2020

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips

Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5 / / / , , ,
A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOP 5 QUARANTINE CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

While the world stays at home during the COVID-19 crisis, it is still important that your car gets the care and attention it would normally receive. Lack of use can cause long-term damage, so here are the top five ways to keep your car running at peak performance:

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Go for a Weekly Drive

Although there are not many places to go, a quick drive around the neighborhood is still beneficial to the health of your car. Weekly drives will help keep your battery charged and will prevent rust from building up on your brakes. Going for a ride around the block is also a great way to safely enjoy some time out of your house or apartment.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

3. Keep Your Maintenance Schedule Intact

Even though you are not putting as many miles on your car, keeping your maintenance schedule intact is a must. Regular oil changes are still recommended since oil will deteriorate if the car is idle for an extended period of time. Please reference your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended time between oil changes.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

A man washing his car outside on a sunny day.

5. Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Car

On a nice day, spend some time outside and wash your car. Whether your car is being driven or just parked in the driveway, natural elements can still damage the exterior of the vehicle if not properly treated. Be sure to rid your car of any dirt, pollen and debris that has built up overtime. If your parked car is directly in the sun, consider parking it in the garage or buy a cover to preserve the paint.

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GrooveCar Direct Announces 10 New Credit Union Partnerships in Q1 2020

GrooveCar Direct, Partnerships, Press Release / / / , ,

GrooveCar Direct Announces 10 New Credit Union Partnerships in Q1 2020

Digital member engagement has become more important than ever. During these unprecedented times, credit unions are quickly adapting to their member’s need to complete more of the car purchase transaction online. This includes online tools to browse inventory, build vehicles within budget, and apply for financing, all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

GrooveCar Direct, the innovative solution for credit union engagement & auto loan growth with existing members, announces 10 additional partnerships to kick off 2020:

  • Alhambra CU, based in Lafayette LA, with assets of $27 million, serving 4,253 members
  • Awakon FCU, based in Onaway MI, with assets of $114 million, serving 13,024 members
  • Elevate CU, based in Brigham City UT, with assets of $146 million, serving 12,739 members
  • Ferguson FCU, based in Tylertown MS, with assets of $82, serving 9,677 members
  • Loudoun CU, based in Leesburg VA, with assets of $43 million, serving 6,118 members
  • Monmouth FCU, based in Monmouth ME, with assets of $19 million, serving 2,373 members
  • New Cumberland FCU, based in New Cumberland PA, with assets of $157 million, serving 19,159 members
  • Union Pacific Streamliner FCU, based in Omaha NE, with assets of $23 million, serving 2,997 members
  • Universal FCU, based in Huntington WV, with assets of $79 million, serving 6,895 members
  • Western Region FCU, based in Cleveland OH, with assets of $13 million, serving 2,354 members

GrooveCar Direct is the nation’s leading program to enhance member experience and auto loan engagement. Designed exclusively for credit unions of any size, GrooveCar Direct delivers the pivotal ability to reach existing members at any point in their car shopping journey, while providing each credit union partner with consultation services and marketing support.

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Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips

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TOP 5 WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Even though the holidays are in the rear view mirror, winter is still going strong in the Northeast. With icy roads and dropping temperatures, keeping your car running at peak performance can be challenging. Cold weather can affect everything from the health of your tires to your fuel lines. As you keep your eyes on the road ahead towards warmer weather, make sure you don’t overlook these important winter car maintenance tips:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Weather can be a significant factor in the health of your tires, especially the cold winter temperatures. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tire air pressure falls one pound per square inch of pressure. Low tire pressure causes more wear and tear on the tires, ultimately lowering your fuel efficiency. Make sure to keep your tires at the recommended PSI, which can be referenced in your car’s owner manual.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

3. Monitor Your Heater and Defroster

Make sure that your car heater and defroster continue to be in working condition. As obvious as it may seem, monitoring these functions of your car will keep you safe while driving this winter. It is important to give your car time to warm up and completely defrost any ice that may be on your windshield and windows. A frozen windshield will obstruct your visibility, putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

5. Stock Your Car with the Essentials

Make sure your car is fully equipped for any winter weather. You should always have an ice scraper and snow brush available to completely clean off your car before you start driving. Also, regularly replace your windshield wipers to keep your windshield streak-free and improve visibility during any potential snowfall.

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