American Car Center Official Blog
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.
The King of Credit Wants To Approve You Today!
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.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
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.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
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.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
Easy Credit Approval: The American Car Center Way
By digital | Posted in King of Credit Posts on Thursday, October 15th, 2020 at 2:14 PM
“Bad Credit? No Problem!” is an expression of our philosophy at the very core of American Car Center.
Connecting great people with problem credit to great vehicles is our focus and passion. We believe anyone with a good job should be able to drive an outstanding, reliable vehicle and that past credit issues should not block the road to one’s future. For more than two decades American Car Center has helped put thousands of hard-working Americans in a great vehicle so that they could more readily achieve success and pursue their dreams for the benefit of themselves, their families and their communities.
American Car Center is in the business of approvals, simple, fast and easy.
When a prospective client visits American Car Center with as little as a pay stub, we can quickly say, “Yes!” and take care of the rest, saving them even more time and money. American Car Center is the King of Credit because we aim to approve everybody with a good job, regardless of credit history.
American Car Center has an inventory of thousands of dependable used, late-model and low mileage cars, trucks and SUVs, all with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and included oil changes at each of our more than 65 stores located conveniently across the Southeast.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
Why Choosing Used Is a Smart Choice
By digital | Posted in King of Credit Posts on Monday, September 21st, 2020 at 2:16 PM
Shopping for your next vehicle is exciting. While there are many important considerations – vehicle type, safety features, color – as part of your decision, the first is certainly choosing between a new or used vehicle. American Car Center believes that for most car shoppers, choosing previously owned is a smarter choice than buying new.
There are many benefits of choosing a used vehicle aside from the obviously lower sticker price. Previously owned cars and trucks are less expensive in several ways. A used vehicle will save you money when you buy auto insurance and likely reduce the total financing costs due to the vehicle’s lower price.
A used vehicle can more easily fit into a monthly budget. With a less costly used vehicle, monthly payments will be lower and because used vehicles are so much less expensive than new cars, you can drive a nicer vehicle than you might have otherwise been able to afford, giving you more choices.
When a new vehicle is driven away from the dealership, its value begins to drop. The greatest decline of vehicle value – depreciation – occurs in its first years. By choosing previously owned instead, you avoid that massive cost and receive a much more affordable vehicle that will now depreciate more slowly.
Also, because you are likely to have lower monthly costs and a slowly depreciating vehicle you are much less likely to be in a devastating negative equity situation, owing more on the vehicle than its worth, should your vehicle be stolen or declared a total loss after a collision.
Once a car has been on the road for two or three years, it will have developed a reliability record. Used vehicle rankings and reviews have information about total cost of ownership, so you can better identify reliable, low-maintenance models – those without a history of premature repair costs – and avoid the rest. Online owner forums are another source of information to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of any given model.
American Car Center is here to make your next vehicle selection smooth, simple, and fast. Across the Southeast, American Car Center has more than 65 convenient and modern locations all with a huge selection of fantastic late-model and low mileage used vehicles. Each vehicle comes with a limited powertrain warranty of up to 3 years or 36,000 miles and included oil changes. Save time and money – visit now to find a great car or truck to make your fall and winter driving safe and satisfying.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
Easy Ways to Improve Gas Mileage and Save Money, Too!
By digital | Posted in Maintenance on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 at 2:05 PMYour vehicle’s fuel economy depends on your driving style, and where and when you drive. These affect how many miles you can get from a gallon of gasoline. To get the most out of each fill-up, follow these simple suggestions from American Car Center for more money in your pocket and less time at the pump.
Be smooth. Trade dashes to the next stoplight, jackrabbit starts and sudden stops for modest acceleration, gentle braking, and steady cruising. Anticipate other road users and compensate for their behavior by creating space around your vehicle to avoid changing speed unnecessarily. Your brakes will last longer, too.
Go easy. At very low or very high speeds, your vehicle uses more fuel. Especially on the highway, going easy on the gas pedal and driving at moderate speeds is one of the best ways to reduce fuel consumption.
Treat your tires. Keep them inflated at the recommended pressure (refer to the label on the driver’s door opening). Too much or too little inflation results in unnecessary tire wear. Check tire pressure monthly.
Be kind to your car. For better gas mileage and fewer unexpected costs, keep your car in good condition (including the wheels aligned) and regularly service your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Go lightly. Reduce unnecessary weight and wind drag from your car to improve fuel economy. Periodically, remove unneeded heavy objects or seasonal items.
No idle. Running your vehicle when in park for long periods uses a lot of gas. When waiting more than a couple of minutes, turn off your vehicle’s engine and only re-start when you are ready to go.
Windows up. At higher speed, keeping windows up will add miles to your tank by improving vehicle aerodynamics.
Plan. Knowing your route and combining trips reduces back-tracking and gas use. If you can, avoid driving in severe weather. Heavy rain, mud, ice, crosswind, heat and cold, reduce traction and engine efficiency and increase gas consumption. In these conditions, to improve both safety and gas consumption, drive more slowly.
At American Car Center, our focus is saving you time and money, whether at the gas pump or finding a dependable late-model and low-mileage vehicle to get you to where you want to be. All our vehicles include up to a 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and oil changes, so come now to a convenient location near you.
The King of Credit Wants to Approve You Today!
Have a Safe Summer Getaway!
By digital | Posted in King of Credit Posts on Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 at 2:23 PM
More than ever, now is the time for a safe summer getaway to enjoy the fresh air of the great outdoors and discover the timeless beauty of the peaks, valleys, nooks, and corners of the place we call home, the majestic Southeast. American Car Center has some ideas for fun and exploration.
The country’s largest cavern network is deep below the rugged hills of south-central Kentucky. Mammoth Cave National Park encompasses the most visitor-friendly part of the massive cave system. There are more than 400 miles of explored caverns here and Mammoth is known for vast caverns, some several stories high. Fans of hiking and climbing will love the rocky, forested landscape above the caverns which is great for exploring and camping.
On the Southeast Atlantic coast, between Charleston and Savannah, are five Georgia wildlife refuges; watery, thinly populated views of forest and marshland. The refuges are full of wildlife, especially migratory birds and waterfowl. Numerous campgrounds and affordable simple lodgings help to keep costs low. Public beaches are also plentiful.
The spine of the Appalachian Mountains runs along the Virginia-West Virginia border, protecting thousands of square miles of pristine, thinly populated forest land. The natural beauty is stunning and there are many places to explore. The area features the Monongahela, George Washington, and Jefferson National Forests, with Shenandoah National Park nearby. Convenient and affordable, these emerald gems are almost unbeatable for hiking and camping.
Near Gatlinburg, Mississippi, is one of the best-kept secrets of the Smokey Mountains. Nestled in the rolling hills, Place of a Thousand Drips is a waterfall named for the many rocks over which the water must cascade, seemingly leaving it forever dripping. Over an age, the water has carved several paths into the stone, creating the illusion of several small waterfalls. Visitors drive along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to find the site
The great beach towns of the Gulf Coast are popular with families in summer for their natural white sand beaches and casual charm. The adjoining towns of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama combine for 32 miles of dazzling beaches, water sports, and other outdoor activities and camping areas for a family stay. On the Florida side, Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of beach, ideal for long walks and people watching from the pier. In addition, hiking, biking, and kayaking are on hand.
If summer driving is more to your speed, you can cruise the Natchez Trace. The 444-mile parkway follows a historical route used by Native Americans and settlers from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. A great deal of the land along the Trace is protected, making for an idyllic drive through lush and rolling hills. If a staycation is what you want, be sure to take advantage of activities in regional parks. Those with a curious bent may want to consider walking tours of landmarks and sites in Southeast’s picturesque and history-filled cities. Richmond, Virginia, Savannah, Nashville, and Delray Beach, Florida, amongst others, are interesting and very walkable.
American Car Center hopes you make lasting memories of your getaway this summer. See us before you go! There is a location convenient to you, stocked with great late-model and low-mileage vehicles, with a limited warranty and oil changes for up to 3 years. We will quickly help you find a vehicle to take you to the place where you want to be.
The King of Credit wants to approve you today!
