American Car Center Official Blog
Great Summertime Destinations of the Southeast
By digital | Posted in Locations on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 at 3:49 PM
The Southeast boasts many amazing locations and attractions surprisingly close to home for a sensational summer getaway! Let’s discover a few.
The Gulf Coast – Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Panama City Beach, Florida, are beach towns popular with families for their natural white sand beaches, casual charm, water sports, camping, and more. The region is anchored at each end, respectively, by the vibrancy of Tampa Bay and the cultural richness of New Orleans.
Washington, D.C. – For history buffs and families, the District of Columbia is a traditional and everlasting summer destination. The nation’s capital has dozens of free things to do, including 17 Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, daytime fun at the Capital Riverfront’s Yards Park, and evening strolls of monuments and memorials, and many more outdoor activities. Diverse neighborhoods, markets, restaurants, and entertainment are yours to explore.
Music Highway, Tennessee – The I-40 corridor runs between Nashville and Memphis, two cities pivotal to the development of American popular music. Nashville, nicknamed the Music City, is home to Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Bluebird Café. In Memphis, you can witness the monumental size and slowness of the Mississippi River, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, and walk along the historic quarter-mile Beale Street, billed Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock and Roll. Both Nashville and Memphis are famous for Southern cuisine and BBQ.
The Ozark Mountains – Branson, Missouri, is a popular entertainment destination celebrating country music and Ozark culture. Bentonville, Arkansas, draws visitors from across the country to the Crystal Bridges Museum of National Art. Clean air, sparkling lakes and rivers, national forests, and historic sites appeal to lovers of the outdoors.
Orlando, Florida – This Florida hub is America’s top leisure travel destination year after year for good reason. It is the world’s amusement park capital, home to the largest and best-known theme parks on the planet. Disney parks include the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, and Typhon Lagoon. Movie-themed Universal Orlando has three parks, including its newest, Volcano Bay water park. SeaWorld offers its own kind of water thrills: up-close animal experiences, plus rollercoasters!
Atlanta, Georgia – The capital of Georgia is filled with immense cultural and historical significance, great food, and fun. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site chronicles his life and the civil rights movement. Six Flags over Georgia, the Georgia Aquarium, and Stone Mountain provide whole-family entertainment and outdoor fun. For foodies, a visit to the Krog Street Market is a must-do.
The Southeast is filled with incredible yet affordable destinations perfect for endless summertime excitement. American Car Center hopes your summer escape is interesting, fun, and relaxing.
Before you go, visit a convenient American Car Center location for a huge inventory of great late model and low-mileage vehicles, each with a fantastic limited warranty, oil changes included. Rely on us to help you find a terrific vehicle simply and quickly so that you can make the most out of your summertime travel adventure.
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The Super Easy Essentials of Preventative Maintenance
By digital | Posted in Maintenance on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 at 4:46 PMDo you know simple preventative maintenance can increase your vehicle’s reliability and make the dollars in your wallet last longer? Occasional TLC goes a long way! The reason behind this is simple: when a car is running smoothly and performing as it should, the engine and other critical components are less fatigued, which means you can focus on the road instead of that worrisome dashboard light. American Car Center is here to share the basics of essential car care to enhance your ride and improve your family’s safety.
Read the owner’s manual. No, really. It is jammed with information explaining your vehicle’s features and functions, including the important maintenance that needs to be regularly done. This ranges from how and when to change your motor oil, belt inspections, changing filters, and more. The manual will also outline all safety measures to take as you go through your car tune up checklist.
The 2-minute inspection. A walkaround can reveal issues with headlights, taillights, and turn signals (have them on during the inspection), and shows underinflated tires, and body and undercarriage rust. Under the hood, do a quick car battery check, looking for any frayed cables, cracks in the casing, corrosion, dirt, and other signs of damage. It’s also important to check your fluid levels, such as motor oil and windshield wiper fluid. Should you see a leak, get it checked out right away to lessen any further damage and costly repairs. While under the hood, check that the hoses and belts are snug and free of cracks and excessive wear.
Check and change motor oil regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure that your ride runs smoothly. Take the dipstick out of the holder and clean it with a cloth or paper towel. Reinsert it into the holder and remove it again to see if the level is between the two notches on the dipstick. If the level is below the bottom notch, more oil is needed. Refer to the manual for how often you should change your oil and what type is best suited for your vehicle. If the oil is really dark or muddy, have it changed. All vehicles leased from American Car Center have oil changes included for up to 3 years!
Check engine coolant, antifreeze, and steering fluid. These all come with dipsticks or gauges, making it easy to check fluid levels at a glance. Even if you have a mechanic refill them, knowing your levels can prevent unnecessary damage.
Check – rotate – change..Proper tire inflation will improve your ride and fuel economy. Using an inexpensive tire pressure gauge, it is easy to measure your tire pressure and adjust it according to the levels specified inside the driver’s door. Tires should also be rotated about every 6,000 miles according to a set pattern for tire type. By rotating regularly, the pace of wear is not increased in any given section of the tread, and traction (and safety) is increased. The lifespan of a tire has two parts: usage/mileage and time since manufacture. A typical all-season tire has a warranty of 60,000 miles, but even if the tires are only lightly used, the rubber compounds deteriorate to unsafe levels after about seven years.
Replace filters. Automobiles have filters to enable flows and catch impurities. The cabin filter cleans the air that comes into your car by keeping out dust, pollen, and more. The air filter prevents debris from reaching the engine and ensures a quality mixture of air and fuel to sustain performance. New filters keep your vehicle more efficient by preserving its systems and improving fuel economy. Replacing the filters about every 12,000 miles is easy.
Replace spark plugs. These small components help maintain engine efficiency, but gunk build-up eventually decreases their capability. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often spark plugs will need to be replaced and where they are located under the hood. They may need to be replaced sooner if your vehicle struggles to accelerate, has trouble starting, worsening fuel economy, or makes popping misfire sounds.
Replacing windshield wipers. Wipers can take a real beating. Once water starts to streak the windshield after every swipe, it may be time to swap them out for new ones. Wipers are made of two parts – the metal arm and the blade – so you may only need to replace the blade and not the arm. Lengths and sizes vary but wiper manufacturers and auto part retailers make it easy to find the proper model for your vehicle, often with online selector tools on their websites.
Regular preventative maintenance is such an easy and inexpensive way to get the most out of your vehicle to sustain its performance, reliability, safety, and value.
If your vehicle requires increasingly constant maintenance, come visit American Car Center now to find a terrific late model and low mileage used car, or SUV with a great limited warranty. All of our nearly 70 conveniently located stores have a fantastic selection of vehicles – and one just right for you!
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Improving Your Fuel Efficiency
By digital | Posted in Maintenance on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Driving style affects how far a car can go on a tank of gas. To get the most out of every gallon, American Car Center has some simple driving suggestions.
Be smooth
Swap sprints to the next red light, quick starts, and sudden stops for steady acceleration, light braking, and consistent cruising. Leave plenty of room between your car and others to reduce the number of speed changes and stops you make. Your brakes will thank you, too.
Take it easy
At very high or very low speeds, vehicles use more fuel. Going easy on the gas, driving at moderate speeds, and staying within speed limits, especially on highways, are great ways to improve fuel economy.
Idle no more
Running a parked vehicle uses a lot of gas. When waiting more than a couple of minutes Turn off your engine and only re-start when you are ready to go.
Plan
Combining trips and knowing your route will reduce back-tracking and gas use. If possible, do not drive in weather such as heavy rain or strong wind or in muddy, icy, hot, or cold conditions. These conditions increase gas consumption by reducing traction and engine efficiency.
Roll ‘em up
At higher speed, keeping windows up will add miles to your tank by improving vehicle aerodynamics.
Be sweet to your car
Decrease the weight and wind drag of your car by removing unneeded items from your vehicle. Keep your tires inflated at the proper pressure. Regularly service your car according to its maintenance schedule.
American Car Center helps you save your money at the pumps and by providing a lease on a great late model, low-mileage vehicle. All our vehicles include a limited powertrain warranty and oil changes. Visit one of our convenient locations near you to find out more.
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American Car Center Opens in Fort Myers, Florida!
By digital | Posted in Locations on Thursday, May 27th, 2021 at 4:09 PM
American Car Center has arrived in the great Gulf city of Fort Myers, Florida!
For more than twenty years, across the Southeast and throughout the Sunshine State, American Car Center has established itself as a fast growing and innovative dealership network by serving and earning the trust of hard working Americans, making it easier to drive a top-notch late model and low mileage vehicle despite past credit history.
American Car Center has nearly 70 convenient stores, each with an enormous selection of fantastic cars, SUVs, and trucks. To make it even easier for you, American Car Center is thrilled to serve the wonderful people of Fort Myers from our brand new and modern location at 2562 Colonial Boulevard.
Visit right away to let us find your perfect ride simply and quickly. Each vehicle lease includes a limited powertrain warranty of up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, and oil changes, too!
Fort Myers is the gateway to southwest Florida on the sunny Gulf coast, a major tourist hub – think beaches, shopping, and fishing – and a regional commercial center. With an eye to the future, Fort Myers is celebrated for its historic and colorful past with four designated historic districts: Edison Park, Dean Park, Downtown, and Seminole Park, plus almost 20 designated historic sites. American Car Center is excited to call this terrific city home.
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Change Your Cabin and Air Filters with Ease
By digital | Posted in Maintenance on Thursday, May 6th, 2021 at 1:20 PMAutomobiles have filters to enable flows and catch impurities. The cabin filter cleans the air that comes into your car by keeping out dust, pollen, and more. The air filter prevents debris from reaching the engine and ensures a quality mixture of air and fuel to sustain performance. New filters keep your vehicle more efficient by preserving its systems and improving fuel economy.
Replacing the filters about every 12,000 miles is so easy.
The cabin filter change is simple do in minutes. If behind the glove box (check your owner’s manual), remove the stopping arm of the glove box by sliding off the pin then squeeze its front and back sides together so that it can drop down to reveal the cabin filter area. Lift the latches on the faceplate to pull out the filter. Clean the filter chamber and check the seals and gaskets for cracks. Slide in the new filter with the arrows pointing in the same direction as on the old. Last, reverse the steps taken to remove the glove box to reattach.
Changing the air filter requires only a few tools – flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, pliers – and a few minutes. Under the hood, find the air filter housing connected to a large air intake hose. Remove the cover by releasing the screws or clamps with the appropriate tool. Lift out the filter, clean inside the housing, and inspect the seal and hose for cracks. Insert the new filter same as the old filter was removed and re-fasten the cover with the screws or clamps.
And you’re done!
American Car Center has the perfect vehicle for your summer driving dreams. With over 60 stores across the Southeast – each with a huge inventory of amazing low-mileage late model vehicles with up to a 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and included oil changes! – American Car Center is conveniently located where you live or work.
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DISCLAIMER: Maintain your vehicle according to manufacturer’s specifications. American Car Center is not responsible for any damages or injuries sustained while following the steps in this guide.
The Importance of Oil Changes
By digital | Posted in Maintenance on Thursday, March 11th, 2021 at 3:14 PM
While it can be tempting to delay changing your vehicle’s engine oil, in the long run, making sure that the engine has everything it needs to run properly will save you time and money. American Car Center recommends regular oil changes regularly to ensure that the internal parts of the engine are kept cool and well-lubricated.
Without regular oil changes, a vehicle’s engine will experience greater wear and damage as its moving parts grind against one another. Sludge, dirt, and moisture can build up, sometimes causing expensive repairs. Oil change time is also a great occasion to give your ride a little TLC. For example, you might replace worn windshield wiper blades, check hoses, and belts for wear or top-up fluids.
Different cars require different types of motor oil. Your owner’s manual will recommend the type of oil you should use and how frequently it should be changed. Changing the engine oil of your vehicle regularly will improve its performance and reliability and your own enjoyment behind the wheel.
Luckily, American Car Center has got you covered. Oil changes are included with all our vehicles for up to three years!
An easy oil change that you can happily circle on your calendar is one way that American Car Center makes driving better.
American Car Center has a massive selection of great late-model, low-mileage cars, and SUVs. Let us find the perfect vehicle for you no matter your credit history. In addition to oil changes, vehicles from American Car Center also include up to a 3-year or 36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. In just over twenty years, American Car Center has expanded across the Southeast to more than 67 convenient locations dedicated to matching hard-working Americans like you with excellent vehicles.
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Tax Time Savings at American Car Center
By digital | Posted in King of Credit Posts on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 8:25 PM
$1 Today to Drive It Away means that you do not have to wait for your tax refund to get into a great vehicle right now at American Car Center!
It is so simple – throughout February, visit one of our nearby stores with your tax return and you could be eligible for a $1 down payment on a new ride from American Car Center’s massive selection of great late model and low-mileage vehicles. It is really that easy.
Throughout the Southeast, American Car Center has over 65 locations where we pair outstanding vehicles with fantastic people whatever their credit history. All our cars and SUVs come with a limited powertrain warranty of up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, with oil changes included!
Visit American Car Center right now to save time and money – just bring your tax return and you could qualify to put only $1 down on a fantastic vehicle.
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DISCLAIMER: This advertisement is for a LEASE. A sample lease as described in this advertisement for a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is $1 due at lease signing, with $2,000 cap cost reduction deferred until 3/1/21, and $483 per month for 49 months. This excludes taxes, sales tax and title fees. A security deposit is required. All lease payments, terms, and credit qualifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. Not all lessees will qualify. Additional lease terms and options may be available. Offer only available for a limited time. Call 1-877-720-4477 for details about costs and terms or to obtain a copy of this disclosure.
A Guide to Winterize Your Ride
By digital | Posted in Car Safety on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at 3:03 PMModern vehicles are more reliable and durable than ever but for added safety and peace-of-mind there are some easy ways from American Car Center to winterize your ride:
Change the windshield wipers and refill the wiper fluid. Working windshield wipers and a solid supply of wiper fluid help to ensure clear sightlines. Replace frayed or worn wipers and top up your wiper fluid tank with a lower-freezing temperature fluid.
Check the battery. Cold weather is tough on your vehicle’s battery. Check and clean up areas of corrosion on connections and posts. Consider running a battery load test on batteries more than five years old.
Adjust engine oil viscosity. In the winter, your engine will run more effectively with a thinner engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for information on proper viscosity levels for colder temperatures.
Check belts and hoses. Cold temperatures can weaken the belts and hoses that help make your engine run; examine them for cracks and wear and replace worn parts.
Verify the anti-freeze mixture. The ratio of anti-freeze to water in your radiator should be about 1:1 to prevent the coolant in your radiator from freezing. To check the composition of your radiator’s fluid, pick-up an inexpensive anti-freeze tester at an auto parts store.
Examine the four-wheel drive. Working correctly, Four-wheel drive can provide better traction when driving on snowy and icy roads. Have it examined by a mechanic before winter weather sets in to ensure the system engages smoothly and that transmission and gear fluids are at their correct level.
Check the tire pressure. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop. A properly inflated tire ensures the best traction essential for driving in wintry conditions.
Stock emergency supplies. You never know when you will need them so be prepared by having your vehicle ready with emergency supplies, such as, a blanket, new flashlight batteries and booster cables.
Consider winter tires. Snow tires are made of a softer rubber than all-season tires which allows them to retain flexibility in the cold and have channels and grooves designed to grip into snow and ice. Winter tires improve safety at temperatures below 44°.
When the weather is frosty, the roads are likely to be slippery. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, slow down and keep space between your vehicle and others. Take a few simple steps to winterize your vehicle to increase safety and performance this season.
American Car Center has more than 67 stores conveniently located throughout the Southeast. All locations have an amazing selection of low mileage, late-model vehicles each with a limited powertrain warranty of up to three years or 36,000 miles, oil changes included.
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American Car Center Opens in Charleston
By digital | Posted in Locations on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 4:42 PM
Hello Charleston!
American Car Center is one of America’s fastest-growing used vehicle dealership networks. We are so very thrilled to have a brand new and modern location in Charleston, South Carolina! Across the Southeast, from Memphis to South Florida, St. Louis to Savannah, and now in Charleston, we are here for you with more than 65 modern locations.
For over 20 years, American Car Center has worked hard to find just the right vehicle for every one of our hard-working clients so that they may live fuller lives and achieve their dreams. American Car Center believes that people with good jobs should be able to drive a reliable vehicle whatever their credit history.
American Car Center makes the experience of finding a previously owned vehicle effortless and rewarding. We know your time is money and that the convenience of a nearby location matters. That has inspired us to open more locations to better serve you and is why we are pleased to have a store in the core of South Carolina. We want to make driving away in a great vehicle as fast, smooth, and easy as 1–2–3.
Every American Car Center location has a massive selection of fantastic late-model and low mileage used vehicles and each vehicle comes with a limited powertrain warranty of up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, oil changes included.
At once, historic and hip, charming and vibrant, it is no wonder that Charleston has been called America’s greatest city. Visitors love its quaint cobblestone streets, historic districts, and picturesque harbor but Charleston, sprinkled with beautiful parks, vital neighborhoods, and a growing economy, is a great place to live. American Car Center is excited to call this wonderful city home and its amazing people neighbors.
Charleston – never has it been more convenient nor a better time than now to find that perfect ride at our newest location on Rivers Avenue.
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Proper Tire Maintenance
By digital | Posted in Car Safety on Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 at 9:38 PM‘Where the rubber meets the road’ is not just a fantastic expression but fact. The tire tread is the only part of your vehicle that contacts the pavement. Everything else – ride quality, safety, and every other system – depends on the excellence of that contact. American Car Center presents simple tire maintenance tips to keep your drives smooth and easy.
Maintain proper pressure. The most common reason for tire damage is improper inflation. Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb. If you have changed size or load index, ask for what your new air pressure should be. Most modern vehicles are now equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system or TPMS. Check inflation at least once a month and before long trips using an accurate tire pressure gauge. It is best to check your tires when they are cold. Make sure to check your spare tire, at least periodically.
Balance your tires. In a balanced tire, rubber compounds are well distributed inside. Tires that are not balanced properly wear out more quickly and cause a vibration in the vehicle. This promotes driver fatigue, premature or uneven tire wear and damage to your vehicle’s suspension. Tires should be balanced when they are first mounted on wheels, or when they are remounted and, at the first sign of vibration.
Maintain proper alignment. Tires wear unevenly if the vehicle’s suspension system is not well aligned. Should you see uneven front or rear tire wear, or changes to the vehicle’s handling, such as pulling to one side, have your alignment checked.
Rotate your tires. Due toeach tire supporting different amounts of weight and unique driving patterns, one tire will usually wear out faster than the others. To ensure even wear on all tires, rotate them regularly, about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles spent on the road, using the correct pattern for vehicle type.
Check for damage frequently. To prevent flats and blowouts, make a habit of inspecting your tires for road debris, such as stones, cracks, knots, bulges or penetrations If you spot an abnormality, the tire should be removed and inspected by an expert.
Fix flats. Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to ¼-inch deep that are confined to the tread area can be repaired by a trained technician. Avoid on-the-wheel repairs as they are not reliable and can cause further damage to the tire. Do not try to repair tires with tread punctures larger than ¼-inch wide or any sidewall puncture. Again, ensure your spare is ready and properly inflated.
Clean sidewalls with a mild soap solution. Other materials may degrade rubber and remove built-in ozone resistance.
Proper tire maintenance is quick and easy, and it helps ensure that all your drives are safe and worry-free. For 4 dependable tires, and the fantastic vehicle attached, visit American Car Center today! Across the Southeast, our 65+ stores are conveniently situated to save your time by offering a massive selection of late model, low-mileage cars, trucks and SUVs, all with a limited powertrain warranty of up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, oil changes included.
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