Latest News, Tips & More | Alexander Automotive

Essential Tire Care Tips for Rainy Weather

Spring has arrived, and while we welcome the beautiful blooms and warmer weather, April showers are a reality.. Here are some essential rain-safe driving tips to keep you in control during downpours, with a special focus on tire care:

Tire Check:

Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have at least 3/16 inches of tread depth (check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle). The deeper the grooves, the better the water can be channeled away, providing better grip on wet roads.
Don't rely solely on the "penny test". While it can be a quick indicator, tire wear isn't always uniform across the tread.
Visually inspect your tires for any cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. These signs indicate potential tire damage and warrant immediate replacement.

Tire Maintenance:

Proper Inflation: 

Maintain the recommended tire pressure as specified in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Underinflated tires not only decrease fuel efficiency but also reduce traction, especially in wet conditions. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Tire Rotation: Regularly rotate your tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations (typically every 5,000 to 6,000 miles). This ensures even wear and extends the life of your tires.

Additional Tips:

Consider All-Season Tires: If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, consider investing in all-season tires that offer a good balance of performance in various weather conditions, including rain and light snow.
Ask our service advisors! Our team of experts at [Dealership Name] is happy to answer any questions you have about tire care and recommend the right tires for your specific vehicle and driving needs.

Remember, even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. We encourage you to be extra cautious during rainy weather and prioritize your safety above all else. Stay safe this spring season!

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The Benefits of Buying a Used Car vs Leasing

Buying a used car can be an attractive option for many consumers, as it allows them to save money and still get the vehicle they need. On the other hand, leasing has its own advantages and can be just as attractive for some. Let’s  take a look at both options in more detail to help you decide which one is best for your situation.

The Advantages of Buying Used

One of the major benefits of buying used cars is the price tag. Used cars tend to be significantly cheaper than buying new, allowing for more affordable upfront costs with lower monthly payments. This can give buyers a much wider range of vehicles that may fit their budget better. Used cars are also usually less expensive to insure due to their lower value compared to newer models. Lower insurance premiums can mean substantial savings over time, depending on the type and age of your car. 

A wide variety of choices is also available when shopping for a used car; many dealerships carry newer cars that have only recently been taken off lease. These cars are typically returned in excellent condition but come with large discounts due to the fact that they were previously leased instead of bought outright. In addition, certain vehicles depreciate more slowly than others; meaning if you choose wisely, you could avoid significant losses when it comes time to resell your car further down the line.

The Advantages of Leasing

Leasing is another way to acquire a vehicle without breaking the bank on upfront costs or breaking into your savings account every month for years on end; since lease rates tend to run lower than loan rates, it's usually possible to pay less each month even if your credit score isn’t perfect (though this does vary depending on several factors).

Leasing also allows for greater flexibility in terms of vehicle selection; some luxury models cannot be fully purchased outright due to their high cost but may be available through leasing options from reputable companies that specialize in such products. This gives buyers access to cars that would otherwise be completely out of reach due to financial restrictions alone.

Leased vehicles require little upkeep and maintenance compared with used cars so long as regular service intervals are met according to the agreement—with no additional investments required beyond routine checkups during lease periods. At the conclusion of leases, customers may return their rented car or upgrade easily since ownership is not involved—allowing traders or leasers easy exits and freedom from long-term commitments if desired (or required).

 Final Thoughts

Buying a used car vs leasing depends entirely on individual needs and preferences; while some people prefer owning something outright, others may benefit more from renting and getting out quickly if needed down the road. Ultimately both options present advantages so long as consumers make wise decisions throughout the purchasing process regardless!

The Ford Model T is the classic car that put the world on wheels. This groundbreaking vehicle changed how people all over the world live their everyday lives; without it, the world could be drastically different. Here at Alexander Automotive, we are proud to say that a 1923 version of the Ford Model T is in our inventory of classic cars for sale. It’s hard to overstate this car’s impact, as you’ll see when looking at its storied history.

Beginnings

The Ford Model T was introduced in 1908 by Henry Ford, who had the goal of making the car affordable, simple, and durable. The Ford Model T was one of the world’s first mass-produced vehicles, allowing Ford to achieve Henry Ford’s goal of creating a car that worked for everybody. To make sure that it could achieve this goal, Ford himself drove the Model T on a hunting trip in Wisconsin and northern Michigan. The car began to generate media hype and attention thanks to a series of stunts, including climbing the stairs of the Tennessee State Capital and traversing Pikes Peak.

Revolutionary Vehicle Design

The Ford Model T was the first passenger car to place the steering wheel on the left side, allowing passengers to enter and exit the vehicle easily. Other innovations include:

• Engine block and crankcase cast as a single unit

• First car to utilize the lightweight, strong alloy called vanadium steel

• First car to have the removable cylinder head as a single unit

Over time, the Ford Model T became so popular that, by the early 1920s, more than half the registered vehicles in the world bore a Ford badge. Now it has achieved classic car status and is sold here at Alexander Automotive, where we can also help with classic car financing. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Before shopping for a used car or a classic car at Alexander Automotive, it’s a good idea to know what vehicles will fit into your budget. In addition to utilizing our helpful car auto loan calculator on our website, getting pre-qualified for used car financing can help speed up the process at our finance center. Here are some advantages to getting pre-qualified.

What Does Getting Pre-Qualified Mean?

When researching auto loans, you may discover two similar terms: pre-approval and pre-qualification. Getting pre-approved for a used car loan is more serious than getting pre-qualified and should be done when you’re ready to buy the car. Pre-approval means that a lender has reviewed your credit report and other information to determine a loan amount.

On the other hand, getting pre-qualified is a low-risk way to discover what kinds of loans you can obtain, especially if you’re not sure of your credit score. It requires a soft credit pull, which means you’ll receive a ballpark estimate of the types of rates that you can expect when you apply for financing. However, the rates are not guaranteed.

Advantages of Getting Pre-Qualified

First, getting pre-qualified lets you know if your credit score is good enough to obtain a used car loan. It would be disappointing to visit our dealership and find a used car you love only to be turned down because of your credit scores. Also, it gives you an idea of your used car budget before you even visit our dealership, allowing you to pick out a few models in our inventory that fit your budget.

Get pre-qualified for a used car loan with our friendly finance experts here at Alexander Automotive. We’re happy to walk you through the financing process.

When selling a used car, many drivers think it’s best to sell your car every two to three years. While the advantages of driving a new vehicle at this interval may seem enticing, that is not always the best route for everybody. That’s why we’ve assembled a brief guide to the personal factors and timing that determine when to trade in a used car in Franklin TN.

When to Trade In a Used Car

Several methods determine whether it’s worthwhile to trade in a used car. First, estimate your car’s trade-in value by utilizing our trade-in tool. If this amount is high enough to lower your monthly payment on a new car, then now is likely an excellent time to consider trading in your vehicle.

Another thing to consider is the cost of maintenance. Is your used car spending more time at the mechanic’s garage than it is in your own? If you’re finding you’re spending a fortune on car service or your vehicle is facing a high repair bill, it can be worth it to cut your losses and trade in your car for something that won’t require as much maintenance.

When Not To Trade in a Used Car

Some drivers faced with higher monthly payments than they initially anticipated when they purchased the car may be tempted to trade it in. However, going this route can lead to more financial issues than you may realize and is not recommended.

At Alexander Automotive, we will buy your used car even if you don’t buy ours. Use our trade-in tool to get an idea of your used car’s value, then bring it to us for an in-person inspection.

The automobile is constantly evolving, and while some innovations catch on and continue to be used to this day, others are relegated to the bin of curiosities. Here at Alexander Automotive, our extensive collection of classic cars features both types of vehicles, some ahead of their time and others boasting features that modern drivers may deem unusual or antiquated. Here are some of the most distinctive features we’ve seen in classic cars.

Front Bench Seats

Before seat belts became mandatory according to the law, bench seats were standard in most family cars. While the middle seat wasn’t the most comfortable, the bench seat was typically wide enough to seat three.

Pop-Up Headlights

Pop-up headlights saw their heyday from the early 1970s to the 1990s. Part of their popularity was the U.S. government mandating that cars only have a certain height for headlights.

Car Phones

Before mobile phones were ubiquitous, car phones were a luxury. They were often stored underneath the front seats and used for emergencies.

Record Players

Before Bluetooth, CD players, and even cassette players, record players were sometimes found in vehicles. In 1956, Chrysler unveiled the $200 Highway Hi-Fi system, a factory-installed record player mounted underneath the car’s dashboard. If you think spinning a record while driving over bumpy roads sounds problematic, you would be correct, as the innovation fizzled out after a couple of years.

Wood-Grain Side Paneling

Styles come and go with time, but one that particularly baffles modern drivers is wood-grain trim. Wood became an alternative for the exterior to minimize the use of expensive steel, though it came with safety hazards and high maintenance costs.

Discover these unusual classic car features and more in our extensive inventory of classic cars here at Alexander Automotive. Our dealers invite you to schedule an appointment or view our online inventory.

Alexander Automotive is a Franklin, TN, car dealership that stands out from the pack. With a stellar inventory of classic and more recent Alexander used cars, Alexander Automotive has something that fits your needs, whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, classic car collector, investor, or everyday driver. Here is what makes our classic car dealership unique. 

Classic Car Inventory

Car dealerships with classic car inventories as large as ours are few and far between. Classic car collectors likely already know that buying a high-quality classic car can be a hassle, often involving flaky sellers trying to nickel and dime buyers. Here at Alexander Automotive, we carry classic vehicles from various automakers ranging from the 1930s to present-day classics. 

Hassle-Free Buying Experience

The classic car-buying experience at Alexander Automotive differs from purchasing from a private party. We boast a friendly team of knowledgeable Tennessee classic car dealers who are happy to show off all our favorite features on classic cars and regular pre-owned vehicles at our dealership. 

We also have a virtual showroom on our website with plenty of information about each classic car and pre-owned model. You can schedule an appointment directly from our website to see the vehicle or even text our dealers for more information. 

We Buy Your Car

Not only does our dealership sell a wide variety of vehicles, but we also will buy yours. If you have a classic or pre-owned car to sell, we pay a fair price for it, whether or not you purchase our vehicles. Utilize our trade-in value tool to find an approximate value for your car. 

Our friendly dealers at Alexander Automotive are happy to show off our pre-owned and classic inventory. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Buying Franklin used cars can seem intimidating at first. Alexander Automotive takes pride in keeping the process transparent and pain-free. That’s why we encourage you to do plenty of research before you arrive, and ask as many questions as you need to once you’re here. Besides that, there’s one more thing that’s vital to buying a car of any age, which is why we’re about to tell you how to ace the test drive.

Take Notes

Your needs, from a long commute to the number and kind of passengers you expect, will dictate certain features and amenities. Your research is likely to uncover a few more. Make a list, since these details will help your dealer match you to the right fit.

• Type of vehicle

• Make and model

• Trim level or options

• Priority items (seating room, cargo space, a good sound system)

• Special considerations (a long commute, an impending addition to the family, and the like)

Get Ready

Once you’ve settled on a vehicle or category, it’s time to prepare for your visit to our used car dealership in Franklin, TN.

• Bring your license and proof of insurance

• If you’re trading in, bring the vehicle title, owner’s manual, and as much maintenance history as you can locate

• If you’ll be applying for financing, bring proof of residence, proof of employment, and any other supporting documentation

• If you’re stuck at any point in the process, call ahead and we’ll help

Get Behind the Wheel

Now it’s time to climb in and take your car for a spin. It’s important to drive the way you would on any other day (within reason; safety first, please). As you do, evaluate the following:

• Acceleration from a dead stop, as well as power when passing or merging

• Steering response

• Brake feel

• Cabin layout and ergonomics

You may find it taking a few tries to pick the right car, but that’s fine. We understand that this is an investment, and it’s important to get it right the first time. To find out more, simply call ahead to arrange a test drive today.

Before visiting Franklin dealerships for used cars, some research is in order. Besides the usual items — body styles, models’ repair histories, reviewers’ and owners’ opinions — many of us are concerned with safety. While safety data is scant for many classic cars, when shopping the more recent used cars at Alexander Automotive, it’s worth checking their scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The NHTSA is a part of the US Department of Transportation that investigates safety issues, underwrites car safety research, suggests best practices for vehicle safety, and tests vehicles for collision survivability. It’s a broad mandate, but this agency helps keep us safer in new and used cars.

A car’s NHTSA rating aggregates scores in the Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover safety categories, among others. For now, NHTSA testing doesn’t score on active safety technology, although they recommend that drivers take advantage of these features when available.

IIHS Safety Ratings

The IIHS is an independent nonprofit organization funded by the insurance industry with two goals: keeping cars safe and insurance premiums low.

The IIHS tests five different criteria:

• Small overlap front

• Moderate overlap front

• Side

• Roof strength/rollover

• Head restraints/rear crash

Look for cars with top “Good” scores in each category. A Top Safety Pick is awarded when a car gets “good” marks on all tests, while the Top Safety Pick Plus is awarded to vehicles with the most advanced — and effective — driver-assist aids.

How Does This Figure Into Used Car Research?

Rating criteria change as vehicle construction changes, so a car from 2000 wasn’t tested quite the same way as one from 2017. The ratings aren’t infallible (especially since they don’t cover classics), but they’re still a good guideline to use before you pick your next used car. If you have questions about any of our used cars for sale, feel free to email, call, or simply stop by Alexander Automotive!

If you haven’t kept up with Tennessee state law regarding car inspections, you may wonder whether you still need to find a car inspection near me. On August 17, 2021, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced that emissions testing in several Tennessee counties, including Williamson County, ended. While classic cars do not need official inspections in TN, we still suggest inspections by qualified technicians, followed by regular maintenance, to preserve their value. 

Your Car’s Emissions System: An Overview

Emissions problems are one of the primary things identified through a motor vehicle inspection and are still worth checking for even if they’re not mandated. Your car’s emission control system limits the amount of noxious gas released from your vehicle into the environment. Your classic consists of several different components that release various gases into the air, including:

• Carburetor

• Fuel tank

• Crankcase

• Exhaust

These components are essential elements for your classic car to run smoothly and efficiently. Many vehicles have what’s known as an EVAP system, which controls and isolates the gases within a closed system. This system consists of:

• Fuel fill cap

• Fuel tank vapor control valve

• Evaporative canister purge valve

• Fuel tank pressure sensor

Signs of Emission Trouble

There are many signs that a classic car needs emissions work. Symptoms of issues with your car’s emissions system include:

• Emissions control light illuminated

• Performance loss

• Consuming more gasoline than normal

• Smell or fuel inside or outside your car 

For answers to all your classic car questions — buying, selling, maintenance, parts, and more — visit Alexander Automotive. In addition to our carefully curated inventory, we can refer you to trustworthy professionals who will give your classic the care it deserves.