Just like everyone else in Michigan, we know that winter makes it hard to keep your window glass clean and clear. But with the first signs of spring, now is a good time to clean up your act…

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Most customers don’t spend enough time when they take delivery of their new car. Here at LotPro.com, we recommend setting aside enough time to inspect your new car before signing the paperwork…

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Here at lotpro.com, we’re amazed by the ways dealers try to increase their profit on a car, even in the age of the informed consumer. In previous articles, we’ve discussed useful add-ons to get when you buy a car. These additional items include both gap insurance and extended service contracts. But there are some things that you can easily turn down.

Window etching

With car manufacturers plastering the vehicle identification number (VIN) all over the car (engine, hood, instrument panel, bumpers, fire wall) why would putting it on the windows matter? If it’s dark, a thief wouldn’t see them anyway.

Rust proofing

Back in the 1970’s, new cars, especially in Michigan with all the salt on the roads, seemed to rust out in 5 years or less – right before our very eyes. Back then, rust proofing was a big business. Sometimes it worked well and sometimes the cars would rust where the technician drilled into the body to insert the spray wand applicator!
With the current widespread use of galvanized body panels and advanced vehicle engineering, it just isn’t necessary anymore. Check your vehicle warranty for the rust through time frame. In many cases, having the vehicle rust proofed by an outside company will actually void the warranty.

Paint protection

While this may have some merit, why pay the dealer $200-$400 to have it done? You can buy the same type of Teflon based wax for as little as $8 (DuPont Ultra Wax) at many auto parts stores and, for as little as $30, an electric polisher. It will cost you 1/5 as much and you have a polisher you can use for years.

Fabric Protection

Dealers charge as much as $250 for this spray on protection for your car’s interior. Instead, buy a can of Scotchgard (about $15) and do it yourself. Just remember that if you do spill something and wipe it off, you need to re-apply Scotchgard to the area.

The Bottom Line

You can save yourself hundreds of dollars in car payments by avoiding these unnecessary dealer add-ons. If you have any more questions regarding financing or payment information, visit our web site at www.lotpro.com.

It’s a beautiful day and you’re out enjoying every minute of it in your car. All of a sudden, you look down at your instrument panel and notice an orange light that says “check engine” or “service engine”. Is this a real problem? Is your engine about to seize, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere (that’s usually when it happens)? Well… (more…)

One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your car is to change the oil. Most of us don’t give any thought to this process. We pull into the nearest instant oil change garage and let the mechanics worry about the rest. So today, we’re going to take a closer look at the process. (more…)