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Many drivers overlook the importance of well-kept tires. Either they simply don’t think of their tires or don’t want another expense; however, neglected tires can leave you stranded on the side of the road or worse. Luckily, though, there are some basic signs that you need new tires. more Signs You Need New Tires Low Tread Worn tread is one of the most easy-to-identify signs that your tires need to be replaced. Tire tread is essential in helping your car grip the road, especially around corners or on wet streets. Most drivers can’t identify low tire tread just by looking at it, but there’s one simple trick you’ve probably heard of, and that’s the penny test. Dig a penny out of your spare change, then turn Lincoln on his head. Insert the penny in between the tire tread; if the tread depth is above his head, it’s time for new tires. Simple as that! Uneven Wear Is your tire tread uneven? If there’s less tread on one part of your tire, they probably need to be replaced. There are several things that can cause uneven tread wear: misalignment, issues with the steering system, and neglecting to rotate your tires all contribute to uneven wear on your tires. Bulges, Cracks, or Other Damage When it comes to damage on tires, it’s only a matter of time before they pop. Cracks can be caused by weather or age, and simply bumping into a curb can lead to bulges. Any type of damage to a tire will compromise its integrity, so if you see any bulges, cracks, or other damage, be sure to replace the tire as soon as possible. Age/Mileage How long has it been since you’ve purchased new tires? How far have you driven on those tires? Both age and mileage driven can be good indicators of when it’s time to replace your tires. Most tire manufacturers have recommendations on when their tires should be replaced. If you aren’t sure about either, you can do the penny test or bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Need new tires? Visit Carnamic today! At Carnamic, we offer a wide selection of tires for every Bay Area driver. We carry all major brands of tires, all installed by our factory-trained technicians at all of our Bay Area locations. Contact us today to schedule a tire inspection or to order a new set of tires.

Thanks to their money and fuel-saving technology, more Bay Area drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles. That’s not to mention the tax incentives, access to HOV lanes, and other perks of EV ownership. If you’re considering going electric, you probably have lots of questions about EVs. One of our most frequently asked questions regarding electric vehicles is: how long does the battery last and how far can the EV drive on a single charge? more How far can an EV go on a single charge? All electric vehicles are different, but for a battery electric vehicle, you can typically expect around 300 miles of range. However, that can differ greatly between makes and models. Another thing to keep in mind is that the estimated range might differ from your reality depending on the type of driving you typically do. For example, you’ll get great miles per kilowatt hour of charge if you spend most of your time driving through residential areas. Someone who gets up to highway speed might experience lower mileage due to the extra power needed to maintain a higher speed. Regenerative braking comes in handy to add an extra boost of charge during your drive. For example, the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EV have an EPA-estimated range of over 250 miles. If you’re looking for something that can go a bit further, then a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle might be the right vehicle for you. You get all the benefits of battery power when it’s needed while relying on the backup of a gas-powered engine. Plug-in hybrids are a great vehicle if you’re planning to transition to an EV but want to test the waters first. Plug-in hybrids like the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid or Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid will boost your MPG while offering up to 38 miles on battery-only power. Find Your EV at Carnamic Are you interested in testing out an electric vehicle or hybrid for yourself? Schedule a test drive at Carnamic to experience one of our many new and used electrified models that will fit into your lifestyle.

We're well into the New Year, and that means that the season of love is almost here. Get some ideas for a classic or fresh way to spend Valentine's Day right here in the Bay Area. more Traditional Valentine’s Day Activities Dining Why not treat your other half to a spectacular meal at one of the Bay Area’s many Michelin-star restaurants? Go all out with a 3-star dining experience at Quince, Benu, or The French Laundry. Or, check out newly-designated Michelin star restaurants like There’s also the chocolate waterfall at Cyrus and SingleThread’s stunning displays to wow your love. Even Wine Country can feel like a world away for Bay Area locals. Escape the daily grind in the city and head to Napa Valley for a spa day, wine tasting, or an amazing farm-to-table meal. Some favorites stops include the Meritage Resort and Spa, Laird Family Estate, and Sterling Vineyards. Weather can be chilly this time of year in Wine Country, so don’t forget to bundle up! Dancing If you share a love of dancing, there are lots of places to share a romantic evening with your Valentine. Both novice and experienced dancers can sign up for a special Valentine’s Day dancing class at the Motion Arts Center of San Mateo. Unconventional Valentine’s Day Activities Maybe you and your Valentine are looking for something out-of-the-box. Or maybe you’re looking for fun ideas to spend the day solo or with your best friends. Luckily, the Bay Area is the home to tons of fun activities that don’t need to involve roses and chocolate. Out-of-the-Box Valentine's Ideas One of our favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day in the Bay Area is to make a staycation out of the holiday and explore your own backyard. Get active and see the city from a new perspective with a kayak tour of Half Moon Bay with a fun tandem kayak or connect with nature with a picnic at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Tour the city to see famous movie sights to get a taste of some neighborhoods you’ve never visited. If you want a hint of romance while learning a new skill, book a pottery or cake decorating class. However you decide to spend Valentine’s Day this year, the Carnamic team hopes that you make it a wonderful day! If you need a new ride to go about your Valentine's Day activities, be sure to check out our online inventory of new and used vehicles or pay a visit to one of our Bay Area locations.

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No matter how carefully you treat your vehicle, it will eventually require service. In fact, regular service and routine maintenance are the best ways to care for your car. At Carnamic, we offer top-quality vehicle service all across the Bay Area. Whether it’s a quick oil change, brake service, or full vehicle inspection, Carnamic’s service team has you covered with locations in San Leandro, San Jose, Redwood City, and Hayward. more Why choose Carnamic for vehicle service and maintenance? Instead of taking your vehicle to the closest repair shop, why not take it to a service station that knows your vehicle the best? We specialize in Kia, Hyundai, INFINITI, Mitsubishi, and Nissan with years of experience performing service and repairs on all models and model years. Our dealerships are conveniently located throughout the Bay Area, so you can be sure there’s a Carnamic service station near you. Service, Repair, and Maintenance No matter how simple or complex, our service team can fix it. We use genuine parts installed by skilled technicians, resulting in nothing less than your total satisfaction. Not sure what's wrong? No worries - our team can get to the bottom of your car issues and find a solution. Our services include: Vehicle Inspections Oil and Filter Changes Electrical Service Brake Adjustment and Replacement Muffler and Exhaust Repair Tires Transmission Service There’s no job too big or small for Carnamic. We also offer full service packages, and don’t forget to check out our parts and service specials to save on your regular maintenance. Tired of repairing your current car? Carnamic will buy your used car! We also offer great deals on trades if you decide to buy or lease a new or pre-owned vehicle from Carnamic. R Schedule Service Today Do you have questions about our services or want to schedule an appointment? Contact our service department today! A knowledgeable member of the Carnamic team can assist you with getting you the service that you deserve.

There are pros and cons to every decision you make, and that holds especially true for a vehicle purchase. Would a car or crossover fit your lifestyle better? Stick with gas-powered or go electric? Perhaps the biggest decision of all is new or used. If you’re stuck between choosing a new or used vehicle, Carnamic can help! more New Vehicle Pros and Cons When you buy a new vehicle, you know exactly what you’re getting. The interior is clean and stain-free, there are few miles on the engine, and it’s in the best condition you can expect. New vehicles tend to get better gas mileage with reduced emissions, and you may consider a hybrid or electric option for even better results. It has all the most advanced features and technology, including up-to-date safety features that many drivers love. You also tend to have more financing choices, including lease and purchase options. However, new cars come with a higher price tag. Its value will depreciate faster, and you’ll pay more interest over time on the cost. Drivers find the biggest drawback to buying new is the cost. Insurance and sales tax may also run more expensive. Used Vehicle Pros and Cons The main reason drivers prefer pre-owned vehicles is the cost. Most used vehicles have already depreciated in value, leading to a lower price tag. If you plan to sell in a few years, you can expect a better resale value on a used car over a new one. You can often find a used car with all the features you’re looking for, including technology and safety features. Choosing a used car is a better choice when you’re on a budget but still want as many bells and whistles as possible. Buying used can have disadvantages, though. A used car may no longer be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, which can lead to hefty repair costs. Your financing options tend to be limited, and you may have to give up some of the features you prefer. Find Your Next Vehicle at Carnamic Do you want to compare new and used vehicles for yourself? Visit us at Carnamic to test drive both new and pre-owned models. Our team can help you secure financing and choose the option that works best for you.

Electric vehicles harness new technology to reduce emissions while eliminating the need for stops at the fuel station. While they drive very similarly to a car with an internal combustion engine, EVs operate a little differently. One of the things new EV drivers ask us the most about is regenerative braking. What is regenerative braking and how does it work? Use our handy guide to learn more! more Regenerative Braking Explained There are two main regenerative braking methods used by hybrid or electric cars: In some vehicles like the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, there is a paddle by the steering wheel that allows the driver to customize the braking system with different levels of braking. Sometimes called one-pedal driving, this setup allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator. Press the pedal with your foot to go faster, or let up and allow the regenerative and friction brakes do the work. Simply taking your foot off the pedal sends extra energy generated by the brakes back to the battery or straight to the electric motor. Along with a paddle, most hybrid and electric vehicles have regenerative braking built in. As you press the brake pedal, the regenerative and friction brakes go to work. In a traditional gas-powered vehicle, the kinetic energy generated from braking goes to waste. Instead of wasting that energy, electric vehicles put that energy to use to increase the driving range. Those small bits of stored energy can add up quickly, allowing you to drive longer on a single charge. Making use of regenerative braking can take some getting used to for those newer to electrified vehicles. But once you get the hang of it, harnessing the power of regenerative brakes becomes second nature. There are other benefits of the regenerative braking system, too. Using friction brakes alone puts a lot of wear and tear on your braking system, so regenerative braking may reduce the frequency of service your brakes will need. Test Drive a Vehicle with Regenerative Braking at Carnamic Are you interested in testing out a vehicle with regenerative braking? The EV experts at Carnamic are here to help! We can set you up with a test drive in a hybrid or electric vehicle that suits all your needs. Contact us today to learn more!

Whether you're a long-time resident, new to the area, or just visiting, there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to see and do in the Bay Area. If you’re looking to discover a hidden gem or find a new favorite place to catch lunch, you’ve come to the right place. Carnamic is the Bay Area’s favorite car dealer, and we’ve made a list of our top 5 scenic drives around Redwood City, San Jose, and more! more Panoramic Highway The name alone tells you all you need to know; the Panoramic Highway gives sweeping views of all the beautiful landscape the Bay Area has to offer. Pack a picnic to Stinson Beach before you turn around and take in the views. Skyline Boulevard Get a new perspective on a view you might see during your commute by traveling along Skyline Boulevard. Hit up Route 35 on your off time to check out the views of the Golden Gate Bridge while you’re heading to a state park for a beautiful hike. Highway 1 The legendary Pacific Coast Highway can take you all the way to San Diego, but it’s also a great stretch for a day trip. Lighthouses, stunning beaches (Big Sur!), and Half Moon Bay all await along the coastal highway. You’ll find no shortage of delicious cafes and restaurants to make a pit stop. Silverado Trail Need to escape the city without heading too far from home? Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail is a relatively traffic-free drive in the heart of wine country. Gourmet food, finely crafted wine, and breathtaking views await! Wildcat Canyon Escape the bustling city on your drive through Wildcat Canyon. You’ll feel like you’re watching a movie as you look over the spanning city below. Wildcat Canyon has plenty of those views, and you can do it in the peace and quiet of Tilden Park or Inspiration Point. What’s your favorite place to cruise around in the Bay Area? If you need a new ride to take in the sights and sounds of San Jose or San Leandro, pay us a visit at Carnamic! We have several locations throughout the Bay Area to find you a comfortable new or pre-owned vehicle.

Going electric isn’t just good for the planet; electric vehicles are also easy on your wallet! One way to find an EV that fits in your budget is to buy used, and Carnamic is your source for used hybrid and electric vehicles in the Bay Area. Whether you’re looking for more cargo space or newer features, our pre-owned inventory gives Bay Area drivers lots to choose from. more EV vs. Hybrid There are three main types of electrified vehicles: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. Each type has its pros and cons, and which one you choose depends on your lifestyle. If you simply want to get more MPG without any fuss, then a hybrid might be right for you. Plug-in hybrids bridge the gap between a fully electric vehicle and a hybrid because they give you different driving options while boosting your fuel economy. Choosing an EV means no gas stations, but you need to remember to plan your trips around charging stations. What types of used EVs can you find at Carnamic? While we have a variety of electrified vehicles at our Carnamic locations like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai IONIQ, we also specialize in finding customers their used EV match. Vehicle trades are our specialty, which means we have a great selection of pre-owned electric vehicles at all of our Bay Area locations. For example, you can find a used 2019 Kia Niro EV at our San Jose location. Or, if you’re closer to Hayward, you might like the 2016 Tesla Model X. There are plenty of hybrid options as well, including a low-mileage 2020 Hyundai Elantra or a wallet-friendly Nissan Kicks. Many of our used hybrid and electric vehicles come in under $20,000, and we offer great financing options to get you in the EV of your dreams. Find Pre-Owned EVs at Carnamic! Our inventory gets updated frequently, so be sure to keep an eye out for the EV you’ve been looking for. If you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to ask. Our team can help you find just what you’re looking for! Contact us today for personalized service to find your used electric vehicle.

Each year, new vehicles are released with the latest technology. Whether it’s safety or connectivity, new cars can do as much as your smartphone - or more, in some cases. But do you really need all those high-tech features? more Driver Assist Features You might think you don’t need driver assist features, but groups like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)  and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) think that you do. In fact, driver assist features like automatic high beams can make the difference between an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a Top Safety Pick+. Other features like Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning factor heavily into safety ratings. Backup and Surround-View Cameras Technology should make driving easier and safer, and cameras and radar do just that. It’s why they’re now required on all new vehicles, but not all cameras are built the same. Whether it’s backing out of a crowded parking lot or switching lanes, having an extra set of eyes will help you avoid a collision. If available, check out all the available camera angles to see how simple they are to use and what type of view you get. Touchscreens It’s becoming difficult to find a vehicle without a touchscreen. While some are easy to use and intuitive, others may hide basic controls behind several taps, making it difficult to do something as simple as turn on your heated seat. Before you buy, check out the touchscreen during your test drive. If you aren’t one for using a touchscreen, look for a vehicle that also has physical knobs and controls to keep things simple. Apps Have you ever wished you could warm or cool your vehicle without going outside? Sure, there’s remote start, but what if you need to change the temperature? With apps like Mitsubishi Connect, you can set climate controls right from your smartphone. You can also lock or unlock the doors, flash the lights, and more, giving you total control remotely. Vehicle app services can be incredibly convenient, and drivers often come to rely on them more than they initially thought they would. The best way to find out which types of high-tech features you prefer is to test them out for yourself, and you can test drive all the newest models at your local Carnamic! From the Nissan Rogue to the INFINITI QX80, you’ll find the latest and greatest tech in our inventory. Test out wireless charging pads, wireless connectivity, and more! Use our online shopping tool to filter which features you love the most.

Buying a vehicle is a big decision. It’s a huge financial commitment, and often, you want a vehicle that will last a long time. Choosing a used vehicle is a great way to lessen the financial burden, but the downside is that it might not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Even if it does, that warranty might expire sooner than you hope. In that case, you might consider an extended warranty. more What does an extended warranty cover? Different warranties cover different things, but an extended warranty typically covers major vehicle components like the powertrain. That means that the engine, transmission, and drivetrain are protected in the event of a defect or recall. What it doesn’t cover is normal wear and tear, misuse or abuse, and collisions. Things like windshield wipers and tires are also not typically covered under a basic extended warranty. What types of extended warranties are available? Sure, there are different warranties that cover the main components of the vehicle like the powertrain. Those are important because they cover the most expensive types of maintenance and repairs. But did you know that there are also warranties that cover the rest of the vehicle and other circumstances? Vehicle Protection Products are another type of warranty that cover your vehicle beyond the initial warranty period. They can come in handy if you lose your keys, get into a collision, or have a break-in. There are even warranties that cover service, acting as a pre-paid maintenance plan so you can be sure your vehicle is kept in its best condition. Some examples of warranties available at Carnamic include Road Hazard Tire & Wheel Protection, Electronics Services, Environmental Protection Plans, Lease Wear & Use, and many more. Protect Your Next Vehicle with Carnamic Along with Carnamic’s Paint and Fabric Protection, you can find a variety of extended warranties to protect your new or pre-owned vehicle. Browse our available protection products online or contact us to learn more!

Did you know that most electric vehicles actually require less maintenance than a gas-powered car? Although they may seem mysterious and complicated, taking care of your new EV is actually fairly simple. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacement, or trips to the fuel station, which can save you money in the long-run. So, what types of service does an EV actually require? All models differ slightly, but you can follow our rough guide to EV maintenance to find out! more Battery An internal combustion engine vehicle also uses a battery, but it’s a much different type than that used in an electric vehicle. Where an ICE battery is used to start the vehicle, an EV battery actually powers the vehicle - and keeps it running as you drive. However, that doesn’t mean that the battery requires much maintenance, if any. An EV battery is designed to run for much longer than a traditional car’s battery, and typically isn’t meant to be replaced. Maintaining your EV battery is as simple as driving smart - that is, taking care of your vehicle by keeping it out of extreme temperatures and following charging guidelines. Brakes and Pads You can expect the same brake and brake pad services for an EV as you would any other vehicle. The same goes for tire rotations and other similar services. Since you don’t need oil changes, it can help to set a reminder for brake service since that’s when you’d typically get your brakes checked. Fluids Like a conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicle, most EVs use a cooling system to keep the battery and motors at a safe temperature. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended scheduled maintenance on the coolant. Of course, your EV will also need other fluids like windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, among others. Fast and Friendly Car Maintenance at Carnamic Do you have an EV or plug-in hybrid that needs service? You can trust your closest Bay Area Carnamic to perform all the maintenance you need! Schedule online or call our service department to schedule today.