When you work with Dollinger & Company to purchase a vehicle, you have the benefit of our expert research & sales team working on your behalf as a Your Personal Shopper. We work with dealers across the country finding our clients the right vehicle at the right price. Our nationwide service is available to all clients at no additional cost, as we collect the sales commission from the delivering dealership. We work for you, even though you don’t pay us! Our team is able to shop trade-ins across various sources. When selling your vehicle, we can help you Retail Your Ride. We find private party purchasers who will pay more than dealership trade-in value. Please contact us for more information on this exclusive client service we offer.

Nationwide Home Delivery

Any Brand, Anywhere in the U.S.A.

CAR CARE CORNER

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AT THE GAS PUMP

Gas prices have been on the rise lately, but there are a few strategies you can use as a consumer to help lower your fuel costs. To start, the way you use your vehicle can make a big difference. Be sure to:

Check your tire pressure, proper inflation can boost your gas mileage by 3%.
Drive the speed limit, fuel efficiency greatly reduces once speed increases over 50 mph.
Map your route using GPS, most mobile apps offer an option for the most fuel efficient path.

And make smart choices when you fill your tank:

Track local prices to find the best deals.
Sign up for a fuel rewards program or club membership.
Some gas stations will offer lower prices if you pay with cash.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE'S TIRES

Rotate tires every 5,000-7,000 miles.

This helps keep wear equal across all tires.

Always put new tires on the back axle.

Poor rear traction can send your car spinning on wet roads, across all drivetrains.

Check tire tread depth regularly.

Use a quarter in the tread grooves: if you can see all of Washington’s head, the tires need to be replaced.

Customer Question: "Should I be filling my tires with nitrogen?"
You might have heard of the benefits of inflating your vehicle’s tires with nitrogen, or maybe even seen the signature green valve cap on a friend’s tires. It’s true that filling your tires with nitrogen can help your tire pressure remain more constant, with improved fuel economy. Race car drivers realize pure nitrogen is less likely to migrate through tire rubber than standard air. It is also more resistant to temperature shifts, which can make a big difference during races. Is it worth the extra time and cost? Like most things, it depends. If you drive for extended stretches of time and care about long term tire maintenance, nitrogen is a good option. But for the casual car owner weighing the extra time and cost, it may be helpful to remember that standard air is comprised of 78% nitrogen as is. Whatever you choose to fill your tires with, be sure to remember to check the pressure at least once a month. Make sure all four tires are filled to the recommended psi.

MAINTAINING YOUR BRAKES

It’s very important to develop a consistent brake maintenance schedule, here’s what we suggest!

Every 12,000 Miles - Inspect the brake pads and fluid. If the brakes are less than 1/8-inch on the pad lining, you’ll want to replace them. Check that the brake fluid is not dirty, replace if necessary.

Every 25,000 Miles - Change the brake fluid regardless of how clean it may look!

Every 65,000 Miles - Replace or repair the rotors so they are smooth. You should only resurface your rotors once per set!

Installing new pads and resurfacing your rotors can cost anywhere from $50 to $250. It can cost 5x as much if you don’t properly maintain the system and require a repair service!

Lastly, check your habits! Heavy loads, off-roading, and installing cheap brake pads can lead to more significant wear and tear.

SPARK PLUGS

Spark plugs may appear simple, but their complexity is often underestimated and can lead to service issues. Here are some tips related to Spark Plugs!

Ordinary copper and nickel spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, unless otherwise suggested by the spark plug manufacturer

Platinum and iridium spark plugs tend to last longer than standard copper and nickel spark plugs. Expect to change them every 80,000 to 120,000 miles unless otherwise noted.

You can spray carburetor cleaner or compressed air into the area around the spark plug to clean and blow away dust and debris.

A faulty spark plug on a newer car could trigger the check engine light to come on. Other signs of a bad spark plug include rough engine idling and uneven power while accelerating.