Blog

Obtain A Used Car Choosing to buy a used car can be a highly beneficial decision, both for your driving life and for your wallet. However, it is crucial to know the important parts of the shopping process and what the steps are for buying a used car in NH. The staff at Portsmouth Used Car Center wants you to be totally comfortable with the process because we know there can be some hesitation around buying a used vehicle. That is why we’ve provided a summary of these key steps below, along with our assurance that we will address your concerns and questions. Browse our convenient steps for buying a used car in NH and then reach out to schedule a test drive. Factors to Consider We have three recommended areas to think about when shopping for a used car, truck, crossover, or SUV model. They are: • What Can You Afford? This is probably the most important to consider and one that will need to neatly fit into your budget. While an exotic Mercedes-Benz model may be appealing, it could be that an affordable Honda sedan is the right choice. Our finance professionals can help you narrow down the selections. • What Does Your Driving Life Need? This is a vital step for buying an NH used car: determining which vehicle configuration will make your everyday life easier. Sedans are ideal for long commutes, pickup trucks are great tools for the worksite, and SUVs are the perfect transports for family-friendly ventures. • Who Are The Experts? You need to know this so that you have a reliable source of information about your desired vehicle and its history. Portsmouth Used Car Center will have the answers in our in-depth Deal Jacket.* Shop Today Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we will be sure to provide you with more details on the steps for buying a used car in NH and how simple we make the process. Contact or visit our dealership and discover more affordable avenues of driving fun today. SHOP NOW *See dealer for complete details.

Embrace The Sun It’s true, spring has finally sprung and it is now time to remove the debris left by the snowy season. That means giving your current vehicle a much-needed refresh, which is why the service professionals at Portsmouth Used Car Center recommend you schedule a spring service appointment for your used car. Before you do that, you can kickstart the process right from your home by following several tips we have outlined below. Our technicians recognize you are raring to hit the open road, but it is vital your vehicle is in prime condition before traveling. Check out our convenient tips below and then contact our highly-skilled technicians to set up your spring service appointment for used cars today. DIY Advice Our service department suggests starting by: • Cleaning Your Vehicle. This is a solid place to start to get your automobile clutter-free because it applies to both your interior and exterior. Our technicians will ensure you receive a car wash when you set up your spring service appointment for your used car.* • Checking Key Components. Remember to carefully look over parts of your vehicle that may have been the most impacted by winter. These include your tires, windshield wipers, and all over your exterior. • Inspecting Your Fluids. A crucial spring cleaning tip for cars is to examine how much fluids, like windshield wiper fluid, are left in your vehicle. The Portsmouth Used Car Center service team will top you off while we perform maintenance on your car. • Scheduling Service. We are standing by to conduct work on your vehicle, ensure everything is in working order, and even point out detailed service specials you can enjoy. Spring Cleaning Done Right Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we hope you find these cleaning tips for your car useful. Reach out with any inquiries or to schedule your next spring service appointment for your used car today! SCHEDULE SERVICE *See dealer for complete details.

Worried About Nor’easters? It is a valid concern because those intense winter storms are infamous in the Granite State. The experts at Portsmouth Used Car Center understand that all too well and we want to do our part in ensuring you remain totally safe while you travel during the snowy season. That is why we have gathered a list of helpful tips for driving in the New Hampshire snow. Be sure to read them over and try them out on your next trip. Schedule Maintenance Before trekking across any tundra, it is imperative you set up a maintenance appointment with our knowledgeable service department. We will inspect your cherished ride and guarantee that your tires, hoses, fluids, heating, battery, and windshield wipers are in full working order. Have the Right Tires A solid tip for driving in the snow in New Hampshire is to install snow tires. Doing so will provide you with more grip and traction on icy road surfaces. Be Prepared for Emergencies There should always be an emergency kit of some kind within your vehicle. For winter, we recommend that you include warm clothes, extra food rations, necessary medication, chargers for electronic devices, water, ice scrapers, etc. Take Your Time One crucial tip for driving in the New Hampshire snow is to practice constant vigilance and use caution as you travel. Keep in mind to only use your brakes whenever necessary and make sure you come to a complete stop when you do. Always be mindful of other drivers, use your headlights at all times, and make sure you remain focused on the road ahead. Stay Safe During Snowfall Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we hope these tips for driving in the snow in New Hampshire will be invaluable to your journeys this winter. Our service technicians are standing by to examine your vehicle, so schedule your appointment today!

Protect Your Car While winter can be a beautiful season in New Hampshire, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. Heavy snowfalls, harsh winds, and sudden blizzards adversely affect the roads and even your vehicle. The service experts at Portsmouth Used Car Center want to help preserve its integrity, which is why we have gathered several tips on how to winterize your vehicle in NH. They range from bits of maintenance you can perform right at home to scheduling an appointment at our state-of-the-art service department. Browse our tips on how to winterize your vehicle in NH and contact our technicians for more information about protecting your vehicle from icy elements. How To Winterize Your Vehicle in NH: • Keep Your Car Covered. This is the simplest tip we can impart. You can store your vehicle in a garage or — if you do not have a garage — use a tarp or car cover to shield it from any precipitation. • Get Winter Tires. Changing from all-season tires to winter tires is key for handling cold weather, even when your vehicle is stored away for the season. The rubber in non-winter tires can harden during freezing temperatures, which decreases the overall grip your model has on the road. Our service technicians will gladly install the right set of winter tires for you. • Have Plenty of Fluids. Snowstorms and other winter weather phenomena can easily drain your windshield wiper fluid reserves. It is crucial to keep the fluids in your vehicle at a relatively high level. • Fill Up Often. We recommend you always have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. Keeping your tank full reduces the chance of condensation and helps prevent your gas lines from freezing up. Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we are standing by to further show you how to winterize your vehicle in NH. Schedule your next maintenance appointment with us today!

Summer is fast approaching and that means plenty of road trips to explore the great state of New Hampshire in your used Kia model while you bask in the warm sunshine. However, your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH wants to remind you how important it is to inspect your Kia Optima, Kia Sorrento, Kia Sedona, or other Kia model after the weather finally clears up. Wintertime, especially in the New England region, can be extremely harsh and have negative impacts on your vehicle. At Portsmouth Used Car Center, we want you to be able to rely on your used Kia model and not have to worry about it suddenly falling apart on you while out on the road. That is why we recommend you schedule an appointment with our expert service department before you head out on a thrilling road trip. You also can inspect several components of your used Kia in Portsmouth before bringing it to us. These include: - Look Over Your Tires. Take a good look at the condition of your tires. If they seem rundown, come to Portsmouth Used Car Center. We will make sure they are in top condition as well as rotate your all-season radials. - Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades. Your windshield wiper blades are used frequently during the winter season and also can become corroded from salt treatments placed on the road to melt ice. Your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH thinks it is a great idea to look over your wiper blades and get them replaced if needed. - Examine Your Exterior. It is very important to inspect the status of your used Kia model after the winter season ends. Damp or harsh conditions, ice treatments on road surfaces, rough terrain, and other factors can take a toll on your paint job and underside. A high-pressure sprayer is very useful to remove any build-up from salt, and a service appointment with your Portsmouth Used Kia dealer will get your vehicle looking brand-new. - Gauge Your Fuel Levels. You will certainly want to check the levels of your antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. Even if they aren’t that low, we still recommend that you top them off for good measure. - See How Your Brakes Are Doing. Your brakes are among the most important components for driving in the winter. That places a large amount of stress on them and causes them to break down at a faster rate. You should listen for harsh squealing or grinding noise as you drive down the road. Even if you don’t hear anything, it is smart to have them inspected by our dedicated service department. At Portsmouth Used Car Center, we hope that these tips can help you identify if there are any issues in your used Kia in Portsmouth caused by the winter season. We cannot wait to provide you with the outstanding maintenance you need to truly enjoy the summer. Give your used Kia model the care that it deserves and schedule a service appointment with us today!

While enjoying your drive, it can be highly stressful to glance down at your dashboard and suddenly notice that your Check Engine light is on. However, the expert team at Portsmouth Used Car Center, your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH, does not want you to worry when that happens. There are several reasons why this light comes on, all of which can be taken care of by our highly-trained service technicians. We will be sure to get that light turned off and answer any questions that you have about making sure your car, truck, or SUV model is in its best condition. Here are some possible reasons why your Check Engine Light turns on: - Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Your oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system of your vehicle. If this sensor is not working properly, your engine will burn more fuel than it actually needs to and reduces your overall fuel economy. Having a faulty oxygen sensor can also damage your spark plugs and catalytic converter. - Missing/Damaged/Loose Gas Cap: The gas cap of your vehicle seals your fuel system and is crucial in maintaining pressure within your fuel tank. It also stops gasoline fumes from being released. If there is an issue with the cap, you might discover that you are losing fuel through evaporation and having to go to the gas station more frequently. The professionals at your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH recommend that you regularly inspect the status of your gas cap. - Broken Catalytic Converter: This component of your vehicle converts hazardous carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If you neglect taking care of it, it can lead to lessened performance and fuel economy, and your vehicle will operate at a higher temperature than normal. It is important for you to bring your vehicle to the experienced service department at Portsmouth Used Car Center and have your catalytic converter inspected. - Outdated Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air that enters your engine to determine exactly how much fuel is needed for it to operate at peak performance. If it is not replaced, your spark plugs, oxygen sensors, or catalytic converter can become damaged. This will lead to poor fuel economy and performance. - Broken Spark Plugs or Plug Wires: The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in your combustion chamber. The plug wires are responsible for delivering the spark from your ignition to the spark plugs. By neglecting to replace them, your vehicle will suffer from reduced performance and internal damage. Let the service professionals at your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH take care of your spark plugs and wires. Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we want you to know exactly what to do next whenever your Check Engine light comes on. Schedule a service appointment with us today!

Driving during winter can be a stressful experience. Between blinding snow, slippery ice, and a frozen engine, any number of issues can occur when you travel during winter. Your home for used cars in Portsmouth NH always wants you to be safe when you drive. We have gathered some great tips for you to follow this winter that will bring you peace of mind knowing that you are driving as safe as possible. - Don’t drive when you’re tired. Always get the rest you need before driving this winter. - If you’re driving in snow, make sure you accelerate and decelerate as slowly as you can. Doing this will optimize your level of traction and minimize skidding. You should always stop and turn as slowly as possible in order to stay safe. - Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct level. Intense temperature changes can lead to fluctuating levels of pressure. Too much air will decrease your tires’ traction, while not enough air will decrease efficiency as more power will be needed to move those tires. - Prevent a gas line freeze-up by making sure that your tank is always at least halfway full. - Avoid using your cruise control when you are driving in slippery conditions like ice or freezing rain. - Keep track of weather reports in the areas where you will be driving. The weather near your house might be fine, but the ride may get treacherous as you near your destination. You should always wait to travel at the safest times whenever possible. - Get your vehicle inspected, and get any issues repaired at the Portsmouth Used Car Center service department before you leave. - You should always know your braking power and be ready to use them if needed, but if you don’t have to stop, try not to. Slowing down whenever you can is always a better option than trying to come to a complete halt in the snow. - Don’t try to apply extra power when you go up a hill. Let natural momentum carry you to the top and then decrease power slowly once you reach the peak of the hill. - Always bring backup supplies such as blankets, clothes, food, and water in case you get stranded. - If you get stuck in snow, don’t leave your vehicle. Blowing snow can impair your vision,  and you will spend all of your energy trying to push or dig your vehicle out. Just stay in your vehicle until the storm subsides or help arrives. - Attach a bright piece of cloth to your vehicle so that first responders will be able to find you easily. - Run the engine only long enough to stay warm, and make sure there isn’t any snow clogging up the exhaust pipe. The best advice that your Portsmouth used Ford destination can give is to avoid traveling at all during winter storms if possible. If the weather is terrible, it is always a good idea to stay inside. If you do have to travel through the snow and ice, make sure that you always follow these tips so you can drive as safely as possible during the winter season.