Is It Time to Say Goodbye To Your Vehicle? What to Look For

Signs are everywhere when we are driving through Topeka and elsewhere. Exit signs, railroad crossings, stop signs, you name it, there’s a sign around every turn. But what are the signs that tell you when you should be considering a new vehicle from the Auto Now buy here pay here car lot in Topeka? Many of us pride ourselves in driving a vehicle until it sputters its last sputter. Beyond investments, cars become something we value and love. Cars take us to work each day or safely trek our family across the country on a trip and back. There is a comfort with our cars that transcends regular utilities like a hammer or a tea kettle. There is a comfort and connection with our vehicles that leads to many people naming them. That same comfort and connection may lead to overlooking practical solutions to problems or making poor financial decisions such as spending more on a repair than the value of the vehicle.

Auto Now and our used car dealership lot in Topeka has over 500 cars in our inventory so that when you are ready to accept the signs that your vehicle may be dying, you have a place to turn. In fact, we also have a trade in program along with a buy here pay here financing program to help our customers find a car they love and can afford. So since we’re on the topic of used cars and signs, here are a few signs it is time to come to Auto Now in Topeka and check out our pre-owned car inventory.

Check engine light

When a check engine light appears on your dashboard, it is not a warning sign to ignore. These lights have been designed by the manufacturer to inform owners of potential engine trouble. While the cause of the warning light varies, repeated illuminating lights could be a sign of things to come, including the potential for an expensive repair. Bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic in Topeka or Kansas and be sure to get it diagnosed. If your check engine light flashes repeatedly, it could be a sign to stop driving the car immediately and call for assistance.

Too much rust

Rust is an expensive problem to fix and sometimes, not much can be done. Chemicals on the roads during winter months, salt in the air from proximity to an ocean among many other things can contribute to the start and continuation of rust on a vehicle. Beyond cosmetic damage, rust can appear under the vehicle and rot the frame, which causes great concern for safety.

Jerky starting, stopping, stalling

A jerking car can mean many things from spark plugs to the engine’s motor which are both potential end-of-life signs. Stalling and popping can be an issue with air-intake among others. Having a vehicle that stalls frequently and unpredictably is annoying but even more dangerous. If while driving, the vehicle has a more aggressive time accelerating or braking, it could mean a very serious problem with the transmission.

Smoke

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, right? Well, not always. But when dealing with a vehicle you don’t always have to have a fire to know the car is cooked. Billowing smoke coming from the engine could be from overheating or something greater. Billowing smoke coming from anywhere else in your car is also not the greatest sign and is a signal you probably should get it checked out and avoid that cross-country road trip until you do.

Leaks

Cars require more than gas to run. If your gas is leaking, that’s an issue. If there are other leaks, those could be problematic and expensive issues as well. One common issue with older vehicles is often how much oil the vehicle consumes. That could be due to a leak, but if you’re replacing your oil or transmission fluid frequently, it could be a sign you are on the market of a new vehicle.

Cost of repair outweighs value of the car

If you have a car with over 200,000 miles on it that you have loved but needs a costly repair greater than the value of the vehicle, it may be that time to say goodbye. If your car is older and high-mileage, it may be smarter financially to sell the car for what you can get and take that money combined with what the repair cost would be and purchase a pre-owned car you can afford and love.

Noises

We’ve all experienced a backfire, whether driving the vehicle or being startled while walking down the street. Hissing, knocking and popping are just a few more sounds that could be a warning to a dying vehicle. Whether in the exhaust or taking place during the engine combustion, it could be a serious issue that should be addressed as soon as possible.

As a buy here pay here dealership in Topeka, Auto Now prides ourselves on working hard to help our neighbors, our friends and our families find the best car at a price they can afford. Cars are often the backbone of daily life bringing us to work, school, the grocery store and beyond. Through our in-house financing, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and no on should be kept from having access to a reliable vehicle. So ditch the clunker and head over to Auto Now to find your next vehicle that will take you on adventures, to work, and just through everyday life. Our experienced team has worked for over twenty years selling used cars on our lots throughout Kansas and Missouri. With a 24 month or 24,000 mile warranty, we provide peace of mind that your new car from Auto Now won’t quickly end like your last.