3 Tips for Driving in the Snow - Be Careful Out There!

We've been spoiled, Central Illinois! Sadly, it looks like the days of 50-degree weather in January are over. Now, we have nearly a foot of snow on the ground... and more in the forecast. Some people like getting snow during winter, and some people absolutely hate it. One thing we can all agree on, however, is that we all dread driving in it! Nobody wants to slip and slide down the street when the roads are a mess. It's stressful, it's dangerous, and it causes more harm than good. Now, we all know the general rules of safety when driving in the snow: allow room between you and the vehicle in front of you, steer into the skid, and pump... don't slam on your brakes. With that said, the Uftring Auto Group is here to provide you with some friendly tips -- tips that you might not have thought of --  when driving in the snow these next few months. 

1. Give Yourself More Time to Drive

When it comes to driving in the snow, usually a rule of thumb is to SLOW DOWN. Some people think "there's no way this will affect me. I'm an excellent driver." Those are the people that you see in the middle a ditch on I-74. Most of you know that you need to take it slow when driving in winter mix conditions. That being said, it really helps to give yourself more time when making your morning commute, wherever that may be. When you drive slower, you need more time. Simple as that. As difficult as it may be, set your alarm 10 minutes earlier than usual. If you value those 10 minutes, make it up some other way. Wrap up your breakfast to go, take a shorter shower, skip TV time, etc. Making small changes in the morning will allow you more minutes to drive, thus getting you to work both safely and on time!

2. Invest in an Automatic Starter for Your Vehicle

What's the most annoying part of driving in the snow? Hint: it isn't even the driving part. It's starting your car!! Nothing is worse than running outside to start your car, just so it's nice and warm for you when you get on your way. And, if you don't have a garage, you have to deal with the ice! An automatic starter can save you in both scenarios. With an auto-starter, you can turn your car on from your kitchen, living room, and even your bedroom, depending on how close it is to your vehicle. You can then let it heat up, melting whatever ice/snow/frost is on it. Not only does this help you feel comfortable, but it increases your visibility as well - which is especially important in the snow! Visit one of our 6 dealer locations and we will provide you with the starter and install it for you. 

3. All-Wheel Drive is the Answer!

In the Midwest and in Central Illinois, inclement weather is nothing new! We've had everything from snow in April to rain while the sun shines. No matter the case, the roads can be difficult to drive on year-round. Whether it's snow, mud, ice or rain, all-wheel drive is the answer! Investing in a vehicle with all-wheel drive will pay off ten-fold during its life. The amount of extra control you have on a snowy or icy road is worth the extra money. So, whether it's a Sedan, Truck or SUV, All-Wheel Drive is the key! 

We hope these tips help you to both prepare to drive in the snow and to take the trek more safely! Have any more questions? Visit our group website here to access the number for your nearest Uftring Dealer. Stay safe out there!

Year-End Deals All Throughout the Uftring Auto Group!

You Just Can't Beat an Uftring (Year-End) Deal!

Whether you're a fan of Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover or Subaru, one thing remains the same - you're going to get a GREAT deal from the Uftring Auto Group. With eight different locations to shop at around Central Illinois as well as thousands of vehicles to choose from, you're sure to find your dream car this holiday season. And with the year coming to an end, we've decided to throw away the book! 

The Christmas and Year-End savings have never been better. We're offering THOUSANDS off of MSRP on new vehicles - that includes cars, trucks and SUVs of high class and quality. We're not trying to get rid of cars here. We specifically ordered more so that our customers could pay less on something they love. 

Visit our website or stop into one of our locations today! We look forward to helping you find your dream car. 

3 Easy Tips for Driving in the Snow | Uftring Auto Group Blog

Believe it or not, winter is back in Central Illinois. Gone are the days on the lake, the early rounds of golf and the pool days with the girls. Don't worry, we'll make our way around the Sun again, and we will be wishing it was cooler before we know it! In the meantime, here are some tips for driving in the winter.

1. Take Time to Defrost Your Windshield

Before you even hop on the road, you'll want your vehicle to be warmed up and thawed out. Starting your car about ten minutes before you usually leave will allow time for clear windows and a warm cabin! Plus, it's highly unsafe to scrape a small area on your windshield so you can see "enough" of the road. Don't want to stand in the cold longer than you have to? Purchase an automatic start! Our parts departments at any of our locations will be happy to install one for you. That way, you don't even have to step outside!

2. Drive Slow - Drive Safe

You should always follow the speed limit, but especially so in the winter! With the temperatures being as low as they are, you never know when there might be a patch of ice on the road. And, just because you see it, doesn't mean the person in front of you does. With that said, it pays to drive slow, keep distance between other drivers, and remain attentive at all times. 

3. Make Sure Your Tires Are Up to Date

What's one of the most important winter driving factors? Having a good grip on the road! Good grip comes from good tires. And good tires come from routine service. So, before we get too deep into the winter, visit your local Uftring service department and get those tires checked! You'll be glad you did. 

Of course, there are many other steps you can take to handle the roads in the winter, but these three are the most basic and the most important! Stay safe out there these next few months! If you have any questions, give your closest Uftring dealer a call, or visit uftringautogroup.com for more information. 

4 Tips to Keeping a Cool Car - Uftring Auto Group

Ah, Summer. Trips to the lake, cookouts at the pool, baseball games and ice cream runs. There's nothing quite like it! Although it's fun to see your kids pile in the car, you sometimes wish you wouldn't have to. Peoria area summers can be brutal. Parking your car just about anywhere means that things are going to get hot. Since we know cars at the Uftring Auto Group, we want to give you some tips on keeping them cool!

1. Use a Sunshade and Dash Cover When Your Car is Parked

See if you can recall this scenario. You take your kids/friends to the pool, spend 4 hours there, and have a blast taking a dip and soaking up sun. Then, you get in your car. HOT. HOT. HOT! All the time you've been at the pool, your windshield has acted as a giant magnifying glass. Everything you touch in the car is going to be hot. 

Here's a tip! Buy a sunshade. They're very affordable, and they prevent your car from heating up to the temperature of a burning skillet. You can also cover your dashboard, seats, and even your seat belts to prevent yourself from getting hurt by the heat. Believe it or not, it happens.

2. Find a Spot in the Shade to Park 

No matter where you go, you can almost always find shade to park in. Whether it's a garage, a tree, or an awning, there's always some around. Next time you and the family take a trip, make sure you park smart. Find a nice shady spot so your car doesn't get hot. Will you have to walk a little further to get where you're going? It's possible, but it's also worth it. What's worse? Walking three extra blocks or feeling too hot for comfort. I think you know the answer!

3. Cover your Steering Wheel When Not Using your Car 

Something that always seems to take us by surprise is how hot our steering wheel can get. And it's the part of the car we touch the most! Have you ever sat in your parking spot with the A/C running, touching the steering wheel as though you're checking if it's done cooking? It's not a baked potato! 

Simply cover your steering wheel with a bath towel while you aren't using your car. This will allow you to be able to grip the wheel when getting back in your car. Think about it. If you try to drive while barely holding the wheel, you are a danger to everyone around you. Be smart. All you need is a towel!

4. Keep Your Windows Slightly Opened

Does the heat of your car ever take your breath away? Well, what do you expect? You're basically sitting in an oven with no air circulation! When you go somewhere in public, crack your windows ever so slightly to let some air through. By cracking them just an inch or so, you're allowing air to get in so your car won't be as hot and muggy when you return. 

CAUTION: Make sure you look at the weather forecast before doing this. That last thing you want is to turn your carpool into an actual one!

We hope these tips help you keep a cool car this summer! Remember to throw away food, store valuables, and keep an emergency kit available at all times. The heat can be dangerous, so always plan ahead. And if you're looking to get a new, cool car (a different kind of cool), stop by one of our Uftring Auto Group locations! We'd love to give you more tips as well as help you find your dream vehicle. Enjoy your summer, and stay cool! 

3 Great Spots in Peoria to Cruise Around with Your Top Down - Uftring Auto Blog

Ahh, Summer. The days are longer, warmer, and more enjoyable. From riverfront concerts to outdoor leagues and races, there really is no better season! And who doesn't love to ride around with the windows (or top, if you're rolling in a convertible) down? Here are three amazing places around the Peoria area where having the wind in your hair is a necessity.

1. Prospect & Grandview Drive

Overlooking the historic Illinois River is a stretch of road lined with houses with the most stunning of views you'll ever see. So stunning, in fact, that this stretch of road was called the "World's Most Beautiful Drive" by our 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt. Off of Knoxville Road by Junction City Plaza sits Prospect Rd. This street leads you down a windy road of head-turning views and beautiful homes. Just when the stretch of uniquely constructed houses ends, a quick turn left will change your perspective forever. Grandview Drive is the name of this turn... and you'll want to make it. While on the right you see more glamorous structures of brick, stone and wood, on the left are the most breathtaking views you'll ever gaze upon. We could explain these views all day, but they're something you'll want to see for yourself.

2. High View Road

On the East Peoria side of the Illinois River is an inclined bridge that seems as though it's floating over the highway. That bridge leads up to High View Road. This stretch of land, much like Grandview, has a rich history as well. Not only does it hold even more elegant homes and landscaping, but it looks over the famous Peoria skyline. So, whether you're on a Sunday stroll or out Saturday for supper, take a trip up to High View Road and bask in the beauty this wonderful city has to offer. 

3. Trigger Road 

For those of you looking to escape the city, we know the perfect place. Trigger Road, which runs along the Northeast corner between Peoria and Dunlap, is a refreshing two-lane road that gives you views of farmland, dive bars and a minimal amount of structured real estate. The seldom bursts of traffic allow you to cruise right along while you enjoy your company, the fresh air or a moment of simplicity. So roll down your windows and take in the ride! 

Now that you know of some spots to ride around in, go take a drive! And if you're looking for a new car, truck or SUV, stop by any of the Uftring Auto Group locations or visit uftringautogroup.com. 

Uftring Spring Cleaning - The Importance of a Clean Car

Keeping a Clean Car

It is very important to prepare your vehicle for the the springtime. Throughout the last few months, it's worked extra hard to get you where you're going. From all of the snow, ice, slush and salt on the roads, your car has taken a beating! But, aside from the service that needs done, it also is in dire need of a good cleaning. 

A Clean Car is a Happy Car 

When the snow stops falling, it's very easy to notice who still needs to wash their car. Don't be one of those people driving around in April with salt stains from two months prior. Show your car some TLC and go to a car wash near you! Not only will it look great after it's clean, but it's also good for the vehicle. If you ignore the stains on your car for too long, the metal will begin to rust. Think of how upset you'd be if you knew how easy it was to prevent. 

The Inside is Just as Important

Think about all of the times you or your passengers stepped into your car after trudging through the wet snow in the winter. All of the dirt, salt, and snow has now seeped deep into the carpets of your vehicle. So, when you clean your car, remember to get the inside too! By scrubbing and vacuuming all of your floor mats and seats, you'll improve the look, smell, and life of the interior. And if you need a really deep clean of the inside, come get it detailed at one of our locations! We will have it looking good as new for you at a great price. 

As winter draws to an end, consider the importance of a clean car. Click here to schedule service and detailing, or visit Uftring Wash in Washington today. Remember, a clean car is a happy car! 

Uftring Auto Group - Tips in Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Ah, winter. Temperatures are dropping, snow is beginning to fall, and road conditions are becoming hazardous. It's very important to be mindful of your vehicle's status, especially around this time of year. Luckily, our trained Uftring technicians can make sure your car is ready for the winter months. Here are a few checkpoints to cover with your service advisor when preparing your vehicle for the climate change.

1. Change the Oil

It is very important to have your oil changed regularly. However, when temperatures drop, it's crucial. The last thing you want is for your oil to thicken, which is a high possibility in the winter when you don't have enough. Make sure you let your technician know that you wish to have your oil levels checked.

2. Fresh Wiper Blades

People often neglect to change their wiper blades after the recommended year of use. Maximum visibility is extremely vital in the winter. You need to be alert of any hazards ahead, whether it be snow, ice, or other drivers. Make sure to have our skilled service staff slap a fresh pair of blades on for you.

3. Make Sure Your Battery is Working Properly

You never know if your battery is holding a charge properly or not. You often fall into a daily routine, not realizing that that's all your battery can take. Make sure your battery is free of corrosion. And should you need a new one, we have the Truckload Battery Sale going on through the month of November! $65 dollars installed plus tax for a new battery. (Ask your dealer for details. Not all vehicles apply.)

4. Rotate/Replace Your Tires

One of the most important factors when driving in the snow, if not the most important, is traction and tire pressue. It is absolutely necessary to have fresh, even tread on your tires before the winter to prevent sliding. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but you're a danger to drivers around you. Have our service department check your tires to see if they need rotated or replaced. 

5. Antifreeze

Antifreeze levels are vital to your car's status. Having a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water prevents your coolant from freezing up, even during some of the harshest winter temperatures. Be sure to mention to your technician that you'd like that looked at. 

These are a few of the steps you can take when preparing your vehicle for the winter months. Something you can do yourself is prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, food, warm clothes, shovels, scrapers, and an emergency phone. This goes for any time of the year! Make sure to schedule service with one of our dealers today, and go over these checkpoints. You won't regret it! 

Schedule Service With: 

Uftring Ford

Uftring Subaru

Uftring Chevy in Washington

Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in North Pekin

Uftring Weston Chevy Cadillac

Uftring Nissan

Jaguar Land Rover Peoria

Uftring "Get in Gear" Race and Tailgate Event - 2014

September 11, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RunTheGig.com

The Uftring Ambassador Initiative exists for the purpose of humanizing service through humanitarian acts of kindness, helping hands, open hearts, compassionate minds and philanthropic cooperative community partnerships.

With that in mind, The Uftring Auto Group is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Uftring Auto Group “Get in Gear” Race and Tailgate Event, at 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 2014 behind Uftring Chevrolet in Washington.  Proceeds benefit the Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The event includes a 1 mile walk/run, 5K and 10K race and a post race tailgate party and awards presentation to top finishers.  Chef’s Catering will be cooking a whole hog and serving up pulled pork sandwiches for all participants.  In addition, the band Float Trip will be playing live music in our huge event tent.

Last year’s inaugural Get in Gear Race and Tailgate Event raised over $14,000 for the Center, which provides vital services and support to individuals facing the uncertainties and challenges related to uncorrectable vision loss.  The Center’s goal is to educate its members and provide them with independent living skills to optimize their opportunities to lead independent lives.

Many local sponsors have already committed their support to help support the Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  We look forward to a tremendous turnout on September 28th.

Register online at RunTheGig.com.

Glow Roads?

This week the world celebrated Earth Day, a great reminder to all of us to help out our planet everyday, not just once a year. In the car business, there are always new innovative ideas that help our earth including fuel economy, hybrids, electric vehicles and more. Something that normally doesn’t come to mind when you think of sustainability in the automobile industry is the phrase “glow roads.”

When you hear “glow roads,” what comes to mind? The Netherlands have taken night vision to a whole new level earlier this month by unveiling a road with glowing lines. Using light-emitting paint that glows in the dark, car headlights enhance the paint and allow drivers to see the road and lanes more visibly. These “Smart Highways” are considered a sustainable alternative for roadways that have little to no conventional lighting—giving the driver more lane visibility. There’s a possibility that glow roads will save loads of money on streetlight power.

Perhaps more enhanced nighttime visibility will make drivers more alert on the roads with greater visibility while driving when the moon is out. Thinking outside the box with sustainable efforts is so important to help save our environment, and the Netherlands are right on track with this idea. What do you think? Would you like to drive down a glow-in-the-dark paved road?

2015 Chevy Trax

The all-new 2015 Trax was unveiled just last week by Chevrolet at the International Auto Show in New York. The Trax is a subcompact SUV that will be put into production later this year and we can’t wait to have the new models on our showroom for you to test drive. If you’re interested in a new kind of SUV, one that is uncommonly modern and affordable, the Trax just might be the Chevy for you.

At 138 horsepower, its 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine gives any Trax driver the speed and comfort in a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its cargo space is much larger than expected – over 48 cubic feet of storage room! The 2015 Trax has optional all-wheel-drive capability, along with the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi from OnStar. Who doesn’t want Wi-Fi in their vehicle? It’s possible, and it’s possible at an affordable price with the Chevy Trax.

No MPG rating has been established for the 2015 Chevy Trax yet, but we’re expecting the fuel economy to be pretty impressive. It’s safety options, high tech features and contemporary design all bring this cutting-edge SUV together as one of Chevy’s most incredible models yet. We’re excited to show you the Trax as soon as we get one in stock, and we look forward to showing you all the capabilities of the Chevrolet brand that we are so very proud to sell.

What to do when you have a recall

GM has recently announced recalls for several different GM models. You might be wondering what to do when your vehicle is recalled, and we’re here to help. When purchasing a vehicle, there’s always an unfortunate chance that a part of that vehicle might be recalled, even with some of the top-leading, safest brands in the entire industry. While we wish recalls never happened, we cannot control them when they occur. But what we can do is help you the very best of our ability to get the recall fixed so you can get back on the road, quickly and safely.

So, what’s next? Most recalls are small, easy fixes. None, however should be taken lightly. If you have a recall, the most important thing to do is to call your dealership or mechanic to confirm you have a recall for your specific model and proceed with a service appointment to get the vehicle fixed as soon as possible. Find your Uftring Auto Group Dealership here and give us call – we’ll help you get your recall taken care of.

April is Car Care Month

It’s National Car Care Month the entire month of April! One of the most important things you can do as an owner of a vehicle is to properly maintain your vehicle. Taking control of your car’s proper maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs down the road. When’s the last time you had an oil change? How about your tires? If you’re not sure, it’s probably time for a service check-up.

Did you know that the top three failures to car maintenance are oil changes, filter changes and bad brakes? When we ignore any of these smaller maintenance issues, we set ourselves up for possible damages later on down the road. Giving your vehicle attention this Car Care month helps you get the most out of your vehicle – through performance, ability, and most importantly, safety. Summer vacations are just around the corner. Is your car or truck ready for the heat and road trip miles? Always remember: regular maintenance is critical, not optional.

The Uftring Auto Group works hard to help our customers understand the importance of regular maintenance. The quality of a service appointment done at our dealership just doesn’t compare with the others. At a valued price, you not only get your vehicle done in a timely manner, you get the very best customer service and top-notch automotive experts working on your car. It doesn’t matter if you need an Oil Change, Batteries, Brakes, Tires, Alignment or A/C Check, we know what we’re doing.  No matter if you’re a mechanical guru or not, we treat everyone the same. Not sure what oil to use? We’ll never take advantage of your automotive knowledge or lack thereof, and we will always recommend to you what we think is best—always.  

We continue to preach the importance of car maintenance because we don’t want you to have to spend money on repairs, or damages done for not servicing your vehicle. Skipping an oil change might not seem like a big deal, but trust us, it is. No matter what you drive, a simple multi-point inspection from our highly trained and certified staff will keep your mind at ease. Have that peace of mind knowing your car is dependable and safe is exactly what you’ll have with the Uftring Auto Group.  

It happens. Maybe you forgot to schedule a routine maintenance appointment or just couldn’t bare the bitter cold temps we had over the winter to get your car worked on. If so, don’t sweat it. Get your vehicle in as soon as you can, don’t wait any longer. If you dread having to spend money on service, just keep in mind you’d probably have to spend much more if you didn’t service it regularly. A little money here and there to keep your vehicle up to speed is part of being a responsible owner. Smart, reliable owners drive smart, reliable cars.

  

Click here to find your Uftring store and schedule your service appointment today!

Uftring in Pekin: Employee Spotlight

We take pride in our employees. We’ve built a solid foundation of both new and old staff members, and each of our employees add a unique value to our team. Lynn Kerley, a Service Advisor at Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, has been with the Uftring Auto Group for over 14 years and has been in the car business for over 32 years. Lynn’s been a crucial part of our service team, we don’t know what we’d do without her.

Lynn started out her career with Uftring at the Uftring Automall in East Peoria. Several years later, she transferred to Uftring in Pekin in 2013 where she plans to stay. “Working with and for people who care is very welcoming,” said Lynn. “I really felt that my knowledge and experience was not only wanted, but needed. The technicians on my team know the importance of fixing the vehicle the first time and inspecting the vehicles every time.  We have mutual respect for one another, which makes this a win/win situation.”

Uftring in North Pekin is one of six Uftring dealerships, each a part of the Uftring Auto Group. “Working for Gary Uftring is an honor I don’t take lightly,” said Lynn.” The respect I receive from my fellow team members and customers is very fulfilling.”

Lynn has helped many, many customers in her years as a Service Advisor, and has many repeat customers that she has developed positive relationships with. Referring to her customers, Lynn said, “I will make a vested interest in always inspecting their vehicle for possible concerns and keep them up to date on required maintenance.  I try to get to know my customers, interests, family, hobbies, etc.  I always try to make it as stress free as possible and get them to leave with a smile!”

Lynn truly understands the customer’s perspective. “Let’s be honest, nobody wants to come to a service department.  But if given the chance, I will try to make it less stressful, get the customer involved (showing them the benefits) in maintaining their vehicle and hopefully having them leave the dealership with a smile, knowing they were treated fair.”

You can find Lynn Kerley in the Uftring Pekin Service Department on almost any day of the week. Stop in and visit with her, or any of our service and sales team. If you’re looking to get your vehicle serviced for a great value and exceptional care, visit Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or call 877-672-1965 to make an appointment today. Click here to visit Uftring Pekin's service department website.