Should You Purchase an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is a plan you can purchase that will cover some of the repairs that may arise while owning a car. Most new cars come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers the car’s repairs for a limited amount of time and it is generally included in the price of the car. An extended warranty typically kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty ends, but costs an additional fee. Our Cadillac Dealership in Romeoville, like all Hawk dealers, offer competitive extended warranty options.
Benefits of an Extended Warranty
The primary benefit of an extended warranty is that expensive repairs can be covered if you get into an accident or your car starts breaking down unexpectedly. The financial burden of an accident like this can cause great strain...
Benefits of an Extended Warranty
The primary benefit of an extended warranty is that expensive repairs can be covered if you get into an accident or your car starts breaking down unexpectedly. The financial burden of an accident like this can cause great strain...
Knowing When to Service Your Brakes
When you bring your car in to the mechanic for any routine maintenance, it is a good idea to ask them to check your brakes to see how much life is left in them. However, if you haven’t had your car for any type of repair or inspection in a while, and you’re wondering if your brakes need to be serviced, there are several telltale signs that will help you determine if they do.
Brakes are often the noisiest component of a car when there is an issue, which means you should be able to hear something out of the ordinary if the brakes require servicing. You may hear a squeal when you are not stepping on the brake – that disappears when you do apply pressure to the brake pedal. Those are “brake wear indicators,” which are pieces of metal built into disc brake pads to let you know that your brake pa...
Brakes are often the noisiest component of a car when there is an issue, which means you should be able to hear something out of the ordinary if the brakes require servicing. You may hear a squeal when you are not stepping on the brake – that disappears when you do apply pressure to the brake pedal. Those are “brake wear indicators,” which are pieces of metal built into disc brake pads to let you know that your brake pa...
Keeping Your Car Safe in Warm Weather
Drivers in Illinois are expected to safely drive in a wide variety of weather. From the frigid winters to the scorching summers, your car needs to endure extreme temperatures and still function safely. As drivers, it’s important to take the right steps to take care of your used Cadillac in Lockport to help extend its life and to stay safe while you’re on the road. Here are some hot weather driving tips from our team at Hawk Cadillac.
Don’t Forget to Check the Battery
Extreme heat can take a toll on your car if you aren’t prepared. The heat can cause your battery to break down and ultimately fail. Make sure that your battery is securely attached and not loose in any way. You can also clean any corrosive substances that you see building up on cable clamps or battery terminals to prevent furthe...
Don’t Forget to Check the Battery
Extreme heat can take a toll on your car if you aren’t prepared. The heat can cause your battery to break down and ultimately fail. Make sure that your battery is securely attached and not loose in any way. You can also clean any corrosive substances that you see building up on cable clamps or battery terminals to prevent furthe...
Used Car Shopping: What to Look For
Purchasing a used Cadillac in Channahon is not only exciting, but it may be overwhelming at the same time. Thankfully, our team at Hawk Cadillac can help you find the perfect used car for you, always factoring in your budget and your overall needs.
As a starting point, consider the following factors when determining what used car is best for you at this time. Our team is always happy to answer your questions along the way as well!
Low Mileage
Considering the mileage on potential vehicles that catch your eye is a good place to start, as it can help determine approximately how much longer the car will be able to operate. Low mileage is always ideal, but make sure that the car hasn’t been sitting for years without being operated. High mileage on a used car isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, howeve...
As a starting point, consider the following factors when determining what used car is best for you at this time. Our team is always happy to answer your questions along the way as well!
Low Mileage
Considering the mileage on potential vehicles that catch your eye is a good place to start, as it can help determine approximately how much longer the car will be able to operate. Low mileage is always ideal, but make sure that the car hasn’t been sitting for years without being operated. High mileage on a used car isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, howeve...
Tips for Preparing Your Car for Spring
Finally, winter’s behind us, and spring is here. If you’re already thinking about a summer road trip and you’re in the market for either a new or used Cadillac in Lockport, we hope you’ll come see us at Hawk Cadillac where we always have a great inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.
Whatever you’re driving, you need to get your vehicle ready for the months ahead, and here are some areas of your vehicle that will need some spring-prep attention.
Undercarriage
During a Chicagoland winter you’re driving through slush, snow and deicing treatment, often including a lot of salt. Left on your undercarriage, that accumulation of gunk can lead to corrosion and serious damage to your vehicle. IF you have a sturdy jack you can wash away a lot of it yourself simply using a garden hose and water, or al...
Whatever you’re driving, you need to get your vehicle ready for the months ahead, and here are some areas of your vehicle that will need some spring-prep attention.
Undercarriage
During a Chicagoland winter you’re driving through slush, snow and deicing treatment, often including a lot of salt. Left on your undercarriage, that accumulation of gunk can lead to corrosion and serious damage to your vehicle. IF you have a sturdy jack you can wash away a lot of it yourself simply using a garden hose and water, or al...
Tips on Financing a Used Car
If you want to drive home in a great pre-owned vehicle without breaking the bank, financing your used car might be the perfect solution. However, it’s important to get the best rate possible so you can put more cash into getting what you want instead of paying off interest. To help you, Hawk Cadillac in Joliet is here with some tips for financing a used Cadillac in Minooka, New Lenox, Channahon, or Lockport.
Check Your Credit Score
Individuals with high credit scores will likely be approved for options that offer better terms and more affordable rates than those with lower scores. Therefore it’s a good idea to check your score before you apply for financing. If it’s too low, you may have difficulty getting approval for the financing options you’re hoping for.
Increase Your Credit Score if you...
The Effect of Cold Weather on Your Car’s Fuel Levels
Brutally cold temperatures are finally starting to hit Chicagoland. While we are reaching for our extra-warm coats and mittens, have you stopped to consider the impact that the cold has on your car? Unfortunately, certain studies show that cold temperatures can have a negative impact on your car’s fuel economy during the frigid winter months. You may notice that your used Cadillac in Channahon requires more fuel than during the summer months. Here’s what you need to know.
Fuel Economy is Lower
Government fuel tests show that fuel efficiency is roughly 10 percent lower at 23 degrees fahrenheit than it is at 68 degrees fahrenheit. Additionally, if you are driving under 4 miles at a time, your fuel economy can decrease by as much as 20 percent when the temperature is below freezing.
The Weather ...
3 Car-Buying Mistakes
Purchasing a new vehicle from our Cadillac dealership in Plainfield is an extremely exciting experience! However, many first-time car buyers struggle with certain aspects of the process and may end up making mistakes that could ultimately be avoided. Help eliminate buyer’s remorse by taking the following advice from our team at Hawk Cadillac.
Involving Emotions
We’ve all been there: seeing a car model for the first time and instantly falling in love with it. Becoming too infatuated with a particular model may result in missing other great alternatives that are ultimately a better fit for your needs or budget. Make sure that you consider all of your options before committing to one car.
Not Taking a Test Drive
Make sure to test drive the car that catches your eye at least once before buying it....
Must-Have Cold Weather Car Accessories
You don’t want to be caught in the dead of winter without the tools and accessories needed to handle a roadside emergency. To help ensure safe travels, no matter the crisis, from Hawk Cadillac, your used Cadillac dealer in Minooka, here are eight winter must-haves for your car.
1. Folding shovel
This tool, especially one with serrated teeth for breaking ice, is essential to dig out of the snow.
This tool, especially one with serrated teeth for breaking ice, is essential to dig out of the snow.
2. Ice scraper and brush
Needed to clear snow and ice off the windshield and lights before driving.
Needed to clear snow and ice off the windshield and lights before driving.
3. Jumper cables
Winter weather puts a huge strain on your battery, and these are an absolute must-have.
Winter weather puts a huge strain on your battery, and these are an absolute must-have.
4. Flashlight or headlamp
During shorter winter days, one of these can be a lifesaver when changing a tire or performing other minor repairs.
During shorter winter days, one of these can be a lifesaver when changing a tire or performing other minor repairs.
5. Empty gas can
This can save you the price of a tow. If possibl...
This can save you the price of a tow. If possibl...
Protecting Your Car from Frigid Temperatures
A couple of things most of us can agree on are, first, if you’re looking for a used Cadillac in Lockport, Hawk Cadillac should be your destination, because we always maintain a great inventory of new and pre-owned Cadillacs. Second, we can all agree that our winters are long, brutal and potentially tough on your vehicle, and here are some of our best tips to protect your car for the long haul.
Protect your battery
Your car battery can lose up to 60 percent of its strength when temperatures plunge. So, it’s a good idea to start your car every day and let it run for 15-20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.
Your car battery can lose up to 60 percent of its strength when temperatures plunge. So, it’s a good idea to start your car every day and let it run for 15-20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.
Warm up the engine
In winter, let your engine warm up for 5-10 minutes before heading out for the day.
Scrape and defrost
Don’t clear ice off the windshield by pouring hot water on it...
3 Used Car Red Flags
Every car has a history to tell, and although some cars show they have had a difficult past, others can hide it all too well. Wouldn’t it be nice to know about any “dark secrets” a car may be hiding before you plunk down your hard-earned cash?
No Service Records
No Service Records
One way to make sure a car has been maintained properly is to examine past service records. If these are not available, it may be an indication that the car has not had regular oil changes or received routine maintenance. Even if you are purchasing a car from a dealer, it is a good idea to ask if the service records are available. Additionally, check the windshield to see if there is a sticker indicating when the next oil change is due. If there is no sticker, ask the seller why.
Vehicle Inspection
A quick look under the car may reveal...
3 Fall Safe Driving Tips
The leaves are turning, there is a cool nip in the air, and the holiday season is just around the corner. Autumn has arrived. However, this beautiful season brings with it some special road hazards that drivers should be aware of.
Wet Leaves
When it comes to slipping and sliding, wet leaves can be as dangerous as ice. Always proceed with caution through fallen leaves, and try to avoid hard braking on any slick surface. Fallen leaves can also obscure lane lines, so take care to stay in your lane and pay attention to the edge of the road.
Sun Glare
The first 15-45 minutes before sunset and after sunrise, on and near the autumnal equinox can make driving especially hazardous due to sun glare. The sun lines up perfectly with east/west roads during this time of year, so make sure you have a g...