Choosing the Right Used Car for Your Lifestyle in Calgary

 

When it comes to finding the perfect used car in Calgary, it is vital to choose an choice that aligns together with your awesome way of life and requirements. Calgary, with its ever-converting landscapes and weather, necessitates a car able to conquering the myriad demanding situations posed through this notable metropolis. In the subsequent article, we can stroll you through the technique of selecting the ideal pre-owned automobile that harmonizes with your Calgary way of life. From nimble town automobiles for urbanites to rugged SUVs tailor-made to journey lovers, we'll explore the full spectrum.

Understanding Your Requirements

Before embarking on your pre-owned vehicle journey, it's imperative to gauge your unique prerequisites. This initial step will serve as your compass, enabling you to refine your choices and make a well-informed decision.

City Cruisers

For those predominantly navigating the urban landscape, a compact car or an eco-savvy hybrid emerges as a sterling choice. Not only do these vehicles offer nimble maneuverability through Calgary's bustling thoroughfares, but they also deliver commendable fuel efficiency.

Adventure Seekers

Calgary is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, consider a robust SUV or a crossover. These vehicles offer ample cargo space and the capability to handle off-road adventures.

Family-Friendly Options

If you have a family, safety and space are top priorities. Look for mid-sized sedans or minivans that provide comfort and enough room for everyone. Calgary's weather can be unpredictable, so ensure your family car is equipped for all conditions.

Establishing Your Financial Parameters

Prior to making your purchase, it's imperative to outline a well-defined budget. The universe of pre-owned vehicles spans a wide spectrum of prices, and defining your budget will assist in streamlining your choices.

Conducting In-Depth Model Comparisons

Once you've crystallized your requirements and financial boundaries, it's time to delve into the realm of researching specific vehicle models. Pay visits to local dealerships or browse online listings to juxtapose a variety of makes and models. Scrutinize details such as mileage, maintenance history, and any prior incidents.

The Significance of Vehicle History Records

Whenever you're considering a pre-owned vehicle, it's essential to request a comprehensive vehicle history report. This report offers invaluable insights into the vehicle's past, including accident records, title issues, and maintenance documentation. It's a pivotal asset in guiding your discerning choices.  It's a pivotal asset in guiding your discerning choices when dealing with Calgary used car dealerships.

Thorough Inspection and Test Drive

The phases of inspection and test driving are non-negotiable. Even if a vehicle appears pristine on paper, it's indispensable to experience how it performs on the road. Look for indications of wear and tear, peculiar noises, or handling anomalies during the test drive.

The Art of Price Negotiation

Once you've pinpointed a pre-owned vehicle that aligns with your criteria, don't hesitate to engage in price negotiations. Armed with comprehensive research and a meticulous inspection, you'll be well-prepared to secure an advantageous deal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right used car in Calgary is a decision that calls for careful attention. By information your wishes, setting a price range, and conducting thorough studies, you may locate the precise vehicle to navigate the numerous terrains and weather situations of this lovely town.

Benefits of Buying a Pre-owned Car

We live in the era of short-term commitments. Think about it. No-label relationships, renting apartments instead of buying, move from one place to another to get out of your comfort zone. That’s it. People are valuing their freedom more than ever!

Due to this reason, we believe that you should buy used cars in Calgary instead of a pre-owned ones. You save a lot of money, and you say goodbye to long-term commitments!

If you are #teamfreedom like we are, we will list many reasons for you to choose used cars in Calgary.

1. The Money You Save!

When you get a new car, the minute it leaves the dealership, the worth decreases. So, if you want to sell it after little use, you will lose money. It will never cost the same as when you bought it.

Buying a used car saves you from this. Their value is depreciated, and it won’t get worse for some extra miles.

2. Do Not Pay Crazy Expensive Insurances

Insuring a new car is so expensive! The cost increases depending on the model.

But if the vehicle is pre-owned, it may even have the insurance already. And if you have to look for it, it will be less expensive.

3. Get all the Information You Need

You can get to know a used car so well! Nowadays, you can look it up in CARFAX for the previous owners, accidents records, structural damages, and more.

Ensure the car you are interested in has the CARFAX vehicle history. If it does not, it is a red flag. 

4. Have Multiple Options

You may want a car of a brand but cannot afford the latest model. By purchasing pre-owned ones, you can get an older model from your favorite brand. You will know you are buying quality and still respect your budget.

5. Have Trustful Reviews

Nowadays, many websites allow owners to express their experiences with a vehicle. If it gave them trouble or not, etc. You can look this information up about the car you like to ensure it runs perfectly. 

This aspect does not occur with up-to-date models. Every employee in the dealership will tell you the car is phenomenal. We recommend always looking at these blogs where many people write their testimonies about the specific vehicle.

The Bottom Line

Nowadays, people like the taste of freedom. More individuals prefer buying pre-owned cars not to feel they are committing to a long-term relationship (even with a vehicle). 

If you feel related, you can join the #teamfreedom and look for used cars in Calgary.

Pre-owned vehicles are popularizing more than ever. You can look at testimonies of people that drove these online, reviews, ask for CARFAX reports, meet the owners and pay as much detail as you need to the car. 

Besides, in the saving aspect is the wisest choice. New models are crazy expensive! And then, you must pay hundreds of dollars for insurance. The newer the model, the more expensive the insurance plan is. Getting a used car will save you insurance money and purchase money. You will be able to get an excellent model for way less.

Contact Us Today

We have a team of experts that can advise you depending on your wants and needs. In Double L Motors, you can find multiple brands and models of cars that suit your requirements. You can ensure our team is trustful and will guide you like you were family.

Visit us any time you want. We are available every day to help you get the vehicle you deserve.

Are You Looking At a High-Mileage Used Car? Consider the Timing Belt

There are some great high-mileage used cars in Calgary. One of them might be the perfect vehicle for your family’s needs, budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re considering a low or high-mileage used car, it’s essential before making your final decision to consider the condition and maintenance history of that vehicle. Getting your potential new-to-you car inspected by a certified mechanic that you trust is one ideal way to do that.

When it comes to considering the condition of used cars, there are some pretty obvious things to consider. We’re referring to things like the condition of the body and undercarriage, the condition of the brakes and tires, the effectiveness of the charging system, and the performance of the vehicle’s transmission. When it comes to higher mileage used vehicles — especially vehicles with over 100,000 kilometres on them — though, there’s one more very specific factor to consider: the timing belt or chain.

What is the timing belt or chain?

First, the timing belt is not the same thing as the serpentine or drive belt that you’ll see winding its way through your engine and connecting your generator, power steering system and air conditioning system. The timing belt or chain is a separate part of your engine that connects your vehicle’s crankshaft to your camshaft. A timing belt that is working properly controls the opening and closing of the valves in your engine. In some vehicles, it may also control your oil and water pump. What will happen if your timing belt breaks? That’s an easy question: Your engine won’t work.

If it breaks while you’re driving, the answer is a lot worse: In some vehicles (vehicles with an “interference fit” engine), a broken timing belt may leave some of your engine valves in an open position suddenly, where they can be struck by your engine’s pistons. That is a recipe for extreme damage to your engine, including broken or bent valves, destroyed pistons and even a destroyed cylinder head or engine block. In short, a broken timing belt is always bad news.

What to do about your timing belt?

The first thing to do about your potential new-to-you timing belt if you’re considering a higher-mileage vehicle is to determine if your car has a timing belt or chain. You should be able to find this information in the ownership manual. If not, ask your dealer or trusted mechanic. The distinction is important for this simple reason. While manufacturers don’t specify a recommended interval for replacing a timing chain, they do recommend that a timing belt be changed at specified intervals. Typically, that interval is at approximately 96,000 kilometres (60,000 miles) to 168,000 kilometres (105,000 miles).

Replacing a timing belt is an expensive procedure. It may cost $1,000 to $2,000. Not replacing a timing belt can be even more expensive considering the damage that a broken timing belt can cause. If you’re going to buy used cars in Calgary with higher mileage, your best case scenario is to do so after the timing belt has been changed on schedule. If the vehicle you’re looking at is past the recommended interval for replacing its timing belt but the timing belt has not been replaced, be warned that you’re facing a potentially significant risk.

Faced with that risk, consider alternative vehicles with lower mileage or a timing belt that has already been replaced. Alternatively, consider asking the dealer selling that used car in Calgary to replace the timing belt (and to complete any other recommended maintenance) before completing the sale. In a further alternative, negotiate a significant adjustment to the purchase price to cover your cost of replacing the timing belt as soon as you purchase the car.

There is no single factor that determines what care is right for you, not even mileage. Having said that, high-mileage cars present unique risks along with interesting possibilities. Ensure that your used car dealership informs and educates you about those risks.

Car Noise One Should Not Ignore

Cars are sound-producing machines so how does sound coming from your car become a problem? I mean, one should praise a baby bird for flying and not stone it.

Is this the perspective you have concerning your car or are you just being nonchalant because you should know that when a bird flies without flapping its wings, doom is imminent? So, how do you know when your car is flying without flapping its wings? Here are noises you should never ignore from your used car in Calgary. 

1.    Hissing

Your vehicle shouldn't hiss no matter what because it usually means that one of the rubber hoses is cracked, has a hole, or has any other failure. With time, the hoses in your engine should get damaged but they can be easily replaced. However, figuring out exactly where the leak is coming from might be hard and you might need to call on our professional team at Double L Motors to help you fix that.

Hissing could also be caused by engine overheating, check the temperature gauge or see if steam is coming from the bonnet to confirm this. The ideal thing to do if this is the case is to wait for the engine to cool down and call a professional to fix it.

2.    A Knocking Sound From the Engine

Now, engines may make a soft ticking sound due to their electrical system but these sounds are almost always inaudible. However, when a loud knocking sound comes from deep inside your engine, there is a need for lubrication and that's something you might also want to leave to the professionals.

3.  Grinding Noise or Metallic Scraping When You Apply Your Brakes

Again, brakes also may sometimes make creaking noises when the pads are damp, and some types of brake pads (particularly the semi-metallic ones) may squeak when they are cold, but generally, brakes shouldn't make any sound when applied. What the noise means is, your brake pads are damaged and need professional attention.

4. A Rhythmic Squeak That Speeds Up As You Accelerate

You shouldn't enjoy good rhythms from your car when you accelerate. This means that your Universal Joint (U–Joint) is bad and your car will break down in a few hundred miles at most. A completely faulty U–Joint might be costly to fix, needless to say, it might cause an accident if it fails during motion.

5.    A Shrieking Sound From Your Engine

This is different from a knocking sound that signals the need for lubrication, a shrieking sound from inside the engine usually means a serpentine belt issue. The rubber may be failing due to inadequate pressure being applied. It may be the belt slipping, and this needs to be attended to before it snaps or pops off entirely.

6.    Loud Bangs From The Engine

Again, this is different from a knocking or shrieking sound, it is more like the sound of hitting a book on a plastic surface. It could mean an engine backfiring, which is usually caused by a clogged air filter that is preventing air from mixing with the fuel that is supplied to the engine.

Another option is a problem with the catalytic converter.

7.    Any Noise When Changing Gears

Gear change should be smooth and noiseless, therefore any sound no matter how subtle or loud when changing gears is a bad sign and it could prove devastatingly expensive later in the future. It could be a damaged clutch or problem with the transmission system and should be examined without delay.

When you buy used cars in Calgary, it is important to be aware of what can go wrong. Cars are a very vital part of daily living and should be well taken care of to avoid unfortunate events. It will, therefore, be good advice that any sound you are not comfortable with from your car should be attended to by a trusted professional.

Things to Look for Before Getting a Used Car in Calgary

So you need a vehicle but are on a budget? You may check any used car in Calgary from our dealership. We have multiple options with different price tags and will help you find the one that suits your needs the best.

If it sounds like an option for you, keep reading. We will list the things you need to watch out for before you buy used cars in Calgary.

The Things to Look for: 

The exterior and interior of the vehicle – It may sound pretty obvious; however, many people don’t pay enough detail. Ensure to look for any scratches or chips in the painting. If you spot overspray, that area has had repairs.

The smell is essential too. If you notice any humidity, you may think of water damage.

The driving – The car may look perfect, but you must test the driving. Check that every light turns on, pay attention to clicking sounds (there should not be any), and try diverse roads to ensure the car runs correctly in every one (and at different speeds).

The mileage – A vehicle with high mileage means more wear and tear. It is essential that you check on it and if the owner kept up with the maintenance. 

The history report – A history report shows every single detail of the car. You will determine if the vehicle had an accident or more than one owner. Our dealers will offer you one for free.

If you already have a used car, you must keep up with its service when it corresponds. 

If the vehicle is new, it is also vital, but you must take extra precautions with a used one.

One of the things you must change when worn out is the tires. Postponing it endangers your life, so we will let you know the signs that it is time to do so:

1. Hot pressure – If your tires generate a lot of heat, it is a sign that you must change them. The high temperature will impact the wear and tear (it is faster).

2. Unbalanced tires – If, when driving, you notice some unbalance or the steering wheel vibrates, visit your dealer right away!

3. A crack – It is the most obvious sign because it is physically visible. You must check your tires if you see any crack or odd thing in them. 

4. The pressure – The wear and tear of the tires take a lot of time. If you recently checked their maintenance, do not worry.

Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, you may check on their pressure to ensure they have the correct one.

Prevention is the Key

By following what we mentioned above, you may ensure that your tires will function excellently for a long time. It is best to regularly check on your vehicle’s performance than repair extensive repairs. You may do so once a month.

Do not wait until you hear weird sounds or feel odd vibrations when driving to check your vehicle. Whether you have a used or new car, taking care of it will extend its life and optimize the performance.

Remember that you use your car to move from place to place. It is essential to keep it in good condition to prevent any accidents that endanger your life.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions or are interested in getting a used car in Calgary, you may contact us today or at your best convenience. Our car salesmen care for our clients and offer the best prices according to their wants and needs.

Six Steps to Find the Perfect Used Car

Searching for and buying a used car can be exciting but, let’s face it, also stressful. To try and eliminate some of those stresses and increase the likelihood you’ll find the perfect car for you, follow these tips. 

Decide what you’re looking for

Before you head out to look at used cars in Calgary, do some homework to narrow down your search. Start with two lists: what you want; and what you need. Read some trusted automotive magazines and look at some reputable websites to come up with a list of manufacturers and models that might satisfy your needs (and even some of your wants). Don’t forget to consider factors like safety rating and fuel economy in addition to the most obvious factors like price.

Where should you look?

The next step to take to buy used cars in Calgary is to decide where to look. The most obvious place to look is at some of the reputable used and new car dealerships in the city, but don’t limit yourself to those lots. Check out resources such as consumer reports magazines, buying guides and even public auction sites and classified ads. 

How to judge the asking price

Once you find some cars you’re interested in, what are you to make of the prices? Look for similar vehicles from other sources to get their prices to have some points of comparison. Don’t just compare the prices, but compare the individual cars, too. There are a lot of factors that go into the value of those prices: age of car, mileage, accident history, damage, special features and even maintenance records. When comparing prices, be sure to include all those factors to make sure you’re not comparing a green apple to a yellow hippopotamus. For a neutral and unbiased double-check of prices’ fairness, visit a resource like CARFAX’ Canada Value Range tool online.

Arrange a test drive

Taking a test drive is a little more complex during the COVID-19 pandemic era, but it’s no less important. When shopping for a used car from a reputable dealer in Calgary, the staff will take all necessary precautions for your health and comfort. Once you arrange a test drive, don’t limit yourself to going around the block but commit to spending 30 minutes driving a route similar to that you’ll take as a regular driver. Try out all the car’s functions, including passing, hard braking, quick accelerating, sharp turns, reversing, parking, the parking brake, the trunk, popping the hood, the emergency flashers, the windshield washer controls, cruise control, sunroof etc. (And, yes, the radio and entertainment system.) It may sound like it’ll take a while, but it’s a small investment of time to make into a purchase that you’ll hopefully own and love for years. 

Don’t trust just your judgment

Unless you happen to be a professional mechanic, take your vehicle to a mechanic you trust to conduct a careful but thorough examination of the vehicle to give you advice about its quality, condition and appropriateness for your needs. Ask them also to review a VIN (vehicle identification number) for your potential new-to-you car as well as a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report for your vehicle. Those reports will confirm important information about your car’s manufacture, accident history and even whether there are any outstanding liens against the car. 

Don’t forget about insurance

Before you even begin to negotiate the price of your new-to-you car, give careful thought to all of the operating costs of the vehicle, including insurance costs — especially if you’re a new driver, have an accident history or are relocating to a new city. Car insurance is mandatory, but is also a commodity that you can shop around for. Don’t hesitate to get competitive quotes from different companies.

With all this homework done, we hope you’ll have narrowed down your first long lists to a couple cars worth negotiating over. We wish you luck, but keep in mind that “luck” is found at the intersection of preparation and opportunity. So be sure to do your preparatory work before beginning your search. 

How To Protect Your Car’s Paint Job

Can you protect the surface of your car from every potential scratch? Probably not. Unless you park your car indoors and never drive it outdoors and never touch it — and who treats used cars in Calgary like that? — your car’s surface will get scratched. There are ways to minimize chips and scratches to the surface of your car, though. Minimizing chips and scratches will help to preserve the appearance of your new-to-you car and to protect your car’s body from rust and further damage. Here are a few tips to minimize chips and scratches.

Wash carefully

Washing your car thoroughly is one of the best ways to protect your car’s surface and even to inspect your car’s body for any signs of damage or wear. If you ever doubted the importance or popularity of washing your car, just look at how many car washes there are in Calgary! Ironically, though, washing your car is also a way to damage the coat of your car — by using inappropriate products and chemicals. When washing your car, don’t use laundry soap, dish soap, household cleaners, paint thinner, abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads from the shop, kitchen and the like. When washing your car, use only detergents, brushes and clothes designed for cars’ surfaces. Anything else could degrade the protection that your car’s paint provides.

Protect your car from temperature fluctuations

Calgarians know this as well as any Canadian. Cars are exposed to wide extremes in temperatures from one part of the day or night to the next, depending on factors like sunlight, air temperature, wind and precipitation. Those wide fluctuations can produce cracks in your paint surface by producing expansion and contraction of the materials. If water penetrates those cracks and, in turn, expands and contracts with temperature changes, those cracks can get worse and rust can result. The best way to protect your car from temperature fluctuations is to park regularly in a temperature-controlled environment like a garage whenever possible.

Protect your car from bird and tree droppings

Bird droppings and tree sap are ugly when they accumulate on your vehicle. But letting those droppings and sap accumulate is more than an issue of vanity. They also contain substances, acids and chemicals that can damage the paint of your car. When you can park in a garage, do so. Avoid parking under tall trees, especially ones that produce sap. Those trees may also shelter birds who may defecate on your vehicle. When you do see droppings of one kind or another on your car, wash those droppings off with the right product or take advantage of a local car wash service.

Avoid exposing your car to stones

When you can avoid driving on gravel roads or in construction zones, do so. Loose gravel and grit can cause tiny chips in your paint, not to mention your vehicle’s glass. That’s an obvious tip, but not always achievable. There’s another source of stone-related damage that you might not think of. When wiping or washing your car, use only clean and grit-free cloths and cleaning implements. Even tiny stones, chips and pieces of grit can cause scratches and abrasions in your surface. Before cleaning your car, clean those clothes carefully first.

Try not to spill fluids onto your car

Liquids like brake fluid and gasoline are essential, obviously. But they’re essential inside your car in their proper vessels. Brake fluid, gasoline and other vehicle-related liquids can damage the surface of your car if allowed to linger there. If any of those fluids splash onto your car, rinse them off and clean them carefully with appropriate products. Avoid touching the substances with your hands, and follow instructions on the products’ packaging if you get any on your skin.

If you have questions about how to maintain your car or advice on how to buy used cars in Calgary, get in touch with a used car dealer near you. The professional staff at Calgary’s used car dealers want to provide you with a safe and reliable car that you love enough to protect from harm. They’ll help you do just that.

Everything About Used Car Financing Options

An important gear in the process of owning a used car in Calgary is planning the financing options. Most buyers forget to accord due importance to this aspect of the used car buying process in their excitement for the shopping experience. As per the data released by the credit bureau Experian, close to 55% of used car buyers take out loans to finance their purchase. But did you know that while buying a new-to-you car is saving you thousands of dollars compared to a brand new one, financing a used car is more expensive? The crucial thing to remember is that having relevant knowledge about the entire process will get you started on the right track for obtaining the best deals. 

Here we have compiled a step-by-step procedure for financing used cars in Calgary to help you along the process.

The 8-Step Guide To Financing Used Cars

1. Check Your Credit Score

A credit score is a number between 300 and 850, indicating your creditworthiness or your capability to repay a loan. It helps lenders get a snapshot of your credit history to decide if you are eligible for the loan. Several credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, will calculate your credit score against a fee. 

An important aspect of your credit report is your debt-to-income ratio, indicating the amount of credit you use against your stated income.

2. Research The Various Lenders

When buying a used car from a dealership, they will offer you the financing as well. However, to motivate them into offering you great deals, you must have pre-approved offers from private lenders that they have to compete against.

Your options for lenders outside the dealership for used-cars range from national banks, community banks and online banks to credit unions and financial institutions. Remember to get a vehicle history report that most lenders will offer as an incentive to use their loan offers.

3. Apply For The Loan And Get Offers

Once you have researched the various lending options available to you, it is time to apply for a used-car loan. Many institutions have a completely online application procedure with e-signatures, while others might require paper applications and traditional signatures. 

The application form asks for a lot of personal information such as your social insurance number, bank account and credit card details. This helps the lender obtain your credit score and get a complete picture of your financial stability before making the loan offer.

4. Compare The Offers

While making your choice among the various financing offers now available to you, it is crucial to not limit your focus to just the monthly payment and interest rates. You must find out how much the car is costing you after financing, including any fees.

Auto loan calculators are a good method of ascertaining the total cost of the car and for comparing offers.

5. Shop With Confidence

Entering a used-car dealership, armed with information and reviews on used-car rankings and a loan offer, will help you interact with confidence. Ask for the vehicle history report that tells you if the car has been in an accident or has title issues. Resistance from the dealer in obtaining this report should be seen as a red flag.

6. Stay Alert Of Red Flags

• Common car-loan red flags include:
• Offers too-good-to-be-true.
• Long durations of repayment exceeding 5 years.
• Rolling the fees and charges into financing.
• Yo-yo financing where your loan falls through and is renewed at higher rates.

7. Final Steps

These include:

• Getting the right car insurance.
• Make timely monthly payments.
• Check for refinancing deals to lower the current interest rate.

8. Prepare For A Future Financial Crisis

Life happens and you might be presented with a situation where you have to miss a payment or refinance for a longer duration. Know your options if these situations should occur in the future.

Gathering all the relevant facts and knowledge before venturing into used-car financing will lower your risks and help you get the best deal on the car of your choice. At Double L Motor, we own a large collection of certified used cars in Calgary with great financing offers for you to choose from. 

Tips For Maintaining Your Used Vehicle

Driving a used car can easily become a stressful experience if you do not maintain it the right way. Proper maintenance of your vehicle is the key to its performance in the long term. Many owners of used cars in Calgary follow the principle of preventive maintenance to be able to count on their vehicle to stand up to the miles ahead, with peace of mind. Preventive maintenance is scheduled car maintenance that was set forth by the car manufacturer, with details on how often and when you’ll need oil changes and other services. With preventive maintenance and timely repairs, any used car can provide the reliability that is expected from it by its owner.

How To Maintain Your Used Car?

The first thing to do, after becoming the owner of a used vehicle, is to familiarize yourself with the user’s manual. Most used cars, depending on how many miles they have on them, could have already reached their milestones for several maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire changes, and other scheduled maintenance requirements. Keeping up with these requirements as well as staying alert about possible repairs that might be needed from time-to-time can significantly increase the number of miles your used car can go.

Several factors indicate your used car requires service. 

• When you notice your car acting strange.
• When the ‘check engine’ light is on.
• When your car has gone a long time without maintenance.
• When you notice a new noise or a different sound from your car.

Any one of these factors is a good reason for you to perform a variety of maintenance tasks such as tire rotations, oil checks, or detailing. Although it is easier to take the car to a service centre for a thorough service, some people prefer performing maintenance tasks by themselves. There is nothing wrong with that if you have proper knowledge of how to go about it, but should you encounter a task that you cannot perform on your own, scheduling a service with Double L Motor is the right thing to do.

Before you begin your used car’s maintenance, here are a few tips to help you in the process.

Changing The Oil Of Your Car

As you might have realized already, oil is the lifeblood of your car. The engine of your car is only as efficient as the oil in it clean. That’s why a frequent oil change is required to keep the engine of your car running smoothly. However, the frequency of oil change and the type of oil required depends on the make of your car. Referring to the car’s manual will provide all the relevant information for this task.

Before you begin the task, make sure you have all the tools and materials you will require handy.

• Oil
• Oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Oil filter wrench
• Wrench for the drain plug
• Jack & jack stands
• Funnel

Once you have all this, follow these steps:

• Lift the vehicle
• Find the oil filter and drain plug
• Loosen the plug to drain the oil
• Tighten the drain plug
• Replace oil filter
• Add new oil
• Check oil levels

Changing Disc Brake Pads

Brakes play a vital role in keeping you and your vehicle safe on the roads. If your car has disc brakes, then the pads can be worn down with usage. Our brake servicing takes care of changing these pads to ensure the brakes function efficiently.

You should know that it is time to change your brake pads when you notice any of these:

• Brakes feeling loose
• Brakes making squeaky noises
• Brakes working less effectively

Also, if your brakes feel squishy, you might have to bleed them to restore effectiveness. To release the air trapped in the brakes you will require special tools. Drum brakes, on the other hand, need to be replaced over time. It is best to book your car for service for these tasks if you are not sure how to go about them. 

At Double L Motor, we are not only the most trusted dealers of certified used cars in Calgary, but we also ensure that your used car experience is the best.

Are Extended Car Warranties Worth The Money

Buying a car is a big decision.  Even if you’re not buying a brand new one and you’re going with a used car in Calgary, you are still investing quite a bit of time, effort and money.

And this means deciding on things like warranties. One of the questions that many buyers have is whether or not extended car warranties are worth it on used cars.

The answer is…it depends.

Here’s what you should consider when buying a used vehicle from a Calgary car dealer and deciding if an extended warranty is right for you, as well as the pros and cons.

Check What’s Being Covered

One of the most important first steps is checking up on what exactly is being covered in your extended warranty.

To start with, most of these will not cover routine maintenance.  You can reasonably expect to have to pay out of pocket for things like oil changes and new tires and breaks.

Beyond that, some warranties will only cover very specific components of your car (like the engine), and anything beyond that is excluded.

With that said, some are quite comprehensive, and will cover almost the entire vehicle.

The Pros And Cons Of Extended Car Warranties

If you’re still unsure about whether an extended warranty on a Calgary used car is right for you, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pro #1: Reassurance

Anyone who’s bought a vehicle (new or used) that’s required a lot of fixing and repairing can tell you that it’s a stressful experience - particularly when those repairs come unexpectedly (and often at the worst possible time).

By purchasing a (good) extended warranty, you can rest easy knowing that your car is taken care of.  For many, the extra money every month is well worth it for the peace of mind.

Pro #2: Avoiding A Costly Repair Bill

Regardless of how well you maintain your vehicle, everyone knows that, when it comes to cars, things happen.

Oftentimes a repair can not only come at a terrible, unexpected time, but it can sometimes cost thousands of dollars as well.

With an extended warranty, you can potentially prevent that kind of massive financial hit in the future (particularly if you don’t have the kind of savings that would allow you to pay for something like that).

Con #1: The Cost Can Add Up

Extended warranties can be a fantastic future money saver…if something happens to your car.

If nothing happens, however, and you’re able to drive it for years without running into a repair issue, the monthly cost of an extended warranty can really add up.

Con #2: Uncovered Parts

While this problem can really be mitigated by reading the fine print in your contract, it’s worth repeating - extended warranties usually don’t cover everything. 

And there’s nothing worse than thinking you’re good to go only to run into an issue later on down the road and realize that you’re not covered for it.

Con #3: Changing Cars

If you’re planning to keep your car for a long time, an extended warranty can make sense in a lot of cases.  After all, if you’re treating this purchase as a major long term investment, it makes sense to invest in the extras as well.

If, however, you’re purchasing a used car as a temporary solution until you can buy a new one, you may want to think twice about this kind of of warranty.  A car that you’re only planning to own for a year probably won’t have any catastrophic problems and there’s a very good chance that you won’t be using the warranty at all.