The Importance of Dealerships Responding to Reviews Online

Word of mouth used to be the most sought after advice when it is time to seek a dealership to buy a new car. The advice of a friend or family member was much more powerful than any advertisement that a dealership can put on TV or the radio. Now word of mouth endorsements have a prominent place online in the form of reviews. No longer are word of mouth recommendations relegated to close friends and family. Now more than ever, it is easier for consumers to go online and find out how other consumers feel about a dealership and their products. That's why it is so important for dealerships to respond to the reviews their consumers post. Just like they would thank a consumer in person for positive responses and remedy negative situations, dealers must manage their reputations online.

Being Present on Review Sites
Before dealers can respond to their customers, they must make sure that they are present on review sites. This is especially important considering 69% of consumers looking to purchase a vehicle will read comments about a dealership, according to Yahoo. Sites like Yelp, G+Places, Dealerrater.com, YP.com and Superpages are all major sites that all dealerships should have their information on. It is through these sites that consumers will post their comments or reviews about a particular dealership.

Dealerships should also encourage consumers to post reviews online about their dealership. According to the same study done by Yahoo mentioned above, 86% of reviews about dealers were positive. Recommendations from fellow consumers resonate much more with potential consumers researching a dealership than a dealer or salesman's recommendation. This positive word of mouth endorsement online can go a long way for a dealership trying to attract new consumers.

Used Car Parts Versus New Car Parts

In this tough economic climate it is always tempting to ignore that strange noise that you car is making. Does it need some expensive car parts that is either hard to find or expensive? This is not always the case and while buying parts can be expensive there are instances in which you can use a used part or recycled part.

Before buying used parts for your car here are a few simple tips to follow:

- Know the car part you need: There is nothing worse then ordering in a car part and it doesn't fit. Take the car part with you to the store. Don't be surprised though if it has to be special ordered.
- Don't be afraid to look like a novice: Those who buy and sell used parts deal with beginners everyday. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the car part you are ordering.
- If you are having trouble finding the car part you need don't be afraid to go to a local swap meet, wreckers or search online. Be aware, however, that when buying second hand the part is not always be returnable.

The next question you should be asking yourself when it comes to car parts is which car parts are OK to be reused and which should be bought new. Here is a simple guide for you to follow:

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

We hear it from our parents when we first get our license. Mechanics put little stickers as a reminder on our windshield. Over and over we're nagged to get our oil changed. But why does everyone insist it's so important? This article will hopefully give you those answers and get you onboard with getting your car's oil changed regularly.

What is an oil change for, exactly?

Simply put, oil is used in cars to lubricate the instruments. The lubrication is important to prevent friction, especially since our engines are designed with elements rubbing against each other to create energy. Because the engine demands so much use from the oil, eventually the chemical construction of the motor oil breaks down and can no longer provide lubrication. Without the lubrication, engine parts are rubbing directly against each other, the results of which can cause severe damage and, ultimately, stop working altogether. Therefore, old, less effective oil needs to be drained and new, fresh oil needs to be added to ensure proper lubrication.

Small bucks to save big bucks

On average, an oil change will cost between twenty and thirty dollars (sometimes less if you find a promotion). This pricing is for conventional oil, not synthetic oil. Synthetic motor oil will most likely be double the price, but that's because it's a higher performing oil. You can refer to your owner's manual or ask the mechanic which type is right for your car, but as long as you are keeping up on your oil changes, conventional oil is generally fine. For that twenty to thirty dollars spent now, you will be saving your engine from enormously costly repair down the line. Think of it as preventative medicine for your car. Plus, most mechanics will include other life-extending services along with your oil change such as tire pressure checks, hose inspections and transmission fluid top-offs.