Jumper Cables

Jun 14, 2021

Unfortunately, batteries die. If your battery has died, you are going to need a jump so you can at least get enough juice to make it to your next stop. With jumper cables in your car, it’s easier to get a jump from a fellow traveler on the road.

Sometimes, you may have car troubles at night. To ensure you have enough light to see what’s going on, you should keep a flashlight (and backup batteries) in your car.

First Aid Kit

Jun 14, 2021

You never know when someone is going to get hurt. A properly stocked first aid kit will have not only bandages but also antiseptic wipes, burn gel, ice packs, and more. It will allow you to get a passenger taken care of so that you can move forward on your journey without having to stop to find a walk-in clinic.

If you break down, youll want to signal to other drivers that youre in distress. Especially if youre on the shoulder, drivers need to know where youre at. The reflective warning triangles should be placed in front of and behind your vehicle.

If youre lucky, it can also signal roadside assistance that you need some help.

Tire Gauge

Jun 14, 2021

A tire gauge will help you to see what’s going on with tire pressure. If the pressure is high or low, you can make the necessary adjustments at the next gas station where there’s an air dispenser.

Gallon of Water

Jun 14, 2021

If your engine overheats, there may be a problem with the radiator. Summer heat can be particularly brutal on the cooling components of your car. By having a gallon of water on hand, you can fill the radiator reservoir. It will be enough to cool your engine down. Then, you’ll want to get your car into a service center as soon as you have the chance.

Tire Sealant

Jun 14, 2021

If you get a flat tire, you’ll want to get back on the road as quickly as possible. There may not be any reason for you to change out to your spare (if you even have one). The foam tire sealant comes in a can. You can quickly attach the can to your tire valve. The foam will enter the tire and fill in any small holes. Within minutes, you can be back on the road.

Two people packing the trunk of a car

Road trips are exciting. The moment you hit the road, you’re going to be there for hours – and maybe even days. You’ll want to ensure that your car is prepared for the extended time on the road.

At Sun Chevrolet, we can introduce you to the hottest and most spacious models on the market. Of course, if you already have a car that you love, you can bring it in to our service center so that we can make sure that it’s prepared for the added miles.

No matter what, we have a few recommendations for what you should keep in your car. It can ensure that your road trip is both fun and flawless.

Tire Sealant

If you get a flat tire, you’ll want to get back on the road as quickly as possible. There may not be any reason for you to change out to your spare (if you even have one). The foam tire sealant comes in a can. You can quickly attach the can to your tire valve. The foam will enter the tire and fill in any small holes. Within minutes, you can be back on the road.

Tire Gauge

A tire gauge will help you to see what’s going on with tire pressure. If the pressure is high or low, you can make the necessary adjustments at the next gas station where there’s an air dispenser.

Gallon of Water

If your engine overheats, there may be a problem with the radiator. Summer heat can be particularly brutal on the cooling components of your car. By having a gallon of water on hand, you can fill the radiator reservoir. It will be enough to cool your engine down. Then, you’ll want to get your car into a service center as soon as you have the chance.

First Aid Kit

You never know when someone is going to get hurt. A properly stocked first aid kit will have not only bandages but also antiseptic wipes, burn gel, ice packs, and more. It will allow you to get a passenger taken care of so that you can move forward on your journey without having to stop to find a walk-in clinic.

Reflective Warning Triangles

If you break down, you’ll want to signal to other drivers that you’re in distress. Especially if you’re on the shoulder, drivers need to know where you’re at. The reflective warning triangles should be placed in front of and behind your vehicle.

If you’re lucky, it can also signal roadside assistance that you need some help.

Jumper Cables

Unfortunately, batteries die. If your battery has died, you are going to need a jump so you can at least get enough juice to make it to your next stop. With jumper cables in your car, it’s easier to get a jump from a fellow traveler on the road.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Sometimes, you may have car troubles at night. To ensure you have enough light to see what’s going on, you should keep a flashlight (and backup batteries) in your car.

Solar Phone Charger

If your car dies and you need to call for help, you’ll need a phone with a full charge. Dead cars won’t charge your phone, so a solar charger ensures that the sun can do its part to help you out.

Snacks

You may end up going for hundreds of miles on a stretch of road with no gas stations or restaurants in sight. Non-perishable snacks can keep everyone from getting hangry. They’re also particularly helpful to have on hand if you have to wait a few hours for a tow truck.

Trash Bag

You’re bound to be eating and drinking in your car. After all, to make good time, you want to limit your stops. Prepare for the wrappers and the empty bottles by having a trash bag in your car. When you finally do stop, you can toss it to keep your car as clean as possible.

Prepare for a Road Trip Today

Preparing for a road trip should be fun, not stressful. Visit us at Sun Chevrolet today so that we can help with the details. We’ll get you set up with an oil change, a tire rotation, and even provide you with some tips on how to make the most of a road trip. Call for an appointment or stop in during operating hours today.

What to Do Now

May 14, 2021

When youre all done prepping your car, you can either give us a call to make an appointment for your visit, or you can just come down with your trade-in and start shopping for your dream car. We hope to see you soon at Sun Chevrolet.

Car salesman holding key to his client after signing contract

Check for Repairs

Try to fix any small issues by yourself. Have a friend take the driver’s seat and try all the lights as you walk around the vehicle to make sure they all work. You can easily and inexpensively replace burned-out bulbs.

Fill up the essential fluids for the transmission, brakes, coolant, etc. Don’t forget the oil as well. If you have major repairs, you don’t have to worry about them. That’s why we have a service department.

Go for your own test drive to make sure that the engine and everything else is working correctly. If you note any issues, such as rough running or an indicator on the dash isn’t working, please bring them to our attention.


Make It Shine

First impressions count even when trading in your vehicle to us. Make your trade-in look good by emptying the interior, vacuuming, and cleaning. Wash the exterior and add a coat of wax. You can do all of this yourself to save money. However, if you don’t have the time or desire, you can have your car professionally detailed at a small cost.


Clear the Tech

The infotainment system makes your drive more convenient but it’s also a vault full of information that your probably want to keep confidential. Delete your home addresses, favorite destinations, and travel history from the navigation system. Erase your calling history and disconnect the Bluetooth system from your phone. If you have any data subscriptions, call your service provider and have them terminated. If you’re lucky, you may get some of your subscription money back.


Prep the Documents

Create a folder when you can store all documents related to your car including the title (pink slip), registration, service records, and any other paperwork that might be important to buyers. A well-running vehicle that has been taken in for all its scheduled maintenance is worth more. You don’t have to pull the vehicle history report because we will do that.


Supply the Equipment

If you have extra keys or original equipment that you’ve kept away from the vehicle, submit them with your trade-in. For example, you may have stored the owner’s manual in your home library. Put that back in the glove compartment. We won’t give you credit for any items that are missing.

If there’s any equipment that you added later that is not original to the vehicle, such as phone holders or trashcans, take them out to put in your next vehicle. We can’t give you credit for accessories that you added yourself.


Find Out Your Vehicle’s Estimated Value

If you know your vehicle’s estimated value ahead of time, you’ll be able to judge our offer more accurately. Ignore the retail value, which is what a private seller can offer. We deal only in wholesale values because we need to make a profit off your trade-in.

Although the Internet is full of sites that claim to give you the right values, a reliable one to use is My Car’s Value from Kelley Blue Book, the noted auto authority. After you fill in basic information about your vehicle, it gives you both the Trade-in and Private Party value.


But Don’t Worry About Your Car Loan – Mostly

You generally don’t have to worry about your car loan on a trade-in because we can find some way of paying the loan off when we arrange your financing.

However, if you owe more on the vehicle than the vehicle is worthy, you have negative equity. Anything you get for your car will be too low to pay off the loan. We will need to come up with a way to deal with that in our discussions with you. For example, we could add that negative equity to your loan, which will raise your payment.

What to Do Now

When you’re all done prepping your car, you can either give us a call to make an appointment for your visit, or you can just come down with your trade-in and start shopping for your dream car. We hope to see you soon at Sun Chevrolet.