Essential Maintenance Services to Keep Your 2016 Cadillac XTS Classy

The Cadillac brand has featured many new and exciting vehicles over the past few years. Ones that are full of high-tech features and electronics, and even brimming with sports appeal. As current as consumers expect automotive brands to be, some wouldn’t mind sliding into a car that exudes a classic feel. So where can consumers find it? In the 2016 Cadillac XTS – a sedan that boasts that classic Caddy vibe.

But to keep that classy vibe, the 2016 XTS must be taken care of. This means staying on top of regular maintenance services. Otherwise, you increase the risk of your XTS needing expensive and extensive repairs. Save your time and money and keep your 2016 Cadillac XTS in excellent condition for years to come with these essential car maintenance services.

Check and Change Oil

Saying that oil is important to your car’s engine is an understatement. Not only is it important, it is crucial to its overall wellbeing. If you don’t provide your car with an adequate – and fresh – supply of oil, problems will arise.

No oil – or dirty oil – is detrimental to your car’s engine, causing it to wear out quickly. This will lead to engine repairs or replacements – both of which are very expensive. To avoid engine damage, check your oil level regularly to ensure there is enough, and also have your oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles.

Replace dirty air filter

When you get your oil changed, it is wise to also replace your engine’s air filter. The air filter works by catching all dirt and debris so it doesn’t get sucked into the engine. But overtime, your car’s air filter becomes dirty and clogged, starving your engine of the clean air it requires to run as it should. This leads to a reduction in gas mileage and horsepower, and will also cause your engine to run rough and stall out. How often you need to replace your air filter depends on two factors:

• How many miles you drive each year; and
• The atmospheric conditions endured during miles driven.

Check and maintain tire pressure

Tires are one of the most important components of your car. To ensure safety on the road, they must be properly inflated. Not only do properly inflated tires grip the road better than those that are under-inflated, but they will also save you money on gas by boosting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure once a month and before any road trips you plan to take. Also, be sure to check tire pressure when the seasons change because temperatures changes can lead to poor pressure.

Rotate tires

Along with keeping proper tire pressure, it is important to also rotate your tires. Tires must be strong to endure the amount of driving they are expected to perform. This means tackling steaming hot pavement, piles of ice and snow, plus ruts, bumps and other road imperfections. Due to the daily demands placed upon your tires, they gain wear and tear. While this is completely normal, you don’t want to let your tires wear out so quickly that you have to spend money and time replacing them every time you turn around. To slow tire wear and tear, it’s important to rotate them. By simply moving your tires from one wheel to the next, your tires will wear more evenly and you will save money.

Check out the 2016 Cadillac XTS and learn other important car tips at our Faulkner Cadillac dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.

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Common Car Seat Mistakes to Avoid

When toting around kids – no matter the age, you want to ensure you invest in a vehicle that will keep everyone as safe as possible. Enter the 2016 Cadillac CT6 sedan. Impressive in many ways, the CT6 especially stands out in safety protection. From all of the must-have safety equipment like airbags and rearview camera to upscale safety warnings and intervention systems, not a single spec of this sedan goes unprotected. Favorite safety features, included

• OnStar emergency telematics system
• Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Automatic braking system (including low-speed automatic braking)
• Night vision camera
• Rear camera mirror

But, as an everyday convenience and due to all of the latest safety features, it’s easy to forget how dangerous cars can be. It may be frightening to contemplate, but the reality is that even the shortest of drives can be catastrophic. Thousands of kids under age 16 are injured or killed in car crashes every year with many of them occurring due to car seat mistakes. According to the NHTSA, more than 7- percent of young automobile passengers are exposed to potentially fatal consequences – all because they are not strapped in properly.

To keep children safe in your vehicle, here are the most common mistakes to avoid.

Buying the wrong car seat. It’s easy to think all car seats are a one-size-fits-all product, but in truth, some will fit the design of your vehicle better than others. Car seats are meant to be strapped into your car via seat belts or the LATCH system (found in cars made post 2002). Tether straps should match up properly with the anchors inside your car and the seat should fit snuggly in the backseat. You also want to be able to easily handle the car seat. If installing or uninstalling is difficult, this leads to an increased change of dangerous situations occurring.

Incorrect car seat installation. When a car seat is installed, it should be so tightly secured that it effectively becomes part of your car’s structure. This means it should not be able to move more than an inch when you shake it from side to side, or when you pull it forward. The best way to ensure a tight fit is to pres your knee into the car seat and push your weight into it while tightening the seat belt or LATCH tether straps.

Strapping child in too loosely. Loose car seat straps may seem easy and more comfortable, but they don’t provide the security they are meant to. For car seat straps to serve their purpose, it is critical that they provide a snug fit. Car seats that feature a plastic harness clip should be placed level with your child’s armpits (across the chest) in order to securely hold their shoulders in place. If placed too low, the harness clip can damage vital organs in the events of a crash.

Turning seat around too early. Many parents can’t wait for the day when they can turn their child’s seat around so they can face forward. While you may think your child will be happier facing forward, turning their seat around too early can be a dangerous mistake. For optimal protection, children should remain in a rear-facing seat until they are at least a year old and 20 pounds. Infants are especially vulnerable to head and spine injuries if their car seat isn’t facing the back. So be sure to keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as possible.

For ultimate safety, the Cadillac CT6 sedan is an excellent choice. To check it out in person, and to test your child’s car seat for secure protection, drop by our Faulkner Cadillac dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA, near the Harrisburg Area.

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Play an Active Role in the Health and Longevity of Your ATS-V’s Tires with These Tips

For anyone that likes the speed, acceleration and all-around power and ambiance of a sport’s car, but don’t want to truly invest in one, the ultimate choice is the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe. The ATS-V Coupe is a stand out for the Cadillac brand, providing consumers with the opportunity to opt for a high-performance luxury car. Powered by a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the ATS-V Coupe delivers an unbelievable 465 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. With this type of power, this car is built for speed, showing off a zero-to-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds!

As the sole part of a vehicle that actually makes contact with the road, tires are crucial to the speed, acceleration, power, and overall safety the ATS-Coupe delivers. To keep your ATS-V Coupe’s tires on-road safe, there are a number of simple maintenance services you should provide them with. If you do, the pay off will be huge. Here are some ways to play an active role in the health and longevity of your tires.

Tire Checks

There are many ways in which you can check your tires to ensure they are in a condition that will keep you safe on the road. They include regularly checking your tires for proper air pressure and getting regular maintenance services like rotations, alignments and inspections. Checking your tire’s pressure means ensuring each tires has the correct amount of air. This simple maintenance service can make a real difference in how long your tires last. Under or over-inflated tires don’t wear evenly, which means they won’t last nearly as long as tires that are properly inflated.

Regularly rotating your tires between different positions will also make your tires wear evenly and last longer.

Inspect Tires

Along with regularly checking your tire’s air pressure and rotating them, you should also inspect them. This means checking their exterior for an visible damage like cracks, tears or excessive wear. It is also a good idea to have your tires checked by a professional once a year to further ensure your safety on the road.

Drive Safe

Sometimes we don’t always put two and two together, and in the case of tires, you may not realize that your driving habits may be damaging your tires. One way is via speed. The greater the speed of your vehicle, the greater the chance your tires have of being damaged by road hazards and heat build-up. Higher speeds also cause tires to lose air more rapidly. The scariest situation you may face is a sudden tire explosion, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Another vital way to keep your tires in good shape is by never exceeding their load capacity. Tires that are forced to withstand a weight that exceeds their maximum load capacity can build up an excess of heat. As a result, your tires may suffer sudden destruction – a situation that is very dangerous to you, your passengers, and also others on the road.

The Pay Off

Safety is the number one reason to stay on top of all needs required by your tires. But another reason is that you can save fuel – a pay off in both time and money.

Under-inflated tires are actually one of the largest causes of fuel loss. Why is this? Tires that are under-inflated have a higher rolling resistance. This is because without enough air, too much of the tires surface has contact with the ground. As a result, your vehicle’s engine exerts more force to try and get the tires and car moving – a process that leads to more fuel burned.

For more information on the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and tires, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA. We are nearby Carlisle, Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster.

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Important Preventative Maintenance Services to Stay On Top Of

Cadillac’s 2016 ATS provides a number of sought-after qualities in an entry-level sport sedan. Handling is excellent, the interior design is cutting edge, and great engine power makes it truly fun to drive. But a car is only a worthwhile investment if you provide it with all of the essential maintenance services it needs. If you don’t, your ride will fall from sleek and exciting to noisy and frustrating. To keep your 2016 Cadillac ATS running smooth for years to come, here are some important preventative maintenance services to stay on top of.

Inspections

No matter what vehicle you drive, you will need to take it in to certified professionals from time to time in order to have it inspected and maintained. But don’t solely rely on the professionals to inspect your vehicle because it’s just as important to perform your own inspections. To do this, give your car a once-over so you can catch anything that looks out of the ordinary and seek help before any serious problems occur. Here are some things to inspect.

• Lights. Check all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, high-beams and low-beams) to ensure they are still shining as they should. Any burnt out or poorly-lit bulbs should be replaced.
• Tires. Check your tires once a month (and before any road trips) to make sure they are in good condition. Check for proper air pressure, good treads, and any excessive wear and tear that may be hazardous to drive on.

Fluids

Your vehicle is made up of many different parts and systems that make it run. This includes a variety of fluids like antifreeze, power steering, coolant, windshield wiper fluid, gasoline, etc. Even if you don’t take the time to learn how to change these fluids, it’s a very good idea to learn how to check fluid levels. In fact, it is one of the simplest maintenance services you can do yourself. The first step is to simply pop the hood. In some cases, you will be able to view a tank level directly. In others, you will have gauges or dipsticks that can be pulled out to check fluid levels. Low fluid levels can lead to problems and dangerous situations. If your car is running low on a particular fluid, just add more. If fluid levels continue to run low, this could be a sign of a leak, which will require a trip to the mechanic.

Oil

Checking the oil level and changing the oil is one of the most crucial things you can do to maintain your vehicle. Motor oil is used as a lubricant to keep your car’s engine running smooth. When oil is left unchanged, you run the risk of damaging vital engine parts and also an overheating engine – both of which are time consuming and costly to fix.

There is no set time to check your oil level or have your oil changed. It depends on a number of factors like how often you drive, where you drive, the climate you live in, and so on. To figure out when you should have these services performed, check your owner’s manual or speak to a professional.

Tires

Tires are the sole part of your vehicle that has contact with the road, which shows you just how important they. Yet somehow tires are often ignored. In order for your car to drive smoothly – and safely – it’s important your tires wear evenly. The best way to have this happen is by getting your tires balanced and rotated. It is also a good idea to get your wheels aligned. A car that is fighting to drive straight on the road will suffer tires that are uneven and wear out quicker than they should. These three maintenance services are the ultimate way to spend less money on buying new tires as well as keep you and your passengers safe.

For more info on the 2016 Cadillac ATS and for any maintenance services your vehicle needs, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA. We are just a short drive from Carlisle, Harrisburg, York and Lancaster.

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Basic Tips to Wash Your Cadillac Escalade Like a Pro

TheCadillac Escaladeserves up many pros like strong V8 power, whisper-quiet interior, seating for up to eight, and a huge towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. When a vehicle gives you this much, you’ll want to give back to it in ways like maintenance and cleaning services.

For many, washing their vehicle is a chore they’d rather not have to deal with. But just like we need to shower regularly for good health, our vehicles require the same care. A car wash may seem straight forward, but there are some things to keep in mind so you don’t accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. To wash your car like a pro, here are some basic tips.

When to Wash

There is no designated time that your vehicle requires washing. The only way to know when it’s time is to simply look at your vehicle. Waiting until your car is covered in a good layer of dead bugs, tree sap and bird droppings is never a good idea. All of these things, along with other harmful environmental chemicals, etc. are damaging to your vehicle’s exterior, causing wax and paint to be stripped and chipped away. To avoid these problems, it’s important to wash these things off your vehicle as soon as possible. Rinsing your car once a week is the best way to keep the finish in optimal shape.

Cleaning Products

All cleaning products are not made equal. This should be kept in mind when choosing a cleaning agent to wash your car with. Household cleaners like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, and glass cleaner should never be used on your vehicle. These products are not formulated to use on a car’s paint and can actually strip off protective wax. Instead, use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.For your car’s surface, opt for soft, natural sponges or a lamb’s-wool mitt. For wheels and tires, use a separate sponge for cleaning. These areas are often coated in sand, brake dust, and other debris, which can wreck your car’s finish. Try mild soap and water first. If something strong is required, use a dedicated wheel cleaner. Just be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish used on your wheels (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.).

How to Wash

Believe it or not, some ways to wash your car are more ideal than others. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

• Don’t wash your car immediately after driving it or after it has been parked directly in the sun. When a vehicle’s body is hot, soap and water will dry at faster speeds. As a result, washing is more difficult and increases risk that spots or deposits will form.
• Don’t move your sponge in circles. This can cause light scratches or swirl marks to appear on your vehicle’s surface. The ideal sponge motion is lengthwise across the hood and other body panels.
• Do thoroughly rinse all surfaces of your car with water before you begin washing. This will remove loose dirt and debris that may cause scratching.
• Do concentrate on one section of your vehicle at a time. This will ensure there is plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries.

How to Dry

Letting your car air dry after a wash may be the simplest solution, but it is definitely not the optimal one. Doing so will leave watermarks. You also don’t want to use abrasive towels or other materials to dry your car because it can cause scratches on the paint. The best method is to use soft terry cloth towels and blot the water dry.

Learn more about the New Cadillac Escalade and other car tips and tricks when you visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA. We serve Carlisle, Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster.

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Shopping for a new car? Well … guess what! Cadillac has a brand new vehicle for you – the 2017 XT5. The XT5 stands as a compact SUV and offers luxury through and through. It excels in interior space and outward visibility, and shows off a striking design that pleases the senses. If you opt for a new ride like the 2017 XT5, there are many things you will need to do in order to keep it in good condition. Here’s a list of maintenance services to stay on top of to ensure your XT5 continues rolling smoothly and efficiently.

Replace Engine Air Filter. One lost-cost and easy way to maintain your vehicle is by regularly replacing the engine air filter. Your car’s engine requires a continuous flow of oxygen in order to run efficiently. But when your car’s engine is running, many things can be sucked into it, wreaking havoc on its air supply. This is why air filters are so vital to automotive engines. Air filters are like soccer goalies, used to block and catch anything that tires fly past it into the engine block. Over time, air filters become dirty and clogged, which lowers and even cuts off an engine’s air supply. If this happens, you run the risk of your engine overheating and becoming damaged as well as costly repairs. Avoid this and replace your air filter in a timely manner.

Change Spark Plugs. Spark plugs are an essential part of the overall makeup of your car. These vital plugs are used to deliver electric current from the ignition system to the combustion chamber. Just like most everything, spark plugs can wear out or become covered in buildup. If this happens, your engine will be unable to work efficiently. Not only will this problem eventually lead to a breakdown, but it will also cost you extra money in fuel so be sure to get this problem addressed as soon as possible.

Check, Rotate, Balance and Align Tires. Tires play a very important role in the makeup and safety of your vehicle. So don’t ignore them. The easiest way to take care of your tires is by routinely checking their air pressure and inspecting them for wear and tear. Tires with adequate air pressure are not only safer, but they also serve you better on the road. To check tires for wear, inspect the exterior of each tire for any bulges, rips, tears or flat spots. Tire treads should be checks, too, to ensure they are of an adequate depth.

You should also be sure to have your tires rotated and balanced, and have your wheels aligned. These services will help your tires wear evenly, which will make them last much longer and make your car driver smoother.

Replace Windshield Wipers. An important, yet often forgotten maintenance service is replacing windshield wipers. Poor visibility while driving puts yourself and others in danger. This being said, it is vital to have windshield wipers that are in good condition. Don’t wait until the view gets streaky. Instead, replace your windshield wipers at the first sign of trouble.

For more information on the 2017 Cadillac XT5 and all your maintenance needs, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.

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Key Things to Look For When Test Driving a New Car

When it comes time to begin the process of finding a new car, it all starts with some research. If you explore online you will find many stats about a vehicle like a list of features, photos, safety ratings and more. Take Cadillac’s 2016 SRX, for instance. As an entry-level crossover SUV, it offers many worthwhile qualities like an abundance of luxury and safety features ranging from leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats to cargo management system and 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. Learning tidbits like these may draw you to the dealership’s lot, but don’t pull your wallet out just yet. There is only one way to truly know if a car is the perfect choice for you, and that’s by taking it for a test drive. To ensure the 2016 SRX is the car for you, here are some keys things to look for when taking it for that first spin towards investment.

How do you fit?

Just as one pair of jeans isn’t going to fit everybody, neither will a car, so be sure it suits your frame. Are you tall enough to clearly see over the dashboard and around the front seats? Does the driver’s seat have the proper adjustments so you can comfortably reach the pedals? Are you able to sit at a safe and comfortable distance from the steering wheel? Just because you like the looks of a car doesn’t mean it’s the only car for you, so buy for it, not aesthetics.

How are the seats?

Comfort is very important when it comes to deciding if a car is right or you. Whether you use your car for short trips or long hauls, you don’t want your body to suffer in seats that are hard to endure. When on your test drive, be sure the driver’s seat hits your body in all the right places. It should provide proper support at your sides, back and even legs. The headrest should also not push your head to far forward, nor should it cause a slouched driving position.Even if you do not plan on ever riding in the backseat, it is also a good idea to check the level of comfort and support these seats provide. Is there enough headroom and legroom? Can is comfortably seat adults? If these are things that matter to you, be sure to include them on your test drive checklist.

Is it easy to maneuver?

When behind the wheel of a car, you want to make sure that driving it comes easily to you. This includes all sorts of different maneuvers like turning corners, changing lanes, backing up, and parking. Be sure to test out as many maneuvers as possible during your test drive and ask yourself questions like these:

• How is visibility?
• What’s the turning radius/maneuverability?
• Does it come with any parking aids like sensors or cameras?
• Will it easily fit in your designated parking space at work and home?

How does it drive?

Sometimes it can feel a little awkward when taking a car for a test drive. You’re with a salesman you don’t know, in a car you’ve never driven and don’t even own. Not to mention, there is also the pressure of whether or not you will actually buy the car heavily looming in the air. During a test drive, the best way to go about it is to take your time and don’t let this pressure make you tense behind the wheel. A test drive is the only chance you get to really check out a vehicle before buying it, so don’t waste the opportunity. You are allowed to take the vehicle off the dealer’s lot for a reason, so take advantage of it and take it for a real cruise around town, testing it on both city streets as well as on the highway. This will let you experience how it performs at slow, stop-and-go speeds along with fast, accelerating speeds. When you’re on the on-ramp to the highway, be sure to test acceleration to ensure it has the pep you want.

Want to take the 2016 Cadillac SRX for a test drive? Just visit us at our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA and we’ll hand you the keys. Find us nearby Carlisle, Harrisburg, York and Lancaster.

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There are tons of cars out there just waiting to be snatched up by you. Take the 2016 Cadillac CT6 sedan, for instance. This all-new luxury sedan offers abundant interior space, an engaging driving experience and draw-dropping styling. Sounds amazing, right? To ensure you wind up with a prize like the 2016 Cadillac CT6, here are some important steps to take when shopping for a new car.

Step 1: Research. Before you step foot on any dealership lot, you want to go in prepared. What’s the best way to prepare yourself for car shopping? With plenty of research. Nothing will make you realize just how many cars there truly are to choose from until you walk mile after mile, row after row of vehicles at a dealership. The choices can become overwhelming in an instant, so reduce the mind-numbing search by researching vehicles before you actually go car shopping. This way you can narrow down your choices to a few select vehicles.

Step 2: Get Pre-approved. Another important step to take before showing up at the dealership is to get pre-approved for a car loan. This is the best way to figure out how much you can afford and what kind of interest rate you can get. Knowing these things ahead of time will allow you to compare your pre-approved car loan with financing available at the dealership. In many cases, the dealership will actually be able to give you a lower annual percentage rate, so it’s always a good idea to compare between companies to find out who can best help you.

Step 3: Shop and Test Drive. After doing the necessary research and getting pre-approved for a car loan, you can finally head to the dealership fully locked and loaded to shop for a new car. By seeing some of your choices in person, it will be much easier to decide which car is right for you. Here are some helpful shopping and test-driving tips:

• Verify that the car you want is in stock.
• Ask the salesperson if the cars you look at come with any extra add-ons – this will affect the vehicle’s price tag.
• Schedule a test drive. This will lower the chance that you’ll have to wait a long time for a salesperson to help you.
• Don’t just drive around the block. Take the time to see how the car handles on a variety of roads.
• Ensure you check and see how you and your family fit in the car to make sure it will work for your needs.
• Ask yourself important questions, such as: Are controls easy to use? Is there enough cargo space? Are seats comfortable?

Step 4: Get the Price. If your test drive goes well and you feel you’ve found your perfect car match, it is time to get a price and check financing via the dealership. The dealership will check for loan pre-approval and rates by running a credit report. If the dealership approves you for a lower interest rate than you were previously given, go for it! If they cannot provide you with a lower rate, no worries, because you can still opt for your first pre-approval loan and rate.

Step 5: Close the Deal. If everything is right – price, financing and fees – it’s time to close the deal. To do this, you will head to the finance and insurance office at the dealership where you’ll sign the contract, as well as purchase any additional products, like extended warranties. During this time, it is very important to review the contract carefully. Make sure all numbers are correct and you are not being charged any additional fees.

To learn more about the 2016 Cadillac CT6 and for professional guidance buying a new car, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.

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The 2016 Cadillac XTS offers many things, like a spacious interior, cushy ride, abundance of high-tech features and luxury appeal throughout. But to keep this class-meets-modern sedan in good condition, you will have to have it serviced with regular maintenance and repairs. One of the most common automotive services mechanics deal with are brake maintenance and repairs. Without a properly working braking system, safety plummets, so it’s vital to always pay attention to the sound and feel of your brakes. Here are some ways to know if your sedan is in need of brake repairs.

Pulling. When you’re driving, does it feel as though your steering wheel has a mind of its own? If so, this could indicate a problem with the braking system, such as a stuck caliper. A stuck caliper causes friction on one wheel – a situation that results in your car pulling to the side where the caliper is stuck.

Another possible reason for pulling could be due to a collapsed brake hose, which causes calipers to move unevenly when the brakes are applied. It can also be due to uneven brake pads, which cause different amounts of pressure to be applied to each wheel.

Strange Sounds. When behind the wheel, it’s not just important to pay attention to the road and to feel how your car is behaving. It’s also important to keep your ears alert. Cars are equipped with a small indicator in the braking system that emits a high-pitched squeal when brake pads need to be replaced. This high-pitched squeal is loud enough to be heard while inside your car with the windows up – as long as the music isn’t excessively loud that is.

Along with the squealing sound provided by the braking system indicator, you should also be aware of any other noises when applying the brakes, such as a harsh grinding sound. This metal-against-metal noise means that your brake pads have been completely worn through. As a result, the metal of the calipers is grinding against the metal rotors. Not only is this an ineffective way to stop your car, it is also likely that you will damage your rotors. Brake pads are rather inexpensive and easy to replace, but if your cars rotors are damaged, you can expect costly repairs.

Vibrations. When you bring your car to a stop, does your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrate? If so, your braking system may be suffering from warped rotors. When rotors become warped, this means their surfaces are unevenly rubbing against the brake pads.

So what causes rotors to become warped? Rotors usually warp when under extreme stress for an extended period of time. The friction-generated heat caused by driving down steep hill or mountainsides, or by stopping frequently while towing something heavy causes the metal of the rotors to change shape. This change in shape results in the warping of rotors.

Finicky Pedal. When you press your brake pedal, what happens? Does it feel mushy, practically sinking to the floor before engaging the brakes? Or does applying the brakes cause them to grab immediately at even the slightest touch? Both of these things mean a potential braking system problem.

A mushy brake pedal could mean your pads are worn or that there is a problem with the braking system, like an air leak or brake fluid leak. A brake pedal that causes the brakes to grab at the slightest touch, however, could indicate an unevenly worn rotor or dirty or contaminated brake fluid.

While a finicky (mushy or grabby, for example) brake pedal is a warning sign of brake problems, there is one more warning sign to mention – a brake pedal that you have to press into the floor just to bring your car to a stop. If this is happening, your braking system may be experiencing a brake line obstruction or a problem with the vacuum system. Not only do both of the situations cause the brake pedal to be extremely hard to operate, but they also both require immediate attention from a certified professional.

For more information on the 2016 Cadillac XTS and for all of your automotive needs, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.

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Classic meets modern in the 2017 Cadillac XTS with the design of older-style cruisers of past mixed with piles of up-to-date technology. Sounds intriguing right? Well, there’s more. Here are the top three reasons to make the 2017 Cadillac XTS your next car.

Luxury Trims

The Cadillac XTS may be styled like cars of years past, but don’t let this fool you into thinking it is an out-of-date ride, because nothing is further from the truth. For 2017, the XTS is available in four trim levels. From the entry-level Base to the top Platinum collection, each trim is more luxurious than the last with massive amounts of high-tech equipment and features.

Take the Base trim, for example. It may be at the bottom of the lineup, but this doesn’t stop it from providing all sorts of upscale content. It comes with:

Adaptive suspension dampersRear air springs with automatic levelingHID headlightsLED taillightsHeated mirrorsKeyless entry and ignitionRemote startDual-zone automatic climate controlPower front seatsPower steering wheel

What’s especially impressive about the Base trim is its huge list of technology that will keep you both entertained and safe on the road. Tech items, include:

Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity4G LTE connection with WiFi hotspot capability8″ color touchscreen user interfaceApple CarPlayAndroid Auto smartphone integrationOnStar emergency telematics8-speaker Bose sound system with CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, USB connectivity and auxiliary audio input.

Incredible Safety Protection

One thing the Cadillac brand is known for is the excellent safety its vehicles provide. And in a category that holds such serious importance, why wouldn’t we list it as a top reason to invest in Cadillac’s 2017 XTS?

Not only does the latest XTS feature top-notch safety equipment, like antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, and airbags all around, but it also comes with tons of advanced safety systems, and has incredible scores in crash testing.

Standard safety systems include the OnStar emergency telematics system, which equips the XTS with:

Automatic crash notificationOn-demand roadside assistanceRemote door unlockingStolen vehicle assistanceTurn-by-turn navigation

There are also many safety systems available to the XTS if you choose to include them. They include:

Adaptive cruise controlForward-collision alertAdvanced forward-collision mitigation system with automatic brakingBlind-spot monitoringLane-departure warning and interventionRear cross-traffic alertRearview or surround-view camera systemDriver Alert seat

Pampering Interior

As a full-size sedan, the 2017 XTS provides a luxury experience through and through. But one thing that really makes it stand out from the crowd is its interior that is truly pampering. As a nearly 17-foot-long luxury sedan, you can expect to have room to stretch out. Passenger space is obviously highlighted because of this, providing ample accommodations in both front and rear. Cargo capacity is truly impressive with 18 cubic feet of space – one of the largest trunks on the market.

It’s impossible to discuss the interior of the XTS without mentioning its technology. Along its futuristic dash is the newly-redesigned gauge cluster. (The optional 12.3-inch gauge cluster is definitely the most intriguing.) With the CUE infotainment interface that integrates audio, phone, optional navigation, and OnStar functionality into an eight-inch haptic touchscreen display, this interface is very user-friendly, especially with its touch, swipe and pinch gesture commands.

For more reasons to make the 2017 Cadillac XTS your next car, drop by our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.

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