Blog Page in Lincoln NE at Miracle Mile Motors

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!

.

With winter’s arrival in Lincoln (well actually, it's been here for awhile) keeping our cars clean becomes more than just a matter of appearance, it's actually a vital part of vehicle maintenance. At Miracle Mile Motors - and as Lincoln residents - we understand quite well the challenges of winter driving, and we’re here to remind you why regular winter car washes are essential for keeping your vehicle in top condition.

During winter, the roads are often treated with salt and other de-icing chemicals to ensure safe driving conditions. While these treatments are effective for road safety, they can have a harmful effect on your car. The salt and chemicals used on roads tend to cling to the undercarriage, wheels, and body of vehicles. Over time, these substances will cause rust and corrosion, particularly in the nooks and crannies that are hard to see or reach.

Rust is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can significantly affect the structural integrity and longevity of your vehicle. Critical components like brake lines, exhaust systems, and suspension parts are particularly susceptible to corrosion. Regular car washes throughout the winter are the best defense against this damage. They help remove the salt build-up and other de-icing chemicals that your car picks up from winter roads. That's why, when it actually does get above freezing, all the car washes in Lincoln are so busy! Waiting too long allows the salt and chemicals more time to cause damage. We recommend washing your vehicle at least every two weeks, or more frequently if there's heavy road salt use.

However, not all car washes are created equal, especially in the winter months. It's important to choose a car wash that offers an undercarriage wash feature. This helps in thoroughly cleaning those hard-to-reach areas where salt and grime tend to accumulate the most. Additionally, opting for a car wash with a waxing option can provide an extra layer of protection against the harsh winter elements.

While it's essential to keep the exterior of your car clean and free from corrosive materials, it's equally important to protect the interior. Wet and snowy conditions mean more dirt and moisture inside your vehicle, which can lead to mold and unpleasant smells. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming the interior of your car, and using weather-appropriate mats can significantly help in maintaining a clean, comfortable, and healthy in-car environment.

All in all, regular winter car washes are an integral part of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. They not only maintain the appearance of your car but also protect your investment by preventing rust and corrosion. At Miracle Mile Motors, we encourage all car owners to make winter car washes a routine part of their vehicle care regimen. Remember, a clean car is a happy car, and a well-maintained vehicle is a reliable companion on the road. Stay safe and keep your vehicle clean this winter!

The Safe Way to Defog Your Windshield

Driving with a clear view is not just a matter of convenience; it's a critical safety necessity. A fogged-up windshield can transform an ordinary drive into a perilous endeavor, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. When visibility drops, so does your ability to respond to road conditions and hazards.

We'll dive into the science behind windshield fog and offer practical, safety-first techniques to ensure you maintain the clearest view possible. Whether you're facing the early morning chill or the humid evening return from work, understanding how to quickly and safely defog your windshield is key to a safe journey. Let's clear things up.

Understanding Windshield Fog

Why Windshields Fog Up:
Imagine your vehicle as a contained climate system. The warm air, cozy from your car’s heating system or simply from passengers, confronts the cold surface of the glass and rapidly cools down, shedding its moisture as condensation. This process results in a fine mist of droplets clinging to the inside of your windshield, scattering light and obscuring your view.

Understanding the Risks:
Compromised visibility due to fogged glass is a serious safety hazard. Inadequate visibility means you are less likely to notice pedestrians, other vehicles, and road signs in time to react appropriately. It's essential for the safety of yourself and others to maintain a clear windshield and ensure full visibility at all times.

Preventative Measures

Anticipating fog before it happens can help you maintain a clear windshield and improve safety. Here are some measures to prevent your windshield from fogging:

Ventilate Your Vehicle:
To prevent condensation, it’s beneficial to allow the interior of your car to ventilate, especially overnight. Leaving your windows slightly open can balance the inside and outside temperatures, reducing the likelihood of fog formation.

Regular Maintenance Checks:

• Cabin Air Filters: Keep your cabin air filters clean to ensure adequate airflow, which is vital for effective defogging.

• HVAC System: Regular checks on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can help prevent fogging by ensuring it operates efficiently.

Pre-emptive Climate Control:
Before exiting your vehicle, switch to fresh air mode to expel moist air and cool the interior, reducing the chance of fogging when the vehicle is next used.

Defogging Techniques for Safety

When faced with a fogged windshield, you need to act fast, but always with safety in mind. Here’s what to do:

1. Start Your Engine: Before driving, start your car and begin the defrost cycle to enhance visibility.

2. Use the Defroster: Engage the defroster to warm the windshield and evaporate condensation.

3. Adjust the Airflow: Direct vents towards the windshield and side windows to disperse the fog.

4. Temperature Settings: Adjust the temperature to match the exterior conditions—warm to counteract cold, cool for warmth.

5. Activate the A/C: Use the air conditioning to dehumidify the cabin and clear the fog faster.

6. Turn Off Recirculation: Switch off the recirculation to allow dry outside air to enter the vehicle.

Safety Tips While Defogging:

• Do Not Drive Blindly: Ensure at least partial visibility before starting to drive and pull over if visibility is impaired while driving.

• Use Wipers: Utilize your windshield wipers to clear external condensation.

• Window Cracking Technique: Slightly open windows to balance the internal and external climate, aiding the defogging process.

• Manual Wiping: If necessary, use a clean microfiber cloth to manually clear the fog.

• Regular Cleaning: Maintain a clean windshield to prevent excessive fogging.

Remember, arriving safely is more important than arriving on time. It's better to delay your trip momentarily than to drive with obscured visibility.

Choosing the Right Products

Using the appropriate products is crucial for effective defogging and safety. Here are some recommendations:

• Anti-Fog Solutions: Opt for automotive-specific products like Stoner Invisible Glass Anti-Fog or Rain-X Anti-Fog, which prevent moisture build-up on the glass.

• Cleaning Solutions: Use automotive glass cleaners designed for vehicle interiors that do not leave residues.

• Cloths and Tools: Employ microfiber cloths for their lint-free and streak-free properties, and keep a squeegee handy for quick moisture removal.

Safety Considerations:

• Test products on a small area of the glass to ensure they do not obstruct visibility.

• Confirm that the products used do not interfere with windshield sensors or cameras, especially in vehicles with ADAS.

Be proactive in maintaining your vehicle's defogging capabilities. Keep the necessary tools on hand, regularly check your car's systems, and pull over if your visibility is compromised. Remember, safe driving is not just about reacting to conditions; it's about being prepared for them. Drive safely, stay visible, and enjoy the clarity of your journey.

In a world where fuel efficiency matters more than ever, the quest to save gas has become a priority for many drivers. Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional road tripper, maximizing fuel efficiency not only saves you money but also contributes to a greener planet. At Miracle Mile Motors, we're committed to helping you get the most mileage out of your tank. Here are some practical tips to keep your gas expenses in check.

Make It Smooth

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save gas is to adopt smooth driving habits. Take your foot off the gas just a little bit more. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, as rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel. Gradual acceleration and deceleration not only improve fuel efficiency but also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle's components.

Maintain a Steady Speed

Consistent speed is key to fuel efficiency, especially on highways. Use cruise control whenever possible to maintain a steady speed, preventing unnecessary fluctuations that can lead to increased fuel consumption. This is particularly beneficial for long-distance travel.

Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained

Regular maintenance is not only crucial for extending the life of your car but also for optimizing fuel efficiency. Ensure that your engine is in good condition, and regularly check and replace air filters, spark plugs, and fuel injectors. Miracle Mile Motors offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your vehicle running at its peak.

Proper Tire Maintenance

Underinflated tires can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the manufacturer's specifications. Well-maintained tires not only save gas but also enhance overall safety and handling.

Lighten the Load

Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can decrease fuel efficiency. Remove items from your trunk that you don't need for your journey. The less weight your car has to carry, the more efficiently it can use fuel.

Minimize Idle Time

Idling consumes more fuel than restarting your engine. If you're going to be stopped for more than a minute, it's more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine and restart when you're ready to move again.

Saving gas is not just about conserving resources; it's about making smart choices that benefit both your wallet and the environment. By adopting these tips and incorporating them into your driving routine, you can make a positive impact on your fuel efficiency. At Miracle Mile Motors, we're here to support you in maintaining a fuel-efficient and cost-effective driving experience. Drive smart, save gas, and enjoy the road ahead.

Little Mistakes That Can Lead To Big Car Repair Bills

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be taken as a replacement for following your owners manual or the advice of a certified mechanic. These tips are a culmination from various sources widely available on the internet.

As anyone who’s ever owned a car knows, they are a huge financial responsibility. Aside from the initial purchase price, there’s insurance, gasoline, and of course, repairs and maintenance.

While some car repairs are unavoidable, there are others that are totally avoidable if you take proper care of your vehicle. Here are a few of the most costly car repairs that are avoidable with some simple preventive maintenance.

Never Ignore The Check Engine Light

Ignoring the check engine can lead to major engine damage that could have easily been avoided had the problem been addressed immediately. There are many reasons the light comes on such as a loose gas cap, bad oxygen sensor, or failed catalytic converter.

Failing To Replace The Battery When Needed

Depending on the battery's condition, most last anywhere from three to five years. If you're still driving on the original battery that came with the car, chances are it needs to be replaced. Modern vehicles are full of electronic features that put a strain on the electrical system, and an old battery will struggle to keep up.

If your battery is drained, it will take longer for your starter to turn over. Your vehicle now draws more electricity, and the alternator kicks in to throw additional amps at the battery in order to recharge it. All those things drawing current can be affected by the spikes and lows over time.

It's easy to eliminate a lot of electrical problems by replacing the battery when needed

Not Maintaining Proper Fuel Level.

Electric fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank. Running the pump dry can damage it. The debris from the bottom of the tank will also get into the fuel filter and clog it. This will reduce fuel flow to the engine and cause all sorts of drivability problems.

If you allow the fuel level to constantly run lower than a quarter tank full, you run the risk of having  to replace the fuel pump sooner than necessary. It sounds weird but gasoline has a cooling effect on the fuel pump, and running low all the time could potentially shorten its lifespan

Unnecessary Transmission Flushes

If you know the history of your car, it may be okay to do transmission flushes just as your preventative maintenance suggests. However If you don't know the history and the car is running fine, then you might reconsider getting it done.

When you fill your car with new transmission fluid, it has specially designed detergent in it to keep a transmission clean. The issue is that it can break loose debris already present in the transmission resulting in a clogged filter. If the filter gets clogged, it will restrict fluid flow and cause all sorts of problems.

Not Using The Proper Tire Size

Whether it's a spare tire or just buying tires not rated for your vehicle, putting the wrong size tire on your car will cause problems. The spare tire is rated for a limited amount of miles and speed, so you should only use it in an emergency situation.

When you drive with mismatched tire sizes, it can cause the vehicle's differential to think that the smaller tires are slipping. It then tries to compensate by sending more power to the wheels, which can cause even more tire slippage and eventually lead to differential failure.

Kicking Ice & Sludge To The Curb

You may just do it without thinking but kicking ice and sludge off your car's bumper, fender and doors can cause cracks or damage to plastic moldings. Think about it this way. When the temperature gets below freezing plastic can become very brittle.

So if you're tempted to kick your bumper, Don't. It could easily crack and need to be replaced. The same goes for plastic moldings and door handles. If possible wait for warmer temperatures, spray it off with a high pressure water nozzle at a car wash or just gently use a soft bristle brush.

At Miracle Mile Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska, we don't just believe in selling cars, but also in helping you get the most out of your investment. Your vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a vital part of your daily life. To make sure it serves you well for years to come, we've put together some tips to help you extend your car's life.

1. Regular Maintenance Makes A Difference

One of the most effective ways to keep your car running smoothly is by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule. This includes routine oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and brake inspections. By prioritizing these routine maintenance tasks, you not only keep things running as they should, but also prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant and costly problems.

2. Don't Drive Like A Crazy Person

How you drive can significantly impact the lifespan of your car. Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as abrupt stops and starts, as well as high-speed driving. Gradual acceleration and deceleration not only contribute to fuel efficiency but also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle's components.

3. Keep It Clean

Maintaining a clean car is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Regular washing and waxing protect your vehicle's paint and finish from environmental elements. Additionally, a clean interior helps prevent damage to the upholstery and ensures a comfortable driving experience.

4. Check Your Fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Regularly check and top up essential fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Miracle Mile Motors' expert technicians can assist you in ensuring that your car's vital fluids are at the optimal levels.

5. Don't Put Off Emerging Issues

If you notice any unusual sounds, smells, or changes in your vehicle's performance, don't ignore them. Addressing issues promptly can prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs. Miracle Mile Motors' experienced mechanics are here to diagnose and fix any issues your car may encounter.

6. Follow Your Owner's Manual

Your car's owner's manual is a valuable resource. It provides guidelines on maintenance schedules, recommended fluids, and other essential information specific to your vehicle. Following these guidelines can contribute significantly to the longevity of your car.

At Miracle Mile Motors, we understand the importance of keeping your car in top condition. By following these tips and trusting our experienced team of technicians, you can extend the life of your vehicle and enjoy worry-free driving for years to come. Visit Miracle Mile Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska, for all your automotive needs, and let us help you make your car ownership experience truly exceptional.

At Miracle Mile Motors in Lincoln, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect used car. While we don't have our own service department, we understand the importance of regular maintenance for your vehicle's longevity and performance. One essential aspect of vehicle maintenance is regular oil changes. There's a lot of benefits of keeping up with this simple yet crucial task, that you may or may not have known about!

It Keeps Your Engine Lubricated

Your vehicle's engine contains numerous moving parts that generate a significant amount of heat and friction. Engine oil plays a vital role in reducing this friction by lubricating these components. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine stays properly lubricated, which can prevent wear and tear and extend the life of your engine.

Keeps Your Engine at the Right Temperature

In addition to reducing friction, engine oil also helps dissipate heat from the engine. Over time, engine oil can become contaminated with debris and lose its heat-absorbing properties. Changing the oil at recommended intervals ensures that your engine remains at the right temperature and operates efficiently.

You Save Money On Gas

Clean oil can contribute to better fuel efficiency. When your engine is properly lubricated and not struggling against friction, it operates more efficiently. This can translate into savings at the pump, making regular oil changes a cost-effective way to improve your vehicle's gas mileage.

It Keeps Your Engine Healthier, for Longer

Your vehicle is a significant investment, and you want it to last as long as possible. Regular oil changes can significantly extend the life of your engine, potentially saving you from costly engine repairs or replacements down the road. It's a small investment now that can lead to substantial savings in the long run.

It's Good for the Environment

Proper vehicle maintenance, including regular oil changes, can have positive effects on the environment. Well-maintained vehicles emit fewer harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. Additionally, by extending your vehicle's life through regular maintenance, you reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new cars.

It Helps With Your Extended Warranty

If your vehicle is still under warranty, adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, is often a requirement to maintain warranty coverage. Failure to do so could void your warranty, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.

It's A Smoother, Quieter Ride

Old, dirty oil can lead to engine noise and vibrations. By keeping your oil fresh and clean, you can enjoy a smoother and quieter ride, enhancing your overall driving experience.

More Peace of Mind

Regular oil changes can help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Neglecting oil changes can lead to engine damage, which may result in being stranded on the side of the road. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, helps ensure your vehicle's reliability.

Remember to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended oil change intervals, and choose a trusted local service provider to help you maintain your vehicle. By investing in regular oil changes, you're not only extending the life of your vehicle but also enhancing its performance and reducing the risk of costly repairs in the future. Your car will thank you with many miles of trouble-free driving.

You Might Go On Vacation But Car Maintenance Never Should

As we enter the dog days of Summer, family vacations and long road trips become top priorities. But even if you're taking a break from your regular routine, car maintenance should never be put on the back burner.

Getting Prepared To Go

Before hitting the open road, be sure to give your car a once-over to make sure everything is in working order. This includes checking your engine oil, coolant levels, tires, and brakes.

If you're not comfortable performing these checks yourself, or if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's always best to take your car to a professional for a thorough inspection.

Once you're on the road, be sure to keep an eye on your vehicle's gauges and warning lights. If anything pops up, don't ignore it! Pull over at the next safe opportunity and check out what's going on.

Don't Sweat or Let The Small Things Bug You

Summer is also a good time to check other items and systems in your car such as the air conditioning, wiper blades, and washer fluid levels. These are all things that you'll be using frequently during the hotter months, so it's important to make sure they're in good working order.

You never know when you might be driving and you get a heavy downpour or you have to clear away some bugs, so it's always best to be prepared.

Always Have A Backup Plan

In general we have become used to using the GPS system on our phones to get us where we need to go. But what happens if you're driving in an unfamiliar area and your phone dies or you lose service?

That's why it's always a good idea to have a physical map on hand as well as a backup plan for directions. It might seem old-fashioned, but there's nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to get home.

If you're going to be driving in unfamiliar territory or in remote areas, be sure to let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival. That way, if something does happen, someone will know where to start

And last but not least, always remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks often when driving during the summer months. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and it can happen to anyone. So stay hydrated, stay alert, and most importantly, enjoy your summer

We all spend far more time in our cars than we would like to admit, so let's get them in tip-top shape. Your friends at Miracle Mile Motors thought that we'd put together some tips to care for your vehicle's interior.

• How often should I clean the leather in my car?

Here is a list of items in your car that you should clean once a week:

1. First, wipe off all vinyl, leather, and plastic surfaces with a damp microfiber towel. It will leave the surface lint and dust-free.

2. Next, you're going to want to pull out your floor mats. Make sure you shake or brush off any dirt or debris.

3. Now, let's pick up the trash, you know, all those coffee cups you have collected over the week, and console storage bins.

4. Lastly, wipe down your windows and rearview mirror with a towel and glass cleaner.

• What should I clean in my car every month?

These steps will be a little more than a quick wipe-down.

1. First is vacuuming the interior carpet, seats, seat crevices, and console, which help extend the life of your carpets and seats.

2. Apply a UV protectant to all vinyl services such as the dash, console, and tops of door panels. Make sure to focus on the areas that get the most sun exposure.

• What is the best way to vacuum your car?

1. Start by pulling out all floor mats. Shake off any loose dirt. Use the upholstery attachment or the bare hose end to vacuum the carpets forcefully.

2. Push the front seats all the way forward to work on the rear carpets. Use the crevice tool of the vacuum to get into the cracks of the seats, between the seats, and tight carpeted areas.

3. When you are vacuuming the rear carpet, make sure to vacuum around the seat tracks and under the front seats. You can use the round dust brush attachment to vacuum the door panels.

4. When you move to the front carpets, push the front seats all the way back. Use the crevice tool again to vacuum the cracks in the seat between the seats and carpeted areas, and around the gas and brake pedals.

5. When vacuuming the carpet, use your free hand and hit the carpet just ahead of your vacuum hose or tool. This will loosen up and dirty that is lodged deep in the carpet and allow you to vacuum it up.

• What is a cabin air filter?

The cabin air filter is also called a car air conditioner filter. This filter is in charge of cleaning the air circulated throughout your vehicle and is one of the most overlooked neglected filters in a car. A dirty air conditioner filter will not only hinder the HVAC system in your vehicle from working efficiently, but it can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which will be released back into the air.

• Miracle Mile Motors wants to help you keep your car in the best shape.

We hope these tips help you keep your car super clean! As always, we are here to help you in any way possible.

Nebraska weather changes fast, and with that said our vehicles need maintenance more than ever before to make sure that they are prepared for what fall and winter brings. Just like you need to get out your clothes for cooler weather, your very own vehicle should be getting specific maintenance to allow them to last better during these months. At Miracle Mile Motors, we always want to make sure that all of our customers get the help they're searching for, including services that provide them with all of the tools for success that they need. Below, we will be going through key maintenance tips for the fall months that we hope you will seriously consider. After you're done reading, why not schedule a service appointment? We can do all of the services listed below, plus recommend others for your specific needs to get you through to spring and beyond.

• Change windshield wipers

One of the very first things that we recommend to anyone for the fall months is to make sure that their windshield wipers are working properly. The usual recommendation is that windshield wipers be changed every six months, and while we don't always follow that, you want good working wipers during months where it's going to rain more. If they're not working right, it makes it almost impossible to see, and obviously seeing where you're going is a fairly important part of driving, to say the least. So just take the time to get them replaced! They're just about the least expensive facet of car maintenance! Get in touch with us if you're looking for input on which ones would work best for your vehicle.

• Check Heater and Defroster

As the temperatures drop, you'll rely on your car's heater and defroster to keep you warm and maintain clear visibility. Test them to ensure they are working correctly, and if they don't, arrange service to have it checked out. Trust us, you don't want to be caught somewhere in cold weather without a working defroster.

• Schedule Oil Change

We can't talk about maintenance without also mentioning that you should be getting regular oil changes done for your vehicle. It's car maintenance 101, not to mention incredibly cost effective as engine parts breaking down from neglect can be expensive and time-consuming to replace. The bottom line is this, if it's been awhile since the last oil change, this is the perfect opportunity to schedule one and make sure that the cool weather doesn't bring about anything that you're going to regret later.

• Check the Battery

Another key maintenance tip that we want to point out is the overall importance of the battery in your vehicle. This is how everything stays running efficiently, and if you ever end up with a dead car battery, you'll be out of luck until someone comes around to rescue you. Usually, batteries younger than five years old should be fine, but anything older than that should be looked at.

• Clean and Wax Your Car

Fall is an excellent time to give your car a thorough cleaning and waxing. Waxing isn't just about making your car look great, it's putting down a protective layer can help shield your vehicle's paint from the elements, including falling leaves, rain, and most of all, road salt: one of the biggest factors that contribute to rust. Salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode any exposed metal. Brake and fuel lines are especially susceptible to this kind of corrosion: two things you'd prefer to keep working through you throughout the colder months.