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Why is changing engine oil so at the proper interval so important? Making sure that you changing your oil on a regular basis is the most important routine vehicle maintenance there is.  Properly scheduled oil changes are crucial in keeping your car running properly. Our fully trained and certified staff are here to give you advice that you can trust. So whether you have a brand new vehicle that you just picked up or you are driving a vehicle that is a trusted friend, regular oil changes are something you cannot ignore.

When oil flows into the engine from other areas, dirt and other particles will begin to accumulate within it. If you are not changing your oil at the proper intervals, sludge will begin to build up in your engine. Those who may live in drier, dustier areas will have even more particles making there way through. Changing your engine oil as well as replacing [...]

Safety
Many may not even think that vehicles gas cap could be a maintenance issue. Besides the safety concern of gasoline spilling out of a recently filled gas tank, gas caps can save a you a lot of money in fuel expenses if they are properly used and properly maintained and replaced when the cap is worn out.

This sometimes un-noticed part of a car’s fuel system can help raise the emissions of a car, which has a negative effect on your performance and gas mileage. Listen for a hiss when you loosen the gas cap. That means that it is fitting well, it [...]

Buying a used car requires preparation, research, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Checking official vehicle documents is a great start, but buyer beware — counterfeit or incomplete paperwork still exists.

That’s why using an online VIN verifier is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself. It’s quick, accurate, and gives you access to a vehicle’s full background before you make a commitment.

At Highway Motors Chico, we believe in No Stress, Just Yes — and that means helping you make confident, informed choices.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle built after 1981. Think of it as your car’s fingerprint.
Using an online VIN check helps you uncover:

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You have probably heard the term ” caveat emptor” or “Buyer Beware”. Seems simple enough however there are some dealerships that might try to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.

Here is one way this can happen.

Bait and Switch

The Scam: The dealer advertises a vehicle with a great price, but when you go to the dealership, they say it’s already been sold! They then show you a more expensive vehicle.  Perhaps you have been offered a really really low down payment. An offer like “$1.00 gets you into any car” may seem to good to be true. It usually is because when arrive at the lot to buy a vehicle you  find out you also need $2000 for tax and license before you can drive away!

“The whole point of a bait-and-switch ad is to get you to the showroom.” Says Business Insider

What To Do: Call the dealership just prior to visiting [...]

Perhaps you’re looking for a used car that has the latest technology such as adaptive cruise control and cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. But, you can’t afford a 2-year-old model with average miles, but Highway Motors has the car of your dreams, and it’s a thousand less. There’s one problem: This 2-year-old model has over 100,000 miles. Should you stay clear?

Here’s a few pointers to help make a decision on either one of these cars.

The first thing with any car is “do your research”. CARFAX is a great reference as to the condition and reoccurring problems the may be a problem. Check if there are repetitive problems, such as serious (and expensive) issues with the transmission, power steering, electrical system and engine. Replacing the engine’s timing chain, for example, can run $2,000 to $3,000.
Knowing a car’s history is important. Ask the dealer to show you data [...]

We all remember the devastation caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. It is important to note that Hundreds of thousands of cars were flooded in those hurricanes .

Although most of those vehicles have since been taken off the market. But don’t under estimate the number that have been restored and sent to the auction. Unsuspecting buyers of used vehicles, hundreds of miles from where they were flooded months earlier could fall victim of unscrupulous dealers or private sellers.

Assumptions Can Cost You Money!

Our example consumer knew when he bought the vehicle that underneath had some rust, and the engine compartment had what seemed like a light coating of road salt in it, which he assumed meant the car came from somewhere in the [...]