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As we come up on the rainiest season in the Bay Area, lots of drivers are asking questions about finding a vehicle with the right amount of traction. Is all-wheel drive necessary? What are the differences between all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive? Is AWD or 4WD better for hauling and towing? Carnamic is here to answer all your questions! The first step in finding the right vehicle to meet your needs is understanding the differences between all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, so keep reading to learn more. more Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with 4WD typically run on front or rear-wheel drive until the driver switches the 4WD system on. With the push of a button, power goes from two wheels to all four wheels at the same time. There’s a reason that most cars and crossovers don’t come equipped with 4WD, and that’s because it’s more robust than AWD. You’re more likely to see 4WD on trucks and SUVs that need the extra-rugged performance for towing, hauling, and handling tough terrain. The Nissan Frontier is one example of a 4WD vehicle. All-Wheel Drive Where 4WD requires the driver to switch it on, AWD operates on its own without the driver. All-wheel drive can be full-time or part-time, meaning the power either goes to all four wheels all the time or only when needed. For example, INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive can detect loss of traction and deliver up to 50% of the power to the front wheels. Then, when the vehicle regains control, it automatically goes back to rear-wheel power. The main difference is that AWD doesn’t need to be turned on. All-wheel drive is ideal for road driving and some off-roading. Full-time AWD means that you’re always ready, but it can lower your fuel economy. Some examples of vehicles with full or part-time AWD include the Nissan Rogue, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Santa Fe, and INFINITI QX60. Find Your 4WD or AWD Vehicle in the Bay Area Carnamic makes searching for your next vehicle simple! Check out our online inventory of four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles and contact us to schedule a test drive.

Finding an affordable and reliable vehicle can take a lot of work. You want to get a good deal while ensuring you find a vehicle that meets - or exceeds - all your needs. Shopping for vehicles within your budget in the Bay Area is a lot easier at Carnamic! We currently have over 50 pre-owned vehicles listed under $20,000 available right now across our Bay Area locations. more Find Your Match Think you don’t have many options that are easy on your wallet? Think again - at Carnamic, we have tons of choices under $20,000. We’re sure we can find the right vehicle for you, whether that’s a hybrid, SUV, or luxury model. For example, our current inventory includes vehicles like the 2021 Honda Insight, 2017 Jeep Renegade, and 2021 Nissan Rogue. You can use our online shopping feature to narrow down your search and find the right make, model, body style, and more. Secure Financing Once you have one or more vehicles in mind, it’s time to apply for financing. You can apply right here on our website to get pre-qualified, which can also help you make the best decision. If you have a vehicle you’d like to trade in, you can also get an estimate on the trade-in value. That way, when it’s time to buy, you have an idea of what you’ll be paying. Take a Test Drive When you’re ready, it’s time for a test drive. It’s always a good idea to test drive any vehicle to get a feel for how it operates. Test driving gives you an opportunity to find any flaws or things you do and don’t like about the vehicle you had in mind. Read some of our top test driving tips here before paying us a visit! You can schedule a test drive online or by phone at any of our Bay Area dealerships. Find Your Next Ride at Carnamic New or used, we’re here for you! Explore everything we have to offer at Carnamic right here on our website. If you see something that catches your eye, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. As always, all pricing is Simple and upfront to get you in the vehicle that you've been searching for.

Owning an EV is getting more convenient around the country, and that’s especially true in the Bay Area. Since California is at the forefront of the clean air movement, that also means that we have additional bonuses to owning and driving a hybrid or electric vehicle. more Incentives Worried about the price tag on a new vehicle? If you buy electric, there are tons of monetary incentives, including tax credits. Incentives can vary by county, so be sure to check and double check to ensure you’re getting the most out of your EV purchase. There are also discounts offered to PG&E customers on their utilities, making charging much more affordable than stopping at the pump. Free Parking and Charging Employers, parking garages, grocery stores - several places around the Bay Area offer free parking or even free charging if you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid. It’s no secret that parking around the Bay Area can be tricky, so having dedicated parking to use for your electric vehicle will not only save you money; it also saves lots of time and frustration. HOV Lane Access Although carpooling is often an efficient way to get to work, sometimes you have to drive by yourself. Owning an EV will give you access to the HOV lane in many areas, even if you’re the only one in the vehicle. That can cut down on your commute time and even save on your battery range. Just be sure to check signage where you’re driving to make sure it’s allowed, and don’t forget to get your EV decal from the DMV! Less Maintenance Did you know that EVs require less maintenance than vehicles with a gasoline engine? The long-term maintenance costs of an electric vehicle are significantly lower than an internal combustion engine. That comes in handy, especially when you put lots of miles on your vehicle during your commute. Say goodbye to oil changes and more when you own an EV! Go Electric at Carnamic Are you ready to become an EV owner? Find out more about what it’s like to drive an electric vehicle by visiting your nearest Bay Area Carnamic! Our helpful team members can let you know more about driving and owning an EV around Hayward, San Jose, and the rest of the Bay Area. Contact us to schedule a test drive today!

Are you debating between buying a car or crossover? Each has its pros and cons, and what you choose depends on your lifestyle. Before you start looking for your next vehicle, it can help to know the differences between a car and a crossover. That’s why we at Carnamic have created this helpful guide to give our customers a head start on buying their next new or used car or crossover. more Car From muscle cars to classic sedans, cars have ruled the automotive world since their invention a century ago. Cars can be anything from a four-door to a two-door coupe or even a hatchback. They’re often the most affordable type of vehicle, and on top of that, they typically get the best mileage because of their size. Modern cars can come in many forms, including hybrid, fully electric, all-wheel drive, and more. Many cars are great for the Bay Area due to their compact size, narrow turn radius, and high MPG, all of which come in handy when driving through the hills or taking on your long commute. Examples of cars include the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Crossover Although crossover and SUV are often used interchangeably, they’re actually very different types of vehicles. While an SUV is built like a truck with a separate frame and body, a crossover is built more like a car with a unibody construction. It does have many of the benefits of an SUV - size, power, performance - but in a much smaller package. They’ll often offer more off-road capability, including ground clearance, than your standard car. Crossovers are often longer, wider, and offer more passenger and cargo space than a car. They’re also lighter and more fuel efficient than an SUV, offering many drivers the best of both worlds. Some examples of crossovers include the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Hyundai Tuscon, and Kia Telluride. Car or Crossover: Which will you choose? Now that you know what sets cars and crossovers apart, it’s time to start shopping! Check out the full inventory of new and used cars and crossovers available at Carnamic. We have convenient locations around the Bay Area so you can find your favorite vehicle closest to you. Of course, you can also contact us for one-on-one assistance to find your perfect ride.

Big things are coming to Carnamic in 2024! Many of the next model year’s vehicles have been announced, and we can’t wait to show our customers a peek into the future. New special editions, fresh updates, and more features to existing models will offer our customers exciting new options for their next vehicle. Here’s what we know so far about what we expect to arrive for the 2024 model year! more Hyundai In addition to all your favorite models, 2024 is bringing two new models to Hyundai - the Kona and Santa Fe. The highly capable small SUV brings capability and efficiency with plenty of available features to customize the Kona to your needs. Details about the new Santa Fe will be released soon. INFINITI Drive in luxury with the new INFINITI lineup for 2024. While we wait for more information about the coming lineup, we expect the return of all models. INFINITI has also teased a new concept, the QX Monograph, as its next generation of design. Kia Expect the return of the popular and reliable Kia models you know and love, including the K5, Niro, Soul, and more. There are few major changes to the 2024 lineup with the exception of some new special edition packages and standard feature additions to some models. The best-selling Seltos is getting a makeover for 2024, making it a great companion for all your outdoor activities. Mitsubishi America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, is making its return for 2024 with a 420-mile combined driving range and Super All-Wheel Control as a standard feature. Expect new colors, a new maintenance program on all 2024 models, and special packages to stand out. Nissan Nissan has expanded their NissanConnect Services from a 6-month trial to a 3-year service for all 2024 models. The Altima, Sentra, Titan all get refreshes that include new exterior styling and fresh special edition packages. 2024 Models Coming Soon to Carnamic Be on the lookout for new 2024 cars, trucks, and SUVs to arrive at Carnamic! Follow our blog to learn the latest news, and be sure to contact us for more information about release dates and availability.

There’s just no beating living in the Bay Area - the sights, the food, and the weather are some of our favorite things. But one thing that can be brutal is the traffic. What looks like a short drive for errands or an easy commute quickly turn into hours of stop-and-go traffic, lines of red lights, packed streets, and tricky hills. Lifelong Bay Area residents and tourists alike can run into the same problems. So when you can’t take public transportation to avoid the stress, what do you do? Follow our top driving tips to navigate the Bay Area like a pro! more Four Tips for Driving in the Bay Area Know Your Route Even those familiar with the streets and hills of the Bay Area know that one wrong turn can end up in confusion, as well as a long detour. Plan your route, check out your destination online, and use navigation with live traffic conditions to avoid traffic jams and construction. Find the Right Vehicle How you drive is just as important as what you drive, and choosing the right vehicle for the Bay Area comes down to a few key points. You can read more about that here, but what it comes down to is picking a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Live in the heart of the city? Go compact. Have a long commute? Electric or hybrid is the way to go! Practice Parallel Parking Parallel parking can be intimidating if you aren’t used to it. Instead of avoiding your favorite neighborhoods, why not practice? It can take a few tries to master the skill, but once you do, you’ll have a much easier time finding parking. Bonus: you can avoid a hilly walk when you can park near your destination! Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists The Bay Area has miles and miles of bike paths, trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes that offer some of the best ways to enjoy the city. Pedestrians and cyclists are everywhere, so when you’re driving, be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings and be aware of those on foot or two wheels. You might want to find a vehicle with features like pedestrian detection to add an extra layer of safety to your drive. Always yield to pedestrians and read up on bike laws, too. Get Your Bay Area Ride at Carnamic Need help finding the right vehicle to get you around in the Bay Area? Visit us today at one of our Carnamic locations to drive the streets of Redwood City, Hayward, San Leandro, and beyond! Check out our available inventory online or contact us to schedule your test drive. Our team can give you more tips and tricks for driving the Bay Area safely in your new ride.

The New Year is almost here! It’s no secret that we love living in the Bay Area, and one of the reasons we love it so much is that there’s no shortage of fun things to do. New Year’s Eve is no exception - lights, parties, shows, and so much more make celebrating 2023 a blast. Here are some of the things we’re planning to do this New Year’s Eve! more Cruise in the Bay Who wouldn’t want to spend NYE on a yacht? On the Cabernet Sauvignon Yacht, you can take part in a dinner cruise complete with a gourmet buffet, dessert, cocktails, dancing, and more! You get to see all the sights from a new perspective while partying the night away. There are several other cruises available, too, including Gatsby’s Party Cruise and more. Dance the Night Away Those over 21 are sure to enjoy all the NYE nightclubs and parties in the Bay Area. From Rio’s Copacabana Beach party the Pubcrawl Experience, you can enjoy festive drinks, dancing, and more across San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. Fun with the Family Why should the kids miss out on all the fun? They don’t have to stay up until midnight to enjoy a New Year’s Eve celebration at Gilroy Gardens, the Chabot Space and Science Center, or the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Have a blast at “Noon Year’s” parties with the entire family! See the the ball drop, enjoy face painting, and ring in the new year together. Fireworks at Midnight Wherever you end up as the clock strikes 12, you won’t want to miss the return of the midnight fireworks show in the bay. You can take in the show from most of the locations above, and best of all, it’s free! You won’t want to miss the spectacular fireworks show over the bay. The Carnamic team wants to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

Thinking of going electric? You’re not alone. In fact, more drivers are making the switch to electrified vehicles. The good news is that there are more options available than ever before, but how can you decide which electric vehicle is right for you? Instead of getting overwhelmed by all the options, use Carnamic’s helpful guide to finding your perfect EV! more Hybrid vs. PHEV vs. Electric The first step to choosing the right electrified vehicle is finding the type of EV that suits your lifestyle. There are three main types of electrified vehicles: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). You can read more details about the differences here. Once you understand more about how each type works, you can get to the fun part - finding the one that’s perfect for you. BEVs are ideal for those who want a totally emissions-free drive. Electric vehicles are great for the Bay Area because of our numerous charging stations. If you’re considering an EV, you’ll want to consider how much you drive daily and how charging fits in with your drive. For example, many EVs have a range up to 300+ miles, so even a long commute won’t be an issue for an electric vehicle. If you aren’t sure about going fully electric, then a PHEV or HEV might be better for you. You still get the convenience and familiarity of a gas-powered engine, but with the added benefits of a hybrid electric powertrain. As the name implies, plug-in hybrids do need to be charged, so you’ll want to be sure you have a charging station nearby. You can also consider installing one right at your home. Hybrids offer the most convenience with no need for charging, all while boosting your fuel efficiency. Go Electric with Carnamic Still not sure which type of electric vehicle you’d prefer? Browse the available hybrid and electric vehicles available at Carnamic, then visit one of our locations for a test drive! Once you have first-hand experience, you can make a more informed decision on your next electrified vehicle. Of course, our knowledgeable staff will be there every step of the way to answer your questions and help you make the right choice. Contact us to schedule your test drive today!

The year is winding down, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great time to plan your next road trip. The cooler months have so much to offer around the country, and year-round road trips allow you to explore the different regions in a whole new light. Finding the right vehicle for long drives can make family or solo trips even more enjoyable, and if you’re looking for the best vehicle for your road trip, you’ve come to the right place! more What to Look for in a Road Trip Vehicle Your ideal road trip vehicle might look different than your neighbor’s. It all depends on what types of road trips you like - family adventures, camping excursions, and sightseeing trips might all call for a different type of ride. However, they’ll all have a few things in common in terms of what to look for. Size & Cargo Packing for a cross-country drive is no easy task. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for anything, and whether you’re car camping or trying to fit the whole family, you’ll want plenty of space for everyone - and everything. Look for a vehicle with adaptable seating, like the three-row Nissan Pathfinder or Honda Pilot. The back rows can easily fold down for extra storage, or keep them up to seat up to eight passengers. You can also look for built-in or add-on accessories like a roof rack or cargo organizer to keep things out of the way. Comfort Don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable seat when you’re on a cross-country trek. Features like leg room and heated seats to keep the whole crew nice and comfortable for the long-haul. Some vehicles, like the Hyundai Palisade, even have massaging seats for ultimate relaxation. Entertainment features like a Bluetooth-capable infotainment system will make the ride more enjoyable and give everyone a turn at setting the soundtrack for the drive. Fuel Economy Great fuel economy is a huge positive for both road trips and everyday life. Although you might think that large SUVs and fuel efficiency might not go hand in hand, there are now several hybrid and electric options that offer the best of both worlds. For example, the Outlander PHEV will get you a combined 64 MPG with convenient plug-in charging, while hybrid electric vehicles like the Kia Sorento Hybrid offer 35 MPG without the need to charge. Driver Assist Features If you’ve never used driver assist features, you’ll be amazed at how useful and convenient they are for both short and long drives. Once fatigue sets in, you’ll love how helpful features like lane keep assist and driver attention warnings can be. Just be sure you don’t rely on them too much; if you find yourself drifting too often, take a rest or switch drivers. Plan Your Road Trip with Carnamic The Carnamic team is here to help you find the road trip vehicle of your dreams! Visit one of our several Bay Area locations for personalized service and to test drive your next car, truck, SUV, or van today.

Understanding when your brakes are about to fail can not only save you a lot of money in repairs, but it can also help keep you safe. There are several components to a braking system, each of which can eventually wear out. But since you can’t actually see many parts of your brakes, how can you tell when you need new ones? more Signs You Need New Brakes Warning Light Different types of vehicles have different warning lights. The most well-known is, of course, the check engine light. However, many also have a brake warning light. It’s the most obvious sign of brake issues, and it can point to a problem with your brake system. Before you bring your vehicle in for service, check that your parking brake isn’t engaged, since that can also trigger the light. Low Fluid Levels It’s important to check your engine oil and other fluids often, and checking your brake fluid levels should be on that list. If you notice that your brake fluid is low, it might simply need to be flushed and replaced. It could also indicate a leak or other issue in the brake line, so it’s not a bad idea to have a technician take a look. Grinding sounds often require immediate attention that you can’t ignore. Squealing or Squeaking Strange noises are a clear indication that something is wrong with your vehicle. If you hear high-pitched squealing or squeaking when you brake, all signs point to worn brake pads or an issue with your rotors. Brake pads can easily be replaced, so if the sound continues even after you have fresh pads, be sure to inspect further. Vehicle Pulling to One Side If you notice pulling or drifting to one side when you brake, your thought might immediately jump to an issue with your steering. That could be the case, but sometimes it can mean that your brakes are wearing unevenly. Sensitive or Unresponsive Brakes You know your vehicle better than anyone, so if your brakes suddenly feel more or less sensitive than usual, and getting them looked at can help you avoid a collision - or major repairs. Schedule Brake Service Today Driving around the Bay Area can be a challenge, even when your brakes are in great condition. If you notice one of the issues above, avoid the hassle and bring your vehicle into your nearest Carnamic location for service! Our experienced technicians can get to the bottom of your brake issues and help you drive safely.

Most drivers have experienced that sinking feeling when the check engine light suddenly pops up on the dashboard. Should you pull over right away? Take it to the nearest auto repair shop? The check engine light could mean anything from a triggered oxygen sensor to something more serious like failing brakes, and the only way to know is to perform an engine diagnostics test. Luckily, you can turn to Carnamic’s trained technicians to find out what’s going on with your engine and recommend how to fix it. more What is an engine diagnostics test? During an engine diagnostics, a technician will connect to your vehicle’s computer with a specialized machine. Your vehicle’s computer system will send a code to the machine that tells the technician what might be wrong with your vehicle. Despite the name, engine diagnostics doesn’t typically “diagnose” a problem; instead, it points the trained technician in the right direction to be able to fix the issue. Sometimes, the source of the light isn’t actually the engine. A diagnostic test can point to an issue in another part of your vehicle, including the brakes, exhaust, transmission, and more. Other times, the cause of the light can be as simple as a faulty spark plug or corroded connector. That’s why it’s so important to leave the diagnostics to the experts since they can tell the difference between a quick fix and a deeper issue. Once the problem is taken care of, the technician might run another test to ensure the problem has been solved. How can I schedule engine diagnostics in the Bay Area? If you’re looking for fast and friendly engine diagnostics services in the Bay Area, you’ve come to the right place! Carnamic has several locations with trained experts who can get to the bottom of your car troubles. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a big problem - contact Carnamic to schedule your engine diagnostics today!

Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the Bay Area. Cooler nights, mild days, and the distinct lack of ice makes the Bay Area enjoyable during the fall months. But just because we don’t face traditional winter weather doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t prepare our vehicles for different seasons. In fact, some of our best fall vehicle maintenance tips apply to drivers in all weather conditions. Keep reading to learn how you should prepare your vehicle for the coming fall and winter months. more Fall/Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist Whether you’re coming out of a busy summer of cross-country roadtrips or warm weather activities around the Bay Area, you’ll want to perform some basic maintenance to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall. Fluids Between long drives and stop-and-go city traffic, your vehicle’s fluids more than likely need a refresh. Follow the oil change recommendations in your owner’s manual, and don’t forget about other fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Not sure which fluids should be swapped? Consult a Carnamic technician! Tire Tread and Pressure Tires are often overlooked as one of the most important aspects of a vehicle’s performance. Measure your tire’s tread levels in different locations of the tire to check for even wear, then use a pressure gauge to check for proper pressure. If any of your measurements are off, be sure to swap out your old tires for new ones and get regular tire rotations to help the new set last longer. Brakes Good tires are nothing without good brakes, and you want to make sure everything in your braking system is healthy at each change of season. Pads, rotors, and brake lines can all wear down over time, so get everything checked out by a technician to make sure everything is in working order. Battery Nobody wants to go to start their vehicle only to be met with a clicking sound and no power. Even if you aren’t stuck in the freezing weather, waiting for a jump can be inconvenient. So before fall hits, it can be a good idea to have your battery inspected. That includes connectors, corrosion on any part of the battery, and measuring the battery power with a tool called a multimeter. Schedule Your Vehicle Maintenance at Carnamic Do you need a vehicle inspection or other maintenance services before fall hits? Schedule your service today at Carnamic! We have several locations across the Bay Area specializing in Mitsubishi, Kia, INFINITI, and more, so contact us today and get your vehicle ready for fall.