Preventative Maintenance...a love story!

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There are few things in life other than people that we fall in love with.  For many people, their car is one of them.  We see one, we LOVE it immediately, so we buy it.  We wash it, we vacuum it, and we always have the oil changed right when we should!  For some, that might seem like enough.  You only drive it to work and back and mainly in town, so there isn't a lot of other things that would need done right?   WRONG!   Just like any relationship, it requires communication and a little work here and there!  Keeping your car maintained is about finding problems before they become expensive and dangerous, as your car will try and hurt you if something goes wrong, no matter how much you love it.

This is where preventative maintenance comes in.  You don't wait until your brake rotors are sliced and diced by metal from worn pads do you?  NO!  You replace the pads when they get low so you don't incur that extra cost, thereby extending the life of your brakes! 
We take certain things for granted way too much in our cars.  You see, the most dangerous things in your car are the ones designed to save you.  Brakes & tires are arguably one of the most important, if not THE most important thing you can keep maintained on your car.  If they fail, it is not just a problem, but a deadly one.  Bad or no brakes can be the difference between stopping behind the guy that just stopped for that bunny in the road, or a very nasty wreck. 

I found this out firsthand this weekend.  I drive a late 90's import, and everything looked ok to me, but there is a spot that is not in view without having the car in the air and the line ruptured underneath that cover.  I was extremely lucky as it was a small leak, and the pedal went to the floor while sitting at a traffic light.  Had it been the day before, when I was going 65mph on Rt. 15 and someone stopped short in front of me, I might not have been able to be here this morning writing this. 

Taking your vehicle to a reputable service station is one of the best things you can do for your continued relationship with it!  When you bring your car to us, we also perform a FREE 23 point vehicle inspection with your service.  This will keep you aware of any possible problems like I had well ahead of time to get it repaired without issue. 

If you love your car, or even just its ability to move you from one place to another, treat it right, get it checked out, replace what it needs when it needs it, and you'll be in a long term, stable relationship as long as you keep it! 

(If you do trade it in, don't worry, they don't mind!) 

Be safe out there!

Fitzgerald has gone to the dogs!

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Click here to see more pictures from the event!

 This last weekend, WARL and Fitzgerald teamed up in Frederick, MD to have a big pet adoption event!  You can see the flyer on the left.  It was a great day, filled with donations, fun, fur, and adoptions! 

     This event was the most successful the shelter has ever had, with 6 of 7 dogs finding homes THAT DAY!   It's always amazing how much people pour their heart into helping these wonderful homeless animals!  

      

     For animals like this, the best thing that can happen to them is to find a loving home. It's so great to see them get a home because of the great people involved in making these events happen!

     Please keep in touch with us for more events like this in the future! 

    

2013 Year in review.

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Here's a top ten list of sorts.   Things that happened in the automotive world in 2013!  Some are huge achievements, others are amazing, and a few are firsts!

1.  Diesel makes an impression on us.   

     Diesel powered vehicles are commonplace in Europe.  What makes us not want to jump on board here?  Many newer cars/trucks are slowly embracing it as engines become cleaner and quieter.  2014 will be the turning point I think!  The 2015 Nissan Titan gets a 5.0 Liter V-8 Cummins diesel engine!   The Titan marks the first full size 1/2 ton truck from a non-Detroit company to get a Diesel power plant! 

Nissan Titan to get Diesel engine!




2.  GM selects first female to lead company!

     GM made headlines this year as they announced that the former executive vp of global product development would take over the helm of the company. 

First female CEO in global auto industry!

3.  Paul Walker killed in car crash.

     Perhaps the worst news in the automotive world was hearing Paul Walker had died.  He was beloved by, friends, family,  fans of his movies, and so many more.  He will be missed by all. 

Paul Walker killed in crash.

4.  Toyota hybrid sales hit record numbers!

      Toyota US sells 2 million hybrid vehicles, contributing to 5 million total worldwide Toyota hybrid vehicles sold.  It's a HUGE accomplishment given that most hybrids just don't hold their footing long.  Toyota has a hit with the Prius and other vehicles.
Toyota hits big hybrid numbers!

5.  Ford's assembly line turns 100

       Not many people think about the vehicle assembly line anymore, but Henry Ford and his team changed the industry forever.  Originally workers went to the vehicles to put them together.  Ford and company though it would save time, money, and amount of labor needed if the cars came to the workers.  This process not only worked, but it's the same (with a few tweaks) that we use to this day!
Assembly line is a century old!


6.  Batmobile doesn't lose a wheel, sells for big bucks!

     The original Batmobile from Adam West's Batman sold for a healthy sum this year.  A businessman ponied up $4.6 MILLION after fees to purchase the classic ride.  He plans on keeping it in his living room.
Batmobile brings big money!

7.  Windshield wipers may get wiped out!

     McLaren, as well as the military utilize a new technology to keep debris from attaching to the windshield.  Either in F1 cars, or Jets, a sonic barrier keeps anything from sticking to the glass surface.  Gov. regulations would keep it from coming to our shores unless they are amended though.  Currently windshields are required to have some sort of motorized wiping device with at least 2 speeds.
Sound waves blast away wipers!

8.  The presidential Cadillac gets topped off!

     Whoops....someone made the mistake of the year.  Transferred with the president to Israel on a trip, the limo was filled with the wrong fuel.  No one knows for certain what kind of engine is in the car, but it's either filled with diesel when it shouldn't be, or gasoline when it shouldn't be.  Either way is bad, but it resulted in a giggle from the rest of us.
OOPS! Wrong Fuel Fool!

9.  First time ever vehicles are available on Amazon.

     Amazon doesn't directly sell them, but a partnership with Nissan lets them spread the word about the new Versa Note.  It was a first for the online retailer.  Don't think it will be the last either!
Shop for your car online.

10.  Man jumps from space

     People remember where they were for the moon landing, the JFK assassination, 9/11, and more.  I think that the feat of Felix Baumgartner will also be remembered.  He is the only human to go up far enough that you can see the curve of the earth, and jump.  It was awe inspiring!  There was real fear he might not make it just like the Apollo astronauts coming back from the moon.  Read more here:
Felix Baumgartner jumps from space...and lives!





All in all, 2013 was a great year.  There were ups and downs, but each year more advancement, more technology, and more discovery spur us to keep going.  All the things we take for granted today, were totally and completely far fetched at one point.

Take a new year, and try to change the world.  If you keep focused on your dreams, NOTHING is impossible!   Let's have one great year!!!

New Year, New Car...FOR LESS!

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     2013 is done, and a new year is starting.  The new year allows us to sit back and reflect on our past and our future.  Sometimes changes need to be made to make life better or easier throughout the coming 365 days of 2014 and beyond.  Your car or truck is no doubt the second most important possession aside from a home.  Some people will keep a car forever, and spend money over time to fix it and keep it running in top shape, while others will trade every couple years to get a new car.  For some, the latter isn't an option.

      Many folks rely on their car, but they don't always have the extra money to fix problems with an older vehicle as they age and become an issue.  An older vehicle, with a larger engine and not maintained, can easily become more expensive than getting a new car to replace it.  Add up the cost of fixing an engine module, a timing belt, transmission, or blown engine, and you are easily putting a hurting on your checkbook.

     It might be time to look at a new vehicle.  "It's too expensive"  you may say, but it is sometimes more affordable than you think.  As the new year looms, so do the next year models.  What this means is that manufacturers place incentives in the form of low APR, cash back, or just flat out discounts on them to move them.  Buying a 2013 at the end of the year doesn't put you behind either.  What it does, is puts you ahead of the pack with used car values, so if you decide to sell it later, you have more equity!  HOW? You take your car, a 2013 __________.  You compare that to someone's  2013 ___________ that bought it in January of 2013.  Your vehicles are identical, BUT you have 1 year worth of mileage NOT on it when you both go to sell them in say 2017. 

     Sure all that might sound good, but where is the payoff?  Trade your car that's been nickel and dime-ing you to death, and get a great rate on a leftover 2013 model!  You get an affordable monthly payment on a vehicle that's safer, more dependable, and much better on gas than your older car.  While it might seem daunting, the confidence in knowing your car won't let you down will definitely be worth it in the long run.  You can make a trip to Granny's house over the river and through the woods without getting stuck in the middle of nowhere!

     Leasing options have grown over the years, and have also become less stressful, and just as easy as a purchase.  The beauty is, you can decide after your lease is up if you'd like to buy it.  It's basically a couple year long test drive.  You pay less over that time, and can turn it in and be done with it if you'd like!   If you've considered getting another car, but think you can't, stop and chat with us at Fitzgerald.  Our low Fitzway price is right on the car, so no hassle with negotiating.  We are a no pressure, family dealership.  No matter what you do in the new year, make it a great one, and enjoy the moments in life that make it worth living!

Toys for Tots Kickoff! 11/29/13

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Toys for Tots is such a GREAT program for children that could use a little more cheer in their holiday.  If you aren't familiar with this program, let us tell you a little about it.

Toys for Tots is a non profit group run by the US Marine Corps Reserve.  Local events like ours are coordinated by either a Marine, a member of a local Marine Corp League Detachment, or a member of a local community organization.  

During the donation period, new unwrapped toys are collected through the various businesses that partner with the Toys for Tots campaign to provide a drop of location.  After the toys are collected by the organizers, they are sorted by age and gender, then distributed by local social welfare agencies, churches, and other local community agencies.  These agencies are well qualified to identify the needy children and provide help in disbursement.  

Please feel free to drop by our Frederick Mazda Chevrolet Cadillac VW dealership on Black Friday, from 10-4pm for a chance to meet Santa & Mrs Claus, and eat some milk and cookies!  Please bring a toy with you so that you can be a part of helping so many young children have a beautiful and memorable holiday. 
This is all made possible through these sponsors as well:

These are pictures from our 2012 Toys for Tots event! 
Join us on black Friday, November 29th 2013, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy some milk and cookies!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, and help bring Christmas to all the local boys and girls!

What is the Lifetime Buyer Protection Plan?

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There are a lot of dealerships offering gimmicks for new owners these days.  Many of them claim there is $XXX.XX amount of value built into it for YOU the customer, but it's not really that simple.  Sometimes you have to do any work suggested, at that dealership and that dealership only.  It seems like a great idea to start, but it limits you as to your choices with what to do with YOUR car.  

We don't limit you with how you'd like to maintain your own vehicle.  We offer our Lifetime Buyer Protection Plan, at a fully disclosed price up front, and allow you to make the choice if you'd like to add it or not.  Here is an image of how it is of value to you, see below for more explanation.

ALL of this is included with the program, but let's break down some of the main items here!

Lifetime $35 credits: 
You get 1 every 3 months, and it isn't just for oil changes.  If you change your own oil, you can use it towards oil and filters.  If you need tires, use it towards that.  If you want to put a spoiler on your car, it's good for accessories.  You can't pile them up, it must be used somehow, but it allows you to be flexible with how you would like to use it.  Lets say you keep your car for 5 years, with JUST this part, that value is $35 x 4 times a year x 5 years = $700.   SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!  That pays for itself right there.  

Free Check Engine Light Diagnosis:
Right here, once you are out of warranty, can get expensive even before you find out what's wrong with your car.  Most if not all shops and dealers will charge a minimum diagnostic fee, that can even be upwards of $90 as they bill you for 1 hour of labor.  We will check what problem you have, and relay that to you at no charge, so if there is a major issue, you don't waste money before the first wrench is turned.

Towing Discount:
If your vehicle for some reason becomes disabled, and you don't have factory roadside assistance, you can be in quite the predicament.  Don't get stuck on the side of the road without a plan.  With this included in your vehicle, you can get a tow to ANY Fitz Mall location for FREE.  This is up to $100 worth of the tow.  We have locations in Chambersburg, PA, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Annapolis, Germantown, Lexington Park, Rockville, North Bethesda, Wheaton, MD, and Clearwater, FL.  

Cooling System, Electrical System, AC / Heating, and Preventative maintenance inspections and tests:
All of these have a built in value, as the more you check on them, the less you are surprised by any problems.   Mainly, the more you do for preventative maintenance, the less you have that can take you by surprise.  Let's just say you replace your water pump and timing belt on a car that recommends it at 100,000 miles.  You may spend some money here, but you can also use your voucher to defer some of it.  The biggest advantage to checking these things, is that if it were to fail before you replace it, it could cost well into the thousands and thousands to replace the engine.  We go over all these things and make sure they are performing at full capability.  If we notice a belt worn, a hose starting to dry rot, or the AC system not performing to capacity, we will let you know immediately, so you can make a decision to take corrective action before anything big happens.  These checks take time, many dealers will charge you for this each time you come in.  We provide it free with the Lifetime Buyer Protection Plan.  (yes you do pay for it up front with the cost, but the VALUE exceeds that cost with just 1 feature!)  

 Check out the website for even more details, but hopefully this will give you a little insight as to how we like to do business.  Honest, open, transparent, and always presented to you so that you may make an informed decision based on what you want.  

Click here for an overview on our website

Handyman Vehicles Special Event - Sept 27

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HANDYMAN VEHICLES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Join us this Friday at our 114 Baughmans Lane, Frederick MD location. We will have over 100 cheap cars and trucks to choose from.

About our Handyman vehicles:

A Handyman vehicle is a fixer-upper - a low cost option for those who are able to perform the mechanical repairs themselves, or know someone who can. We provide a comprehensive 138 point inspection report that identifies what repairs are needed for state inspection as well as maintenance recommendations. This list can be a guideline for you, or we are also able to perform the needed repairs for you at a discounted price.

Our full inventory can be seen at www.fitzmall.com