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Are you considering a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle? Maybe you just drove home in your new Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Either way, you might be wondering how you'll charge your electric vehicle at home. At Carnamic, we want to take all the guesswork out of EV ownership, so we've created this simple guide to charging your new electric vehicle. more Level 1 Charging All electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are compatible with a standard 120-volt home outlet. In EV terms, that's a Level 1 charge. It's the most basic method of charging since it doesn't require a special outlet or charging station, but it does have a downside. Level 1 charging is the slowest EV charging method because it uses the least amount of power. That might not be a problem if you drive a PHEV with a smaller battery, but it could pose a problem with fully-electric vehicles. Most new electric vehicles will come with a charging cable compatible with your wall outlet. Level 2 Charging The most ideal situation for home charging is at Level 2, or 240 volts. Most homes and garages aren't equipped with a 240-volt outlet, however, and will require special installation. It's recommended to consult an electrician or specialized EV home charging provider to assess your home's power capacity to ensure it can handle the extra power output. Once your Level 2 charger is installed, you can expect much faster charging. How fast your EV charges depends entirely on the vehicle, but you can typically expect a nearly-full to full charge overnight. How to Charge Your EV on the Road Of course, there will always be situations when you'll need to charge your vehicle while you're on the go. California alone has over 14,000 public charging stations where you can power your EV on the road with more being installed every day. There are thousands of public charging stations around the country that utilize DC fast charging, allowing you to power up your vehicle even faster than you could at home. Many are located near supermarkets, shopping, or restaurants to ease wait times as you charge your EV to hit the open road. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Available in the Bay Area If you're ready to go electric, you can shop the new and used EV inventory at Carnamic! We have a wide selection of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles for sale in the Bay Area. Contact our team for advice and assistance to find the EV that's right for you!

Hyundai Motor Group recently announced plans to bring production of their electric vehicle batteries stateside. The multi-billion dollar project is a partnership with SK On, a pioneer in the green energy world. Each partner is putting a 50/50 stake into its $5 billion investment as an effort to increase its presence in the EV world and bring emission-free vehicles to the U.S. more In the wake of worldwide shortages in the auto industry, Hyundai Motor Group's plans for EV battery production aim to reduce shortages and boost the supply of electric vehicles in America. The battery cell plant is being built and will soon begin production in Bartow County, GA near its Kia and Hyundai factories: Kia Georgia, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. The partnership plans for battery production to start as early as 2025 with the capacity to supply batteries for up to 300,000 Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis electric vehicles. What could that mean for the future of Hyundai and Kia vehicles? The group hopes to become a leader in the EV industry, increasing availability of its current lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles as well as continuing the release of innovative electrified models. That means that batteries for vehicles like the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ and new Kia EV6 will be made right here in America, making electric vehicles more accessible to the North American market. Hyundai Motor Group hopes to meet the high demand for affordable and reliable electric vehicles that meet the needs of its United States customer base. Find Your Hybrid or EV at Carnamic Explore the current lineup of new and used electrified vehicles available now at Carnamic! We have several convenient locations around the Bay Area with a sales team that can assist you in finding the perfect hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric vehicle that's right for you. Contact us to schedule a test drive or pay us a visit today.

In just the second year since the category's creation, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 took the award for Car and Driver's EV of the Year. The 2022 market saw a sudden rise in EV production, with more competition to face. Still, the IONIQ 5 rose to the top of the list in a sea of electric cars, trucks, and SUVs, beating out dozens of comparable vehicles. At just a glance, it's easy to see why the IONIQ 5 was named EV of the Year, and you can learn more about this award-winning vehicle at Carnamic. more Exploring the Award-Winning IONIQ 5 Car and Driver loves the IONIQ 5 enough to give it top honors, and it's not hard to understand why that is. They emphasize just how cool it is to look at; the body stands out from other crossovers with its sharp body styling. It's not the appearance that earned it the award, however. That's the enhanced EV performance, making it convenient to own and downright fun to drive. Its 77.4 kWh battery pack is expertly engineered to produce up to 225 hp with RWD or 320 hp with AWD. All that power and you still get up to a 303 mile range - no small task for an EV of its capability. Towing 1650 is also possible, and the battery pack can even be used as a generator when needed. Electric-powered vehicles offer a notoriously quiet ride, and the IONIQ 5 is no exception. The interior is incredibly roomy, rivaling a full-size SUV in legroom. Its innovative performance is matched by high-tech features like a touchscreen display with navigation and advanced driver assist safety technology that pushed it past the competition. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system includes adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and a head-up display to keep eyes on the road while mitigating the threat of collisions. There are too many features to name, but it's easy to say that the IONIQ 5 has what it takes to transition to an EV with ease. Find the IONIQ 5 at Carnamic You can now find Car and Driver's EV of the Year at Carnamic! Shop the Hyundai IONIQ 5 online or at our convenient Bay Area locations. Contact us today to schedule your test drive.

Nobody likes being faced with an unexpected repair bill, especially when it’s out of budget. What do you do when you have an auto repair that’s not covered by your warranty or insurance? Auto repair financing is an option to help you when you need the extra cash to cover a big repair. It’s like a car loan, but specifically for repairs, covering a specific amount with set repayment terms. If you need repair financing in the Bay Area, you can turn to Carnamic. Learn more about our financing options and what they can cover below! more What does auto repair financing cover? Auto repair financing can cover just about any type of maintenance or repair that you can’t immediately pay for out of pocket. That can include everything from new tires to oil change and even electrical services. Windshield wipers, broken windows, fuel flushes - everything is covered with an auto repair loan, and you can get more than one service done at a time. Once you apply and get approved, you can put that amount toward any type of services or repairs to get your vehicle back on the road. Then, all you need to do is make monthly payments, which are usually short-term. How do I apply for auto repair financing? You can apply for financing at one of our Bay Area dealerships or right here on our website. Loans are subject to credit approval, and your interest rate and payment terms may vary. After you’re approved, you can bring your vehicle to any of Carnamic’s Bay Area dealerships. We have several locations that specialize in different brands, including Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, and INFINITI. Each location has a service center with trained technicians who can complete your repairs with precision and skill, allowing you to drive away with confidence. Auto Repair Financing at Carnamic Applying for financing at Carnamic is simple. You can contact our finance team for more details and assistance with your application. If you’d rather trade in your vehicle, we can help with that, too! View our inventory of new and used vehicles before making a trade and skipping repairs altogether. Either way, your Bay Area Carnamic has everything you need to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you need.

The automotive market is in a spot where it's quickly changing and evolving. Part of that is due to manufacturers pledging to move toward producing electric vehicles. While EVs aren't necessarily new, recent changes in laws and regulations have seen a boom in EV production. So if you're in the market for a new vehicle, you might be wondering about the different types of electric vehicles. Before you buy, follow Carnamic's guide to types of electric vehicles to stay informed and make the best decision for you. more Hybrid Electric Vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine electric technology with a traditional combustion engine. A battery and electric motor supplement the use of gasoline, reducing emissions and the need for fossil fuels. Hybrids use regenerative braking to charge the battery, which translates the energy of the moving vehicle into energy that goes into the battery. Examples of HEVs include the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Hyundai Elantra. Battery Electric Vehicles A battery electric vehicle (BEV) completely eliminates the need for a combustion engine. One or more electric motors and batteries power the vehicle all on their own without the need for fuel. BEVs must be charged by an external power source, like a home or public charging station, often traveling over 200 or 300 miles on a single charge. BEV examples include the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai IONIQ. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles A plug-in hybrid is a mix between an HEV and BEV. It utilizes an electric motor, battery, and combustion engine. But unlike an HEV, the battery is charged more like a BEV - that is, you plug it in at a power source. PHEVs typically have a longer range than a regular hybrid and often have more versatility. There are currently several PHEVs on the market, like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Fuel cell electric vehicles haven't taken off in the United States yet, but technology is still being developed overseas to produce a truly zero-emission electric vehicle. FCEVs use a different fuel source - hydrogen - to power the battery. That means that they don't require an external charging method and instead use a hydrogen fuel tank for power. Although there aren't as many FCEVs as other types of electric vehicles, you can find some for sale in the U.S. like the Hyundai Nexo. Find Your EV at Carnamic Are you considering an electric vehicle? Want to know more about how they work? View our new and pre-owned EV lineup available at Carnamic! We'd love to tell you more about electric vehicle ownership and its benefits, so contact us today to learn more and find out which EV might be right for you.

Well-maintained brakes are essential to your safety. When you notice a strange sound or haven't had them checked in a while, you can bring your vehicle in to your local Carnamic dealership for proper service. We have several Bay Area locations with skilled technicians ready to perform brake inspection and service on a variety of vehicles. more Types of Brake Service Your braking system is made up of several parts that work together. When one part is worn out or needs repair, it can throw off the entire system and lead to an unsafe vehicle. That's why the Carnamic service team performs a variety of brake service: Brake Inspection and Diagnostics Brake Fluid Replacement Brake Rotor Service and Repair Brake Pad Replacement How often should you have your brakes checked? Like any type of auto service, the frequency you'll need to have your brakes replaced depends on the vehicle. However, to prevent costly repairs, you can have your brakes inspected as often as you take your vehicle in for service. That can include alignments, oil changes, and any other type of routine maintenance. Replacing the pads and flushing the fluid can go a long way in helping your braking system last longer - plus, it will keep you safer on the road. Signs Your Brakes Need Service Of course, issues with your braking system can seemingly appear out of nowhere. If it's been a while since you've had your brakes inspected or serviced, there are some signs you can look out for to know if it's time for repair. Squealing sound while braking Grinding or crunching sound Thin or worn-out brake pads Leaking brake fluid Vibrations while driving or braking Pulling to one side during braking Schedule Brake Service at Carnamic If your brakes are past due for an inspection or you notice any of the above signs, it's time to bring your brakes in for service at your local Carnamic dealership. We have locations throughout the Bay Area including San Leandro, Hayward, San Jose, and Redwood City for fast, convenient, and reliable service from our qualified service technicians. So if you suspect an issue with your braking system, don't hesitate and face costly repairs. Contact us for a service today!

Are you thinking about upgrading to a new vehicle with the latest technology or safety features? Before you sell or trade in your old vehicle, you more than likely want to find its value so you can make an accurate budget. Luckily, finding your vehicle's value is easy with Carnamic. You can learn more about how to find your car's value and what factors go into that decision by reading more or getting in touch with a member of the Carnamic team. more What determines a car's value? At Carnamic, we ask a lot of questions that will determine your car's value for sale or trade-in. That's because several factors contribute to its worth, and knowing the full picture will help you get the best value for your trade. Some of the most important details include year, make, model, VIN, and mileage, but there's more to it than that. Has the vehicle ever been in an accident? Are there any scratches, dents, or dings? Even things like trim and color factor into the total value. Those details can make a big difference, so be sure to list everything to get the most accurate price. Maintaining good condition will help a lot in keeping your car's value. Whether you're considering upgrading to a new vehicle now or in the future, one of the best things you can do now is keep up with repairs and routine maintenance. Bring your vehicle in for regular service, and don't ignore check engine lights or unusual sounds. Preventing damage will improve the current value and keep it from depreciating faster, and it will cost much less to fix a problem before it gets worse. Value Your Trade at Carnamic Do you want to find the value of your vehicle at Carnamic? Simply fill out our online form with as much detail as possible. We'll evaluate the information your provide, then contact you with an estimate. We make selling or trading your car easy by offering an accurate and fair value for your car, along with giving you options for trading and financing your new one. All of our new vehicles include Simple pricing, so along with knowing your vehicle's value, you can easily make the best financial decision while finding the vehicle you've been hunting for. Contact us today to learn more and find your next vehicle with Carnamic.

There’s something for everyone in the Bay Area, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception! If you’re looking for things to do on St. Patrick’s Day around the Bay, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of activities leading up to next weekend’s Irish holiday. From classic bar crawls to family events and activities, you can learn about some of our favorite things to do around San Francisco, Hayward, Redwood City, and all the surrounding areas. more Parades St. Patrick’s Day 2023 lands on a Friday - and we couldn’t be luckier! Kick off the week-long celebration with San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, taking place starting at 2nd and Market all the way to City Hall. The parade starts at 11:30, but make sure to get there early for the best views! Eat, Drink, and Be Irish If you want to taste the brews that the Bay Area has to offer, there are a few bar crawls you can take part in. Start at Mayes on Friday or Saturday for group fun the Irish way. Maybe you’d rather get a taste of Irish cuisine instead. In that case, there are plenty of delicious options, like the Buena Vista Cafe’s feast of Irish soda bread, corned beef with cabbage, and of course the Irish coffee. There’s also Alhambra Irish House, combining traditional Irish cuisine with a range of drink specials. You have no shortage of food options with choices like Johnny Foley’s, The Irish Bank, and many more. Runs, Races, and More Don’t want to load up your belly? Why not take a run instead! Meet up for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K at the Courthouse Square to benefit Santa Rosa Recs & Parks. Register ahead of time for this fun run open to all ages! It’s always a party at the San Jose Shamrock 5K Run; once you’re done, finish up at O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub for a free Guinness after the race. There’s even a Leprechaun chase just for the kids! Want to get competitive? The Go Green St. Patrick’s Day Run has different race lengths for runners of all levels. Go for the gold, or go home with a race tee to mark the occasion. No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend! From the team at Carnamic, we hope you enjoy your holiday with flair.

Buying your next vehicle can be exciting, but it's easy to get bogged down in the details. One of the biggest decisions to make, other than choosing the right vehicle for you, is where to get vehicle financing. When you purchase your car, truck, or SUV at a Carnamic dealership, the good news is that you can get your financing right here! Explore our financing options and learn more below. more Financing Options at Carnamic Whether you're buying new or used, trading or leasing, there's an option for everyone at the Carnamic family of dealerships. That's because we can tailor a financing package specifically to suit your needs. To begin, apply online for pre-approval. Applying online is simple and secure, so you can come into one of our dealerships already knowing what you're approved for. You can also take a sale or trade into account, which will lower your overall cost. If you're planning to sell or trade, you can use our online tool to calculate the amount you'll get for your trade. We use the Kelly Blue Book value based on age, condition, and several other factors before offering a final price that you can then apply to your next vehicle. Once you have your numbers figured out, you can get in touch. Or, if you'd like more personalized service, our team is always here to help with the financing application process. Our goal is to get you a great deal, so we offer Simple Pricing that allows you to know the cost of your next vehicle on the spot. It also helps make the buying process easier since you'll know what you qualify for upfront, which can avoid disappointment if you find a vehicle you love that's out of your price range. Find Vehicles in the Bay Area at Carnamic Ready to find your next vehicle? We're here to help! We have a large variety of new and used vehicles across the Bay Area, including San Leandro, San Jose, Redwood City, and more. Please take your time browsing online inventory and contact us if you see something that catches your eye.

Are you looking for things to do this Valentine's Day in the Bay Area? Then you're in luck! We've put together some classic and unconventional Valentine's Day Activities that you can do solo or with your other half around the Bay Area. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or an adventure off the beaten path, there's lots to do around here, and you can get all of your ideas right here. more Dining and More A fine dining experience is always a hit on Valentine's Day, and the Bay Area is full of some of the nation's best restaurants to treat yourself. Enjoy the seafood at Soto Mare, or feast on a great steak at House of Prime Rib. There's a restaurant for every taste; just be sure to make a reservation now! Or, maybe you'd rather learn a new skill while spending time with your Valentine. In that case, you can take part in one of the many cooking classes offered this weekend or on the day itself, like at Morocco's in Mountain View. Learn to cook a five-course Moroccan feast with wine pairings to match. For those with a sweet tooth, there are the Cozymeal Cooking Classes that include classic sweets and traditional meals as well. Of course, if you'd rather spend the day on your own or looking for your love, you can take part in the many activities of SF Beer Week, including tie dye and a Galentine's Day celebration. Adventures and Fun Maybe you'd rather spend your day in the great outdoors? Even though the weather is cool, it's still a great time to get outside and enjoy what the city has to offer. Spend the day like a tourist and visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, or hit the trails with hikes suited to all experience levels. There are other romantic places to spend the day enjoying the fresh air - the Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Gardens are some of our favorites - or spend the day trekking to the area's stunning wineries. Happy Valentine's Day from Carnamic However you choose to spend your Valentine's Day in the Bay Area, we hope it's a great one! From the whole Carnamic team, we want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day week.

Most Californians are required to complete and pass a vehicle inspection when they purchase a new vehicle or complete registration. If you're looking for the best place to get a vehicle inspection in the Bay Area, the answer is at your local Carnamic dealership. We have several convenient locations where you can bring your vehicle for your inspection, including San Jose, Hayward, and more. Learn more about California vehicle inspections and schedule yours today with Carnamic! more How Do Vehicle Inspections Work? Our Carnamic family of dealerships are licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to perform vehicle inspections. If your vehicle isn't exempt from the required smog check, the good news is that you can bring it into one of our locations for an inspection. In addition to emissions testing, California also requires an inspection for safety to ensure the vehicle you're driving isn't a hazard to the environment, other drivers, or yourself. Exempt vehicles include: Gas-powered vehicles made before 1975 Gas-powered vehicles less than 8 years old Diesel-powered vehicles made before 1997 Natural gas-powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds Electric vehicles If you purchase one of our newer vehicles, you can pay a fee at the time of registration instead of undergoing an inspection. However, if you do go through with an inspection, you can ensure the best results with our trained and highly-skilled technicians. When it comes to safety inspections, we can also help you prepare by giving your vehicle a tune-up including oil change, fluid top-off, and other maintenance repairs to keep you safe on the road and inspection compliant. How to Prepare for a Vehicle Inspection We want your vehicle inspection to be as fast, easy, and hassle-free as possible, and the best way to do that is to be prepared. If you aren't sure if your vehicle will pass inspection, the first place to start is with regular maintenance. All vehicles should receive their routine service and maintenance, and staying on top of things can improve the changes of your vehicle passing the inspection. When it's time for emissions testing, be sure to bring your DMV registration renewal so we can forward the results. Of course, if you do happen to fail the inspection, we'll give a full explanation and the causes. Vehicle Inspections at Carnamic Scheduling your vehicle inspection at a Carnamic dealership is easy! Our dealerships specialize in INFINITI, Mitsubishi, Kia, and other brands, so you can ensure that you're receiving service from a team who knows your vehicle best. Contact us for more information about inspections and to schedule your appointment today!

Shopping for a new vehicle should be fun, and it is at your nearest Bay Area Carnamic dealerships. Whether you're looking to test drive a new or used vehicle, you'll find the right selection at the right prices at any of our locations. Keep reading to learn more about the test drive experience at Carnamic and a few of our favorite test driving tips. more The Carnamic Experience We want to make the car shopping experience positive for every customer. That's why each of our vehicles is listed online, including all specs and features. Our shopping tool allows you to narrow down the search to find just what you're looking for, all before you even step foot in our dealership. Along with the features you want, every vehicle has a simple price listed so you never need to worry about being surprised. We break down the price to include any discounts and additional charges, like our paint and fabric protection, so the final price is right there for you to see. Then, once it's time to schedule your test drive, drop in at any of our Bay Area dealerships. Looking for the new Outlander PHEV in Hayward? Want the luxury INFINITI experience? There's something for everyone at Carnamic. Test Driving Tips Is this your first test drive? Haven't shopped around in a while? Instead of being overwhelmed, you can follow these tips to help you narrow your search and choose the vehicle of your dreams. Make a list of must-have features before you start looking for a vehicle. If you have your heart set on leather seats or want advanced driver assist technology, only search for vehicles that actually have what you want. Bring your driver's license to your test drive. We need to make a copy and have it on file before you get behind the wheel, and forgetting to bring it means you have to make another trip. Take notes. When you test out multiple vehicles in a row, it can be easy forget what you do and don't like about each. After each test drive, jot down a few notes in your phone or on a notepad to help keep everything straight. Always ask questions! Not sure what that knob does? Want to know how the infotainment system works? Our staff members are knowledgeable and helpful, and we love to demonstrate how everything works for you. Try to drive the vehicle in multiple settings when possible. That is, take it on city streets, residential roads, and highways to see how it handles in every situation. Test Drive Today with Carnamic At Carnamic, our goal is to find you your favorite vehicle at the right price. Feel free to contact us without any questions about a specific vehicle before visiting us for your test drive.