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! 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!
Does my new vehicle need a maintenance plan?
So, you've bought a new car! Of course, you want to do what you can to keep it looking and operating its best for as long as possible. You've probably heard about all the different vehicle maintenance plans on the market, but with so many to choose from, you might wonder if it's really worth it. Does your new vehicle need a maintenance plan? Learn more about all the benefits of a pre-paid maintenance plan and how it can be worthy investment for your new vehicle. Benefits of Maintenance Plans Some might view a maintenance plan as one more cost tacked on to cost of their new vehicle. However, a pre-paid maintenance plan is a sure way to save you more money down the line. Dealerships specialize in your vehicle and know how it works inside and out. They'll use genuine parts and high-quality fluids to perform service. Your maintenance plan is already paid for, so service or parts prices don't affect the cost of your maintenance for the duration of the plan. Technicians at Carnamic dealerships do more thorough inspections because they know what to look for in your specific vehicle. They're factory-trained to give you the best, most complete service. What Do Vehicle Maintenance Plans Cover? Not all maintenance plans are right for everyone, and that's why there are usually a few to choose from. For example, a general maintenance plan will cover oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections that need to be done regularly. Some may extend past what's covered by warranty, like a Select Care Plan. This plan covers parts that need to be replaced frequently, like windshield wipers or headlights. Another option can come in especially handy if you drive on rough roads frequently: Road Hazard and Wheel Protection. If you frequent roads with potholes or debris, having extra maintenance coverage for your vehicle can more than pay for itself in a few visits. Vehicle Maintenance Plans at Carnamic As you can expect, finding the right maintenance plan for your new vehicle is helpful when you know all your options. Here at Carnamic, we provide a personalized experience to every customer. We know which questions to ask to help you see which plans are right for you. If you have any questions about what we can offer, contact us to learn more!
Where can I find genuine car parts in the Bay Area CA?
It takes quality parts for your car to run its best, so it makes sense that those parts come directly from the source. If you're looking for the best place to buy genuine car parts in the Bay Area, you can find what you're looking for at Carnamic. We can order a variety of vehicle parts for your car, crossover, truck, or SUV that are guaranteed to be genuine. Benefits of Buying Genuine Car Parts vs. Aftermarket So what's the difference between genuine parts and aftermarket? While they might look the same, there are actually several differences that set them apart. Genuine parts are made by the original manufacturer to fit your specific vehicle. They're made of the same quality materials to match other parts in your car. Aftermarket parts are often made to save costs, which means that they're made to fit several different makes and models. A part that's genuine goes through rigorous quality control and testing to ensure performance and safety. They're often backed by a manufacturer's warranty. An aftermarket part isn't held to any safety standards. It can be made of anything and has no warranty or guarantee for performance. When you compare genuine vs. aftermarket car parts, the original manufacturer always comes out on top. Even though they may cost more upfront, you'll end up saving much more down the line on repairs caused by a faulty, poorly-made aftermarket part that doesn't fit quite right. Installing a genuine part typically takes less time and work since it's made to fit properly, saving a lot of frustration. Plus, they're much safer because of the quality and standards that the original manufacturer enforces. You can find genuine car parts at any of Carnamic's Bay Area locations! We supply INFINITI, Mitsubishi, Kia, Nissan, and Hyundai parts for our customers in San Jose, Redwood City, and the rest of the Bay Area. Our team of technicians can perform installation and service so you can drive away with the confidence of knowing you got a great deal on high-quality parts. Of course, we're also happy to order just what you need as well. Contact us today for assistance ordering your parts or with any of your questions. The Carnamic team is always happy to help!
Do AWD/4WD vehicles require more maintenance?
Whether it's for the practicality or performance, owning a 4WD or AWD vehicle comes with several benefits. But all those advantages must come at a cost, right? Do they really require more maintenance than their front and rear-wheel drive counterparts? Keep reading to learn all about maintaining your 4WD or AWD vehicle and what it requires. Drivetrain Differences The short answer is that yes, most four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles do require more maintenance. That's because each type of drivetrain works differently to power the car. With front-wheel drive vehicles, the engine pushes power only to the front two wheels. FWD vehicles are becoming the most common among all vehicle types due to their performance in muddy or hilly conditions. On the other hand, RWD transfers engine power to the back wheels. This setup is ideal for trucks that haul heavy loads or high-performance sports cars. Both 4WD and AWD allows power to all four wheels at once, spreading power in slightly different ways. AWD can distribute power in unequal amounts to each wheel depending on the condition, while 4WD gives all wheels equal power at all times. If you're a frequent off-roader, consider 4WD for its performance in rocky, uneven, and less-than-ideal driving conditions. Some 4WD vehicles may have a switch to seamlessly change from two-wheel drive to four for more driving options. Why More Maintenance is Necessary Now that you have an idea of how each drivetrain works, it's easy to see why 4WD and AWD both require more maintenance. The main components requiring extra work tend to be the differentials and transfer case. Transfer case fluid needs to be changed more frequently on average, with front and rear differential oil requiring changing around the same time, although that can vary depending on how you use the vehicle. For the most part, trucks used for towing will need more frequent fluid top-offs and changes. If there's ever any question about frequency of maintenance, always check your owner's manual or check with a service technician. There may be a few unexpected costs associated with AWD and 4WD vehicles as well. The main one that many people don't realize is in the tires. If one wears unevenly or happens to get damaged, you typically can't replace just that one tier. Tires with uneven wear can actually damage the drivetrain, so you might find that you need to replace all four tires for just one flat. Although they may require more maintenance, you might find yourself needing (or wanting) an AWD or 4WD vehicle. In that case, you can find your next one here at Carnamic! We have a wide selection of new and used vehicles in all drivetrain styles. Come down to any of our Bay Area locations for personalized service from a knowledgeable member of our sales team who can explain all the intricacies to you, and drive away in your next vehicle today!
What is regular maintenance in a vehicle?
When it comes to owning or even leasing a vehicle, you have to take care of it in order to get the most out of it for the long haul. If you’re leasing, you want to make sure that you don’t get dinged for anything upon turning it back into the dealership. If you own your vehicle outright, then you want to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. In either case, staying on top of regular maintenance in your vehicle will go a long way towards maximizing your vehicle’s ability and longevity. The most common piece of regular maintenance is going to be getting your oil changed, but there are many other little things to take care of on a regular basis of which you might not be aware. So, we put together the little list below to help you. Warning lights First things first, we just want to point out that you should never ignore any warning lights. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t know what one means, and bring it in if it’s something that needs to be addressed. Fluids In addition to oil and fuel, there are a lot of other fluids that help to make your vehicle go. Making sure these fluids are refilled and/or replaced regularly is key. Tire Pressure If your tire pressure falls below normal levels, it’s important to fill them back up. Tire Tread You want to make sure your tread depth is wearing out evenly to get the most out of your tires, so make sure to get your tires rotated regularly. Wiper Blades Your wiper blades should be replaced if they’re not doing their job correctly, so you should check them for damage seasonally. Battery Your battery won’t last forever, so you’ll typically want to start bringing it in for performance checks after three years. Belts and Hoses Your vehicle has several belts and hoses under the hood that need to stay in good condition, so you should have these checked. These shouldn’t need to be replaced until 30-50,000 miles, but you should still have them checked regularly for irregularities. Air Filters It is recommended to replace your cabin air filter once a year, while the engine air filter should get checked any time you get your oil changed. These are just a few of the key regular maintenance concerns that you should make sure to stay on top of, but there are other long-term things that you’ll want to worry about the longer you have your vehicle or the older that it gets. Feel free to give us a call at any of our service departments with any questions that you might have.
Where can I get my oil changed in the Bay Area CA?
No matter what kind of vehicle you own, one of the most important things you have to remember in order to take care of it and increase its longevity is to get your oil changed. Going too long without changing your oil can lead to damaging consequences on your engine, which will in turn lead to damage to your bank account or worse. So, if it’s time for you to get your oil changed here in the Bay Area, California, the Carnamic family of dealerships certainly has you covered. Carnamic Service Department Locations The Carnamic family consists of seven different dealerships throughout the Bay Area. Whether you drive a Hyundai, INFINITI, Kia, Mitsubishi or Nissan vehicle, we’ve got you covered at one of our dealerships in San Jose, San Leandro, Redwood City or Hayward. Check out their addresses below: 3396 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose, CA ( Mitsubishi) 25601 Mission Blvd. in Hayward, CA ( Mitsubishi) 543 El Camino Real in Redwood City, CA ( INFINITI, Nissan) 2085 Wayne Ave. in San Leandro, CA ( Hyundai, Kia, Nissan) When should I get my oil changed? Getting your oil changed is just one service on a list of what we call “regular maintenance.” This list includes things like getting your tires rotated, your brakes checked, replacing filters and similar services that need to be checked regularly to ensure your safety and that your vehicle is operating the way that it should be. It’s important to stay on top of these things regularly, especially getting your oil changed. Your owner’s manual should have a timeline for you to follow as far as when and how often you should be getting your oil changed, but there’s also a basic rule of thumb that you can follow. Modern vehicles need to have their oil changed every 6 months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. Older models should follow a 3-month, 3,000-mile formula. If you’re in doubt, just give us a call at the service desk and we can help you figure out if it’s time. We look forward to taking care of you!