better sight of what’s ahead. From rain to freezing cold temperatures to dry sunny summer days – your wipers are put through the wringer. This week’s blog is dedicated to sharing some wiper knowledge on how to know when it is time to freshen up with a new pair of wipers.
- Streaking on the windshield glass
Windshield wipers are designed to sit flush against the windshield to remove water, dirt, debris, and other objects that come in contact with the glass. A smooth operation will leave very few to no streaks behind. If you are noticing streaks, clean your wipers with a damp paper towel. If the streaking continues, it is time to replace the wipers.
- Noises when wipers operate
Compare a new wiper blade to a brand new razor, it clears debris quickly, smoothly, and without a single sound. When the wiper blade has outlived its lifespan, you’ll begin to hear a very irritating screeching noise which is caused by uneven rubber moving across the windshield. If your blade is worn out to the point that the rubber is missing or gone, you run the risk of scratching your windshield.
- Wipers bounce when they’re operating
When you turn your wipers on and they appear to bounce, it is definitely time to replace them. If you notice any bends in wiper blade arms or disjointed from connection points, your wipers have outlived their life and need to be changed. A certified technician can assist with determining what is actually broken on the wiper and will be able to change accordingly.
Your wipers should be changed every six months, they should be cleaned at the beginning of each new season, and you should be looking at them each time you stop to fill up your tank. A great time to change your wipers is when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change. Choosing specifically designed wipers for certain seasons will also help your visibility when you’re out on the road. Think ahead, be proactive, and never let your windshield wipers down!
Tire Blowout? Here’s How To Handle It
Have you ever been driving down the road and *BANG*. You start to feel a hard pull on a particular side of your vehicle, either front or back, left or right. Maybe you can’t control your vehicle and you start to panic because you are not sure what to do. This my friend, is a tire blowout. And if you haven’t experienced this, I hope you never do. A blowout can be frightening, especially if it happens when you are traveling at a high speed with traffic surrounding you. Or with little ones in the backseat. This week, we will take a look at how to handle a tire blowout!
A tire blowout has a few distinct sounds that will let you know what you’re experiencing is indeed a blowout. First, you will hear a loud noise, a bang – this is the tire blowing out/ popping. Secondly, you’ll hear a whooshing noise – this is the air escaping from the tire. Thirdly, you will then begin to hear a flapping noise – this is the deflated tire hitting against the roadway. Next, you will begin to feel a strong pull to the side which the tire has blown out.
One of the most important parts in handling a blowout is remaining calm. We know these situations can be very scary, especially if you have passengers or children inside the vehicle with you. But, trust us, if you remain calm through the blowout, you be able to make it to the side of the road safely and without causing harm to yourself or others.
Next, don’t slam on your brake. This is probably the worst reaction you could have when experiencing a blowout. Slamming on your brake pedal can cause an increasingly dangerous situation for yourself as well as other drivers on the roadway. Put your hazards on and let off the gas, with two hands on the wheel firmly steer your vehicle straight and let it slow gradually on its own. When it is safe to do so, make your way to the side of the road.
Eventually, your vehicle will come to a complete stop and you can put your vehicle into park and turn off the engine. When you’ve completed this, make sure it is safe for you to exit the vehicle so you can assess the situation of your tire. If you can safely change your flat, do so. If you are not sure how to change your tire or think you may need assistance, reach out to a friend or to roadside assistance. It’s okay to seek help if you’re unsure how or if you can do something!
Summer Road Trip Destinations!
Summer is heating up and we want to get you on the road exploring all that Upstate New York has to offer. This week, we’ve dedicated our blog to find some must-hit road trip destinations that will offer a ton of fun for you and the family or just you and the dog. However you want to travel, these spots will be a great starting point for your summertime adventures! Check them out below and let us know of any spots that you are planning to visit!
Niagara Falls
- One of the nation’s top tourist attractions, Niagara Falls is a landmark in our backyard that needs to be seen in order to take in just how beautiful the falls truly are. Whether you plan to see the falls by land or boat, it’ll be an experience of a lifetime! The surrounding area has a lot to do when you’ve had enough of the falls. From little shops to Whirlpool State Park, the Niagara Gorge Trail, or even the Seneca Niagara Casino – there is something to do for everyone!
Fort Ticonderoga
- If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to make Fort Ticonderoga a stop on your summer road trip list. Located at the southern end of Lake Champlain, you’ll get to see what life was like in the mid-1700’s. With a musket firing demonstration each day at 11 a.m. sharp and the cannon demonstration at 2 p.m. – you’ll be blown away, no pun intended. Fill your day with a lesson on military history and enjoy a picnic atop Mount Defiance and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Champlain and the High Peaks. Or even take a boat tour or rent a canoe and explore the fort by water!
Howe Caverns
- Do you enjoy going through caves and see what beautiful creations lie beneath? This underground limestone cavern is the largest cave in the Northeast that is open to the public and the second most visited natural attraction in New York State. Millions of years in the making, go below the surface for a 90-minute walking tour or boat ride to see the stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake. Or take advantage of the zip line, ropes course, rock wall, and more when you resurface!
Watkins Glen
- We have a need for speed and if you do too, you’ll want to make a stop at Watkins Glen. During the summer months, Watkins Glen hosts racing weekends that feature sports cars, endurance, and stock car events. If you’re up to a challenge, you’ll have the option to drive your own vehicle on the 3.4-mile Grand Prix Circuit! And, just a few minutes away from Seneca Lake, you can take advantage of all the things this area has to offer!
So, relax it is summer after all and it is time to get you outdoors and enjoying all that Upstate has to offer! Did we miss any great road trip spots? Let us know!
Save On A New Ride This July!
Are you ready to jump-start your summer in a brand new vehicle? Who isn’t? Well, not only are we celebrating the Summer of Jeep but our Summer Clearance Event is happening NOW! So, what does that mean for you? It means you will have amazing specials to choose from which will make you happy and keep your wallet stacked with cash to do more things this summer. Check out our specials below and schedule your test drive with us online today!
Are you looking to lease your next vehicle? If you are, choose from three different specials and kick off your summer right and in style.
2018 RAM 1500 Express – Lease for $175/ month for 24 months*
2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus – Lease for ONLY $209/ month for 36 months*
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo – Lease for $259/ month for 36 months*
Perhaps you are looking to buy your next new vehicle? Take advantage of some of these amazingly LOW deals on a new Jeep or RAM 1500.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude – Buy for ONLY $23,920*
2018 RAM 1500 Express – Buy for ONLY $34,995*
Whatever you may have your heart set on, a Jeep or a new RAM pickup truck, we want YOU to join Team Zappone! Visit us today for a test drive or schedule a convenient time that works for you online! Maybe it isn’t time for you to buy or lease right now but it is time to service your vehicle. Check out our service specials page for all your vehicle service needs and schedule your appointment with us online today. However you choose to visit us this summer, we are ready to assist you with all your needs!
*All specials expire 7/31/2018. See specials page for full details.
Celebrate The 4th At These Events!
The 4th of July is here and we want to ensure you, your family and friends have a fun-filled day, week, and weekend! We know you probably have a packed weekend with BBQ’s, pool parties, and much more. But, if you’re unsure of where to head tomorrow for an amazing firework show – don’t stress! We have you covered! So, let’s pop the top and doors off that Wrangler and head out to watch some amazing firework shows and celebrate America’s independence!
Lake George, NY: 4th of July Fireworks at Shepard Park – Event Takes Place: Wednesday, July 4th
- If you’re looking to spend a day in the beautiful Adirondack Park, this is the perfect place to spend the fourth! Spend the day at the beach, dine at the local restaurants, or shop the local stores. Lake George has a lot to offer during the daytime for everyone in the family so, everyone will find something they want to do. Stroll Beach Rd. and when it gets dark, grab a seat on the lake and get ready to “ooo” and “ahh” the beautiful firework show!
Albany’s Empire State Plaza – Event Takes Place: Wednesday, July 4th
- One of the most spectacular fireworks put on, this is a must-see if you haven’t already! With a lot to do and choose from – the family will enjoy food and craft vendors, family activities, and live entertainment. Trust us, this one is a day filled with fun from beginning to end! When it gets dark, grab a seat and feel the independence of America take over!
Corinth, NY: Independence Day Celebration – Event Takes Place: Saturday, July 7th
- If you don’t plan to stay out late, plan to attend this event on Saturday. With an extensive schedule of activities beginning at 9 am, this fun-filled day is a great way to celebrate with the family! There will also be food vendors, face painting, a traveling magic show and balloon art, and of course a jaw-dropping firework show at dark!
Don’t miss out on some of the areas most spectacular events! Come out, support your communities, and celebrate America’s independence! We also recommend that you and your family stay hydrated through these events! Bring bottled water to ensure everyone stays cool, hydrated, and ready to have a good time!
4th Of July Flash Sales Event Is Here!
Grab your friends, your family, heck – grab your neighbor’s dog and get to Zappone in Granville for the Flash Sales Event of a lifetime! We know our customers LOVE these types of sales and that’s why we’re celebrating the 4th of July with another FIVE DAY ONLY event! During our 4th of July Flash Sales Event, you can score big on that new vehicle you’ve had your eyes one and more!
You know the deal, FIVE DAYS ONLY will you be able to save BIG on new pickup trucks, SUVs, and sedans! How much off exactly? Well, we can’t tell you that, silly goose! But what we can tell you is that you will save BIG, BIG, BIG bucks with one of our LIMITED amount of vouchers. So, you’ll have to go online and claim your voucher!
Guys, we even have SAVINGS on certified pre-owned vehicles and trade-in flash cash this time around! We know you’ve had your eye on a Jeep Wrangler or that RAM 1500! NOW is the time to buy, buy, buy and get rid of your old, nasty ride! Okay, we need to calm down. But, we can’t – these savings are so amazing, we can’t contain our excitement.
And, that’s not all! Our conventional and synthetic oil change deals are back as well! For a LOW price, you can enjoy a fresh oil change at a discounted price!
Hurry and snag your voucher TODAY! Like we said before, there are only a limited amount – like only 70 vouchers and when they’re gone, they’re gone! Click the link below and get yours NOW! This 4th of July Flash Sales Event won’t last long, hurry in and score big!
How to claim a voucher:
- Pick the offer that you want to cash-in on
- Complete the steps to redeem voucher
- Bring your voucher in when you visit us
**Must present 4th of July Flash Sales Event voucher upon arrival. Prior sales excluded. While supplies lasts. Cannot be combined with any other offer or vehicle special. These offers are only valid on specified vehicles and services limited.
Offers expire 7/03/2018
Road Trip? A Guide On What To Pack
Summer is here and the kids will soon be begging to go on that road trip you’ve promised. And we want to make your life a little easier. So, after you visit us at Zappone in Granville to purchase your new chariot, oops, ride I mean, follow our essential road trip list of items to pack to ensure a fun-filled, stress-free adventure!
- Snacks to munch on – chips, veggies, fruits, popcorn are all great choices for kids
- Cooler with drinks/food (water and juice is a must, it’s important to stay hydrated)
- Reusable cup for every passenger – eliminate throw-away cups and garbage inside the vehicle
- Change for tolls – you’ll probably encounter a toll-booth along the way, bring dollar bills and change to make this a quick and easy process
- Roll of paper towels/ napkins/ tissues – messes can happen, be prepared
- Hand wipes/ shout wipes
- Car chargers to keep everyone’s phone juiced up
- Neck pillow & blanket – for nap time
- Pack a sweater for when chilly temps creep up on you
- Toothbrush & paste – long drives = fuzzy mouth
- Current registration/ insurance cards
- Flashlight with new batteries – and extra batteries just in case
- Towel/ blanket for pavement in case you have to change a tire
- Check that your spare is filled, not flat
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Fill your tires to the proper psi before leaving
- AAA card/ number to roadside assistance, if you have these service
And there you have it, our guide on packing the essential road trip items! Obviously, clothes – don’t forget to pack your clothes for the trip! If you are planning to take a road trip, schedule a service appointment with us to get your vehicle tuned-up before heading out on the open road.
Summer Care Tips You Should Know!
Summer is just around the corner, literally, it is what less than a week away. And unfortunately, servicing your vehicle doesn’t take a vacation during the Summer months as you will. Warmer months present challenges and can cause problems that can be costly to repair if you are not paying attention to what your vehicle needs. Let’s keep your vehicle in tip-top health this Summer and keep you out of the shop trying to fix-up your ride. Take a look at our tips on preparing your vehicle for the upcoming HOT months!
Coolant System – Keeping your vehicle cool is crucial to its performance and lifespan. Before the heat hits, check the level of coolant in your vehicle and even go the extra step and inspect the coolant reservoir and hoses. Give the hoses a squeeze, these should feel firm, not excessively squishy. If they are, you should replace them. Also, look for any cracks or leaking of the hoses especially at connection points and joints. *NEVER do any work on a hot engine, give the engine proper time to cool down.*
Windshield Wipers – Worn wipers are a no-go. And although it is Summer, it is bound to rain at some point and you don’t want to be caught in the rain with worn, streaky wipers. Wipers have a tendency to break down due to UV radiation from the sun, replacing your wipers before the upcoming season can prepare you for whatever may come your windshields way this Summer! Stop by our Express Lane and ask how you can get your wipers replaced without scheduling an appointment – in and out, easy breezy!
Essential Fluids – Your vehicle needs a variety of fluids to ensure it is running properly and they all need to be at a certain level in order to work the way they are intended. Check your engine’s oil, brake, power-steering, and windshield-washer fluids regularly. Each and every one of these fluids play a critical role and if you are running low or are completely empty, you can cause some costly damage to your ride. Top off these fluids or drop by our store and we can take a look for you!
Tires – Not only should you be checking the tread regularly but you should also be checking your tire’s pressure as well. Your tire’s tread should be checked and free of any stones, stray nails you may have picked up along the way, and they should be in good condition, ALL FOUR! Look for any cracks or uneven tread, this can be a result of a suspension problem. If you are planning to travel this Summer, your tires are an important part of that trip. Stop in to see us for any tire maintenance or questions you may have.
Air-Conditioning System – It can get hot in upstate New York, we all know this and having a poorly working air-conditioning system is not acceptable. If you’ve been having problems with your system, now is the time to act. There can be a multitude of reasons why your system is failing or having problems, leaks being one of the main causes. This system can be a bit tricky and may require a professional mechanics assistance in order to fix.
Air Filter – Your air filter may need a little bit of TLC after the spring we have had. Pollen, dirt, and dust may have clogged up your filter in the previous months and may create a problem when it comes to filtering your cabin air. These are often pretty easy to swap out and can be done at home but if you are unsure, our service department can assist you with all of your air filter needs!
Bada Bing Bada Specials – June Specials Are Here
Are you ready to celebrate the start of summer inside a new Jeep or RAM, we sure are! This month we have some pretty spectacular offers that will stand out from the rest. Let us get you into that new vehicle you have been dreaming of – meet us at Zappone and let’s go for a test drive!
2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited: lease for only $219/ month for 36 months*
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: lease for $279/ month for 36 months*
2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk: buy for only $29,655 and save up to $5,000 off MSRP*
2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn: lease for only $269/ month for 36 months*
2018 RAM 1500 Express: lease for just $169/ month for 36 months or buy for only $29,995 and save up to $8,100 off MSRP*
Whether you are a Jeep lover or a RAM lover, we have a great selection for all of our customers here at Zappone! Don’t miss out on the chance to get yourself into a newer vehicle this Summer! Schedule a test drive online or stop by our showroom and take one of these have-to-have vehicles for a spin around the area!
To Buy Or To Lease: A Guide
Buying or leasing a new vehicle is a big deal – we know there are a lot of options to choose from and sometimes they can be a little overwhelming. Like what color, trim, engine size, model, and more – these options can sometimes drive us crazy. And just when you thought you were done, your salesperson will ask if you want to buy or lease the vehicle. Don’t go pulling your hair out, we got you covered with tips on which option would be best for your wallet, lifestyle, and driveway!
Why you should lease:
- Smaller monthly payments
- Little to no down payment upfront
- The vehicle remains under warranty
- Newest and latest technology will accompany you
- Tax Savings
- Trade-in your old vehicle instead of selling
Why you should buy:
- No monthly payments after your loan is paid off
- You won’t have any mileage restrictions
- Customize your vehicle to your liking
- There are no excess wear and tear fees
- The vehicle is YOURS
- Your credit doesn’t have to be excellent
You may also want to think about your lifestyle and how much driving you do on a regular basis. If you drive more than the average person weekly, buying the vehicle may be a better option. We offer different mileage options to fit the needs of customers.
Also, consider how much you want to pay towards a vehicle monthly. If you prefer cheaper payments and no down payment, opt in for the lease. If you don’t mind a more expensive payment and look forward to paying off a loan, choose to buy the vehicle.
Whatever your needs may warrant, we can help get you into a car you love at an affordable price here at Zappone! Come see us and take your new vehicle for a test drive!
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