5 Tips for Teen Drivers

Driving a car is an exciting time in a young person's life. It's a right of passage for many sixteen-year-olds. While this is a thrilling time, it's important to keep safety top of mind. As your trusted car dealership in California, MO, we want to help keep you and your family safe. Take a look below to learn some of these safety tips for teen drivers!

1) Put The Phone Down

A phone can be a major distraction, especially for young drivers. Texting while driving is very dangerous. Even if you don't feel like your eyes leave the road for very long, the driving conditions can change in a split second. Your reaction can be delayed if you are distracted by the phone. A phone call is also distracting. Try to reduce the amount of time spent on the phone when operating a vehicle.

2) Keep an Eye on the Speed

It can be tempting to speed for the thrill or if you are running late. It's important to follow the speed limit when driving. Not only are you endangering yourself, others on the roadway are more at risk if you speed. You are also more likely to get a speeding ticket on your record, which can impact your car insurance rates.

3) Reduce Distractions

Anything that pulls your full attention away from the road is not good when driving. The radio dial, eating food, taking a drink, and fishing for something in the back seat are all examples of distractions while driving. Try to reduce the number of things that pull your attention away from operating the vehicle.

4) Drive Without Passengers

Passengers can be very distracting. From jamming to your favorite song to listening to a story, there are a number of ways your friends can pull your attention away from driving. It's best to have clear boundaries set for anyone who rides in your car. Tell them that you need to focus on driving so it's best to keep noise to a minimum.

5) Drive Defensively

When operating a vehicle, keep in mind the conditions on the roadway can change very quickly. Always be on the lookout for what other drivers are doing and what they may or may not do. It's best to be on the defense when it comes to other drivers on the road. This will help you keep in mind what actions you should take if an urgent situation does arise.

Now that you know these teen driver safety tips, you can start encouraging them as your youngsters take the roadway. If you have a child turning sixteen soon, it may be time for a new ride. Whether you want to buy a new car in mid-Missouri for your new driver or want to hand down your ride and treat yourself to a new one, Spieler's Inc. is here for you. We can help find a vehicle to meet the needs of you and your family!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Top Tips to Maintain Your Tires

Your tires are an important part of your vehicle. From gripping the ground around corners to pushing water away from the tire and pavement for solid contact, there are a number of ways that tires help your vehicle drive well. Since they play such a vital role in your vehicle, it's important to maintain your tires. Our mid-Missouri car dealership knows how important good tires are for your safety. Take a look below to see how Spieler's Inc. can help you maintain your tires.

Rotation

Rotating tires can help to keep them wearing evenly and elongate the lifespan. When your tires are rotated, the back tires and front tires are swapped. This helps to gain maximum life and performance out of your tires. Tires on a vehicle that is front wheel drive may wear unevenly because the tires are used to grip, causing the surface to wear down quicker. If you notice uneven wear when you inspect your tires, you may need to schedule a tire rotation, before heading on a road trip.

Balance

A properly balanced tire helps to minimize uneven wear and extend the life of the tires. When a tire is balanced, small weights are attached to the wheel in order to limit vibration of the tire and wheel as they turn. If you notice a vibration when driving, schedule a tire balance for your vehicle.

Alignment

Proper tire alignment promotes even tire wear and helps to keep your vehicle headed straight when driving on the road. Each vehicle has proper alignment recommendations for the make and model. Over time, traveling on bumpy roads or running over something, your tires can get out of alignment. If you experience drifting or pulling, when you drive your vehicle, it may be time for an alignment.

Replacement

Over time, your tires will naturally wear down and need to be replaced. New tires can help keep you and your family safe on the road, as you travel out of town for the holidays. It is also a good idea to ensure your tires are in proper condition before winter weather strikes in the area. New tires, with good tire tread, can help your vehicle grip when traveling on slick, snow-covered roads

You are now ready to check your tires for signs of needing maintenance. If you notice uneven wear, it may be time for an alignment, balance, or rotation. Your tires may need to be replaced if you notice the tread wearing down on them. For the overall safety of you, your passengers, and others on the roadway be sure to inspect your tires on a regular basis. Our car dealership near Jefferson City, MO is here for all of your vehicle maintenance needs - including tire rotation, balance, alignment, and replacement. We look forward to helping to keep you and your family safe on the road with a new set of tires this winter!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Tips to Improve Your Credit to Buy a New Ride

Buying a vehicle is a major purchase. Often times a loan is required to make this large of a purchase. Whether you have your own loan source or use our dealership resources, your credit is a major factor in your car loan. If you are preparing to buy a new vehicle in mid-Missouri, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the process. To get the best car loan possible, you may want to improve your current credit score. This week, we've focused our blog on tips to help you up your credit score.

Know Where You Stand

To begin the car buying process, it's important to know your current credit situation. Check your credit score to get an idea of where you stand. At this point, you can evaluate what changes should be made to improve your score, if needed. It's hard to make improvements if you don't know what your current situation is. It's best to be informed, especially when it comes to your credit.

Pay Down Current Debt

Try to make more than the minimum payments on your current debts. Once a large amount of debt is racked up, it can take a long time to pay it down if you are only making the minimum required. To get your debt under control to improve your credit score, make larger payments toward your debt. Try to pay the debt off instead of grouping debt together into one payment.

Avoid Adding New Debt

While financing a vehicle is adding new debt, try to limit the amount of debt you are adding to your credit score. If you want to buy a new car, don't rack up your credit card bills or take out a new loan for another expense, if you can avoid it. Adding debt back to back can throw up a red flag for financers and hinder your loan rate.

Limit Running Credit Reports

While checking your credit report is important, try to avoid running your report over and over. This can temporarily lower your score. Stick to limiting the people who run your credit report, if at all possible.

Make Payments On Time

A late payment is a red flag for many lenders. Try to improve your current score by keeping up with your bills. Payment history does impact your credit score and it's best to make payments on time.

Now that you know these tips to improve your credit, you are ready to start making changes. Once you are ready to buy a new vehicle, stop by our car dealership in California, MO. Our experienced sales team can help you find exactly what you are looking for! Here at Spieler's Inc., we look forward to helping you find the car of your dreams!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Suprise Your Valentine with a New Set of Wheels

Valentine's Day is coming up quickly. Now's the time to line up your gift for that special someone in your life. If you've heard your love wish for a new vehicle, now is your time to surprise them! Here at Spieler's Inc., we know how important it is to find the right vehicle for all of your needs. We'd be honored to help you select a new ride to give to your Valentine this year!

2017 Dodge Durango GT

This Certified Pre-Owned 2017 Dodge Durango GT has passed Dodge's rigorous certification process. With fewer than 25,000 miles on the odometer, this 4 door sports utility vehicle excels in its class. It's equipped to provide comfort, safety, and style. Comfort and convenience were prioritized within, evidenced by amenities such as: heated front and rear seats, power door mirrors and heated door mirrors, and power seats. It features all-wheel drive versatility, an automatic transmission, and a refined 6 cylinder engine. This sweet ride is an eye-catcher and won't be on the lot long!

2017 GMC Acadia SLT

This 2017 GMC Acadia SLT-1 is both practical and stylish! With less than 20,000 miles on the odometer, this 4 door sports utility vehicle prioritizes comfort, safety, and convenience. Top features include power windows, a rear window wiper, heated seats, and leather upholstery. A 6 cylinder engine with more than 300 horsepower and all wheel drive keeps this model firmly attached to the road surface. Well tuned suspension and stability control deliver a spirited, yet composed, ride and drive. This sleek GMC offers great comfort and drive features.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Safety and comfort are top priority on this 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited. Certified Pre-Owned status has been achieved in this ride, passing Jeep's rigorous certification process. With less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, this 4 door sports utility vehicle excels in its class and is equipped to provide comfort, safety, and style. Leather upholstery, an outside temperature display, turn signal indicator mirrors, and cruise control are top features on this ride. An automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine offer a smooth ride for driver and passengers.

Now that you've seen some of the great new rides we have, you're ready to come check it out in person. Stop by our California, MO car dealership to see our current selection. Whether you are looking for a new ride or a pre-owned set of wheels, our sales staff can help you pull off your grand surprise! We look forward to helping you treat your love to a new set of wheels this Valentine's Day.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Change a Tire

Even if you use caution and check your tires on a regular basis, there is always a chance that you will end up with a flat. A flat tire can put a damper on your day, especially if you have somewhere you need to be.  Whether you walk out to your car in a parking lot and notice a flat tire or have a blow out while driving, there is a good chance that sometime in your life you will need to change a flat tire. As the best car dealership near Jefferson City, MO, we want you to feel confident if you have this unfortunate event occur. If you do notice a flat tire, simply follow the steps below and you will be back on the road in no time.

Evaluate Your Situation

Once you notice a flat tire, take a look around. Ensure you are in a safe location to change out the tire. If you are on the side of the road, try to draw attention to your vehicle. An orange cone or flashers on your vehicle can help to notify other motorists that you having issues and working on your car.

Get Your Tools Together

After you are in a safe environment to change a tire, the first step is to get your spare tire out and ready to replace the old. You will also want to gather all tools needed to change the tire. Having these items nearby can help the process go quicker and more smoothly.

Loosen Your Lug Nuts

While the tire is still on the ground, use your wrench to loosen the lug nuts. The counter pressure of the tire on the ground helps to easily loosen the lugs. It can be difficult to loosen the nuts if it is suspended in the air and spinning.

Jack the Car Up

Once the lugs are loosened, you can use your vehicle’s jack to raise the car up. This helps to take the weight of the vehicle off the tire that needs to be removed.

Take the Lug Nuts Off

Now that the tire is up off the ground, you can finish removing the lug nuts. They should easily spin off now that you have loosened them before the car was jacked up.

Remove & Replace Tire

After the lugs are removed, you can take the flat tire off and place it to the side. When placing the spare tire, line up the bolts with the holes in the rim.

Secure the Lug Nuts

After the bolt and rims have been lined up, it’s time to screw the lug nuts back on the tire. After you get all the lugs replaced and hand tightened, you can lower the jack back down. After the vehicle is back on the ground, use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts on as tight as possible. This will hold the tire on the vehicle’s frame, so it’s important to tighten them well.

Here at Spieler’s Inc., we always want you to be safe and know how to handle a flat tire if you need to change one. While there are precautions, you can take to avoid wearing your tires out quickly, sometimes it is just bad luck. Now that you are more educated about changing a flat tire, you can feel more confident if you find yourself in this situation. To help avoid blowing out a tire, have us look at your tires next time you are in for an oil change. We look forward to helping keep you safe on the roadways in mid-Missouri!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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10 Things You Should Keep In Your Ride This Winter

You may think you are ready to hit the road with keys and a full tank of gas.... but winter driving conditions may call for added items in your vehicle. The winter weather in mid-Missouri is unpredictable and can change unexpectedly. It's best to always be prepared, even if there is no snow or ice in the forecast. During the winter months, there are some extra items to keep near when you are traveling. Here at Spieler's Inc., we know how important it is to remain safe and prepared when driving in the winter. As your trusted car dealership in California, Missouri, we've provided a list below of items to keep in your vehicle during the winter months.

Blanket

Keep a blanket or coat nearby when driving in the winter. If you get stranded on the side of the road, it's best to be able to keep your body heat near yourself. A blanket and/or coat is a great way to do this. It's also a good idea to keep an extra pair of socks and gloves in your vehicle. If you need to get out and work on the vehicle or change a flat tire, your hands will get cold very quickly. It's best to keep your extremities - feet and hands - as warm as possible!

Non-Perishable Food

If you get stranded for a period of time, you and your passengers may start to get hungry. Having non-perishable food items can help to ensure your food is not expired if you find yourself in a situation in which you need to eat it. Crackers, canned food, and dried fruits and meat are all good options for items that will not go out of date quickly.

Snow Shovel

Just in case, it's nice to have a shovel handy. If you do need to dig your vehicle out of the snow, you can more easily accomplish this with a shovel. Many times a car's tires slide on a slick surface. Digging the snow away from the tire can help it gain traction on solid ground. It's also helpful to keep sand or kitty litter to help encourage tire traction on the snow or ice.

First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit should always be in your vehicle, but we like to re-address this item on our winter list. If someone is injured and you cannot reach help right away, a first aid kit may help. When digging a vehicle out of snow or changing a tire, an injury may occur. The first aid kit you have in your vehicle can come in handy in this situation, as well.

Ice Scraper

An ice scraper can easily remove ice or snow from your windows. Turning the heat up inside your vehicle can help, but an ice scraper can speed along the process. Many people who park inside a garage may think they don't need an ice scraper, but your vehicle may not always be protected from the winter elements.

Jumper Cables

With the bitterly cold temperatures of winter, many batteries drain quickly. Jumper cables can help to boost your vehicle's battery with the assistance of another vehicle. To be covered, it's best to have your own set of jumper cables in case the vehicle who is assisting you doesn't have any.

Gas Can

Running out of gas is a frustrating situation. If your vehicle runs out, you won't have any way to keep your car warm in the winter months. A spare gas can with some gasoline in it can help you get to the nearest gas station to fill up, should you run out. As a rule of thumb, it's best to not let your vehicle get under a half tank of gas to help from running out in the cold winter months.

Flashlight

If you get stranded in your vehicle at night, a flashlight may be your only light source available. If you slide off the side of the road in a winter storm, it may be very difficult for help to find you. A flashlight usually catches the eye of a passerby who may be able to assist you and get help to come your way.

Tool Kit

A basic tool kit can be used to make minor repairs to your vehicle. If a cable comes loose or you need to change a tire, a tool kit can be a handy item to have in your vehicle.

Tow Strap

A tow strap can help you pull out your vehicle if you have the assistance of another driver. If you slide off the road due to winter weather, you may need the help of a tow strap or chain to drag your car back onto the road.

Is your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions? If not, you now have a great list of items to keep in your ride. Simply stow these items in your back seat or trunk so you are always prepared, should you be involved in an accident or break down during the cold months. If you are interested in checking out a new four-wheel drive vehicle, we have a TON of options currently in stock. Stop by our mid-Missouri car dealership to see our current selection. We look forward to helping you buy a new truck or SUV in mid-MO this winter!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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New 4X4's at Spieler's Inc.

Are you dreaming of a new ride this winter? A four-wheel drive may be the best option for you and your family, especially in mid-Missouri. Our California, MO car dealership has a wide range of new vehicles, ready for you to come check out! If you are interested in a vehicle that can easily get around during winter weather, we have plenty for you! Check out the rides below to see just a few of the vehicles found at Spieler's Inc.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 4x4

Top style features can be found in this sleek 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. This practical ride offers a ton of amenities for you and your family. Dual climate control, remote start, Jeep active drive II, and an off road suspension can be found in this Cherokee. It's a great ride for an individual or family.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4

This smooth ride is exceptional and affordable! Heated seats and power moon roof are just a few of the great amenities found in this 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Start exploring all the area has to offer in this exciting new ride. The Hydro Blue Pearlcoat exterior is a unique, show-stopping color. This one won't be on the lot long - come in for a test drive today.

2018 Ram 1500 Laramie

Providing comfortable space for all five passengers, this 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie contains top of the line features. Dual climate control, parking sensors, and a next-generation engine controller are just a few of the great features included in this model. Power and usability are both top priorities in this stylish truck. The beautiful Blue Streak Pearlcoat exterior paint helps this ride stand out on the road. Cruise around in style when you purchase this new truck at Spieler's Inc.

2018 Ram 2500 Laramie

Experience the rush when you drive this 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie! The turbocharged technology offers superb power while keeping the fuel economy in check. Heated seats, found in this ride, are a popular feature for the winter months. Its bedliner can help to protect when hauling equipment. Stability control helps to offer a smooth and comfortable ride for all.

Are you ready to come test drive one of these slick rides? With many options available in the four-wheel drive department, stop by our car dealership in California, MO. Our sales staff can help you find the exact ride you are looking for. If it's something we don't have in stock, we can custom order a new vehicle for you! Stop by our dealership this weekend to check out our current selection!                                                                                                                                             

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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