Express Auto Blog

Pretty Lake Vacation Camp Donation Ceremony

2011-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday this week, we had the folks over from Pretty Lake Vacation Camp. Spearheaded by Donna and Rod, the associates and staff at Express Auto raised money for PLVC -- money which Matt Ghazal, the owner, generously matched. Mitch and Sue from PLVC came by, we had cake and presented them with a check. PLVC helps at-risk youth in the greater Kalamazoo area, so all the dollars we raised stay in our community... that was important to us when choosing who would get the donation.

It's a Cashless World...

2011-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

We wanted to let everyone know that beginning Monday May 2nd we will no longer be accepting cash at the walk-up windows in our stores. We love it when you stop by to see us in the store, and you can still come in and make a payment by personal check, money order or by using a credit or debit card.

Additional Bank Fees

As bank fees have continued to increase (yes, there are bank fees even to process cash), we have found it increasingly difficult to hold the line on costs. That's the primary reason we will no longer be taking cash. The bank fees for processing certain types of payments will now be passed through to the customer. These convenience fees are necessary to continue to offer the broadest range of payment options to customers like you. Here is a list of the payment options and the bank fees they incur:

Automatic Credit/Debit | Like direct debit, your payment is automatically deducted on your payment date. Unlike the direct debit, which is free, these types of payments incur charges beginning May 2nd, 2011. Convenience Fee: $4

Online Credit/Debit | You can still take advantage of online payments by using a credit or debit card on our website. This will incur a bank fee beginning May 2nd, 2011. Convenience Fee: $5

Credit/Debit by Phone | You can call in your payment at any time using a credit or debit card. These payments will incur a bank fee beginning May 2nd, 2011 Convenience Fee: $6

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Direct Debit (ACH) | By signing up for direct debit (sometimes called ACH) you are having your bank automatically send your payment from your checking or savings account.. This is the absolute best choice, since it is not only automatic, convenient and safe, but it is totally FREE of charge for you and all our customers. Convenience Fee: None it's absolutely FREE!

If you are an Express Auto customer, you can sign up now for Direct Debit and we'll pay $10 of your next payment!

Just what is Buy-Here Pay-Here, anyway?

2011-03-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Many of you have heard the term, "Buy-here, Pay-Here", before. It generally indicates a car dealership that is specifcally set up to deal with people who have credit issues. Either bruised credit, bad credit or no credit at all. Despite being the fastest growing segment in the auto sales industry, there's not an official definition for Buy-Here Pay-Here (sometimes called BHPH)in the dictionary. Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) financing means that you arrange a loan and make payments on it at the dealership. You purchase the car through what's referred to as in-house financing versus through a third party, such as a bank. Instead of making monthly payments to a traditional lender, you make weekly or bi-weekly payments at the dealership. You therefore "buy" the car at the dealership and "pay" on the loan at the dealership.

Express Auto is a BHPH dealership we work with our customers to try and get them into cars they can afford and pay for. For more information on our program, contact any of our three locations in southwest michigan toll free -- 1-888-870-7250.

Have Cup-Holders Killed the Stick Shift in America

2011-03-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

A manual transmission or "stick-shift" typically has a number of advantages over an automatic. These include better fuel economy, lower overall cost and greater longevity. In 1980, J.D. Power and Associates estimates that more than 35% (or about 1 in 3) of all cars sold had a stick shift. By 2005, that number had dropped to 6%. It is now estimated that only about 1 in 10 American drivers can operate a stick-shift at all.

So why the drop? Some experts blame, of all things, cup holders. It was at about the same time cup holders were introduced in American cars that stick-shifts began to disappear. It can also be noted that European and Asian cars often lack the type or quantity of cup holders that are common in American vehicles and outside the US stick-shifts still amount to well more than half of all cars sold.

So did cup-holders really kill the stick-shift in America? What do you think?

Talk to us. No... Really.. TALK to us.

2011-03-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

We've just added an exciting new feature to our website. Live Chat. Now, if you are browsing the site during business hours you can hit the Chat button and be connected to a real, live person who can answer questions, schedule you a test drive, or make you a service appointment.

Just another way Express Auto is doing everything we can to make your visit to ANY of our locations -- even our virtual one --as productive and pleasant as possible.

www.ExpressAutoFinance.com is now www.ExpressAuto.com

2011-03-06T18:54:00.001-08:00

That's right, our new website now has a new address. ExpressAuto.com. Easier to find, easier to remember. So take a look at our new site and try out our domain. ExpressAuto.com.

Express Auto Launches New Website

2011-02-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

If you head over to ExpressAutoFInance.com you'll see a whole new website. Improved design, better navigation, better online payment processing, and improved inventory are highlights of the new site. Head on over and check it out for yourself.

If you're making a payment from the site, don't forget about our Buy! Drive! Win! program. An etra $5 you put toward your account could win you the opportunity to have your vehicle PAID IN FULL! Put $10 on your account, you get two chances, $15 and get three chances... and so on. Since every dollar goes directly to pay off your principal, even if you don't win the drawing, you still WIN by getting your car paid off quicker.

Win-Win! You can't beat that! Last year's winner got more than $6000 paid off -- This year it could be you!

VanMeter Joins Express Auto Group

2010-11-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

Kalamazoo — Clifford VanMeter has joined Express Auto Finance as full time Marketing Coordinator.

Cliff brings with him two decades of experience as a web and print designer; web and media producer; and media buyer for advertising and design agencies from New York, and LA, to Kalamazoo. Cliff will be handling promotions and marketing for all three Express Auto Finance locations; Stadium Drive and Riverview Drive in Kalamazoo, and Dickman Road in Battle Creek.

Cliff will be bringing his uniquely broad skill set to bear on leveraging technologies such as search engine optimization; search engine and social media marketing, and text messaging to create and implement innovative marketing initiatives over the coming months.

About Express Auto Finance — In its 15 years of service, Express Auto Finance has helped thousands of people acquire reliable transportation. People that would have been turned away by less innovative auto dealerships. By making value, service, and integrity their highest priorities, Express Auto Finance has raised the bar for “buy here - pay here” dealerships and become one of Southwest Michigan’s premiere sales and service organizations. “It’s about your future, not your past,” is more than just our motto, it is the foundation of our business.

Express Auto
2828 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo. MI 49008
269.488.0000

Express Auto
525 Riverview Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269.552.8888

Express Auto
1588 W. Dickman Road Battle Creek, MI 49015
269.441.6100

Express Auto Blog: Seeing Clearly in Your Car-Safety Tips from Express Auto

2010-03-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Express Auto Blog: Seeing Clearly in Your Car-Safety Tips from Express Auto

Seeing Clearly in Your Car-Safety Tips from Express Auto

2010-03-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

The American Optometrist Association reports that 90 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility. However, we seldom think about the factors that affect our visibility until it is too late.

Typically, unless it is raining, we don't give our windshield wipers a second thought. It is not until we actually need to use our wipers that we review their performance; and it goes something like this….

"Boy, these wipers are not clearing very well and they are sure making a lot of noise. I need to have them checked out".

However, for most people, as soon as the rain stops, our mental note "goes out the window" that is, until it rains again. Hence the cycle continues, until one day we see (or read) something that reminds us to check our wipers now, before we need them.

Over time the temperature, ultraviolet light, pollution and road chemicals take their toll on the rubber portion of the blade (even on a car that is parked in storage). To clear properly it is important for this portion of the blade to be very flexible and smooth. Any visible tears, cracks, dryness or discoloration can significantly reduce your visibility.

Bent wiper arms, springs, or frames will also decrease the efficiency of your blades. The wiper arm should be straight and the springs providing a consistent amount of pressure on your windshield. Most of the time damage to these parts is caused by vandalism, some types of automatic car washes and "snapping"* your wipers to clean of the snow and ice.

Spring showers are on their way. To help make your driving decisions good ones; I recommend that your wipers be inspected every 6 months. This can be performed at home or stop by either Express Auto Service center located on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo, or on Dickman Road in Battle Creek.

Good News for Allergy Sufferers and the Air in Your Car

2010-02-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

If you are one of the estimated 40 million Americans who suffer from allergies, you can benefit from a piece of equipment that few people realize exists. In fact, if you own a 1995 model or newer vehicle, you may already have this piece of equipment on your vehicle and not be aware of it.

Cabin air filters are devices that filter out airborne contaminants from a car's interior. The study performed by California's South Coastal Air Quality Management District found that air inside a car may have up to 10 times the pollutants (plant pollen, exhaust fumes, mold spores) of outside air. These small particles enter by way of the vehicle's heating, air conditioning and ventilation system.

With a factory installed cabin air filter, 90% of these contaminants can be prevented from entering your vehicle. Some filters will even capture inbound gases and odors.

"Auto manufacturers have built in a great feature, but we have to help people know that it is there and what they need to do to keep the benefits of filtration," said Stephen Christie, Executive Director of Automotive Oil Change Association. Unfortunately, car manufacturers have not really advertised this feature, so many people don't know cabin air filter exist. And those who have them may be unaware that the filters have to be changed about once a year (every 15,000 miles) to maintain their effectiveness.

Approximately 70% of the vehicles manufactured in Europe have the cabin air filters. Some of the domestic models with cabin air filters include certain years of Ford Taurus and Windstar, the Chevrolet Tahoe, Silverado and Suburban and the Buick Regal and LeSabre. To find out if your car has a cabin air filter, consult your owner's manual or stop in to Express Auto Service and have it checked out.

How to Shop for a Car Battery

2010-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

How to Shop for a Car Battery
Article by Brian Banfield, Express Auto Finance and Service

Battery "no starts" are the most common reason for emergency road service during the winter months. A perfectly healthy battery in 80-degree weather will have only half of its output when the thermometer dips to zero. Let's face it; if your car battery is dead or even weak, you're not going anywhere.

First off, let me say, cars are a lot more advanced than they were 5 years ago so make sure someone qualified is diagnosing and or replacing your battery. Newer cars often require diagnosis to determine if, in fact, it is a battery problem. Sometimes things like a loose or corroded connection, loose alternator belt, a faulty alternator or starter will produce the symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Through testing, a technician can tell if your battery is in fact dead or if there is an excessive drain on the vehicle's electrical system caused by a faulty component. This may save you from replacing a perfectly good battery.

If you are sure it is a battery problem, here are some facts for your shopping trip. Batteries are rated by cold amps (CCA rating), this number indicates the battery's power. It takes 400 amps to start your car and 15 amps to run the headlights. The higher the rating, the more amps your battery will produce. The size and number of plates in a battery is what determines how many amps it can deliver. By having more and/or larger plates, you can increase the normal life of the battery. This is what distinguishes a 3-year from a 5-year warranty battery.

People in colder climates will benefit from a higher CCA rating since starting a car in cold weather can take up to twice as much current to turn over a cold engine. However, to prevent wasting your money on excessive CCA, it is wise to check your owner's manual for your vehicle's requirements.

The reserve capacity rating (RC) indicates how long you can run car accessories and still have enough power to start the engine. For most people in mild climates, it is best to have a higher RC than more CCA.

Compare the manufacturer's warranties…..all of them are NOT created equal. Most manufacturers prorate warranties. If failure occurs halfway or more through the warranty period, buying a new one on sale may cost less than paying the difference under a prorated warranty.

After considering these factors, visit a facility or store with knowledgeable salespeople who can help you with your selection. Inform them of your driving habits and climate and then together select the battery that best suits your vehicle.

When installing or having a new battery installed it's important that the battery cables are cleaned and then protected with anti-corrosive spray. Some cars may also require you to go through a procedure, or use a scan tool, to reprogram your vehicle's computer system.

If you aren't experiencing battery problems but have batteries that are over 5 years old (the average life of a battery is 4 years), it’s a good idea to have a load test performed on your battery. A load test will determine how strong your battery actually is and if it will continue to perform under harsh conditions.

A weak battery is just not dependable, especially in our unpredictable winter weather. Remember, the greatest percentage of emergency road service calls come when the first severe cold snap hits. Please don't be a statistic. Be safe and have your battery load tested

Is your car's battery energized?

2010-01-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

As the temperature decreases, so does your car's battery power. At zero degrees fahrenheit, it produces less than fifty percent of its power.

Unfortunately, it is also during the cold months that your vehicles engine oil gets thicker and the engine becomes "stiffer" requiring more power from your battery.

Don't panic, a fully charged battery will dependably start your vehicle even functioning at 50% of its capacity. The problem comes when your battery is not fully charged to begin with. In warm weather, an old or inefficient battery may function fine, however as the temperatures fall, it may not have the power to consistently start your vehicle.

If your vehicle hesitates when you turn the key, is slow in turning over, or is over 5 years old, it may be a good time to have your battery tested. The technician will use a load test machine to determine if your battery provides adequate voltage for your vehicle during "overload" conditions. This can be done very quickly and inexpensively at an automotive repair facility.

Article by Brian Banfield, Express Auto Finance and Service

Credit Scores and Car Financing Information

2009-11-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

Credit Reports and How to Improve Your Rating with Express Auto Finance Company

About your credit

A good credit history is vital for more reasons than you think. Credit history is commonly a factor when applying for jobs, getting an apartment, cell phone contracts and rates for insurance and even utilities. Your payment history says a lot about your character, whether you’re responsible, dependable and live within your means. It’s very important for you to know what your credit report says about you.

The first thing to do is check your credit report

The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Once a year you can get a free report on your credit at AnnualCreditReport.com. You should check your report for errors. There could be someone else’s information mistakenly mixed in with yours, and you’ll be able spot identity theft if there are accounts in your name that you didn’t open. Keep in mind that credit information stays on your report for seven years. A personal bankruptcy shows up for ten years.

Building Your Credit

The most important thing you can do to build your credit is to pay your bills on time. You can set up automatic payments for your monthly bills. Your bank or credit union can also set up automatic payments from your checking account and send the payment for you. If you find your credit score is so bad that you can’t get a loan or can’t qualify for a department store charge card, you can still improve your credit with financing at a buy here pay here or rent to own company. You can finance anything from electronics and furniture to a used vehicle. This is when Express Auto Finance can help you.

Good credit is an extremely important factor for your future. Bad things happen to good people. Having bad credit doesn’t make you a bad person. Ignoring your credit doesn’t help you build a secure future for you or your family. Take control of your credit and you will find more opportunities for your future.

The link below will help you understand what a good or bad score is and how it affects your interest rate on a traditional bank loan.

http://www.myfico.com/HelpCenter/Autos/Get_Better_Rate.aspx

Express Auto Safety Tip #2-Using Cruise Control

2009-11-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

Another safety tip from your friends at Express Auto Finance….

You may already know this, but a good driving tip can go a long way!

Never drive in the rain with your cruise control on!

If the cruise control is on and your car begins to hydroplane, your tires lose contact with the pavement which causes your cruise control to accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane.

Hydroplaning is when a layer of water is between the tires and the road surface, reducing the friction needed to rotate. If there is more water than the tread can displace as designed, you will hydroplane. Your tires stop rotating, causing the vehicle to act like unsteered sled. You then lose ability to brake and steer and you lose the power to the wheels. Your car will slide until it either collides with something or until tire and road friction is regained. The likelihood of hydroplaning increases if you are going fast or if the car is imbalanced, your tires are under inflated, have worn treads or if the water is deep.

You can avoid hydroplaning by going slower than posted speeds during rain and snow-which you should do anyway. You can have your Express Auto mechanic check your tires for uneven wear, balance and proper inflation. And remember; never use your cruise control in the rain!

Tips for Winterizing your car from Express Auto

2009-10-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

Tips for winterizing your car

Winter is coming and you can’t change that. You can change how prepared you will be for unpredictable weather. Here are some tips from Express Auto for winterizing your car and some safety advice too.

Inside your car:

1. Check to make sure your heat and defrost warm up. If you don’t feel the heat, this can indicate the need for antifreeze/coolant. You should have an Express Auto mechanic check it if filling the radiator doesn’t help.

2. Keep extra antifreeze and windshield fluid in your trunk with your jumper cables.

3. Check to make sure your spare is inflated and that you have the jack and crow bar to remove & tighten the lugs. You don’t want to be stranded with a flat in freezing winter weather.

4. Make sure to carry a snow brush and ice scraper. As simple as that sounds, I always forget to have it in there until I need it and can’t find it.

5. Throw a blanket in the trunk, along with extra gloves, hat, boots and a spare winter coat. You may need to walk to get help.

6. Keep sunglasses in the glove compartment for snow glare. I seem to use my sunglasses more in the winter!

7. Keeping a small can of lock de-icer is a great idea. Again, you don’t think of it until you need it. It’s better to be prepared. I have stood in the bitter wind trying to warm my key up with a lighter. That never works.

8. You may want to keep a bag of kitty litter in the trunk. It’s great for traction if you get stuck as most of us Michiganders or Michiganians already know!

9. Keep a snow shovel or small spade in the trunk too. You never know if you’ll need to dig out once you’ve parked somewhere all day. As you know, it can really come down sometimes!

10. Minivan, truck and SUV owners may want to keep a broom in the back. It really helps to remove snow from tall vehicles. I used a broom all last winter and it makes for fast snow removal. Leaning over the hood and up against the side of the vehicle just gets you covered in snow.

11. If you don’t already, keep a cell phone car charger in the glove compartment. It would be just my luck to have the phone die when I really need it.

12. Investing in a first aid kit for your car is a great idea. You should also carry an emergency kit with flares for added safety if you have an emergency on the side of the road. Better safe than sorry.

Outside your car:

1. Check your wiper blades. It’s inexpensive to replace them and a good idea for winter. Upgrading to the blades designed to resist ice and snow build up is worth the small additional cost. That ice that collects on the blade keeps it from curving to the shape of the windshield…that’s so annoying.

2. Check your tire pressure. Make sure all four tires are the same and set at the correct psi according to the tire manufacturers specs. You will find it on the tire in raised letters. Your Express Auto mechanic can check those for you.

Under the hood:

1. Schedule a visit to the service department for a free oil change from Express Auto. They will perform fluid checks for you. It’s a good idea to check out all the belts too. Mechanics can tell visually if your belts are old and cracking.

2. If you are a diy kind of person, fill the radiator with antifreeze while the car is cold. Using the pre-mixed kind is easiest.

3. Again, if you like to do it yourself, check your battery cable connections to make sure they are tight, clean and free of corrosion. You can clean them off with a wire brush.

4. Top off your windshield fluid. I go through more windshield fluid in the winter cleaning off the dirty slush and salt residue.

It’s always so much safer to be prepared for the winter weather that’s coming. It’s a great feeling being in control of situations that we see happen all the time in winter. Be smart, be prepared and enjoy that vehicle from Express Auto

2009-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Express Auto Finance “We care about your future, not your past”

Mission statement

Express Auto is committed to providing you with dependable and affordable transportation that fits your needs and budget. At Express Auto we care about your future, not your past. Our financing program is designed to help you establish or re-establish your credit. We believe in treating our customers with the utmost dignity and respect regardless of their financial situation. We will provide opportunities for our employees to thrive, both personally and professionally.

The Express Auto advantage
Ø Quick and easy financing
Ø Competitive interest rates
Ø Flexible payment options
Ø Every payment reported to the credit bureau
Ø Low down payments
Ø All customers treated with respect and caring
Ø Free oil changes for life
Ø Free warranty
Ø Three days exchange policy
Ø Huge selection of quality, low miles pre-owned cars, vans, trucks & SUVs
Ø Every vehicle inspected by our certified service staff
Ø Auto check certified dealer
Ø Friendly, knowledgeable sales staff
Ø Family owned and operated for over 10 years
Ø Three convenient locations to serve you