Take the Scenic Route

One of the best things about buying a car is taking it out on the open road to see how it works whether it is a used car or a brand new one. Texas has some of the most beautiful scenic routes in all of the country. And lucky enough for the capital, Austin offers some of the greatest scenic routes in and surrounding the city. Austin, TX is known for its friendly hill country with rolling hills and two lane country roads. It is a fun way to spend a weekend or time with your new used car to drive on some of Austin’s scenic routes. It can also be a great way to change your commute to and from work every day. Taking a scenic route can make your drive a little more enjoyable.

Believe it or not, there are scenic routes in the downtown Austin area. Driving north on Congress Avenue will offer you views of the capitol building in all its glory. You can also look north and west down different streets at some of the newly built high rise condos or historical buildings throughout town. You can see the State Capitol from Mopac, IH 35 and Loop 360; however Congress Avenue is the best way to see it.

Driving outside of the downtown area offers scenic routes into the rolling hills known as the Texas Hill Country. If you are heading west into Westlake, you can take Bee Caves road which west of Loop 360. There is a portion of the road where you can pull off to take pictures of downtown and a glimpse into the country. The scenic overlook also shows off some of the 360 cliffs.

The gateway into the hill country starts in Dripping Springs which is located off of Highway 290 West. Taking this scenic route is a great place to drive your new Austin used cars. Dripping Springs has cute shops, great restaurants, and will lead you to places like Hamilton Pool, Pedernales State Park, or Johnson City.

If you prefer a route to some beautiful water you can take Highway 620 out towards Lake Travis. The drive out there is almost as much fun as playing in the water. You cross over Mansfield Dam, have breathtaking views of the lake, million dollar homes, and green country oak trees.

Taking a scenic route is more fun and more beautiful than driving on IH 35 in Austin. It is a fun way to drive and familiarize yourself with your new used car, or a great way to spend your time driving to or from work. You don’t have to have a new car or an excuse to take a scenic route. Austin offers some of the most beautiful views in Texas, and you can enjoy them from your car anytime you want.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Preparing Your Car For Summer

Summer is nearly upon us. Just as we as humans need to adjust our wardrobes for summer, so it is that our car needs to have some minor adjustments. Depending on where you live, whether it is extremely warm climates such as Texas or moderate, will determine how much change your car needs. Here are some tips to start with:

1. Hoses and Belts should be inspected. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories; so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. A good shop will check for any visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. You should replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Like belts, radiator & heater hoses are also made of rubber. Having all hoses inspected periodically for wear, including hairline cracks and soft, bulging spots, might prevent an impending rupture from occurring.
2. Check your air conditioning system. One should have their A/C System checked before it gets hot! Because of the high usage during the hot summer months, this is the time it will be likely to fail. So, if you haven’t had it checked yet, do so now! An a/c service will test your vehicle’s system pressures, clean the condenser, visually and electronically inspect hoses, fittings and seals for leaks, check cooling fan operation, check output temperature, and adjust belt if needed. Freon will be added if needed.
3. Check your tires. An under-inflated tire not only reduces the life of your tire, but can cause your car’s gas mileage to plummet by as much as 15%! An inspection will also tell you how much tread life you have on your tire, as well as alert you to any uneven tire wear, which could indicate an alignment problem. An inspection can also alert you to any visible damage to your tires, which can worsen under intense heat.
4. Wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid should be checked. Any rubber on your vehicle can become brittle and crack, especially if you live in a very warm climate. Replace those worn out & cracked wiper blades before you need them. Make sure that the washer fluid is checked and replenished also.
5. Oil Checks are of course necessary. While this very well may be the least costly of all the routine maintenance services on your vehicle, its’ importance is critical. Most manufacturers require the oil to be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. Because of the harsh desert heat conditions in Texas, we recommend every 3,000. Most good shops will perform a free bumper-to-bumper safety inspection on your vehicle while doing the Lube, Oil, & Filter Service. A safety inspection can consist of everything from checking your fluid levels, conditions of your belts & hoses, brakes, tires, battery & cables, shocks, wiper a washer operations, light operations, air cleaner, water pump, radiator, etc., etc.
6. Battery - Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
7. Prepare for Emergencies. Breaking down in the heat can be lethal. Carry some basic tools and if you live in a warm climate keep water with you. Also consider buying a first aid kit, flares, and flashlight.

A little prevention will carry you a long way through the summer months making your travels safe and enjoyable.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.