 The day you bring home your new car is well-worth celebrating. The day you trade it in for a new vehicle can be just as exciting, especially if you have maintained your vehicle well over the years. Learn why proper maintenance is so important, both during ownership and when trading in, from our team at DCH Audi Oxnard.
Cost vs. Benefit. There are two primary reasons individuals don’t get proper maintenance on their vehicles: time and money. Those who don’t have enough time to keep their vehicle maintained will definitely not have enough time to get it repaired down the road. Those who are worried about the cost of maintaining a vehicle need to examine two things: the cost of getting a vehicle repaired due to a lack of maintenance, and the increase in resale value as a result of proper maintenance.
Documentation. So you followed your maintenance log that came with your vehicle, right? Great! You also documented each and every oil change, tune up, tire rotation, windshield wiper switch, and whatever else you could think of documenting, correct? Having this information on hand makes your vehicle much more attractive to buyers. If you tell a prospective buyer that you’ve meticulously maintained your vehicle, he or she will be more likely to believe you if it’s properly documented in a log book, especially when accompanied by receipts.
Recommended maintenance and what to record. If you haven’t kept a log, gather your receipts. If you don’t have receipts, go through credit card statements. Make sure your records are accurate. Here are some of the things you should document:
- Fluid changes
- Tire rotation
- Paint or body shop receipts
- Engine repair paperwork
- Car detailing receipts
- Inspection reports
- Smog certificates
Other recommended maintenance. Obviously, nobody wants to buy a car that doesn’t run well, but in your haste to document and maintain mechanical aspects of the vehicle, don’t neglect to maintain the exterior and interior. Unsightly blemishes on the exterior or a torn, ripped, or dirty interior can distract from your well-organized documentation as well.
Pre-sale preparation. In addition to routine cleaning of the car’s exterior and interior, there are a few things you’re going to want to pay special attention to when preparing a car for resale. Clean the windshields inside and out. Use a high-quality product to return the luster to vinyl surfaces and components on the inside. Vacuum the upholstery and carpets. Wipe down surfaces. If you’ve been doing this all along, you’ll have no problems when it comes to preparing the vehicle. Keep the exterior free of debris and give it a good detailing when preparing it for sale.
There are more factors than routine maintenance when it comes to maintaining a car’s value. Take note, however, that an unmaintained vehicle will fetch less money, regardless of its make or model.
 Understanding your luxury vehicle’s new car warranty will make the ownership experience even more enjoyable. So before you buy that car, educate yourself on new car warranty basics with these insights from our team at DCH Audi Oxnard.
Not all policies are the same. This is a general list of things covered in your new vehicle. Each warranty is different. Make sure you take a close look at it, so you know the specifics of your new car warranty.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties. As the name implies, a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost every major component in the car. This includes components such as air conditioning, vehicle sensors, major electrical components, audio systems, and vehicle sensors. Bumper-to-bumper warranties do not normally cover routine maintenance—oil changes and fluid top-offs, for examples. A recent trend, however, is the addition of separate free maintenance provisions.
Powertrain warranties. Powertrain warranties do not guarantee you’ll be free of car repair costs for the life of the warranty. A powertrain warranty covers the engine and transmission, along with other moving parts, such as the drive shaft. Powertrain warranties do not normally cover routine maintenance—tire rotation or engine tune ups, for example.
Roadside assistance. There are very few things that ruin one’s day more than being stranded at the side of the road. If you have a roadside assistance provision or a separate roadside assistance policy, you won’t be stranded for long. Roadside assistance policies cover a myriad of problems, including flat tires, locksmith services, jump starts, and other unforeseen potential day-ruiners. Keep in mind that these policies rarely cover incidental expenses.
Tires and batteries. If the tires and battery aren’t covered in the car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, most are covered by an individual warranty. With tires and batteries, most warranties have a year and mileage limit. These warranties are pro-rated, meaning if they go bad early, you’ll get a portion of the money back toward a replacement. Tire warranties normally do not cover punctures or collision damage.
Factory accessories. Chances are if you bought a new luxury car, you want to drive around in style–and it’s hard to drive around in style when the accessories don’t work properly. Audio system upgrades, engine upgrades, and other add-ons are usually under warranty for a period of between one and three years, or for as long as the bumper-to-bumper warranty is in effect—whichever is shorter.
Seat belts, airbags and third party accessories. Seat belts and airbags are sometimes covered in the powertrain or bumper-to-bumper warranty and are sometimes covered separately. Third-party components typically carry their own warranties.
Other warranties. The proliferation of hybrid vehicles has led to a need and a market for hybrid components warranties. Coverage usually includes the high-voltage battery pack along with the hybrid assist motor and all the electrical connections in between.
If you have any questions about the care or ownership of your new luxury vehicle, just visit our dealership or contact us to learn more.
 Critical thinking, decision making and problem solving are all skills vital to your role as a car owner. Ironically, similar qualities are also required for more leisurely tasks, such as brain teasers. So in the spirit of sharpening our cognitive abilities, here’s a round of our favorite exercises from Forbes at DCH Audi Oxnard to test your wits.
1. Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child’s name?
2. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?
3. If you were running a race and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now?
4. What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?
5. In British Columbia you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not?
Answers are below.
- Johnny
- Mt. Everest – it just wasn’t discovered yet.
- You’d be in second place. You passed the person in second place, not the first.
- Incorrectly
- You can’t take a picture with a wooden leg (you need a camera).
 Buying pre-owned is a great way for savvy consumers to find a dependable vehicle that can last for years. We have always taken pride in the quality and value of our used inventory. Now, DCH has made it even easier to find both amazing value and peace of mind when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
Why is the DCH Way a better way? Unlike other car dealers who sell pre-owned vehicles “AS-IS” or “buyer beware”, DCH stands behind every pre-owned vehicle sold with either a 90-day, unlimited-mileage limited warranty or the remaining manufacturer warranty.
You won’t find any “AS IS” vehicles on our lots—only fully reconditioned, professionally inspected and quality-certified vehicles of the highest standards in the industry all with some type of warranty coverage. We stand behind what we sell and make it our mission to deliver customer happiness in everything we do.
We carry three levels of used vehicles to fit your needs and your budget, and while every vehicle we sell is quality-inspected, reconditioned, and comes with a 5-day money-back guarantee or exchange, there are varying levels of warranty coverage based on each class explained below.
DCH Certified Vehicles must pass our comprehensive 125-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited-mileage $0-deductible platinum warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
DCH Value Vehicles are higher-mileage, older vehicles that must pass a rigid 60-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited mileage powertrain warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
Manufacturer Certified Vehicles have undergone a rigorous multi-point quality inspection by highly trained technicians according to the manufacturer guidelines and include varying degrees of warranty coverage and other inclusions per the manufacturer program guidelines
We are so confident in the quality of our pre-owned vehicles that each and every unit we sell comes with a 5-day/500-mile money-back guarantee or exchange. If you are anything less than completely satisfied with your purchase, bring it back to our dealership and we will help you find a new vehicle that you love—or provide your money back.
At DCH Audi Oxnard, we are committed to the DCH Way of providing customers a fantastic car buying experience that they can’t find anywhere else. We know our pre-owned vehicle program is the most comprehensive in the industry, and we’d love to share it with you. Call, click, or visit us today to learn more.
*See actual program guide for details.
 Summertime is virtually synonymous with vacation. After all, what better time of the year is there to gather up your family for that highly anticipated getaway? Though summer is about to come to close, there’s still time for a last-minute vacation. A road trip is often a fun and economical option to reach your destination while bonding with loved ones. Our team at DCH Audi Oxnard wants you to enjoy your excursion, safely, by following these road trip tips!
Tip #1: Get plenty of rest
Driving while sleepy not only puts you and your passengers in danger, it also puts the safety of other drivers in jeopardy. For that reason, it is very important to get a full night’s sleep prior to your drive. In addition to an extended rest, be sure to stop for bathroom breaks and pit stops along the way to break up the long commute.
Tip #2: Designate an assistant (or two)
Texting and driving do not go hand in hand. If you plan to be the driver, assign tasks – such as responding to text messages – to different passengers prior to embarking on your trip.
Tip #3: Prepare, prepare, prepare
You can never be over-prepared. Researching various aspects of your trip before getting on the road can prove quite helpful. For instance, by knowing alternate routes to your final destination in advance, you won’t have to be dependent on your GPS, ultimately saving yourself some time, money, and fuel.
Tip #4: Drive the speed limit
Though speeding is tempting, it is also dangerous and illegal. Why partake in unsafe driving or run the risk of getting a speeding ticket during your getaway? Instead, avoid speeding and give yourself ample time to get to your journey’s end. Ultimately, enjoying the ride (or drive) is a major part of the road trip experience; don’t ruin that by speeding.
Tip #5: Get necessary maintenance
Are your tires properly inflated? Are your brakes in good condition? Have you gotten your oil changed recently? Let us answer these questions and alleviate your car woes. Schedule a routine service appointment with us before you hit the road!
 Heat affects many automotive systems both under the hood and inside the cabin, but drivers can win the battle against heat by following a few simple tips from our skilled technicians at DCH Audi Oxnard.
Engines
Engines create a lot of heat because of their moving parts and the friction they create. Although engine oil and coolant help keep heat manageable, summer heat can drive engine temperatures to dangerous levels. Car owners should have the coolant systems in their cars flushed according to the service interval recommended by the auto manufacturer. Drivers can find this information inside the owner’s manual that came with their cars or by calling our service department. Between coolant flushes, car owners should periodically check the coolant level in the engine of their car.
Heat contributes to the breakdown of engine oil. Drivers should learn about proper oil-change intervals by checking the owner’s manuals that came with their cars. Drivers who live in exceptionally hot areas should ask for advice about changing to a different type of oil for summer driving. Meanwhile, drivers should periodically check all engine fluid levels in their car including transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.
Batteries
Many drivers breathe a sigh of relief when they survive cold winter weather without having to buy a car battery. Those drivers do not realize that hot weather also affects the performance of batteries. Heat causes the fluid inside car batteries to evaporate, which contributes to the corrosion of battery terminals and makes them more susceptible to vibration. Bring your car to the dealer periodically to have your batteries checked. Our technicians have special tools that help determine when cars need new ones.
Tires
Hot weather and hot roads heat the air inside tires, causing over-inflated tires and potentially hazardous conditions. Under-inflated tires also cause heat-related problems that can affect braking and cause blowouts. Drivers should routinely check tire pressure and inflate or deflate them so they match the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.
Interior Heat
Heat builds up inside parked cars on hot summer days, often surpassing 200 degrees and making conditions deadly for people and pets. Make sure everyone gets out of the car on hot days. Intense heat can also crack windshields and dry seat covers and upholstery. Whenever possible, park your car in the shade, use a removable windshield sunshade, and leave the windows slightly lowered. Visit our service center to have your air conditioning systems checked as well.
 Looking for a road trip that offers an once-in-a-lifetime experience in California? Here are five offbeat day trip destinations that may be the answer to your quest for a quirky place to visit, courtesy of our team at DCH Audi Oxnard.
Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park
5068 North Old Scandia Lane, Calabasas, CA
You wouldn’t think a visit to a pet cemetery would offer up a good time, but this cemetery is different. Walk around and you’ll find the graves of The Little Rascals dog, Pete, Hopalong Cassidy’s horse, Topper, and Rudolph Valentino’s dog, Kabar. Current celebrities and non-celebrities alike bury their pets in this lavish final resting place, and some bereaved owners decorate graves on a daily basis.
Railroad Car House Boat
Gate 5 Rd, Sausalito, CA
Picture this: a Pullman style rail car, which appears to have impaled a house, is now floating on the water. If you can grasp that mental image, you’ve got a creative mind for sure. But if you’re scratching your head trying to picture such a structure, you’ll enjoy a trip down to the dock to see this amazing floating home, sometimes referred to as "The Train Wreck."
Preston Castle – Haunted Boys Prison
Off of Highway 104, at the end of Palm Drive
If you’re fascinated with ghouls and ghosts and things that go bump in the night, point your car in the direction of the Preston Castle, formerly the Preston Youth Correctional. This former home for “bad boys” now hosts ghosts and otherworldly creatures according to legend and lore.
Headless Businessman
725 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA
Some days it just doesn’t pay to go to work. This bronze statue of a business man holding onto a briefcase with his head embedded into the façade of an Ernst and Young building seems to make that painful point. Head over to Figueroa Street and drive by this realistic-looking oddity and you’ll definitely have to do a double take.
The Spite House
Crist St., Alameda, CA
Facts are fuzzy on the how and why this teeny, yet tall house was built, but legend says a dispute with the owner of the large house next door caused the owner of a small strip of land to construct a house that would completely block the neighbor’s view. At a mere 10 feet wide, this super skinny structure even has the word “spite” inlaid on the front stoop.
Posted in Travel
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Tagged Road Trip, Safety
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 There are few things worse than getting stuck in traffic, particularly if you are in a hurry or on a long journey with many miles ahead. That is why it is always advisable to find ways to avoid the traffic. Luckily, modern technology has a few tricks up its sleeve, and by downloading one of a number of different apps you may be able to beat the queues. At DCH Audi Oxnard, we recommend avoiding traffic jams this summer with one of these mobile apps.
Beat The Traffic
Beat the Traffic is a pretty self-explanatory app. Once downloaded, Beat the Traffic provides a series of comprehensive maps in real-time to alert drivers of foreseeable road congestion. For even greater peace of mind, drivers can also program routine commutes in the app to receive traffic delay alerts.
Though the standard version of Beat the Traffic is free, drivers can also take advantage of the upgraded version, replete with even more awesome on-the-road features, for a small fee. Prices for the advanced version of Beat the Traffic range from $1.99 to $14.99.
Waze
Waze is a social app that relies on its users to make sure drivers have the best information available. Specifically, the free app collects up-to-the-minute data from its users to continuously update alerts and maps. Users can also report an array of driver-friendly tips, such as car accidents, road hazards and the cheapest gas station nearby. As Waze is dependent on information from numerous people, it is ideal for drivers in cities with a large driving population.
TomTom
Fortunately for drivers, TomTom, a leading manufacturer in traffic navigation devices, also has a smartphone app available. TomTom is an app of convenience, as its up-to-date maps can be used online or offline. The app is also outfitted with lots of useful features, including the option to choose gas-friendly routes to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. TomTom is currently available for $35.99.
Please remember that all devices should be used hands-free to ensure your safety on the road.
Posted in Technology
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Tagged Technology
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 As a DCH Auto Group dealer, DCH Audi Oxnard is a proud supporter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Therefore, we couldn’t be more excited to share news of the recent SADD National Conference!
Each year, the Student Leadership Council (SLC) successfully curates the SADD National Conference for fellow student leaders — and this year was no exception. After kicking off on June 22 in Orlando, Florida, the annual DCH-sponsored event went off without a hitch for the near 600 students and adults in attendance.
Over the course of four days, participants were treated to fun-filled, albeit enlightening, activities such as youth health-related workshops and exhibitions. Additionally, young adults enjoyed interactive presentations on leadership, advocacy and prevention education from renowned speakers. Students were also able to take advantage of unique networking opportunities with members of other SADD chapters from across the country.
Young adults at the conference were ultimately equipped with profound insight to bring back to their respective chapters, schools and communities. Needless to say, our dealership could not be happier to have played a role in such a dynamic event!
We invite you to learn more about SADD and the 2013 SADD National Conference by visiting SADD’s website at http://sadd.org.
 Few things are more awe-inspiring and romantic than a spectacular sunset. At the end of a glorious day, there is something almost spiritual about watching the sun disappear behind the horizon, and in many parts of the United States, the surroundings make for some of the best views in the world. If you are looking to add something special to your road trip this year, here are a few suggestions for the best summer sunsets.
Mallory Square, Key West, Florida
A sunset can mean different things to different people. In Mallory Square, people take the opportunity to celebrate the end of another beautiful day with a Sunset Celebration, and they really know how to party right! Located in the center of Key West’s historic waterfront, Mallory Square plays host to great shops, unique street entertainers, an eclectic mix of restaurants, and a historic sculpture garden. This is one stop for the whole family!
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park in Utah offers some of the most spectacular and unusual scenery in the nation. The sun-drenched landscape is made up of a myriad of different colors and features more than 2000 natural rock arches. Take one of the many trails and enjoy amazing scenery by day, and stunning sunsets by dusk.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Outer Banks (or OBX) is a 200-mile string of narrow islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks remain hugely popular to tourists, with amazing beaches and plenty of historical attractions to enjoy. This large expanse of coastline makes for some amazing sunsets. Make your way to Hatteras Island or Jockey’s Ridge for two of the most popular sunset settings, and you will finish off a perfect day by the coast with some gorgeous views.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the only ways to make the Grand Canyon even more “grand” is a spectacular sunset backdrop. This amazing feat of nature is glorious day-round, but it is especially beautiful when the sun sets at the end of the day. There are plenty of different spots that provide a great view of the multi-colored sky. Hopi Point is one of the most famous of these, and Yaki Point and Pima Point are also good choices. Try to find a spot without a crowd because with fewer people, you may actually be able to hear the Colorado River flowing below.
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California
When you have spent the day playing on the beach or frolicking in the sea, watching the sunset is a relaxing way to unwind in the evening. Many beachside resorts highlight their beautiful sunset views with fun parks and amusements, and Santa Monica Pier is one such location. The pier has been around for more than 100 years, and includes an amusement park, an aquarium and an arcade. There’s also no need to leave after the natural light show, because the fun on the pier continues late into the evening.
Our team at DCH Audi Oxnard wants you to enjoy the ultimate summer vacation. Be sure to schedule a routine service appointment with our skilled service technicians before you hit the road!
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