270 Highway 52 Helena, AL 35080 205-478-8692

Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip!

Hit the Road in Style With These Must-Haves Accessories

As a car dealer, we understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning a road trip. The stories customers tell are not only fascinating but give us insight as to what you will need on the road.

Being prepared can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable journey and a stressful one. That's why we've compiled a list of must-have car accessories to enhance your next adventure:

Essentials for Safety and Preparedness:

  • Emergency Kit: This should include essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and flares. Consider adding a roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind.

  • Road Atlas or GPS: While GPS navigation is readily available on smartphones, having a physical backup ensures you're never without directions, especially in areas with limited cell service.

  • Car Phone Charger: A reliable car charger is crucial for keeping your phone powered on for navigation, entertainment, and emergencies. Consider a car charger with multiple USB ports to keep multiple devices charged. You should also consider an external battery that can charge devices without having to rely on electricity or the car itself.

Enhancing Comfort and Convenience:

  • Seat Gap Organizer: This handy accessory prevents items like phones, keys, and wallets from falling into the abyss between your seat and the center console.

  • Car Phone Mount: A phone mount allows you to safely and conveniently use your phone for GPS navigation, hands-free calling, and music streaming while keeping your eyes on the road.

  • Cooler: A small cooler is a great way to keep drinks and snacks cold on long journeys, especially if you're traveling with children or pets.

  • Sunshades: Window sunshades help keep your car cool and protect passengers from harmful UV rays, especially important for long drives during the summer months.

Keeping Passengers Entertained:

  • Headrest Tablets or Portable DVD Players: These keep passengers, especially children, entertained throughout the trip.

  • Car Games and Activities: Pack some classic car games, travel journals, or activity books to keep everyone engaged and prevent boredom on long stretches of road.

Bonus Tip:

Consider investing in a cargo bag or roof rack if you're anticipating extra luggage or gear for your trip. This will help you maximize space and keep your car organized.

Remember: While these accessories can add comfort and convenience to your road trip, the most important element is ensuring your car is in top shape. Schedule a pre-trip inspection at your dealership to ensure your vehicle is up-to-date on maintenance and ready for the adventure ahead.

By having the right car accessories and ensuring your car is in good condition, you can set yourself up for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable road trip!

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Don't Miss Carnac's Prediction

Your Next Car!

Carnac The Magnificient

Do you remember Johnny Carson's iconic character, Carnac the Magnificent? Picture him in his flamboyant turban, holding an envelope to his forehead, blurting out the answer to whatever is inside of it. This time he opens the envelope and instead of a question, out pops a Keyfob. As the audience laughs as he gives it to his sidekick who pushes the button. Nothing happens.

Carnac, with a wry smile, looks over and quips, "Sir, may your next journey be as smooth as a gravel road under a flat tire." He then snatches the keyfob back and, with a knowing nod, places it next to his head. This time, a car horn sounds off in the distance.

You Have Special Powers Too!

While this scenario sounds funny, it's actually based on real science! Placing a key fob against your head can indeed extend its range due to the use of the human skull as a conductor. This method leverages the scientific principle that the human body, being composed largely of water, can amplify the fob's signal.

Will Carnac's prediction come true? Is that keyfob going to belong to your next car? Stop by today and take away the guess work. We have a selection of cars to fit your and and your budget. 

And remember May your Keyfob never get lost or the jokes ever be over your head.

Buying Your First Car

7 Steps to Buying Your First Car

Figure out what you can afford Shop around for the best deal Test drive different cars Get a car history report and mechanical inspection Finalize the purchase and register the car Insure your car Enjoy your new ride!

Stick To Your Budget

First time car buyers often make the mistake of rushing into a purchase without doing their research first. This can lead to overpaying for a car that doesn’t fit their needs or budget.

By setting a budget first, you can avoid this common pitfall. Figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car payment each month. Then, research the Fair Market Range prices for the type of car you’re interested in. This will give you a good starting point

Start Your Research

With an established budget in hand, it’s time to start shopping around for the best deal. There are so many sites online to do research where you can check out safety ratings, available options, interior features and more.

Test Drive Several Cars

After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to take them for a spin. This will help you get a feel for how the car drives and handles. It’s also a good time to see if there are any additional features that you may want or need.

Get A Car History Report And Mechanical Inspection

Once you’ve found the perfect car, it’s time to do a little digging into its history. A car history report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or had any major repair work done.

Finalize The Purchase and Register The Car

After you’ve negotiated the price of the car, it’s time to finalize the purchase. This usually involves signing a sales contract and putting down a deposit. The great news is that the dealership will typically handle all the paperwork involved in registering the car.

Insure Your Car

Now that you’re the proud owner of a new car, it’s time to get it insured. The type and amount of coverage you need will vary depending on your state’s laws and your personal driving habits.

Enjoy your new ride!

Buying your first car is a big decision, but we’re here to help make it as easy as possible. We want you to be happy with your purchase and our team will be with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started.

Smells Like A New Car To Me

The Best Ways To Keep Your Car Smelling Like New Your Car

The smell of a new car is one of the best things in the world. It's like getting a fresh start, every time you get in. But what can you do to make sure your car smells like new for as long as possible? Here are four tips that will help keep your car smelling great.

1. Don't leave food in your car.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Whenever you eat in your car, be sure to throw away any wrappers or leftover food. Otherwise, you're just inviting critters and bacteria to come in and make themselves at home.

2. Vacuum the seats and carpets often

Even if you don't eat in your car, dirt and dust can build up on the seats and carpets. Vacuuming regularly will help to remove these particles and keep your car smelling fresh.

3. Use a fabric freshener to keep the upholstery smelling good

There are a variety of fabric fresheners on the market, both in spray and gel form. These can help to keep the upholstery in your car smelling pleasant.

4. Spray a deodorizer in the car every week or so to keep it smelling fresh.

There are products that are designed to produce the new car smell. These can be found at most auto parts stores and can help keep your car smelling like new.

 

These are just the basics, but to really get rid of tough odors like smoke, it's going to take a bit more work. Deodorizers and fabric sprays may temporarily cover up smells, but they don’t actually remove them. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, try an ozone generator.

An ozone generator can also be used to remove smoke odors from your car. They work by producing ozone molecules which attach to and break down the particles that cause odors. Ozone generators can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores.

Charged As An Accessory To Driving

Top Car Accessories Every Owner Should Try

As a car owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your driving experience and make your car more comfortable and efficient. One way to do this is to invest in some top accessories that can help you get the most out of your car. Here are some of the best accessories every car owner should try:

Portable Battery Charger & Jumper Box

If you are someone who is always on the go, a portable battery charger and jumper box is an absolute must. This handy accessory will allow you to charge your car battery on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. It is also great for jump starting your car if it ever dies while you are out and about.

Mirror Dash Cam

A mirror dash cam is a great way to improve your safety while driving. It allows you to see what is happening behind you without taking your eyes off the road. There are models that will record both the front and rear view , so you can get a complete picture of what is going on around you. This can be invaluable evidence if you are ever in an accident. Unfortunately there are people who intentionally cause accidents so that they can make an insurance claim. A dashboard camera will help you prove that you were not at fault if this ever happens to you.

Cigarette Lighter Splitter

If you are constantly using your cigarette lighter to charge your phone or power other devices, then a cigarette lighter splitter is a must. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once without having to unplug something else. This can be really useful if you are using your navigation system and need to keep your phone charged at the same time.

Frost Guard Windshield Mats

If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how frustrating it is to scrape ice off your windshield. Frost guard windshield mats are a great way to keep your windshield clear and prevent ice from building up. You can find mats that fit over your entire windshield or just the part that gets iced over. Some models come with mirror pockets so that you protect those from frost and snow build up

OBD Scanner Tool

An OBD scanner tool is a must for any car owner. It allows you to read the diagnostic codes that are stored in your car’s computer. This can be really helpful if you are trying to figure out why your check engine light is on. You can also use it to clear codes and reset your engine light if it comes on unnecessarily. Look for ones that have a phone app so that you can read the codes on your phone.

Remote Starter Phone App

If you have a remote starter, then you know how convenient it is to be able to start your car from inside your house. But what if you could start your car from anywhere? With a remote starter phone app, you can do just that. Many features include allowing others to use your vehicle as long as they have the phone app. This can be great for when your spouse or kids need to use the car but you are not home. Just make sure to set up some limits so that you don’t run up your car’s mileage too much.

These are only a few of the great accessories available to car owners. With so many options out there, it is easy to find something that will improve your driving experience. So don’t wait, start shopping for some new accessories today. Your car will thank you for it. Now that you have a list of wish list accessories it might be time to get a new car to put them in! After all, what better way to show off your new toys than in a stylish set of wheels?

Check out our latest models today and find the perfect one for you.

What's Next, A Flying Car

Will Electric Cars Will Become Yesterday's News

Technology never stands still for long and, as anyone who's been paying attention to the automotive industry over the past few years will know, electric cars are very much the future. But what's next?

One area that is currently being explored is the possibility of flying cars. That's right, flying cars! While it may sound like something straight out of The Jetsons, there are a number of companies working on this incredible technology and it may not be as far-fetched as you might think.

Here's a headline from a recently published article from Car and Driver

Hyundai Subsidiary Unveils Flying Car Concept That Could Fly U.S. Skies by 2028

"Hyundai is also investing heavily in the nascent industry, launching a U.S.-based subsidiary called Supernal last November to focus on the so-called "Advanced Air Mobility market.” Now, Supernal has unveiled its eVTOL Vehicle Cabin concept at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, showing what the passenger compartment inside its upcoming intra-city air shuttle could look like."

Don't Count On Getting Frequent Flier Miles Just Yet

In addition to the technical hurdles that need to be overcome, there are also a number of regulatory issues that need to be sorted out before flying cars become a reality. Just like most industries I'm sure that traditional airlines are not going to be too thrilled about the idea of having competition from flying cars.

And then there's the question of whether or not people are actually going to want to fly in a car. I have to admit that the idea of getting stuck in traffic on the freeway is not all that appealing, but then again neither is being crammed into a metal tube with a bunch of strangers for hours on end.

Flying cars would obviously have a lot of advantages over traditional ground-based vehicles. For one, they would be able to avoid traffic jams and get from A to B much quicker. They would also be able to park in a lot less space and, perhaps most importantly, they would be a lot of fun!

Ready To Trade Your Old Car For A Flying Car?

You may be excited about the prospect of buying a flying car but unfortunately we're out of stock. Along with the rest of the world. In the meantime, you can browse our wide selection of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs. We offer a wide range of makes and models to choose from and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you find the perfect vehicle

 

Why Buy A Used Car From Us

A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

Should You Lease Or Buy A Car

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!

 

Why Now Is The Best Time To Trade In Your Car!

Get Top Dollar For Your Trade!

 If you are in the market for a new car, now is an excellent time to trade in your old one. Dealer inventory is low, as a result, dealerships are now offering better deals on trade-ins than they have in the past. 

 

What are some benefits of trading in a car for a newer model

  1. Trade-ins are at an all-time high, and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

  2. You'll get a better deal now than you would in the past

  3. It will be easier to find financing for your new car since dealerships have less inventory on their lot

When you trade in your old car for a newer model, you can expect to receive a number of benefits. First, you'll get a newer, more reliable car. Newer cars have better fuel economy and safety features than older models. Finally, you'll have the opportunity to trade in your old car for a new one with the same or lower monthly payments.

 

What should I do to get my car ready to trade it in?

If you're thinking about trading in your old car for a new one, there are a few things you can do to get your car ready. Most importantly, make sure the car is clean inside and out. This will make it more attractive to potential buyers and help you get a better price. 

You should also fix any cosmetic damage and have the car serviced so that it is in good working condition. Finally, gather all of the paperwork related to the car, including the title, registration, and maintenance records. This will make it easier for the dealer to process the trade-in.

Do car dealers take trade-ins with out you buying one of their cars?

Yes, most car dealerships will accept trade-ins even if you don't plan to buy a car from them.  As a matter of fact this gives dealer's a faster way to increase their inventory without relying on the traditional auction route.

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