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Your transmission works hard, but like all parts of a vehicle, it will eventually require maintenance. No matter the age or type of vehicle you drive, if you're looking for excellent service in the Bay Area, you can find it at Carnamic. Keep reading to learn more about what a transmission service involves and how to schedule a service appointment today. more What is a Transmission? What Does It Do? A vehicle’s transmission is a mechanical component that transfers the power generated by the engine to the wheels. It changes the vehicle’s gears as you push down on the pedal, regulating the speed and the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) while preserving fuel consumption. The transmission is one of the most important systems in your vehicle - and among the most expensive. Regular service is essential to helping your vehicle run its best and avoiding expensive repairs to your transmission system. It will remove contaminants and buildup, allowing your vehicle to shift smoothly and run as it should. During Transmission Service Typically, a transmission service involves a few steps that are necessary to keep your vehicle’s transmission healthy and running smoothly. Each vehicle may require different actions, but most transmission services involve: Draining old transmission fluid Removing and replacing the filter Cleaning the transmission pan Inspecting and cleaning the sump Inspecting for metal shavings or particle (signs of significant damage) So, how often does your vehicle need transmission service? The answer is dependent on the age, make, and model of your vehicle. Most will need service every two years or 30,000 miles, but other factors could impact your need for transmission service. You can look at your vehicle manual or discuss your needs with a skilled technician. Schedule Transmission Service in the Bay Area Is your vehicle due for transmission service? Do you need an expert to inspect your vehicle and get to the bottom of your transmission problems? You can schedule transmission service at your nearest Carnamic! Our convenient locations throughout the Bay Area provide specialized services as well as regular maintenance. Contact us today to schedule.

There’s no doubt that electric vehicles are popular among Bay Area residents. The cost of fuel, along with long commutes and environmental concerns, has driven more Californians to consider electrified alternatives. However, cost is often a factor; despite the long-term money-saving benefits of an EV, the upfront cost is too high for many drivers. With so many EV drivers, though, there are also more used electric vehicles available, even if you’re on a budget. Car shoppers often ask us: can I buy an electric vehicle for under $20,000? At Carnamic, the answer is yes! more Pre-Owned Hybrids Available in the Bay Area If you’re considering buying your first electrified vehicle, a hybrid model might be a good place to start. You get many of the benefits of an EV - better fuel economy, lowered emissions, fewer trips to the pump - while having the added convenience of a traditional engine. There are different types of hybrids available, and not all hybrids are right for everyone. For example, if you have access to a charger, you might like a plug-in hybrid like the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, currently available at our Hayward, CA location for a Simple Price of $17,497. On the other hand, you might live in an apartment with no access to a charger. In that case, the efficient and affordable 2020 Kia Niro can get you where you need to be for $14,497. Pre-Owned EVs Available in the Bay Area Maybe you’re a seasoned EV driver or are looking to ditch the frequent fill-ups altogether. Whether you need a sporty SUV or compact sedan, you can find plenty of options that are easy on your wallet. Take the Chevrolet Bolt; it’s easy to park on busy Bay Area streets, but still has enough room that you can quickly access with a hatchback. Carnamic currently has several models and years available starting at $16,997. Our inventory is frequently updated with pre-owned EVs, so don’t hesitate to check back often or contact us with any questions. Find Used EVs at Carnamic Car buying is simple when you choose Carnamic! We have several locations throughout the Bay Area with a variety of hybrid and electric vehicles for sale at an affordable price. Get in touch with the Carnamic team to schedule a test drive today.

Are you looking for the best things to do on July 4th in the Bay Area? You’re in luck, because the Bay Area is one of the best places to celebrate our country’s independence. Whether you’re looking for all-day fun or are just here for the fireworks shows, there’s no shortage of things to do - so much, in fact, that there are too many to list! To help you make your decision, we’ve chosen some of our top picks for how to spend July 4th, 2024 in the Bay Area, CA. more Parades and Celebrations Make a day of it starting with parades, festivals, celebrations, and more all across the Bay Area! Nearly every city has its own celebration, so you don’t have to go too far to get in on the fun. Aquatic Park at 6PM - Listen to free live music until the fireworks show starts after sunset. Sausalito at 10AM - One of the biggest celebrations in the area is right around the corner in Sausalito. It starts with a parade that ends at Dunphy Park, then continues all day and into the night. Sonoma at 10AM - Check out everything Sonoma has to offer during the all-day event that includes an old-fashioned Fourth of July. Half Moon Bay at 8AM - Attend the Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade and celebration in Half Moon Bay that includes a pancake breakfast, festival, and a peek into the past. Don’t miss the parade at noon! Fireworks It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fireworks, and the Bay Area has tons of shows with a view anywhere you choose to end the day. Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 39/Municipal Pier starting at 9:30PM - See a coordinated fireworks show with two locations, each offering a unique view of the city and bay. Schooner Freda B in Sausalito at 7:15PM - This unique opportunity might cost you, but you’ll get one of the best views in the city! Cruise around the bay to find the best location to see one of the area’s many fireworks shows. Shoreline Amphitheater at 7PM - Go all out and watch the fireworks backed by the San Francisco Symphony. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time! There are hundreds of events going on across the Bay Area on July 4, 2024. Which one will you be attending? Don't forget to get there early, and we hope you have a safe holiday on behalf of the Carnamic team.

Whether you’re car shopping on a budget or prefer a certain model year, buying used is a great way to shop a huge selection at a lower price than new. However, there are some things you should look out for when buying a used car. Before you get ready to sign the papers, ask plenty of questions, including the ones listed below. more What’s the vehicle’s history? You could be looking at two seemingly identical models and learn that each has a completely different history. While one car had a single owner who treated it with care over the years, the other had been through several drivers. Even one careless owner can do damage to a vehicle that you want to know about. Be sure to ask for information about the vehicle’s history with a Carfax Vehicle History Report. Are there any mechanical or cosmetic issues? Some owners may even keep records of a vehicle’s service appointments and repairs - something to consider if you’re planning to trade in or sell your current vehicle. Well-maintained vehicles are worth more and have fewer issues, both mechanical and cosmetic. While some cosmetic issues might not be a big deal to you (stains, torn fabric, dents, etc.), you’ll want to know all the details of any potential mechanical problems that could cost you more money down the road. Has it been in any accidents? It’s especially important to know whether or not a vehicle has been in any accidents. Even minor accidents can cause structural damage that might not be immediately apparent. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t consider purchasing a car that’s been involved in a collision. Check the history report for any accidents; remember, you can always get the vehicle inspected to see if there might be any possible issues in the future. Is the car still under a warranty? Occasionally, a used vehicle is still covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. Most of the time, however, used vehicles are no longer covered under a warranty - with the exception of certified pre-owned vehicles. If you like the security of having warranty coverage, be sure to ask about any extended warranty options. Find Your Next Used Vehicle at Carnamic When you shop for used vehicles at Carnamic, you can ask all of these questions and more. We have several locations throughout the Bay Area with a variety of used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that you can browse in person or right here on our website. At Carnamic, we make car shopping easy, so contact us today to get started!

Choosing a vehicle is a huge decision, and so is deciding how to pay for it. Should you lease or finance? Each option has pros and cons, and what may be best for one customer might not be right for the next. more Why Lease? Some Bay Area residents prefer leasing for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason people choose to lease instead of finance is that they want to drive the newest vehicles with the latest tech and features. Leasing allows drivers to take advantage of driving a new car without many of the responsibilities that come with ownership. It’s essentially like renting the vehicle; you drive it for a certain period under certain terms, then return it to the dealership at the end of the lease. Then, you have the option to purchase the vehicle or lease a brand new model. There are financial benefits to leasing, as well. Since there’s no down payment, the upfront cost can be lower. Lease specials can lower your monthly payment even further, even on a brand new upgrade with all the bells and whistles. Why Finance? Others in the Bay Area are looking for an investment, and financing is more of an investment than leasing is. Financing allows you to build equity in the vehicle, which can be more of a benefit for some customers. There’s more freedom with financing, too. Despite a higher upfront cost and monthly payment, there are no lease terms to follow when you purchase the vehicle yourself. You can drive it as much as you want and customize it how you like without having to worry about fees. Once you finish paying for the vehicle, it’s yours to do with what you want. You can trade it in and put the value toward your next vehicle, which may be able to help you find an even better model that’s still within your budget. Find Your Next Vehicle at Carnamic Still can’t decide whether to finance or lease your next vehicle? A specialist at Carnamic can help you decide! We can go over all of our current specials at each of our Bay Area locations, help you get credit approval, and find the right vehicle for you. Contact us today to learn more!

Choosing how you finance your vehicle purchase can be a difficult decision. You want the best deal, but you also want options that fit into your budget and your schedule. Enter dealership financing! These are some of the biggest perks of financing your next car purchase directly through the dealership. more More Convenient Everyone loves convenience, and financing through the dealership offers just that. You can fill out your financing paperwork before going on a test drive, or you can save even more time by getting pre-approved beforehand. The finance department submits the paperwork for you to get you the best rates available; then, once you choose your new vehicle, all you have to do is sign and drive home in your new ride. Saves Time Choosing your next car, truck, or SUV isn’t always a fast and easy decision; so once it’s time to actually go through with the purchase, you might be looking to save some time during the process. Getting your financing through the dealership saves time on shopping around for a car loan. You can get in and out of the dealership faster so you can start to enjoy your new car right away. Better Deals When you finance through the dealership, you can access special offers on lease and other financing options for your next vehicle. Banks and credit unions rarely offer loan specials, but dealerships can extend the best deals to their customers. Check out the latest offers online before you buy, or contact the dealership directly to learn more about the best current deals available to you. Flexible Terms If you’re looking for a long-term car loan to lower your monthly payment, you might not find the right loan terms available at your local bank. However, dealerships can often extend loan terms to fit your budget while getting you in the car you want. Likewise, you can also choose a short-term loan with a lower interest rate to pay off your vehicle sooner. The biggest benefit is that dealership financing gives you the flexibility you need with terms that work with your wallet. Discover Available Financing Options at Carnamic! Are you curious about this month’s financing specials? Do you want to see how easy it is to get financing pre-approved for a new car? At Carnamic, we offer versatile financing options for our customers across the Bay Area. Whether you plan to lease or purchase, we can help you find the best financing plan after getting you behind the wheel of your dream vehicle. Contact us today to learn more about our financing options or to schedule a test drive today!

Ready to buy your next vehicle? The car buying process can be lengthy, but it doesn’t have to be. Going in with as much information as possible can help you make the best decision, and following our tips for test driving makes the process a breeze. more Do Your Research While some drivers have a specific make, model, and trim level in mind, many others come in to test drive several vehicles. It’s totally fine to be unsure of exactly what you want; that’s what the test drive is for, anyway. However, it’s never a bad idea to do some research beforehand. Look at the specs of a few different types of vehicles and decide if you see any must-have features. Get an idea of the style of vehicle you’re looking for (car, truck, SUV, crossover, etc.) and make note of anything that catches your eye. What’s Your Car’s Value? If you’re planning to trade in your current vehicle, you should get an idea of its value before you go in for a test drive. Use Carnamic’s online tool and enter some information about your car to get an instant offer. Then, you can shop knowing the actual value of your vehicle and whether your favorite new car can fit into your budget. Get Pre-Approved for Financing You should set aside several hours for your test drive. Although it can be somewhat time-consuming - it’s a big decision, after all - there are a few things you can do to save time. Applying for financing pre-approval serves other purposes, as well. In addition to saving you time at signing, it can also help you decide on a budget before you begin car shopping. That way, you know to only look at models in your price range. Make an Appointment Some test drives are spur-of-the-moment. However, if you’ve been considering your next car for a while, you should know that you can make an appointment ahead of time. Not only will the dealership know what you’re looking for and help you find it, you can also be sure that there’s no wait. Have a Plan It’s helpful to go into your test drive with a solid plan. Bring a checklist of everything you want to check during the test drive like the stereo or any new high-tech features you’re interested in. Be sure to drive on city streets and the highway to get an idea of what it’s like to drive the vehicle. You can check out more tips for going on a test drive here. At Carnamic, we make car shopping in the Bay Area simple. Shop all of our locations online, then schedule your test drive at the nearest Carnamic! Contact us today to learn more.

Memorial Day is a special day where we celebrate the brave men and women who lost their lives in the name of our country. Not only that, it’s also the unofficial start of summer, which makes it one of the most popular weekends to get out in the Bay Area. Between ceremonies honoring our veterans to all-American celebrations, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in the Bay Area during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. more Memorial Day Ceremonies and Celebrations Show off your patriotic spirit or honor a lost loved one at one of the Bay Area’s Memorial Day parades, ceremonies, and celebrations. You’ll find ceremonies all across the city and its surrounding areas, including San Francisco National Cemetery, the USS Hornet at the Sea, Air, and Space Museum, Civic Park, and many more.  You can also see remembrance celebrations at the Marin Center and Presidio with ceremonies, picnics, wreath-laying, and more. Kids of All Ages Take part in one of the longest-running kid-focused events in the Bay Area: KidFest 2024! This event lasts all three days of Memorial Day weekend at Mt. Diablo High School with fun activities like rides, animal encounters, food, and meet and greet with your children’s favorite characters. Bring a can of food for money off your admission, and save on parking at one of the nearby garages. Play Ball! Baseball is one of the most American sports there is, and it’s a great way to spend the day celebrating the service men and women in our lives. Catch the Giants vs. the Mets  on Friday-Sunday, or see them go head-to-head with the Phillies on Memorial Day. If you’re more of an A’s fan, you can cheer them on as they face the Astros on Friday-Sunday. Parades Although unconventional, the annual Carnaval Celebration takes place on Memorial Day Weekend this year in the Mission District. The two-day family-friendly celebration is free to attend with food, music, dancing, and other fun activities. The Carnamic team wants to thank all of our brave service members, both past and present, and we hope everyone has a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend, no matter how you spend it.

Your vehicle’s brakes are essential to helping you get around the Bay Area safely. However, like all car parts, brake components wear out eventually. In order to stay safe, it’s important to learn the signs that your brakes need to be inspected. At Carnamic, we’re dedicated to helping our customers learn more about how their vehicles work and how to avoid extensive repairs. Keep reading to learn some of the most common signs that your brakes need to be replaced or serviced. more Noises Typically, any strange or unexpected noise coming from your vehicle is a sure sign that something is wrong. That’s true for your brakes, too; if you hear squealing, squeaking, grinding, or another noise while braking, it’s a good sign that you should get your brakes inspected. Pulling Does your car pull to one side while you’re coming to a stop? Uneven brake wear can lead to serious repairs, so it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a technician as soon as possible. Vibration Feeling vibrations in the vehicle or steering wheel should be a cause for concern when it comes to your brakes. If you only feel the vibrations when you press the brake pedal, that’s a good sign that your brakes are due for service. Visible Wear and Tear Most parts of the braking system aren’t immediately visible, but if you take a closer look, you can learn a lot about the state of your brakes. Check out the thickness of your brake pads to determine whether it’s time for them to be replaced; typically, those under ¼ inch need to be replaced with new pads. Unresponsive/ Too Sensitive Brakes If you’re been driving your vehicle for a while, you’re probably familiar with how it feels when you hit the brakes. Any sudden changes, such as less response or increased sensitivity when braking, are clear signs that something might be wrong. Brake Inspections and Repairs in the Bay Area You deserve quality, trustworthy service for your vehicle. The skilled technicians at Carnamic are here to help with all your brake needs! From service to inspections and repairs, our team provides excellent service to keep your vehicle safe on the roads of the Bay Area including San Leandro, Redwood City, Hayward, and San Jose. Schedule online at your nearest location or contact us to discuss your brake service needs.

Thinking of trading your old car for a newer model? If you’re still making payments on your current ride, you might think you need to wait before selling or trading in for a new one. That’s not the case, though; you can sell or trade in a vehicle you still owe money on, and here’s what you need to know to get started. more How Much is Your Car Worth? The first step to take before selling or trading is discovering the value of your vehicle. Using Carnamic’s online tool, you can easily get an instant quote by entering information about your vehicle like its age, mileage, and other details. How Much Do You Still Owe? Once you have an idea of your car’s value, it’s time to find out how much you owe on your loan. Because interest rates can change the exact amount owed by the day, you should get in touch with your lender to discover whether you have positive or negative equity on your vehicle. Positive Equity Having positive equity means that your car is worth more than you owe on it. Positive equity is ideal because it means that you can apply that equity towards the cost of your trade-in or get more for the sale. Negative Equity With negative equity, you owe more than your car is worth. Negative equity can make selling or trading more difficult because you’ll need to pay off the outstanding debt before you can move forward with the trade or sale. Contact Your Lender Now that you know more about your car’s value and loan balance, you can contact your lender to let them know that you’re planning to sell or trade. Depending on where you financed your original car, the company will advise you on what you’ll need to complete the sale such as paperwork. Get Financing Pre-Approval Although you can get financing at the time of sale or trade, you can speed up the process by getting pre-approved for financing. Simply enter your information on our website to get pre-approved for financing on the spot. Sell or Trade at Carnamic At Carnamic, we make the trade-in process simple. With our online tools and helpful team members, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible when you sell or trade at one of our Bay Area locations. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to contact us before browsing our selection of new and used models.

Your car requires a lot of different types of fluids to run properly. Because vehicles and their components are mostly made of metal, different fluids and oils are necessary to keep parts lubricated and running smoothly. From the basics like engine oil to transmission fluid, there’s a lot to know about, and many drivers aren’t sure about which fluids their vehicles need. Keep reading to learn more about the different fluids your vehicle uses and how frequently they should be changed. more Engine Oil Forgetting to change engine oil is a mistake most aren’t quick to forget. That’s because engine oil is vital to operating a car. Without it, various engine parts will wear out, overheat, and eventually ruin the entire engine. While many older vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months, newer models may be able to travel up to 10,000 miles on a single oil change. Check your owner’s manual or ask a trusted technician to learn how often your oil needs changed. Coolant Although engine oil helps regulate your engine’s temperature, coolant is also required to keep things from overheating. Again, how often you need to change your coolant depends on the vehicle, and different models use different types of antifreeze. Transmission Fluid Your vehicle’s transmission system helps you shift gears as you drive, whether your vehicle is manual or automatic. Each type requires a different type of fluid; while manual transmission fluid should be changed between 30,000-60,000 miles, you can drive an automatic transmission up to 100,000 miles before the fluid should be flushed and replaced. Brake Fluid Replacing your brake fluid at the proper time doesn’t just keep the braking system working, it also makes it safe to drive. Brake fluid is used in hydraulic braking systems to keep your brakes responsive, but it can absorb water and rust different components of your braking system. Replace brake fluid around the 30,000-mile mark or whenever you replace your brake pads or rotors. Car Fluid Changes Made Easy at Carnamic Is it time to replace any of the fluids in your vehicle? From wiper fluid to full fluid flushes, you can expect top-notch service at your nearest Carnamic. We have service stations at our dealerships around the Bay Area with trained technicians who can help you with all of your vehicle’s service and maintenance needs. Schedule online or contact us today to learn more!

You’ve been through a lot with your car: big moves, life changes, road trips, and everyday life. Every good journey must come to an end, though, and when you’re ready to say goodbye to your old ride, you’re probably thinking about what’s next. Choosing your next vehicle can be a major decision. Should you buy new or used? Car, truck, SUV, or crossover? Gas-powered, hybrid, or EV? For many, trading in a used car for another used model might be the right decision, and here’s why. more Bigger Selection If you don’t already have a favorite make or model, the variety of a used selection might suit you. There’s often something for everyone, from budget-friendly vehicles to luxury and everything in between. You can find any color, feature, and size when you’re searching for a used vehicle. Lower Cost It’s not a secret that pre-owned vehicles cost less, but used vehicles offer up other cost-saving benefits as well. Depending on the value of your trade-in, you could end up with a low monthly payment if you choose to finance. Insurance is often less expensive on used models for even more money kept in your wallet. You might even be able to find a certified pre-owned model that suits you, saving money with all the benefits of buying like-new. High Demand Used vehicles have seen a huge increase in demand in the last few years. Many buyers are looking for used models within their budget, which makes your trade-in more attractive. That means that you’ll get the best deal for your used vehicle at a dealership. Curious about what your used car is worth? Get an instant offer here! Trade In Your Vehicle at Carnamic At Carnamic, we specialize in finding our customers their ideal vehicle. We’re ready to help you find the right vehicle that’s new to you while giving you a great deal on your trade-in. With convenient locations and excellent financing options, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for at Carnamic. Browse our online inventory, then schedule a test drive before heading home in your next car, truck, or SUV. Contact us today to learn more!