Little Mistakes That Can Lead To Big Car Repair Bills

As anyone who’s ever owned a car knows, they are a huge financial responsibility. Aside from the initial purchase price, there’s insurance, gasoline, and of course, repairs and maintenance.

While some car repairs are unavoidable, there are others that are totally avoidable if you take proper care of your vehicle. Here are a few of the most costly car repairs that are avoidable with some simple preventive maintenance.

Never Ignore The Check Engine Light

Ignoring the check engine can lead to major engine damage that could have easily been avoided had the problem been addressed immediately. There are many reasons the light comes on such as a loose gas cap, bad oxygen sensor, or failed catalytic converter.

Failing To Replace The Battery When Needed

Depending on the battery's condition, most last anywhere from three to five years. If you're still driving on the original battery that came with the car, chances are it needs to be replaced. Modern vehicles are full of electronic features that put a strain on the electrical system, and an old battery will struggle to keep up.

If your battery is drained, it will take longer for your starter to turn over. Your vehicle now draws more electricity, and the alternator kicks in to throw additional amps at the battery in order to recharge it. All those things drawing current can be affected by the spikes and lows over time.

It's easy to eliminate a lot of electrical problems by replacing the battery when needed

Not Maintaining Proper Fuel Level.

Electric fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank. Running the pump dry can damage it. The debris from the bottom of the tank will also get into the fuel filter and clog it. This will reduce fuel flow to the engine and cause all sorts of drivability problems.

If you allow the fuel level to constantly run lower than a quarter tank full, you run the risk of having  to replace the fuel pump sooner than necessary. It sounds weird but gasoline has a cooling effect on the fuel pump, and running low all the time could potentially shorten its lifespan

Unnecessary Transmission Flushes

If you know the history of your car, it may be okay to do transmission flushes just as your preventative maintenance suggests. However If you don't know the history and the car is running fine, then you might reconsider getting it done.

When you fill your car with new transmission fluid, it has specially designed detergent in it to keep a transmission clean. The issue is that it can break loose debris already present in the transmission resulting in a clogged filter. If the filter gets clogged, it will restrict fluid flow and cause all sorts of problems.

Not Using The Proper Tire Size

Whether it's a spare tire or just buying tires not rated for your vehicle, putting the wrong size tire on your car will cause problems. The spare tire is rated for a limited amount of miles and speed, so you should only use it in an emergency situation.

When you drive with mismatched tire sizes, it can cause the vehicle's differential to think that the smaller tires are slipping. It then tries to compensate by sending more power to the wheels, which can cause even more tire slippage and eventually lead to differential failure.

Kicking Ice & Sludge To The Curb

You may just do it without thinking but kicking ice and sludge off your car's bumper, fender and doors can cause cracks or damage to plastic moldings. Think about it this way. When the temperature gets below freezing plastic can become very brittle.

So if you're tempted to kick your bumper, Don't. It could easily crack and need to be replaced. The same goes for plastic moldings and door handles. If possible wait for warmer temperatures, spray it off with a high pressure water nozzle at a car wash or just gently use a soft bristle brush.

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"Hey Guys, it's Jay at Backroads Automotive here again, we're going to talk about some CARFAX information like we did in the last video."

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READ VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW

" So here we have a Chevy Blazer that a gentleman did not purchase the other day based on the information on the CARFAX because it was in a minor accident." "But when you come in close and you look at the body lines on the bumper, body lines on the hood surrounding the headlights, surrounding the fog light and the plastics alike here you'll notice that all the body lines are tight. They're perfect because this was reported properly and then. Repaired properly, so you as the buyer have been educated, made aware of the incident. You can see that the repairs have been made properly."

" However, in contrast, when you look at this Honda Fit that we purchased this week, if you come around here: " "you'll notice what we noticed that the bumper alignment is off and loose. Come around the front, the emblem is missing and then we recognize we have an aftermarket grill with zip ties holding it on. So what does that lead us to do? Well, that leads my guys to investigate further as to what's going on and what do we find? That this car has actually been in a pretty bad front end accident and we have parts underneath that need to be replaced. The kicker is this is listed as a 1-owner no accident car. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident."

"So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident." " I hope the images and video above will help you in your next vehicle purchase. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident. So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident."

Did you see us at the 2024 Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade? Our team here at Back Roads Automotive really put on the Christmas magic. We had the honor of driving the Grand Marshall of the parade. It was the Grinch in a beautiful Mercedes-Benz convertible! He was funny and made memorable experiences for the families along the route. Many of the children bantered back and forth.

We partnered with Chesapeake City leaders as well as the Sheriff's department to provide 10 cars, trucks and SUV's. Our whole team pulled together to clean, decorate and join the party making it a fun night. We couldn't be more grateful for the hardworking and dedicated employees we have.

As you local hometown dealer, we always want to give back. This is just one of the ways! From our Back Roads Automotive team to yours... Happy Holidays!

Are you looking to sell your car? At Backroads Automotive, we make it easy. Whether you’re upgrading to a new model or simply need to get rid of an old one, we're here to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Why Choose Backroads Automotive to trade or sell with?

1. Expert Valuation: We use marketing software that utilizes KBB, Car Fax, JD Power and more to provide an average based on your vehicle's condition and market trends. Miles, options/features, service history and more are taken into account for a fair offer.

2. Quick and Efficient Process: We value your time. Selling your car through private listings can take weeks or even months. At Backroads Automotive, we streamline the process, allowing you to sell your car quickly and efficiently.

3. No Hidden Fees: Transparency is key in any transaction. When you sell your car to us, there are no hidden fees or surprise costs. What we quote is what you’ll get!

4. Convenient Location: Located at 343 N. Battlefield Blvd Chesapeake, VA 23320, Backroads Automotive is easily accessible. You can visit us for a free consultation and valuation, making the process more convenient for you.

5. Trusted Reputation: Our team here at Backroads Automotive has an excellent reputation. Our satisfied customers review us all the time and their kind recommendation is the best advertising money can buy.

Steps to Sell Your Car, Truck or SUV to Backroads Automotive:

1. Get in Touch: Contact us through our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment for a valuation of your vehicle.

2. Vehicle Inspection: Bring your car to our location where our experts will conduct a thorough inspection to assess its condition.

3. Receive Your Offer: After the inspection, we will provide you with a competitive offer based on the current market value of your car.

4. Complete the Sale: If you accept our offer, we handle all the paperwork and ensure a smooth transaction. You walk away with cash in hand!

Tips for a Successful Car Sale:

- Gather Documentation: Having your vehicle’s title, service records, and any warranties can help speed up the sale process.

- Be Honest About Your Car’s Condition: Transparency about any issues with your car builds trust and ensures a smoother transaction.

Conclusion:

Selling your car doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With Backroads Automotive, you can sell your car quickly, safely, and for a great price. Whether your vehicle is in pristine condition or it has seen better days, we are here to help. Visit us at www.BackroadsAutomotive.com or call us today to get started! By choosing Backroads Automotive, you’re not just selling your car; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to making your experience positive and rewarding. Don’t wait any longer – sell your car today!

Let Back Roads Automotive help you and your teen find the right car at the right price.  We have plenty of budget friendly choices.  We are your hometown dealer and work hard to make every teen’s first car memorable all the while ensuring the parents’ needs are also met.  We have bows, take pics for social media, make it fun and informative so they feel comfortable.  Here at Back Roads, they can drive different makes/models and test out the safety features.  There are plenty of roads here in Great Bridge/Hickory where they can drive at their comfort level.  We know they face unique challenges on the road due to their limited driving experience and maturity level.  Read more about our first cars and the memories we have.  Our team had fun reminiscing about our first car in a previous blog.

Here are some tips for teen drivers:

Make sure to enroll your teens into a driver's education program and be a great example as they watch you.  They may look at us and think maybe they can handle several things at one time.  Work with your teen to avoid distractions. Remind them to never text or use a cell phone while driving.

Practice makes progress!  Spend plenty of time practicing driving.  Start in low-traffic areas and gradually progress to more challenging driving conditions.  Day and night drives are both important. 

Limit other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio, to maintain focus on the road.

Ensure they always wear a seatbelt and that all passengers do the same.

Keep reminding them to adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed according to road and weather conditions.

Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for adequate reaction time.

Lastly, establish Clear Rules and Consequences.  Set clear rules and consequences for unsafe driving behavior, such as speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving. 

Thank you to the hundreds of families who entrusted us to help their teen with their first car.  We love what we do!  

We are your hometown dealer right here in Great Bridge/Hickory!  Our Back Roads Automotive team plays a crucial role in supporting and contributing everyday. We are deeply connected to our neighbors, friends and associates.  You will see us around town as well as our loaner car and Yellow Truck. 

Our local high schools always need help and we sponsor FOUR of them! You'll see our Back Roads Automotive logo on the fields and in the gyms.

We do quarterly photo shoots for free for local families and post some of them to our Face Book page. Check it out!

Restaurants here in town get a boost from us every Saturday because we buy a huge team lunch.

We create jobs!  We are very proud of our team and will continue to hire great, experienced people!  85% of our employees live in Chesapeake. 

All our vehicles are serviced at local shops so that helps many Chesapeake families. Firestone, Great Bridge Muffler & Brake, Bells Mill Auto Care, window tint, radio shops, body shops etc. are just a few of the businesses boosted by our vehicle sales.

So, when you buy from our small company, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping an employee's daughter get karate lessons, a dad get his son's soccer team jerseys, a family put good food on the table or pay a mortgage. Our customers are our shareholders, and THEY are the ones we strive to make happy.

Thank you for supporting local businesses!

It's important for customers to be informed.  Buying a purchase as large as a vehicle can take time.  We want to give our readers an insider's look into our store and how we operate.  It's very different!  It's not a traditional set up. 

Fall is here and you can especially feel it today!  If you are like us here at Back Roads Automotive, you are happy to have the kids settled at school, enjoy some cooler temperatures, and get ready for a beautiful autumn here in Chesapeake.  We are lucky to be so close to the mountains and the beach.  Even the outer banks in North Carolina is a fun destination after summer.  Way less traffic too!

Here’s some things to get you in the mood for some fall fun!

Our team here loves to eat and share recipes.  My personal favorite is old fashioned sweet potato pie.  But pretty much anything pumpkin, with apples, and spices are great. You can’t go wrong with comfort foods and baked goods.

Fall activities like hiking, apple picking, or visiting pumpkin patches are within easy reach.

Time for us to unpack our Back Roads winter gear. 

Halloween is coming and we get spooky!  We love to decorate, and you may even see our skeletons sitting around doing nothing! Don’t forget your autumn-themed decorations, including DIY projects.

Don’t forget to stay healthy during the colder months, including nutrition and self-care.

We are thankful for our great community here in Chesapeake, Moyock, Currituck and the whole Tidewater area.  We love what we do and appreciate each and every one of you who shopped with us.  We look forward to helping you, your family, friends, and co-workers.   Lastly, be grateful for a fun and safe summer and take a minute to enjoy fall!

Buying Your First Car 

The excitement of buying and personalizing your first car is a memorable experience for many people including us. It represents a significant milestone and a sense of independence. Here at Back Roads Automotive, we love to help first time buyers get a great vehicle and create wonderful memories. Ones they will remember...like we do.  Check out our own memories below! 

Jay Sawyer, who is our CEO owned a 1988 White Jeep Cherokee and loved it.  Summertime at the beach with a 4 Wheel Drive SUV gave him freedom and independence to hit the road and break hearts.  No more riding with friends to get around.  He could explore new places here in Hampton Roads and all the way down to the outer banks.  

Jim Hayden is our Sales Manager and he had a 1972 Buick Lesabre that could fit eight friends!  Jokingly, he said he could fit four more in the trunk!  It was a beautiful dark Green with a vinyl top.  Riding in style was his game.  Jim said buying his first car was a big step into adulthood.  

Brian Korich is our Finance Manager, and he wins "most interesting".  He owned a 1976 White Datsun B210 Honey Bee Edition.  Boy, was it special with roll-up windows, no radio or AC.  But it did have a Black racing stripe!  He had moved two hours away, so his first memorable trip was back home to see is friends. 

Tammy Baker is our Controller. Her first vehicle was a 1972 White Celica. Super sporty at the time. The car business is in her blood, and she was lucky to pick out her Celica from her family's lot. What a great experience that must have been as a young woman getting your first vehicle.

Paul Huffman, is in Sales and he drove a 1977 Red Trans Am.  Now, that was a cool ride!  The sheer thrill of having the car everyone knows due to the Smokey and the Bandit movie was undeniable. The anticipation of hopping in that fine ride and everyone admiring it was incredibly exciting as a teenager.  

Taylor Doyle is in Sales.  Buying his 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT in sleek Silver was the reward of his hard work.  Of course, it was fast, but Taylor said he was sure to obey ALL the traffic laws... LOL.  He said there was a sense of pride in being able to show off his new GT to friends and family and he put some miles on it for sure! 

Jeremy Ocheltree is in Sales, and he owned a 2003 Dodge SRT4.  He was sixteen and working his first job driving this fast car.  It was a manual transmission with a 4-cylinder turbo, 215 horsepower making the top speed 153 mph.  Wonder how he knows that?  Another fast driver we guess.  

Patty Mauf is our Title Clerk, and her first vehicle was a 1980 White Reliant K car.  It was big and square, and her friends nicknamed it the "box car".  She was in Madison South Dakota and drove it to neighboring towns and to the mall like most teens.  She had finicky headlights that pointed upwards and tricked the street lights sometimes.  Good memories with friends are what it's about.  

Justin Onufrak is one of our Technicians and he had a great first memory.  His parents surprised him at Christmas with a 1988 White Chevrolet Celebrity topped with a big red bow.  He didn't even have his license yet, so it was very special.  He loved driving on the back roads with his friends and could fit quite a few of them into his car.  Justin has owned a lot of vehicles since then.  Now, he gets to share that love of automobiles and racing with his son!  

Troy McBee is our Digital Marketer and his parents surprised him with a Blue 1997 Ford F-250. He learned how to work on it over time and because he lived out west, he really took advantage of the mountains, snow and camping.  He drove it for quite some time and had a lot of fun exploring Casper Wyoming!  

Mary Anthony in Sales bought her Red 1982 Toyota SR5 on her own.  She quickly learned ownership costs money.  The new rims and tires were pricey!  Luckily her dad helped with that effort. There's joy in owning a vehicle, there's also a realization of maintenance, insurance, and other aspects to consider like back-to-back speeding tickets.  Even though the truck wasn't fast, the Suffolk police noticed it! 

Lorenzo Woods is in Detail and wins most vehicles at 18 years old with three!  A 1989 Nissan Sentra that was Black with silver rims, a Gray Nissan truck and of course a motorcycle.  They were tangible symbols of his hard work and ability to make important decisions at a very young age.  And he really enjoyed all three of them!

Arland Morrow is in Detail, and he had a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix that was Brown with a vinyl top. The coolest feature was the driver's seat would turn when you wanted to get out.  It also had the fancy headlights.  He saved up to get it by working at McDonalds and then took it to Maryland for a road trip.  He worked hard to get what he wanted at a young age.  

Remembering the excitement of buying your first car is a cherished memory for many, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in life and the start of countless adventures on the road.

 We offer a Tire and Wheel Road Hazard Warranty that offers several benefits to you!  Here are some of the key advantages:

It's financial!  If you are a daily driver, you already know the roads here in Hampton Roads can be tricky.  Our warranty options provide financial coverage for repair or replacement of tires and wheels damaged by road hazards such as potholes, nails, glass, and debris. It helps save you money on unexpected repair costs.

Because Back Roads Automotive offers this coverage, you'll have peace of mind knowing you are protected against unforeseen damages caused by road hazards. This can also reduce your stress when it happens because of potential repair expenses.

Road hazard repairs or replacements can be expensive. Our warranty covers these costs, resulting in significant savings over time. Without the warranty, you would have to bear these expenses out of pocket.

You are covered!  You can quickly address issues without a significant disruption to your schedule.  We are all busy and it saves time. 

Talk to our business manager today about all the valuable programs we offer here at Back Roads Automotive - 757.410.2400!