DIY Car Cleaning Tips

Summer means more road trips, more adventures, and more time in the car = more mess. We put together a few helpful DIY tips with products you might already have around your house that can keep your interior clean.  

• Use a Magic Eraser to carefully clean vinyl and leather.

• Scrub the textured areas of vinyl with a toothbrush.

• A water bottle and squeegee will pull animal hair up from your upholstery.

• Clean your floor mats with this DIY upholstery cleaner:

We’ve said goodbye to winter and hello to spring. During the winter our vehicles are doused with road salt, #1 leader in rust and corrosion, and spring brings out the potholes. The switch to warmer weather puts additional stress on your vehicle, but our MCC Service Department has a few helpful maintenance tips that will get your vehicle ready for those warm weather road trips.

1. Remove All the Salt - Take your vehicle to a car wash that sprays and cleans the undercarriage of your vehicle. The bottom of your car is mostly metal and is exposed the most to the winter elements and road salt. This salt will begin to eat away at the undercarriage of vehicles causing serious corrosion that is very difficult to repair. Make a car wash part of your spring cleaning and you can avoid the rust building up over the years.

2. Do a Brake Inspection - Ice and snow create slicker roads and for some drivers, more braking than usual. Nothing is more important that making certain your vehicle’s brake pads will help you avoid a collision.

3. Check your Alignment and Suspension - Potholes can throw a vehicle’s alignment off, this can increase the wear of your tires and put unneeded stress on your suspension. If you notice a pull or vibration in your steering wheel, it could be your alignment. Extend the life of your tires and engine by having your alignment and suspension checked by a certified mechanic.

4. Rotate Tires and Check Air Pressure - During the colder months, tire pressure fluxuates causing a slight difference in wear on all your vehicle's tires. Make certain to ask your certified technician to check the wear on your tires and rotate the best to the front, if needed.

5. Inspect All Fluids - Check your oil sticker, it is possible the last time your vehicle had an oil change was before winter hit. It is possible that is also the last time your vehicle’s fluids were checked. Think about having your transmission flushed. Since most drivers put more miles on their vehicle in the warmer months, it’s important to be certain your vehicle is ready for the spring/summer roads.

Call us to schedule your vehicle’s spring check up, 217.586.1942, ask for the MCC Spring Inspection to receive a discount.

What Type of Vehicle Fits Me?

When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, finding the right one is important. Here are a few things you should consider during at the beginning of your search.

Which car is best?  

There are a lot of different cars, SUVs, and trucks to decide from. You may search, “best minivan” or “best car for families with a car seat and dog.” What you are really asking is, which brand of vehicle is best for me? You may be Honda loyal, but are looking for an upgrade in design, why not consider an Acura - you get the luxury design with the Honda reliability. If safety and size are important, a Toyota Sienna may be the right minivan for you. Research consumer reviews and find a brand that aligns with your lifestyle.

Is this car right for me?  

Now that you know which brand(s) you like the most, ask yourself ‘does this fit my lifestyle?’ Do you drive more than 12,000 miles a year? (National average). How much space do you need? Do you like a sporty ride or a smooth drive? Do you need specific options - leather seats, entertainment system, stowaway storage, additional child safety features. Be certain you are searching for these features, like ‘sliding middle row’, you want to know if the vehicle will fit your lifestyle. Try to pinpoint which features are most important to you, because this can influence your budget.

Can I afford it?  

Now that you have a good idea of the vehicle that is the best for you, it’s time to figure out what fits within your budget. When you are shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, you automatically save 30% off of the initial factory pricing. Some of the best deals - value of car vs. retail price - can be found at a pre-owned dealership. Search for “Honda Pilot quotes” or “how much for a 2015 Toyota RAV4” or “third-row SUVs under $15,000”. Finding your perfect vehicle at the perfect price is one of the biggest parts of your search. What is left? Finding the best place to buy your next vehicle.

Where should I buy it?  

You are likely searching for “used car dealership near me” or already found the perfect Jeep Wrangler in your price range. Next, it is time to find the right dealership and schedule a test drive. You’ve done all your research for the right vehicle, but did you do your research the dealership? Look at customer’s reviews, these will give you a good idea of the kind of experience you might have working with them. While shopping close is ideal, consider expanding your search to “used dealerships within 50 miles of me” or “highest rated dealership”. The right dealer will be happy to work with you to find the best car that fits your lifestyle, at the best price.

Am I getting a deal?  

Of course you should get the best deal when making a purchase. You may even search “best prices for Acura RDX with 89,000 miles”. It is a common belief that dealerships offer vehicles at much higher prices, making you negotiate on the price until you “feel” you’ve gotten the best deal. But, why does it have to be that way? Why wait for a ‘Toyota Deal’ or ‘Kia Special’, if you can get that deal everytime? What if the dealership minimized their overhead giving all the saving back to you? What if your business helps support your local community and neighbors, wouldn’t that be nicer than worrying about negotiating for the “right deal”?

We at MCC, would love to help you find your perfect next car and show you how we have earned the business of a lot of happy customers of the years. We price our vehicles right, because our minimal overhead brings the savings to you. You have many choices when finding the right vehicle, at the right price at the right dealership. We hope you read our online reviews and consider coming by to experience the MCC difference.