As the chill of Autumn sets in, heralding frosty mornings, one of the most frustrating experiences is discovering that your vehicle refuses to start, often due to a drained battery. With dropping temperatures, your battery is more susceptible to drainage and needs more attention. Here are five cost-effective methods to extend your battery’s lifespan and prevent those chilly Autumn morning troubles:

Avoid Short Drives

Surprisingly, frequent short drives can drain your battery faster than long ones because the vehicle has insufficient time to recharge the battery properly. Starting your car is particularly taxing on your battery, and if you shut it down within five to ten minutes, the battery’s risk of discharge increases.

When your schedule permits it, try turning errands into longer journeys in order to give your battery more recharge time. Choosing to shop at a slightly further grocery store may cost an extra buck or two of gas money, but that’s nothing compared to the price of replacing your battery.

Don’t Park for Extended Periods

Modern vehicles come with multiple electronic systems that gradually consume your battery power, even when switched off. This slow process is called parasitic drain.

If you have to park your car for a long duration – perhaps during a holiday vacation, for example – try to disable as many of these features as possible. Even if you’re cooped inside your own home during an early winter storm, try to get out and start your vehicle for about 20 minutes each day to maintain a healthy routine of battery recharge.

Switch Off Electronics When Engine is Turned Off

Leaving non-essential electronics on when the engine is off can drain your battery, especially during colder months. When you turn off your car, ensure all electronics, including your heating, radio, and headlights, are also switched off. If you need to remain in your car for an extended amount of time, simply keep the engine running; your battery will thank you, as it cycles through its normal recharging procedure.

Regularly Monitor and Maintain Your Battery

If your battery’s health continues to be a source of anxiety, a car battery tester can be a worthy investment. Regular voltage checks can alert you to any potential issues early. After each test, ensure your battery is secure to prevent vibration-related internal damage. Also, clean the battery terminals with cold water and a dry cloth at the first signs of corrosion. 

Get Assistance When Needed:

If somehow your battery still fails, a good Samaritan with jumper cables might be your last resort. However, by following the above tips, the fate of the rest of your day shouldn’t have to rest on the kindness of strangers.

If you try to start your car this Fall and your engine hesitates in any way, don’t delay; visit us at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac. Whether you need a new or pre-owned vehicle, service, or parts, Rick Bokman is here to keep you on the road.

Portrait of a handsome happy African American man sitting in his newly bought car

As drivers, we all have our beliefs and habits on the road that we take for granted. Many of these come from the driving lessons we learned from parents, friends, or driving school instructors. However, not all of these beliefs are necessarily true, or the best practice on the road. 

In this blog, we will debunk five of the most common driving myths in America and provide you with the facts. By the end of this post, we hope you will have a better understanding of safe driving practices and improve your overall driving experience. 

Myth #1: It’s safer to drive with your hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions. 

Many of us learned the traditional way of holding the steering wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends holding the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock for better control, especially in case of sudden turns or steering movements. 

The 9 and 3 o’clock positions allow for a better grip of the wheel, making it easier to turn it in any direction if necessary. Additionally, this position provides the driver with increased space between their arms and chest in case of an accident, which can help reduce serious injuries. 

Myth #2: It’s safer to drive slower than the speed limit. 

While it’s important to obey speed limits, driving too slowly can also be dangerous. It can lead to impatient drivers behind you, causing them to make reckless maneuvers and potentially cause accidents. In some cases, driving too slowly can be a violation of the law, so make sure to maintain a speed that is reasonable and safe. 

Myth #3: Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive makes you invincible on the road. 

While 4WD or AWD can provide better traction in certain driving conditions (such as on snow or ice), it can also provide a false sense of security to the driver. It does not make you invincible on the road and does not improve braking or steering ability. Always drive according to the road conditions and adjust your speed when necessary. 

Myth #4: Red cars are more likely to get pulled over by police. 

This is one of the most widespread urban legends in the driving community, but there is no evidence to back it up. The color of your car does not impact your chances of getting pulled over. Police officers look for safety violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to use turn signals, regardless of the color of your car. 

Myth #5: Using your phone with your hands-free device is safe while driving. 

While using a hands-free device to make calls or send texts is legal in many states, it is not always safe. Even if your hands are on the wheel, your attention is still divided between driving and the conversation.  

Research shows that any form of phone use while driving can be distracting and increase the risk of accidents. Whenever possible, avoid using your phone while driving or pull over to a safe place if you need to make a call. 

Driving Debunked 

Driving myths can create confusion and impact safe driving habits. By debunking these five common driving myths, we hope to help drivers understand the importance of adopting safe driving practices, following traffic laws, and staying focused while on the road.  

Remember to always drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and be mindful of potential hazards. Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility. 

Spring background, landscape with flowers, grass, butterflies and blue sky. vector illustration.

With spring right around the corner now is the best time to start prepping your car for warmer weather. Whether you’re washing off a winter worth of salt and dirt or you’re finally bringing the summer car out of your garage, some spring cleaning is a great way to increase the life of your vehicle. 

If you’re a DIY’er looking to get their ride ready for spring, this is one list of tips and tricks you won’t want to miss.

Wash it Down

Spring is the perfect time to give your car the much-needed love it deserves. To start, grab some soap, water and a lint-free chamois cloth. Once you have your supplies, start scrubbing away any winter grime, dust or debris. Don’t forget to get into all of those nooks, crannies and hard-to-reach areas.

Now that you’re done with the soap and water stage, give the car a quick once-over before wiping it down with your chamois cloth. Using a lint-free chamois cloth instead of air drying helps avoid any unwanted water spots on your vehicle.

If you don’t have much time or are looking for an easier method, an automatic car wash is a good option to consider. With just a few minutes of your time an automatic car wash will have your car ready for Spring in no time.

Check Your Tires

As spring approaches, it’s time to start checking the air pressure and tread depth of your tires. Having tires with solid tread depth and the proper air pressure not only keeps you safe, but it also ensures peak performance and fuel economy. 

Tire air pressure can drop with temperature changes or from sitting for a long time. So, the first step is to ensure those air levels are set to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. You typically can find this information on the inside of your driver’s side door jam. 

Next, you’ll want to check your tread depth. While there are a few methods of checking this at home, we always recommend having one of our certified technicians do this for you. This ensures that the tread depth reading is accurate so don’t have to buy tires before they’re ready to be replaced.

Inspect the Battery

Spring is an important time to inspect the battery of your car to ensure it is fully operational. A battery that has sat for a long time or been exposed to cold weather for long periods of time may not be as strong as it once was. That’s why we recommend testing your battery or having it tested as you begin to prepare your vehicle for spring.

It’s also wise to have a technician check your alternator and charging system annually. This will ensure that your battery is being properly charged which maximizes its lifespan. If your charging system or alternator aren’t functioning properly, it’s better to find that out ahead of time before you end up stranded. 

Making sure your battery is ready for spring will go a long way in helping you stay safe and worry-free on the roads this season. You can have your alternator, battery and charging system checked by one of our certified technicians here at (Insert Dealer). All you have to do is schedule an appointment online or call us today!

Change the Oil

One of the oldest pieces of car maintenance advice to ever exist, changing your oil is essential no matter what season it is. However, after a long winter or a prolonged period of garage storage, it is even more important to check and/or change the oil in your vehicle. This can help catch issues such as degraded oil or finding metal shavings in the oil pan. 

If you don’t have the time or space to check your oil, don’t worry, our service center is full of certified technicians who can help. At (Insert Dealer), we can check and replace your oil and filter, as well as perform a variety of other maintenance and repair services. All you have to do is call for an appointment or schedule your service online today!

Protect Your Paint

Preparing your car for the spring season is an important part of vehicle maintenance, and paint protection should be a top priority. Investing in paint protection film or a ceramic coating can help protect against scratches, dirt and other things that can cause paint damage over time. 

Paint protection film acts as a physical barrier to any debris coming in contact with your paint, while ceramic coatings act as an extra layer on top of your paint that wears better against damage. Both are excellent options for protecting your car’s paint from the elements and road debris.

Are You Ready for Spring?

With the days getting longer and temperatures increasing, it’s time to put winter in the rearview mirror and prepare for spring. Make sure your car is ready for sunny drives and weekend trips by following our five favorite tips for prepping your vehicle for spring. 

And remember, if you don’t have time to do this yourself, we have a team of professionals waiting to help you. Schedule your appointment online or simply stop by our location in (Location) today!

Valentine's Day Box of Chocolates and Red Roses

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, and if you’re still looking for the perfect date idea, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something a little more unique, we’ve compiled a list of five great ideas to make your Valentine’s Day extra special. So check out our list and get planning!

Love is in the Air — literally!

Valentine’s Day is all about doing something romantic and a romantic hike with a picnic lunch at the top is the perfect way to make it special. It’s the perfect non-traditional date idea that won’t break the bank, and you still get to show your partner how much they mean to you! A romantic hike gives you time to admire nature, check out scenic views, and have real conversations over a romantic picnic lunch. A romantic hike can give your Valentine’s Day a unique twist that will be remembered for years to come!

Paint. Sip. Love.

Looking to spice up your romantic Valentine’s Day? A trendy watercolor paint and sip class might be the perfect choice. Paint your own masterpiece while sipping on some wine – it’s the perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment. No experience is necessary! Let your creativity flow, open a bottle of wine, and make great memories with your beloved this Valentine’s Day.

Bring the Restaurant Home

If you’re looking to make this Valentine’s Day extra special, why not fancy it up with a home-cooked dinner? Instead of splurging on an expensive dinner out, you and your significant other can whip up something fancy together at home. Try cooking a new recipe, or look to recreate one of your favorite dishes – with your own cozy twist. Not only is this intimate way to celebrate more affordable and memorable, but it can also provide a great opportunity for meaningful conversation by the dinner table. So what better way to show how much you care than cooking dinner together from the comfort and privacy of your own home?

Looking for Love

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to plan a fun, non-traditional date night, so why not surprise your significant other with a fun and off-beat love-themed scavenger hunt? Whether you set it up around town or in your own backyard, you can personalize the items on your scavenger hunt list to make it as unique as your relationship. Plus, when the two of you complete all of the tasks, you’ll get to end the evening with a fun reward! Planning a love-themed scavenger hunt for Valentine’s Day is sure to create some fun memories for both of you this year for sure.

The Love Above

Looking for a magical experience to share with your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Why not take them out stargazing! Watching shooting stars together is a romantic journey that creates memories to last a lifetime. Stargazing is time-old practice of appreciating nature, and the night sky can be an escape from the hustle of everyday life. Set up blankets in your own backyard or find a local park nearby – the adventure of uncovering constellations and shooting stars will be worth it.

Date Night Awaits

If you and your partner are looking for a fun and unique way to spend Valentine’s Day this year, look no further! These five date ideas are sure to please. From stargazing to cooking dinner together, you’ll create lasting memories with the one you love. So get planning – your perfect Valentine’s Day awaits!

Professional car painter blasting a car segment with a base coat paint in a workshop

Believe it or not, the colors that you see on cars today are the result of a long and complicated history. In the early days of the automobile, there were only a handful of colors to choose from. But as technology progressed and society evolved, so too did the palette of available car colors. Today, there are literally thousands of colors to choose from. Here’s a brief history of how we got from there to here.

The first cars were available in black, white, and gray. Black was by far the most popular color because it didn’t show dirt and it was easy to keep clean. White was popular among rich people who wanted to show off their status. Gray was considered to be neither here nor there; it wasn’t flashy like white and it wasn’t as practical as black.

By the 1920s, cars were available in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, brown, and even red. But black continued to be the most popular color among car buyers. In fact, nearly 60% of all cars sold in the 1920s were black.

During the Great Depression, car sales plummeted and manufacturers began offering cars in a wider range of colors in an effort to boost sales. The most popular colors during this period were bright and cheerful shades like yellow and orange.

By the time the 1930s rolled around, metallic paint was all the rage. If you wanted to show that you were wealthy and could afford the latest trends, you’d slap some metallic paint on your car. It was a status symbol.

But it wasn’t just the rich who could get their hands on metallic paint. Companies soon began to realize that they could use aluminum flakes to produce the paint, which made it much more affordable. So even people who weren’t wealthy could have a car that shimmered and shone in the sun..

After World War II, car companies began offering more subdued colors like tan and beige. These colors were seen as more sophisticated and reflected the increased affluence of America’s middle class. By the 1950s, pastel colors like pink and mint green had become extremely popular among female car buyers.

In the 1960s, bright colors made a comeback as young people embraced psychedelic culture. This trend continued into the 1970s with the rise of disco culture. Common car colors during this period included gold, silver, and purple.

Today, there are literally thousands of car paint colors to choose from. You can find cars in every color under the sun, from traditional shades like black and white to more daring hues like candy apple red and neon green. And thanks to modern paint technologies, you can even get your car custom-painted to match your favorite sports team or alma mater’s colors. No matter what your taste may be, there’s sure to be a car paint color that’s just right for you.

From the earliest days of the automobile up until today, car paint colors have come a long way. What started out as a limited palette has now exploded into a veritable rainbow of hues. So whether you’re looking for something traditional or something that will make your car really stand out from the crowd, there’s sure to be a color that’s just right for you. Thanks for reading!

GMC HUMMER EV joins Call of Duty

GMC is teaming up with Call of Duty® to feature the HUMMER EV Pickup in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ 2.0 this fall

2022-09-15

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The GMC HUMMER EV first took the world by storm in 2020 and now it’s entering the global gaming world in a big way. For the first time ever, the world’s first all-electric supertruck will be a part of Activision’s critically acclaimed Call of Duty® video game franchise.

Offering up to a GM-estimated 1,000 horsepower, 11,500 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph (0-97 kmh) time of approximately 3-seconds1 and 13 inches of suspension travel for incredible off-road capability, the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup is the perfect truck for players to transport their team across any terrain or map.

“The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup is truly the world’s first all-electric supertruck. Now, it is entering the gaming world where it will define a new chapter of capability and bring players together across the globe,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “Bringing the supertruck into Call of Duty will allow players to elevate their experience and provide a new way to play, powered by a nearly quiet and fast-accelerating EV.”

In a massive year and new era for the franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II brings with it a new level of engagement to players. The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup is the first all-electric vehicle in the Call of Duty® franchise and will be a playable vehicle within the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, in addition to making an appearance in the action-packed Modern Warfare II single-player campaign.

“We’re excited to bring the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup into the fold for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0,” said William Gahagan, director of Global Partnerships at Activision. “There’s nothing like driving across Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 in an all-electric, 1,000 horsepower supertruck. I can’t wait for players to get their hands on it this fall.”

Players will be able to utilize the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup’s off-road capability across the massive map, featuring a variety of terrains and conditions. Whether on the trails of Moab in real life, or navigating the massive play space of Warzone 2.0, the HUMMER EV Pickup provides players with a vehicle they can trust to help conquer their challenges.

Mark your calendars, as two worlds come together with this exciting integration of the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup into Call of Duty® Modern Warfare® II, which is scheduled to debut on Oct. 28, 2022, and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 coming this fall. Follow GMC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest news regarding the partnership.

About GMC

GMC offers a range of premium trucks and SUVs designed and engineered to the highest standard. With vehicles like the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon, all-new Canyon and Sierra light-duty, as well as the world’s first all-electric supertruck the GMC HUMMER EV, our trucks and SUVs deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies, precise engineering and premium execution. Built on a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902, GMC now sells in a dozen countries across the world. Details on all models are available at www.gmc.com, Instagram at @GMC, Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

1With available Watts To Freedom. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important limitations and information.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition off-road maneuvering

BEND, Ore. – GMC revealed the new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition today at Overland Expo Pacific Northwest. The AEV Edition pushes the already highly capable, premium off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X trim to new heights, and provides unique styling cues and extreme off-road capability.

“GMC has been a pioneer in the premium off-road space and this Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition raises the bar yet again,” said GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred. “Our customers want an uncompromising combination of on-road technology and off-road capability. Leveraging GMC’s unwavering dedication to providing premium trucks and American Expedition Vehicles’ expertise in engineering and integrating performance-driven parts and accessories, this truck provides extreme capability, technology and comfort.”

The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is the most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever. Updates include:

  • AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy duty recovery points and winch capability (front bumper)
  • Five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates (front approach, steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank and rear differential)
  • Unique, race-inspired, laser-engraved 18-inch AEV Salta wheels in gloss black finish with AEV’s signature recessed valve system for added protection from rocks on the trail
  • 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
  • Updated front grille and fascia to accommodate the new bumper and larger tires, gloss black door handles and a black contrast inner tailgate
  • Exclusive AEV branding throughout the vehicle, including on bumpers, embroidered head rests and all-weather floor liners
  • Available off-road rocker panel protectors to help shield the sills and frame rails and an optional bolt-on step assist when not off-roading

“The Sierra 1500 AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on- and off-road performance and capability,” said AEV CEO and founder Dave Harriton. “We took our signature approach to help elevate this truck’s inherent off-road capability to the next level. We are confident customers will love the result.”

The AEV-stamped steel front and rear bumpers are constructed of 3-millimeter heavy-duty steel and are powder and e-coated for durability as well as UV and corrosion resistance. Additionally, this factory-installed front bumper is winch-capable, something that no other competitor in its class can match1.

Five ultra-high-strength, hot-stamped boron steel skid plates help protect the underbody of the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition. This press-hardened steel is not only three-and-a-half times stronger than an equivalent cold-stamped high-strength steel part, but it also provides incredible resistance to gouging and bending.

When it comes time to head off-road, the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition’s bumpers and underbody protection deliver capability never before available in a factory Sierra 1500. When compared to the 2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X, the AEV Edition features improved off-road stats. The front approach angle increases by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle improves to 23.4 degrees (compared to 23 degrees) and the breakover angle improves to 23.0 degrees (compared to 22.7 degrees). The truck’s ground clearance also improves to 11.2 inches (compared to 10.8 inches).

The AEV edition is built on the Sierra 1500 AT4X trim that offers an exclusive premium interior and advanced off-road capability. Headline features include Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-locking differentials and two-speed transfer case with selectable modes for different off-road conditions such as Terrain mode for one pedal driving and Off-Road mode. All the while, the Sierra 1500 AT4X delivers excellent on-road comfort and trailering capability with a standard 6.2L V-8 engine. The AEV edition also features the luxury-focused and tech-infused AT4X Obsidian Rush interior. The cabin boasts full grain leather-wrapped power-massaging front seats, authentic Vanta ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose® Premium Series audio system and more than 40 diagonal inches of combined driver-focused digital displays — the most in its class1.

Later in the 2023 model year, a new Sierra 1500 AT4X will be available with AEV-inspired enhancements, including a stamped steel winch-capable front bumper, boron steel front approach skid plate and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. These enhancements will increase the already formidable off-road capability of the AT4X through improved approach, departure and breakover angles, as well as improved ground clearance.

The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X will continue to be a balanced execution that delivers extreme off-road capability when called upon without compromising the on-road comfort, technology and capability that customers have come to expect from a GMC pickup. The new Sierra 1500 AT4X will have a max payload of 1,290 pounds and max trailering of 8,700 pounds.

The Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the new AT4X will be available later in the 2023 model year.

1Class is half-ton gasoline and diesel pickups. Based on latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM vehicles.

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

About AEV

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has now been on the cutting edge of the 4WD industry for over 25 years, continuously pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. The goal has always been simple: provide the highest quality off-road parts and accessories available anywhere in the world, period.

Summer driving in an EV

Planning a fun road trip in your EV this summer? Then you’re going to want to read this! As an electric vehicle owner, you’re most likely calculating your battery’s range and planning the trip accordingly, so we put together some tips to help you out.

While battery technology in EVs has made substantial progress in recent years, they aren’t without their shortcomings. One of the most glaring weaknesses is the reduced driving range electric vehicle owners experience in extreme temperatures. Although the hot summer weather may work to reduce your battery’s range, we’ve put together a list of tips that can help you get the most out of your battery. 

Before you head out on your summer journey, give this list of tips for summer EV driving a quick read — it’s sure to help! 

Driving Range

While driving an electric vehicle in the summer, one of the most important things to remember is the difference in driving range. According to AAA, the driving range of an EV battery can be reduced by up to 17% in temperatures above 95º, which is a significant reduction in range. Due to this reduction in range, you should be paying close attention to your EV’s charge level during the summers to avoid any problems. 

If you’re looking for a way to keep your range where it needs to be during the summer, a good way to do so is to use less air conditioning. Opting to drive with the windows down can reduce the load on your EV’s batteries which will help you get the range you’re accustomed to. It may seem crazy to opt out of using A/C in the summer, but when you’re spending less time at the charging station it all begins to make sense. 

Find Some Shade

Keeping the interior of your car is always important in the summers, but when you own an EV its even more important. When you keep your EV cool, the batteries are able to function at peak capacity, providing the best range your car has to offer. 

However, if you’re parked in the middle of an open field on a sweltering hot day, chances are you’re directly reducing the amount of range your car’s batteries have. This is why we recommend always parking in shaded areas when possible. When you can’t park in a shaded area, the best thing you could do is use a windshield shade to keep the interior of your EV nice and cool. 

Whichever way you decide to keep your car cool, doing so is the best way to get the full range from your EV battery.

Try Not to Fast Charge

One of the most convenient ways to charge your electric vehicle is via rapid charging, however, this is also a great way to reduce the lifespan of its batteries. That is why we recommend skipping the fast charging station on hot summer days. While your EV is made and rated to handle fast charging, doing so as your sole means of charging is not the best way to elongate the life of your EV batteries.

When you do opt to fast charge, try to do it sparingly, and preferably in a climate-controlled space. If you own a house with a garage, charging your EV in that enclosed space is a great way to get a full charge in a reasonable amount of time. Since your battery won’t have to fight against the elements, charging your battery in a garage or climate-controlled space reduced charging time rapidly.

Precondition Your Cabin

As we mentioned before, keeping your EV cool is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most range out of its battery. A great way to do it is by preconditioning your interior, which on most EVs is done by remote starting your vehicle. With preconditioning, you can run the air conditioning before you ever set foot in the vehicle, which not only makes it comfortable for you but also increases battery range. 

Most electric vehicles these days have a preconditioning or remote start feature, which makes life far easier during the summer. If you don’t have a preconditioning or remote start mode on your EV, you may be able to have an aftermarket remote starter installed which can function similarly to a built-in preconditioning mode.

Travel Light

A piece of advice that can be used year-round, traveling light is a fantastic way to get the most out of your EV battery. The more weight you have in your car, the harder its batteries have to work to get you going — effectively reducing the overall range. If you’re planning to hit the roads for a long trip this summer, make sure you’re traveling light in order to get the most out of your battery’s range. 

In the event that you can’t travel with minimal gear, we recommend having a pre-planned charging strategy so you’re never stranded. 

Visit Rick Bokman Inc Today

Now that you’re an expert on driving an EV during the summer, it’s time for you to get out there and enjoy it! If you don’t have an EV to enjoy your summer in, that’s okay! At Rick Bokman Inc we have a huge selection of new and used electric vehicles for you to choose from. If you’re not ready to make the jump to an EV, we have plenty of traditional cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from here at Rick Bokman Inc.

Don’t want to overpay for your next electric vehicle, then you need to visit us at 1019 State Street today! Whether you’re looking for a great deal or great service, at Rick Bokman Inc you’re sure to find it.

Man washing his car

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply a daily driver, keeping your car clean is always a must. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep your car clean, it truly isn’t, especially with our Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac helpful car cleaning tips. 

As with any chore, the more you keep up with cleaning your car, the easier it is to maintain. That is why we recommend regularly cleaning out your car, vacuuming it and keeping it free of trash and debris. 

When it comes to keeping the exterior of your car looking great, regular washes and waxes will go a long way. Maintaining your car’s paint is a great way to ensure your vehicle won’t have rust or peeling problems. The best part is that it keeps your car looking great too. 

With this list of helpful tips, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep your car looking just as great as it did the day you bought it. 

Clear it Out

The first step to cleaning your car like the pros is pretty simple — clear it out! Trash, debris, last week’s hamburger wrapper, you’ll want to get rid of it all. Clearing out the clutter from the interior of your car instantly makes it look better and a lot less “lived in”. Plus, if you had enough stuff in there, you could consider it as fuel savings to clean it all out.

Not only is interior clutter unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re ever in an accident, every item you have on the interior will be tossed around becoming a hazard to you. Plus, who wants to be coated in a two-day-old soda after getting in an accident?

Cleaning out the interior of your car is the easiest step, all you need are some trash bags and you’ll be clutter-free in no time. Once you’ve cleaned out the interior of your car, you can move on to our next step detailed below.

Scrub it Out

Just like the carpet and flooring in our homes, the floor mats in our cars can get pretty dirty. That’s why it’s important for you to pull them out of the car and give them a good scrubbing. Getting your floor mats nice and clean doesn’t just look good, it also will help cut down on airborne bacteria and irritants too. 

Before you get to scrubbing, you may also want to give your floor mats thorough vacuuming. This will get the dirt and debris that has found its way into your car and been compacted down. Once you’re done vacuuming you can get to scrubbing. 

You’ll want a good brush with semi-firm bristles to attack carpet floor mats, and a good cleaning agent as well. If you have rubber or “all-weather” floor mats, you can skip the vacuum step and just give them a good spray down with your chosen cleaning agent. 

Vacuum it Out

If you have been following our steps thus far, you should have your vacuum out still, so why not tackle the rest of the interior with it? Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted surfaces in your car, including the passenger and rear-seat floorboards, especially if they see high traffic. 

While you have the vacuum out, it’s probably a good idea to run it over any non-carpeted surfaces that accumulate dust and debris like the dashboard. You can even hit the vents as dust accumulates there and can cause allergies or irritation. 

A solid vacuum job should leave your car’s interior looking fresh and smelling even better — so why not take the time and do your car a favor?

Wipe it Out

A final step to cleaning your car like a pro is wiping it out. Pick up some interior cleaning and detailing wipes and get to work! We recommend starting from the driver’s seat, hitting all the instrumentation and surfaces you touch most. 

From there, we say no amount of attention to detail is too much. Dig into those cracks and crevices, don’t be afraid to really get in there. You can use things like Q-Tips to get into tight spaces like between the air vents or radio controls. Work your way throughout the front first, then make a move to the back of the car — don’t forget the cupholders!

Get to Cleaning

Now that you have read our list of tips to keep your car clean like the pros, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get to work. Whether you’re going for full interior and exterior detail or keeping it simple with a wash and wax, this list of tips is sure to get you started on the right path. 

If you’re not feeling the whole DIY car detailing process, that’s okay too, we can always help you out at our reconditioning department. All you have to do is book an appointment online or by calling 716-316-0474 — stopping by works too.

DETROIT – Today, GMC teased the next-generation Canyon mid-size truck and confirmed the introduction of the AT4X trim to the Canyon lineup. The Canyon will become the second vehicle in GMC’s lineup to adopt the AT4X trim – GMC’s off-road optimized performance trim that offers serious capability and uncompromising refinements.

The current generation Canyon debuted in 2014. Since then, GMC has upgraded the mid-size truck over the years to include the AT4 trim and an off-road performance package that adds a 1-inch suspension leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protection, and front and mid skid plates. Most recently, GMC revealed the Canyon AT4 concept last year, which included a number of off-roading and overlanding accessories.

The next-generation Canyon AT4X signals the next chapter for GMC’s mid-size truck with the teaser previewing the Canyon AT4X’s badging, rocker protectors and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.

GMC will reveal the next-generation Canyon including Canyon AT4X in summer 2022.

AT4X: The peak in premium off-roading performance
First introduced on the 2022 GMC Sierra, the AT4X trim is the off-road optimized evolution of GMC’s increasingly popular AT4 sub-brand.

DETROIT – Today, GMC teased the next-generation Canyon mid-size truck and confirmed the introduction of the AT4X trim to the Canyon lineup. The Canyon will become the second vehicle in GMC’s lineup to adopt the AT4X trim – GMC’s off-road optimized performance trim that offers serious capability and uncompromising refinements.

The current generation Canyon debuted in 2014. Since then, GMC has upgraded the mid-size truck over the years to include the AT4 trim and an off-road performance package that adds a 1-inch suspension leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protection, and front and mid skid plates. Most recently, GMC revealed the Canyon AT4 concept last year, which included a number of off-roading and overlanding accessories.

The next-generation Canyon AT4X signals the next chapter for GMC’s mid-size truck with the teaser previewing the Canyon AT4X’s badging, rocker protectors and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.

GMC will reveal the next-generation Canyon including Canyon AT4X in summer 2022.

AT4X: The peak in premium off-roading performance
First introduced on the 2022 GMC Sierra, the AT4X trim is the off-road optimized evolution of GMC’s increasingly popular AT4 sub-brand.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.