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Drivers across the Bay Area are looking for new ways to keep their vehicle more secure. One way to do that is with the CARNAMIC CONNECT app. When you purchase a new or used vehicle from Carnamic, you have the opportunity to add our app-based monitoring service that adds security and peace of mind to your investment. With vehicle thefts and break-ins on the rise, there's no better way to secure your vehicle and keep it safe. more What's included with CARNAMIC CONNECT? With the CARNAMIC CONNECT app, you have access to a suite of safety and security features that allow you to monitor your car, truck, or SUV from anywhere. It's more than that, though; discover everything that CARNAMIC CONNECT has to offer! Alerts, Notifications, and Vehicle Information Do you want to make sure your teen driver is using your vehicle safely? Need to keep track of when your next service should be complete? The CARNAMIC CONNECT app can send you notifications and alerts can do all that and more! Boundary alerts, trip history, driving behavior alerts, and on-demand location can help teach a new driver responsible driving by allowing you to keep track of things like a geofence or excess speeds. Receive alerts for a low battery, recall notices, potential impact, and the date of your next service to keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid repairs. Theft and Security Features Vehicle thefts have increased dramatically over the last few years, costing over $6 billion annually. Protect your vehicle with location services and theft recovery by letting our team handle a stolen vehicle for you. Stress less as we take over the process to recover your stolen vehicle, and if that's not possible, you'll receive up to a $10,000 reimbursement. Protect Your Vehicle with CARNAMIC CONNECT Do you want to know more how about how CARNAMIC CONNECT can work for you? Contact the Carnamic team today to learn more!

You've had your eye on that new car for a while now, and you're ready to take steps to make it yours. It has all the newest technology, most advanced safety features, and enough room to haul the kids and cargo. But now you're faced with a decision: should you lease or finance the vehicle? Both have their advantages. If you like the thought of swapping vehicles often for the newest models, then leasing might be the right choice for you. How does a car lease work? Follow Carnamic's car leasing guide to learn more! more Car Leasing 101 A car lease is an agreement between us, the dealership, and you, the lessee. You pay an agreed monthly payment in order to drive the vehicle - almost like a rental agreement. Instead of paying toward ownership of the vehicle, you're essentially paying toward the estimated depreciation. So what's the advantage of leasing? When you choose to lease, you don't need to worry about a loan. A lease has a set term (usually between 2-5 years) which means that you drive your vehicle of choice for that amount of time. Once the term is up, you have the option to trade in for a brand new vehicle. That gives you access to all the latest and greatest developments and allows you to try out a vehicle that might not otherwise be in your budget. However, leases will have other terms and conditions, like mileage limits or fees for excessive wear and tear. What happens when a lease is over? Once your lease term comes to an end, you have a few options. Return your vehicle to us, trade it in for a new one, or purchase your lease. If you choose to return your lease, you'll bring your vehicle back to Carnamic. We'll perform an inspection and you can simply walk away. Of course, you can also choose to trade in your lease for a brand new vehicle. If you fall in love with your leased vehicle, you have the option to purchase or finance the remaining value. What you choose is up to you! Find New Vehicles Today at Carnamic Learn more about our leasing options at Carnamic! We can find the right lease terms for you, then help you choose your favorite vehicle off of one of our lots. If you decide that leasing isn't right for you, you can also explore our financing options. Visit a Bay Area Carnamic location today to get started.

We love living in the Bay Area. The sun, the warm weather - what isn't there to love? Unfortunately, our favorite things about living here can be what causes the most damage to our vehicles. Sun and heat are incredibly hard on both the interior and exterior of vehicles. Even the engine can take an extra beating from the heat. So, what can you do to protect your new vehicle from sun damage? Follow these simple tips to protect your car from Carnamic. more Tips to Protect Your New Vehicle from the Sun Since we're exposed to the sun's rays year-round, it's especially important to take extra steps to stop the threat of damage. Although all Carnamic vehicles come with Paint and Fabric Protection, is that really enough? While the Zurich Shield might help save you from spills or tree sap, you might want another layer of protection from the sun and heat. Park in the Shade It makes sense that avoiding the sun altogether will provide the most protection from the sun's rays. Even though it's not always easy finding an open parking spot in the shade, always take one when you can - even if it's a bit of a walk from your destination. Cover Your Seats and Windows The last thing you want is for your luxurious leather seats to get dry and cracked. That's where seat covers can help. They can protect your skin from hot seats as well as keep your leather or fabric seating from deteriorating and becoming damaged. While you're add it, consider a folding window cover to keep the sun out when you can't find shade. Wash and Dry Keeping your vehicle's exterior clean can feel like a pointless task, but it's one that does more than keep your vehicle looking great. Washing and drying often will remove the dust and debris from your vehicle. Finish with a fresh wax to protect the paint from harmful UV rays. Routine Maintenance Every driver dreads a breakdown, and your car can overheat more easily without proper maintenance. Be sure to regularly change your oil and flush fluids. A maintenance plan or extended warranty can make your job easier! Find Your New Car at Carnamic If you're ready for a new car, truck, or SUV, stop by one of Carnamic's many Bay Area locations! We can give you more tips on maintaining your vehicle, recommend protection plans, and help you keep your new car looking its best.

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!

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.

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.

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.