Painted EV Parking Spot

Are you considering an electric vehicle for your next car? If you live in the Bay Area, you aren’t alone; California has the most EVs and charging stations in the nation, and numbers are going up every day. However, if you’ve never driven an EV, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of owning an EV in the Bay Area, CA.

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Hand on Car's Steering Wheel

Thinking about buying your next car? There’s a lot to consider, and one option you might not know about is certified pre-owned. Although used, a certified pre-owned model can feel like buying new. There are several advantages to buying certified pre-owned, and we’re going over some of the best reasons to help you make your decision. 

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Car Driving on Coastal Highway

Is your current vehicle no longer meeting your needs? Maybe it’s too small, doesn’t get the best fuel economy, or you’re just ready to upgrade. When it’s time to trade in your current vehicle for a new one, you might have questions about how the process works – especially if you’re doing a trade-in for the first time. To help you know what to expect, we’ve broken down the car trade-in process into four simple steps. 

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Man Driving a Car in the Sun

When it’s time to sell your vehicle, there’s a lot to consider. Should you sell it privately or to a dealership? There are pros and cons of each, but many choose to sell directly to a dealership because of the simplicity. If you want to know more about how to sell your vehicle to a dealership, keep reading. 

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Pastel Candy Easter Eggs in Pink, Purple, Blue, and Yellow

Easter falls on March 31 this year, opening up the entire month to Easter fun! Welcome spring in the most festive way possible with Easter fun done the Bay Area way. There’s no shortage of events and activities throughout the month, so check out some of our favorites below to get the best of Easter across the Bay Area. 

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Cash and change in pile

Your vehicle has been by your side for years. Through road trips, life events, and commutes, your car has seen it all. But sometimes, it’s time to get rid of the old to make way for the new. The question of what to do with your old vehicle doesn’t always have an easy answer. There are pros and cons to selling vs. trading, and to help you make your decision before you choose your new ride, we’ve listed them below.

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Lombard Street in San Francisco

There’s no doubt that Bay Area drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Between commutes and exploring everything the area has to offer, people rack up hours and hours of driving hours each week. So much time spent driving means that Bay Area residents take their car choices seriously. There are many factors that go into deciding which car is a favorite – comfort, fuel economy, and affordability. Here is our list of some of the most popular and most sought-after cars in the Bay Area.

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Silver car driving on road

Spring is right around the corner, which means picnics, road trips, and spring cleaning. Part of your spring cleaning checklist should include vehicle maintenance, and we’ve created the ultimate car maintenance list to check off as the seasons turn. 

Oil and Filter

Different vehicles may require more or less frequent oil changes. For example, most older vehicles recommend an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. On the other hand, a newer model might call for an oil change at the 10,000-mile mark. Check your owner’s manual for oil change recommendations, and don’t forget to give the oil levels a quick check when you hit the fuel station. 

Fluids

Oil isn’t the only important fluid in your vehicle. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake and power steering fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid all require frequent checks to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent repairs. Although we don’t experience too many extreme temperature fluctuations in the Bay Area, it’s still a good idea to check your fluids as seasons change.

Tires

Properly maintained tires increase your fuel economy and keep you safe on the road. Check the pressure and tread on each tire, including the spare. It may also be time to rotate your tires to increase their longevity and keep your vehicle well-balanced. Rotating your tires helps the tread wear evenly to help them last longer and perform better. Read here to learn more about how to tell when it’s time for new tires.

Lights

Your vehicle’s lights perform an essential function, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. The headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and cabin lights should all be checked frequently. 

Battery

Nobody expects to head out for a trip only to find their car won’t start. A dead battery is a major inconvenience, so inspect the battery and cables to ensure there’s no corrosion and perform a battery test often.

Exterior

When was the last time you waxed your car or applied other protection products? Sun, weather, and regular driving can cause chips and cracks in your paint. To keep your car looking its best, regularly wash it off and wax at regular intervals.

Black car being washed
Man standing in front of car with headlights on in the dark

Maintain Your Vehicle at Carnamic

Whether you need the full checklist worth of maintenance or just one task, the Carnamic team is here to help. Visit one of our Bay Area service centers for specialized service tailored to your vehicle or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Field of Shamrocks

Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up soon on March 17, 2024. Since the holiday lands on a Sunday this year, there’s a whole weekend of potential Bay Area fun done the Irish way. From parades and celebrations to drinks and dancing, Carnamic is giving our Bay Area neighbors some ideas for the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2024. 

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Yellow toy car

When it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, most people pay with a car loan. It’s one of the largest – and most important – purchases a person can make. Car loans sound simple; you borrow money for your car and pay it back over time along with interest. However, there’s more to consider than the basics when it comes time to finance a new or used vehicle. Keep reading to learn about which factors impact your auto loan the most.

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