Forward Collision Warning

Advanced Safety Features may soon take over the world. In a world full of distractions, people not paying attention, mistakes, and random accidents, we need all the help we can get with safety in our vehicles. Forward Collision Alert is just one of many up and coming safety features available that is taking the market by storm. Manufacturers have agreed Forward Collision Alert should become a standard option in the automotive industry, with projected statistics preventing up to 28,000 collisions and 12,000 injuries per year by the year 2022.

There are many question that are being asked.

1.) Will Forward Collision Alert feature brake my vehicle for me? In some makes and models the vehicle is equipped with automatic braking, and that will brake your vehicle for you. NOT all makes and model have that. You can find out if it is equipped with that by looking in your owners manual.

2.) What will Forward Collision Alert feature detect? Some of the Forward Collision Alert versions can detect small animals, trees, pedestrians, motorcycles, and objects like that. Other versions can not. You can look in your owners manual to see what your vehicle can detect and what it can’t.

3.) What are other names that Forward Collision Alert can be known by? – Pre Crash Warning – Forward Crash Warning – Collision Avoidance System – Automotive Collision Avoidance System – Collision Mitigating System – Forward Collision Avoidance System – Rear-End Avoidance System – Automotive Collision Avoidance system

4.) How far will Forward Collision Alert detect objects? Forward Collision Alert scans up to 500 Feet on some makes and models.

5.) How fast does Forward Collision Alert work?
Forward Collision Warning can detect objects in your path within 1/100’s of a second.

Check out our inventory here. Check out how you can get Pre-approved today!

Save With Swanson’s-2209 N 650 W, Warsaw IN 46580-www.usedcarswarsaw.com

Call / Text (574) 527-2225 – Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am-7:00 pm

DIY: Credit Repair in 6 Easy Steps

If you’ve had an overdue loan, missed payments, years of high credit card balances, collection accounts or even a foreclosure, chances are you have a below average credit score.

The good news is; you can repair your credit score all on your own by taking action on these few steps (and having a little patience):

1. Figure out where you stand

Before you begin, you’ll want to get copies of your full credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).

You can get your reports free, once a year, at www.annualcreditreport.com. Other websites may claim to offer free reports, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that these offers are often deceptive.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A score of between 700 and 740, depending on the scoring method used, is considered “good credit”.

2. If you find errors, dispute them

The next step in credit repair is to dispute incorrect information on your credit report.

Errors aren’t common, but they happen. Of course, sometimes bad credit is just your fault. You shouldn’t try to argue accurate information, but if you do see errors–even small ones—it’s worth cleaning them up.

• Experian: 1-888-397-3742 – www.experian.com
• TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 – www.transunion.com
• Equifax: 800-685-1111 – www.equifax.com

3. Stop the cycle

Once you deal with any errors on your credit report, it’s time to ensure you’re not still spending more than you can afford each month.

Why is this so important? It’s because are only three simple things to do to repair bad credit:

1. Pay all of your bills on time
2. Pay down debt (especially credit card debt)
3. Avoid applying for credit

But before you can do these things, you need to make sure you’re not spending more than you earn—you need a budget.

Subtract your regular monthly expenses (rent or mortgage, car payments, and home, car and health insurance) from your current income.

Next, estimate your monthly spending habits for other expenses such as gas, groceries and entertainment. Create a limit, based on your income, of what you can spend in each of the different categories of expenses. For example, if you tend to spend $400 a month on groceries, try to stick to $300 a month on groceries by making changes like buying generic brands, using coupons, and resisting impulse purchases.

4. Pay all bills on time going forward

If you want to fix bad credit, you need to start paying all of your monthly bills on time, period!

If you’re behind on any bill, get caught up as soon as you can. On-time payments are the single most important factor to your credit score. Simply put, your credit won’t improve until you can consistently pay every bill on time.

5. Pay down credit card balances

Take charge of your credit cards by paying down their balances.

If you have any outstanding balances, make room in your budget to pay down these debts little by little, every month until they are gone.

Know your credit limits and make every effort to stay well under the maximum when charging items.

6. Don’t apply for new credit

Finally, resist the temptation to open a new credit card, even when a store offers a discount on your purchase for doing so.

Each time you apply for credit is listed on your credit report as a “hard inquiry” and if you have too many within two years, your credit score will suffer. In general, a consumer with good credit can apply for credit a few times each year before it begins to affect their credit score. If you’re already starting with below-average credit, however, these inquiries may have more of an impact on your score and delay your ultimate goal of watching your credit score climb.

(Partial content provided by http://www.moneyunder30.com)

5 Tips for Interior Vehicle Disinfecting and Cleaning During Coronavirus

As we resume life in our “new normal”, it’s more important than ever to make sure you stay disease-free. You won’t want to forget about your keeping your vehicle disinfected and as clean as possible.

Here’s how you can disinfect and clean the inside of your car for COVID-19.

[ CDC Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfecting ]

1. Take Out Any Items Inside Your Vehicle – When was the last time you cleaned out your vehicle? Throw out any unwanted items like old receipts and napkins. Remove any items to wish to keep aside. Basically, your car should be empty.
2. Vacuum the Floor and Seats – It’s much easier to disinfect if you can remove as much dirt and grime as possible beforehand.
3. Shampoo and Disinfect – Once your vehicle is all cleared out, it’s time to start the deep cleaning. We recommend shampooing the seats and carpets as some soap and water can kill those nasty germs. Use shampoo products designed for cars and don’t soak as mold can form if the seats or carpet gets too wet. With leather seats, use a high-quality leather conditioner. For hard surfaces like the dashboard and steering wheel, wipe down with a disinfecting wipe.
4. Clean your Vents – We recommend having your mechanic take care of this one. The vents are difficult to clean on your own as you likely won’t be able to reach all the way inside. This leaves some bacteria behind and can travel into your cabin through the circulation system.
5. Disinfect All Hard Surfaces – You touch a lot of different things when you drive. This includes your mirrors, car keys, key fob, gear shift, steering wheel, door handles, infotainment display, and the center console controls. Use disinfecting wipes or soap and water to clean these components. Also, check out the list of disinfectants the EPA recommends by clicking the link below.

[ EPA Approved List of Disinfectants to Use for Coronavirus ]

We hope you stay safe during this sensitive time. Interested in a car but don’t want to go out to shop? Explore our used vehicle inventory right on our website. We are always available online to help you shop for a car while at home.

If you have any questions, as always, feel free to reach out to us directly through our website or by call / text at (574) 527-2225.

Advice for Car Buyers with Poor Credit

---

The good news is, there are many lenders out there who finance bad credit and want your business. Many lenders, have various kinds of bad credit auto loans that can get you into a new ride despite your current financial situation. In addition, there are many types of things you can do make it easier on yourself as well. The following suggestions below are top pieces of advice for used car shoppers who have challenged or bad credit. These suggestions are actually based on real experiences of people with bad credit who worked closely with us over the past years. We have been offering challenged credit customers options for several years and you might just be our next customer. Hopefully, these pieces of advice help make the process easier on you so you don’t wind up making big mistakes that could have ultimately been avoided.

Do What You Can to Put Down a Large Down Payment

This may be easier said than done especially if you are already struggling to pay your bills. But in the long run you will end up paying lower payments on your loan. Some used car loans for customers with bad credit can have extremely high interest rates so the more you can put down initially, the better off you’ll be. We do, however, understand that saving money is hard, no doubt about it. Whether you have a family and kids, are paying back your college loans, or simply don’t have that high paying dream job, there is always a reason why saving money can be very difficult. That said, if you can find little ways to save some money each week, you’ll quickly have enough to make a substantial down payment on the car you want, which means you’ll need to finance less of the total price. Your payments will be less and you’ll be more likely to start saving more money because your payments will be within your budget each month.

When Shopping for a Used Car, Look At Ones You Can Easily Afford

While it can be incredibly tempting to check out the latest sports car or luxury model on the lot, you must resist the temptation to fall in love with a car that’s going to cost you more than you can afford. By taking a long hard look at your monthly budget and figuring out what kind of payment will actually work for you given all your other commitments, you’ll easily be able to find a used car that fits your budget and needs. If you visit a dealership that tries to pressure you into looking at cars out of your price range, walk away.

Do What You Can to Improve Your Credit Score

It’s up to you now. You know your credit score isn’t great, so if you want it to get any better you need to do whatever you can to start making it healthy again. One of the ways to do this is by simply making every bill payment on time, every time, even if it hurts! Every late payment is just another ding on your credit history that lowers your score further. If your credit is in really bad shape, try to at least pay something on each account every month by the due date to show you’re making an attempt to improve things. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of maintenance into your budget, because every car needs to be properly maintained if it’s going to last. When you already have bad credit, the worst thing you can do is wind up with a car you can’t afford and end up having it repossessed.

Buy a Reliable Used Car That Will Stand Up Well Over Time

In the long run, you’ll be much better off if you focus on used cars that are reliable, don’t have too many miles on them, and are known for having lower overall maintenance and repair costs. You can easily do some Internet research at any of the big car sites such as Edmunds to find out which cars do the best over time. You can also stop by Swanson’s Cars & Trucks (West of Warsaw on US 30, Near Atwood) and talk to us – we know used cars like no one else and would be happy to advise you about which cars are the best.

Purchase a Service Contract and GAP Insurance if it Makes Sense

One things we’ve seen happen is this: A person with bad credit gets a used car, but then gets hit with a major repair bill they simply can’t afford. The car is repossessed and the customer is back at square one. This is when it might make a lot of sense to protect your purchase with a service contract and/or GAP insurance, so you’re covered when something unexpected happens.

Even if your credit is challenged, there are plenty of lenders out there who will compete with each other to give you a bad credit car loan. At Swanson’s Cars & Trucks, we have a network of banks that includes some of the top auto lenders in the industry. We can and will help! If you are ready to apply, please submit a quick application on by clicking the following link: https://www.usedcarswarsaw.com/creditapp.aspx?

Feel free to contact us directly at (574) 527-2225 with any questions or stop by 2209 N 650 W, Warsaw!

*Content provided by https://www.goautocity.com

Top 5 Advantages of Buying Pre-Owned

Swanson’s Cars & Trucks https://www.usedcarswarsaw.com

Many people find that perusing used car dealers allows them a great deal more options at a far more reasonable price. It can be difficult to feel comfortable owning a car that you aren’t clear on the entire history of. For people who want to feel as safe as possible and as secure as possible in their cars, buying a used car can seem like a risky decision. However, used cars are becoming more reliable than ever before, and your ideal car can be found at used car dealers near you.

This article will seek to change some of the misconceptions that surround used car dealers by presenting a brief list of advantages to shopping at a used car dealer instead of choosing to buy a brand new car.

#1. You’ll Pay Less Money

This is one of the more obvious benefits of buying vehicles from used car dealers, but it is, after all, a key factor. Saving money can is critical for many families and individuals across the country. And, hey, you let someone else absorb the depreciation.

#2. You Can Get a Bigger Car – Or One That Has More Features

Buying a used car allows you to allocate more money for a little something special, such as additional cargo or truck bed space as well as more features, like premium safety features or even premium technology features, that will make your life on the road a little easier. Vehicles available at your local used car dealer like Swanson’s Cars & Trucks can be found in a variety of trim levels and packages, making it easier for you to find all the features you’re looking for.

#3. You Can Ask Whatever Questions You May Have

Going to used car dealers in person allows you to ask whatever questions you might have about the vehicles and features you’re looking for. If you buy through a private seller, such as directly from the current owner of the car, you are likely not to have the resource of an excellent and knowledgeable salesperson. However, at a used car dealer, you will, and this will make all of the difference in soothing your concerns about buying a used car, especially if you are buying a used car for the very first time.

#4. There is a Wider Selection of Vehicles Available at Used Car Dealers

For instance, used cars are not only sold at used car dealers but through regular car dealerships as well. Though it is true that the majority of the typical dealership will be taken up with the new cars that they have in stock, the majority of all dealerships have some sections dedicated to used cars. Though you might have to go to a number of dealerships in order to find the perfect one, it is certainly out there.

#5. You Can Easily Obtain a Vehicle History Report

If you are considering buying a car that has been previously owned, access to the vehicle history report is a necessity. The vehicle history report will help to detail the entire history of the vehicle, much as the name suggests, from any repairs that have been conducted to any accidents that the car has been involved in. Regular maintenance is also recorded, so you can see how often the car was serviced and how well it was maintained. When buying through a private seller such as the current owner of the vehicle, it is key to know that the vehicle history report will be harder to get ahold of, though of course, it is still possible.

Choose Swanson’s Cars & Trucks as Your Used Car Dealer!

There are many advantages to buying pre-owned; these range from price to quality to education, and at Swanson’s Cars and Trucks, we are happy to provide these benefits and more. Our knowledgeable customer service and sales staff are happy to answer any questions that you may have and guide you through our used car inventory. Once you’ve chosen your vehicle, our expert finance team will set you up with the financing you need. After your purchase, we’ll be there for you from regular maintenance to any necessary repairs. So, come on into Swanson’s Cars & Trucks, your local used car dealer, today, and we’ll help get started with your next used car purchase!

Your Guide to Dashboard Lights

*Content Courtesy of Capital Ford.

Everyone knows that sinking feeling when you’re driving around and that little light pops up on your dashboard. That dreaded small engine or some other thing that looks like a squiggle. But what do they mean? Are they really that important? We’re here to keep you calm and explain some of the most common dashboard lights and if it’s necessary to take action!

What Do They All Mean?

Let’s keep this simple because there are so many different signs that could appear on your dashboard. We’re going to break down a few warning symbols and safety symbols. Some of these indicators are to be taken lightly and others are there to tell you there’s a problem. So how can you know the difference? Usually by the color. If something is red and blinking at you, it should be a generic sign to tell you to pull over. This would be a good time to check your owner’s manual or call someone for service help. Often times, there are yellow or blue lights on our dashboards. These could be warning signs, maintenance reminders, or something as simple as the cruise control indicator.

Warning Symbols

Warning symbols are often in red but can differ from vehicle to vehicle. They mean that there could be a potential problem with your vehicle and you should get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Don’t ever ignore a light on in your car and not ask someone what it is. This could lead to more problems in the future and will most likely end up costing you more money in the end. So let’s get into the lights:

Temperature Warning Light

This means your vehicle’s coolant is overheating. You should pull over and let your vehicle cool down or you could overheat your engine and cause serious problems! This symbol can also appear in blue which means your coolant is below a temperature that would allow your vehicle to perform normally. If you see it in blue, you should also pull over and give your car a few minutes to warm up before you continue.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This is a tricky one. It’s a rather common symbol but it could mean a few different things. One, your engine may have lost normal oil pressure. Two, it could be something straightforward like your oil is too low. Third, it could be an indication of serious engine problems. The annoying part is: you just don’t know. Your best bet is to pull over and call someone for assistance.

Battery Charge Warning

Ah, the dreaded battery light. Everyone knows what a battery looks like! If you see this symbol, it means your battery is dead, or the charge is low. You should still pull over if it appears on your dash and turn everything on your vehicle off. This includes stereo, heating or AC, any other accessories, etc. However, do not turn the vehicle itself off, as you don’t know if it will start again before you can get it to a shop.

Safety Symbols

Safety symbols often appear in different colours on your dashboard, but they are also just as important as warning signs. They’re exactly what they sound like. They appear to keep you and your vehicle as safe as possible. So if you see one of these symbols pop up, your best bet is to take it seriously and take action as needed.

Engine Warning

Pretty much anything to do with your engine can be very serious and it should never be ignored at all costs. If you see a small engine light, no matter what colour because it can differ from vehicle to vehicle, pull over immediately and book an appointment to have your vehicle checked. An engine light coming on could be anything from a faulty sensor giving you an inaccurate reading, or something actually seriously wrong.

Tire Pressure Warning

This little symbol may not be as obvious as some of the others. The punctuation mark means one, or more, of your tires are low on air. We’re not sure why they didn’t make it look more like a tire, but we’re not here to discuss that. If you see this light, head to your nearest gas station and check your tires. While you’re there, you may as well check all four tires and fill accordingly. Thankfully, this is not one of the more serious lights to appear, but if you ignore this one for too long, your tires will wear unevenly or one could pop if driving at high speeds.

Traction Control Symbol

This symbol means your vehicle is losing control and is most likely slipping on ice or rainwater. It should only appear for a few seconds or until you coach your vehicle back to controlled driving. However, if it stays on, you may have something to worry about. This one could mean a problem with the traction control system in which case you should visit a mechanic.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

It usually isn’t a good feeling when a symbol pops up on your dashboard, but it’s unavoidable. Vehicles go through a lot and sometimes they need some maintenance. Other times, the symbols they flash at us are just trying to keep us safe on the roads. Whatever the case may be, make sure you take all indicator lights seriously. We all know someone who drives around with the check engine light on because “it’s always there. It’s just a sensor.” But this can be very dangerous and could be detrimental to your vehicle. Don’t ignore a light on your dashboard and seek help when necessary! If you ever have any questions or want someone to take a look at your vehicle, don’t hesitate to Swanson’s Cars & Trucks Service Center, located at 2209 N 650 W, Warsaw (West of Warsaw, near Atwood).

Vehicle Spotlight: The 2015 Ford Escape is Fancier than Ever!

Ford has never been afraid to rock the automotive industry with their compelling design changes, technology offerings and leading edge fuel efficient engines. It’s always been their goal to offer the latest and greatest models and system functionality, yet, remain somewhat affordable–the working person’s vehicle of choice.

When Ford unveiled the new Escape design in 2013 emotions were initially mixed, but one thing was for sure, consumers were on board with the (optional) fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and Microsoft SYNC Bluetooth radio.

Reviewing sales numbers over the last five years, certainly paints a nice picture, with over 20,000 Ford Escapes being sold monthly. It’s likely these numbers will remain consistent or even increase as the market begins to shift in Q2. (Reference: Ford Authority)

The 2015 Ford Escape hasn’t undergone a drastic change, but the design and many of the new features are appreciated:

• Voice Activated Microsoft SYNC/ Sirius XM Bluetooth Radio
• Optional intelligent 4WD system with torque vectoring control is available with theEcoBoost engines (Estimated 33 HW/MPG)
• Larger Digital Display Screen with Back-Up Camera
• Heated Front Seats
• Towing Capability

Pictures Tell the Story:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Images Provided: Swanson’s Cars & Trucks

2017 Year in Review

It’s been a remarkable year! Let’s highlight a few fun memories:

We always count it an incredible honor to serve our customers an communities. It’s especially fun to make so many friendships along the way.

Giveaways are just as much fun for us as they are the participants! Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay in the loop!

We are incredibly blessed to be a part of the local (and regional) communities, one of the best parts of our immediate community is the Triton School Corporation. The staff, student body and supporters are absolutely impeccable. It was a blast to partner with Triton High School for the Perfect Attendance Car Giveaway, below is the lucky winner:

Triton Elementary hosts an Annual Field Day, it’s a fun day filled with various activities, treats and tons of laughter! There is a lot of work put into this event and we were happy to be one of the sponsors. We look forward to this every year!

Can you believe each team works together to pull this truck? Great lesson on working together and utilizing each other’s strengths.

Joe Swanson, of Swanson’s Cars & Trucks, had an incredible year racing locally and with the All Star Circuit of Champions and a few World of Outlaws shows.

The Bourbon Summerfest Parade is always a huge hit! This year was noted as the largest turnout yet, both in participants and guests. It’s a fantastic time, here we were before the parade!

Bourbon also started a new monthly event this year, Bourbon Food Truck Friday. It was organized and managed by Jordan Fuller with much support from the Town of Bourbon. It was truly remarkable to see the turnout each month, everyone always had a great time. It’s great to see so many local families supporting each other.

We have been incredibly blessed this year and want to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. It is our goal to serve our local and surrounding communities in all of your automotive needs. We take this opportunity very seriously and will always be committed to providing the absolute best customer service. We strongly believe in giving back through donations and sponsorship in our communities along with the fun giveaways through social media.

Stay tuned in 2018, there are a lot of new opportunities on the horizon and we cannot wait to share them with you!

 

Benefits of Buying Pre-Owned vs. New

Should you buy a new car or a used car? That is the question. It’s an age old dilemma that every car buyer has to face, and neither answer is right or wrong. It all depends on your wants, needs, budget, and appetite for risk.

 

Today, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of purchasing a Pre-Owned Vehicle:

• Huge Savings! You don’t absorb the (rather quick) costly depreciation.
  • Sometimes as much as 20+% the moment you drive off the lot & as much as 30% by the end of the first year.
  • Once you understand how car depreciation sucks money directly out of your pocket, you can save boatloads of cash over your lifetime.
•  Reliability. Vehicles are more dependable now than they’ve ever been.
  • All vehicles require maintenance such as oil changes, tires and tire rotations, brakes, etc. However, vehicles are also delivering in excess of 150+k miles before needing considerable repairs.
• Warranties. There are stellar warranty options that serve to protect you when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
  • Special warranty programs in place that cover all major costs/repairs up to four years with unlimited miles (for pennies on the dollar!).
• Lower Insurance Rates. When a car is worth less, it costs less to insure when you’re buying collision and comprehensive coverage.
• Benefits of Safety & Technology Features:
  • You will still get all of the latest and greatest safety & technology resources when purchasing a vehicle that is a couple of years old, and without the hefty upfront costs.
• Registry Renewals are Less Expensive on a Pre-Owned Vehicle.
  • The cost of renewing a vehicle goes down every year, this is another way that you will continue to save money by buying pre-owned.

Depreciation is the silent killer to your automotive budget. Unless you plan to drive the wheels off of the car, don’t care about trade in value, or depreciation–buying pre-owned is likely the best option.

Swanson’s Cars & Trucks

2209 N 650 W, Warsaw IN 46580

(574) 527-2225

http://www.usedcarswarsaw.com