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Are you considering an electric vehicle for your next car? If you live in the Bay Area, you aren’t alone; California has the most EVs and charging stations in the nation, and numbers are going up every day. However, if you’ve never driven an EV, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of owning an EV in the Bay Area, CA. more Pros of Owning an EV Saves Money One of the most obvious benefits of owning an EV is the money-saving features. Since there’s no need to fill up at the gas station, an EV will save a decent chunk of money for those who drive in the Bay Area. Less Maintenance Another money-saving incentive of EVs is that they require less maintenance. That also saves you time on maintenance like oil changes and other services typically required by an internal combustion engine vehicle. Tax Incentives Both the state of California and the federal government have implemented tax incentives for EV buyers. You could receive a rebate on tax day simply by going emissions-free. Convenient Charging As a leader in the nation for EV ownership, drivers in the Bay Area enjoy convenient charging options. Public charging stations are everywhere, and you can plug in while you shop, eat, or hang out at home. You can also charge on the go at any public charging station or even at work. Other Perks Looking to save time on your commute? EV drivers are allowed to drive in the HOV lane regardless of the number of passengers. Plus, if you have the capability to install your own charging station at home, you may be eligible for rebates. Cons of Owning an EV Charging Takes Time Despite the abundance of charging options, it still takes much longer to charge an EV than it is to put gas in a car. A low battery can often be avoided with strategic planning, but eventually, everyone will be caught off-guard by the need to plug in. Fast-charging is an option, which cuts down significantly on charge times. Range Anxiety Some Bay Area workers spend hours in their vehicle during a commute. Even though some EVs have a long driving range, fueling up isn’t as simple as a 5-minute stop. Forgetting to charge or taking a longer drive both cause range anxiety for many EV owners. Explore EVs and More at Carnamic Make your decision easier by test driving an electric vehicle at your nearest Carnamic! We have fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so you can look at a wide variety of options to find the electrified model that’s right for you. Check out our inventory online and contact us to schedule a test drive at one of our Bay Area Carnamic locations.

Is your current vehicle no longer meeting your needs? Maybe it’s too small, doesn’t get the best fuel economy, or you’re just ready to upgrade. When it’s time to trade in your current vehicle for a new one, you might have questions about how the process works - especially if you’re doing a trade-in for the first time. To help you know what to expect, we’ve broken down the car trade-in process into four simple steps. more 4 Steps for Trading In Your Vehicle Follow these four steps to quickly and easily trade in your old car. What’s your car’s current value? Before you start car shopping, you might want to learn more about your car’s value so you can make sure you find a new one that fits in your budget. You can get an instant offer on your vehicle right here on Carnamic’s website; just enter some details about your vehicle and we’ll provide a rough estimate. After a physical inspection by one of our technicians, we’ll give you a firm offer for the value of your vehicle. Prepare Your Car for Trade-In You want to get the best offer for your vehicle, especially if you still owe money on it. Get your car ready for the trade by completing any minor repairs you’ve been putting off. Then, thoroughly clean and tidy inside and out to make your vehicle shine. Find Your Next Vehicle If you’re thinking of trading, you might already have a specific model in mind. Even if you haven’t made up your mind yet, it never hurts to do some online car shopping to compare different makes, models, and trims to find one that’s just right for you. Don’t forget to test drive before you trade! Seal the Deal It’s finally time to sign the papers and complete your trade. When you bring your vehicle to the dealership, don’t forget paperwork like the title, registration, and loan payoff documents. Since you already have an offer on your trade, you’ll be driving home in your new vehicle in no time. Trade In Your Vehicle Today at Carnamic At Carnamic, we make every aspect of the trade-in process fast and simple. From our online offers to shopping tools, you can find your next new or used vehicle right here at Carnamic. Shop online or contact us today to learn more!

When it’s time to sell your vehicle, there’s a lot to consider. Should you sell it privately or to a dealership? There are pros and cons of each, but many choose to sell directly to a dealership because of the simplicity. If you want to know more about how to sell your vehicle to a dealership, keep reading. more How much is your car worth? First, you’ll need to answer the question: what’s my car’s value? How much your vehicle is worth depends on several factors, including age, mileage, features, and condition. It can be difficult to determine what your car is actually worth without an appraisal. Some dealerships like Carnamic can give you an online estimate of your car’s value so you can move on to the next step of selling your vehicle. Prepare the Vehicle for Sale Before you actually sell your vehicle, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. A clean and empty vehicle will give the dealership the best idea of the condition of your vehicle. Plus, a clean vehicle is much more appealing than a cluttered or dirty one. Sign the Papers If you’re happy with your offer and ready to sell, it’s time to sign the paperwork. One of the benefits of selling to a dealership is that they’ll handle most of the paperwork for you. However, if you still owe money on the vehicle, you’ll need to bring in loan information and take care of the payoff details. Once the papers are signed, you’re all set. What to Bring When Selling Your Car Selling your car to a dealership makes things faster and easier than completing a private sale. All you need to do is bring a few items along with your vehicle: Title or Loan/Payoff Information Keys/Fobs Registration Government ID Buy, Sell, and Trade at Carnamic At Carnamic, we offer the option to get an instant offer online by entering some details about your vehicle. Once you get a ballpark estimate, you can decide if you are ready to sell. An in-person inspection will finalize your offer. Avoid the hassle of negotiating; sell your vehicle at your nearest Bay Area Carnamic! Contact us today to learn more.

Your vehicle has been by your side for years. Through road trips, life events, and commutes, your car has seen it all. But sometimes, it’s time to get rid of the old to make way for the new. The question of what to do with your old vehicle doesn’t always have an easy answer. There are pros and cons to selling vs. trading, and to help you make your decision before you choose your new ride, we’ve listed them below. more Pros of Selling Maybe you’re moving or looking to get rid of a car altogether. If repair bills are soaring or you no longer need the vehicle, selling it can help you avoid costly repairs or moving costs. Cons of Selling Choosing to sell privately can be more hassle than it’s worth. You’re stuck doing all the work yourself, and you  may not even end up getting the money you want for your car. A workaround Pros of Trading The main reason people prefer to trade in their vehicle is because it’s so convenient. Bring your used vehicle into the dealership and they will do a quick appraisal of the value. If the numbers are right, all you have to do is find your next vehicle and apply the trade-in value. Be mindful that any damages or needed repairs will be taken off of the trade-in value you’re offered. Cons of Trading As easy as a trade-in is, it can have a few downsides. First of all, you might get less for your trade-in than if you were to sell the vehicle privately. That’s because you’ll be offered the Kelley Blue Book Value for your trade without any consideration for modifications or recent repairs going into the value. Sell or Trade at Carnamic Whether you’re planning to sell or trade - or just want to go over your options - you can always count on Carnamic to offer the best experience. First, use our online tool to calculate your car’s value. Next, you can make an appointment at any of our Bay Area dealerships to check out our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles and confirm the offer. We make selling and trading easy, and we can’t wait to work with you! You can even finance your next vehicle in a few easy steps. Contact us today to learn more or get started.

There’s no doubt that Bay Area drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Between commutes and exploring everything the area has to offer, people rack up hours and hours of driving hours each week. So much time spent driving means that Bay Area residents take their car choices seriously. There are many factors that go into deciding which car is a favorite - comfort, fuel economy, and affordability. Here is our list of some of the most popular and most sought-after cars in the Bay Area. more Crossovers If we’re talking about body style, crossovers are undoubtedly among the most-purchased vehicles across the Bay Area. Their size makes them perfect for everything from commuting to school drop-offs, and their utility is ideal for a quick road trip up the coast. As far as pricing goes, there’s a wide range of options available. From the small but mighty Nissan Kicks just over $20,000 to the luxurious INFINITI QX60 in the $66,000+ range, a crossover has just about anything you could need to get around the Bay Area. Electric Vehicles You can’t hit the highway or the city streets in California without seeing an EV. Drivers love the money-saving potential of an electric vehicle like the Kia EV9 with an EPA-estimated range of 304 miles. There are plenty of charging stations whether you’re in San Leandro or San Jose. Plus, there are several great incentives to EV ownership in the Bay Area like free access to HOV lanes and incredible tax credits. For those not ready to go fully electric yet, there’s always plug-in hybrid options like the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid. Pre-Owned With the high cost of living, many Bay Area drivers are looking for the best bang for their buck, and that goes for their vehicle as well. Buying pre-owned is becoming more popular than ever, and it has several advantages. Not only is the price tag lower on a used vehicle, but insurance is often less expensive as well. Sometimes, you can find a certified pre-owned vehicle that offers even more advantages such as added warranty coverage and other perks. Find Your Perfect Vehicle at Carnamic Are you looking for the best car for you as you live and work around the Bay Area? From crossovers to EVs to pre-owned and more, you can find the best selection at Carnamic. Visit one of our locations today to get personalized service, or shop online before scheduling a test drive.

Spring is right around the corner, which means picnics, road trips, and spring cleaning. Part of your spring cleaning checklist should include vehicle maintenance, and we’ve created the ultimate car maintenance list to check off as the seasons turn. Oil and Filter Different vehicles may require more or less frequent oil changes. For example, most older vehicles recommend an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. On the other hand, a newer model might call for an oil change at the 10,000-mile mark. Check your owner’s manual for oil change recommendations, and don’t forget to give the oil levels a quick check when you hit the fuel station. Fluids Oil isn’t the only important fluid in your vehicle. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake and power steering fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid all require frequent checks to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent repairs. Although we don’t experience too many extreme temperature fluctuations in the Bay Area, it’s still a good idea to check your fluids as seasons change. Tires Properly maintained tires increase your fuel economy and keep you safe on the road. Check the pressure and tread on each tire, including the spare. It may also be time to rotate your tires to increase their longevity and keep your vehicle well-balanced. Rotating your tires helps the tread wear evenly to help them last longer and perform better. Read here to learn more about how to tell when it's time for new tires. Lights Your vehicle’s lights perform an essential function, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. The headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and cabin lights should all be checked frequently. Battery Nobody expects to head out for a trip only to find their car won’t start. A dead battery is a major inconvenience, so inspect the battery and cables to ensure there’s no corrosion and perform a battery test often. Exterior When was the last time you waxed your car or applied other protection products? Sun, weather, and regular driving can cause chips and cracks in your paint. To keep your car looking its best, regularly wash it off and wax at regular intervals. Maintain Your Vehicle at Carnamic Whether you need the full checklist worth of maintenance or just one task, the Carnamic team is here to help. Visit one of our Bay Area service centers for specialized service tailored to your vehicle or contact us to schedule an appointment.

One of the top features many car shoppers look for is the right amount of cargo space. Some vehicles might have a compact trunk while others offer a versatile cargo area with ample storage. How can you tell how much extra space you actually need? Follow along with Carnamic to find a vehicle with the right amount of cargo space for you. more How is cargo space calculated? Both passenger and cargo space in vehicles is calculated by cubic feet. That area is calculated by multiplying the space’s height by length by width. For vehicles like crossovers, there are usually three interior volume numbers: the total area, the cargo area, and cargo area with seats folded down. Sedans will have a fixed trunk space with one cargo area volume, while minivans have no separate cargo space, but many have a dedicated space for things like groceries and other gear. Finding the Cargo Space You Need So, how do you know how much cargo space you need? The main thing you should consider is the purpose of the cargo space. Are you mainly using your vehicle to pick up groceries and take the kids to school, or are you a DIY expert looking to haul materials? Do you want a versatile cargo area that can be converted to another row of seating or an open space as needed? Is your family big on traveling cross-country with loads of luggage? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down your search. One thing to keep in mind is that the cubic foot measurements won’t necessarily tell you how much floor space you’ll have to haul your gear. For example, a tall vehicle will factor into the cubic foot measurements, while the usable cargo area might be too narrow to fit your suitcase. While you can usually check out the dimensional specs of a vehicle online, you should also consider testing the space out for yourself. Bring a tape measure - or even your suitcase - on a test drive to see how things fit. Make sure that there’s still plenty of legroom in front of the cargo area. If everything about a particular model is ideal except the cargo space, maybe a 60/40 split rear seat will give you the space you need without sacrificing seating. All in all, the amount of cargo space your vehicle needs is different for everyone. If you’re looking to upgrade your cargo space, Carnamic can help. Visit one of our many Bay Area locations to find the right for you and your cargo needs. We can also assist you with accessories, like a cargo space organizer or roof rails, that will give you all the cargo space you’re looking for. Contact us to schedule your test drive today!

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.

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!

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.