The week after Christmas is traditionally a wonderful opportunity to get a great deal on a new car or truck. But this is 2020, and with some dealers struggling to get inventory,  negotiating a great deal will vary from dealership to dealership. With market conditions having limited consumers’ negotiating leverage,  the New Year’s savings will be insane at some dealerships, while other dealers will hold out.  The solution? Shop the dealers with the best online car buying sites, have big inventories, and offer Factory Employee Pricing.  Today, you’ll discover “Websites to Buy Cars | New Year’s Best Deals are Online.”

The best websites to buy cars will have absolute figures that are a fixed percent below MSRP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a year when nothing seems certain, the best way to get a great deal is Employee Pricing! Employee pricing, which is an absolute figure that’s a certain percentage below MSRP, can drive remarkable savings. So while some dealers aren’t discounting, the dealers with Employee Pricing offer confidence that the New Year’s deals are more than just good, they are real and they are spectacular!

Coupled with a robust inventory, and the best online shopping tools, employee pricing can offer real savings with the benefits of shopping from the safety and comfort of your own home.

The best websites to buy cars will have a virtual online inventory. Besides having the Employee Discounts clearly marked on every vehicle in stock, the best car buying sites will update inventory in real-time. Some car selling sites have forward-thinking digital tools. Griegers Motors in Valparaiso has virtual tools that even allow you to walk their Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram inventory.  The 360-degree Walk Around makes you feel like you are walking the Griegers Motors lot from the safety of your home. It’s that cool…just give it a try with this link. 

The Best Car Buying Sites with Employee Pricing is as good as they sound when you consider this…

In 2020, when dealers are making nearly $1000 more per unit on each sale,  this is the year that Employee Pricing is as good as it sounds.

But a deal isn’t a deal unless you get the right car that fits your needs and wants.  A good deal also needs to express your unique individuality. This is why the best websites to buy cars must have a huge inventory!

 

 

 

The more cars and trucks a dealership has in its inventory, the better the chances of getting what you want. Conversely, a small inventory has likely been picked over and you may end up settling for a vehicle you don’t really want. For example, just look at the dealership with a large Ram Inventory.

While Ram Truck might seem like your perfect truck with Truck of the Year honors in 2019, 2020, and 2021, it’s far from great if it’s set up for an off-road adventure and you need a low torque-diesel for pulling a large boat. You need the right tool for the right job. The bigger the inventory, the more choices you have. The best car buying sites need to be backed by a real inventory that allows you to get what you want and get it once you’ve made your decision.

 

The Best Websites to Buy Cars will allow you Accurate Trade-in Appraisals, Payment Calculators & Real Monthly Payments

 

The best online car buying sites can help reduce stress or solve potential conflicts. Shoppers build a deal online, figure out monthly payments based on real lender rates and terms, value their trade-in, then shop aftermarket items.

Because Employee Pricing offers transparency and the price is clearly marked with each vehicle, it’s easy to calculate your monthly payment.

Once you’ve had fun browsing a car buying site’s virtual inventories, narrowed your choice to a few, and selected your perfect vehicle, it’s time to appraise your trade-in and calculate your payment.  While this might seem like fun, the real fun comes when it’s time to pick-up your new car or truck. Easy-peasy!

The Best online car Buying Sites have this… and only a few in the country have it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best websites to buy cars can make shopping safe and fun. Employee Pricing can make it easy to save….  But not even the best car buying sites can replace the significance of a great service department. Griegers Motors is Northwest Indiana’s only four time Customer 1st Award Winner by JD Powers. As a matter of fact, only a select few in the United States have won this coveted award so many times.

While I am clearly biased towards Griegers Motors because I am friends with the owner Dave Rodgers and GM, Brad Hallal, I believe this means Griegers has absolutely the best website to buy cars. The best!

Besides, Google ranks Griegers #1 and #2 when searching, “best online car buying site, Valparaiso” and #1 when searching “best online car buying sites, Northwest Indiana” Just click the google links and see for yourself. Google knows!

Websites to Buy Cars | New Year’s Best Deals are Online

2020 was a tough year for everyone… why not end it on a good note?  Start your New Year off on the right foot with a great deal and have fun with it!

Have confidence that you’re getting the best deal with Employee Pricing. You’ll find it on the best website for cars.

Happy New Year!

-Jim Jano Janesheski

Tags: buy, Car, Deals, New Years, websites
Posted in COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES, Grieger's Motor Sales Inc Service | No Comments »

With America healing from one of the toughest years ever, next year should be the year for getting back to friendliness, politeness, and decency.  I think the best solution is for everyone to buy a Jeep. After all, what exemplifies  America more than the Jeep, and what can be more symbolic of friendliness than the Jeep wave? In today’s Cool Cars. No Boundaries, we suggest it’s time to get back on track… and learn from the happy feeling and togetherness that comes from a Jeep Wave.

Driving a Jeep has always been cool. The mystique behind the Jeep has made it synonymous with America, freedom, and adventure. At the core of the Jeep is an attitude that we can get through this and win. The Jeep was the secret weapon that won World War II. When GI Joe came home, he brought the Jeep. The Generation was called the Greatest Generation because it was an era that persevered.

These people were up against it and gave selflessly while maintaining a sense of respect and decency for others. For 2021, Americans should resolve to get back to these values. America needs to learn from the Jeep wave.

“Good Lord, I don’t think we could continue the war without the jeep. It does everything. It goes everywhere. It’s as faithful as a dog, strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat. It constantly carries twice what it was designed for, and keeps on going.”
Ernie Pyle

…why the Jeep wave is so big in Porter County and Lake County.

In the summer of 2019,  Cool Cars. No Boundaries looked at why the Jeep Wave was so big in Valparaiso. While we spotlighted Valpo, The Jeep wave was equally popular in Porter County and Lake County.  We gave a Jeep convertible to some of Downtown Valpo’s biggest characters and asked them to drive around and discover the Jeep wave. It was a beautiful day and what Chris Pavlou, Carlos Rivero, and Joe Gaal experienced was magical.

After spending the day experiencing the smiles and gestures that come with driving around in the Jeep Wrangler Convertible, our chefs suggested it was what America needed.

Who could have expected what was in front of us in these simpler times? Just watch the video again.  It’s guaranteed to make you smile. If you haven’t seen the video, here is the link:  What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?

2021…the year of the Jeep Wave

For 2021, let’s all do as the Jeepers do. Lets smile. Lets wave. Let’s come back together.

Let’s become the next generation that survives difficult times with respect, decency, and goodwill towards all Americans.

On behalf of Griegers Motors, Dave Rodgers, Brad Hallal, and myself,…

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

By Jim Jano Janesheski

Posted in COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES, Jeep | No Comments »

While the holidays this year might seem less than traditional, Black Friday is expected to deliver strong online car shopping demand with some of the best offers since the annual tradition started. The factors are perfect for getting a great deal. Today, you’ll learn how to experience virtual shopping and take advantage of Black Friday offers without ever leaving your couch. Online shopping has never been as safe or fun!

Factors are perfect to leverage a great deal

As Americans continue to prioritize car ownership as a safe mode of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Friday deals and booming inventory levels make it attractive to spend the holidays in a new car or truck.

From 0% financing to “Employee Pricing,” this year’s Black Friday car deals can save you thousands of dollars on a new or used vehicle.

While the savings are stellar, there’s the matter of staying safe and compliant. Today, you’ll learn the secrets to tapping into the insane Black Friday deals while minimizing time at the dealership and staying safe through the forward-thinking online buying tools from one of Indiana’s oldest dealerships… Griegers Motors.

Just search Google…Griegers ranks first as Northwest Indiana’s Best Online Car Buying Site

According to Google SERP rankings, Griegers Motors in Valparaiso is at the top when it comes to finding Northwest Indiana’s best online car buying sites.  It might seem odd that a dealership established in Valpo over 50 years ago known for personal relationships would get recognition for future-ready technology until you take a closer look.

The Griegers secret sauce for winning awards is the commitment to building relationships. According to Griegers’ Brad Hallal, it starts with listening.  So what did Grieger’s customers say? In the opinion of Hallal, “they want to spend less time shopping at the dealership, and more time shopping online.” As a dealership known for personal relationships and having fun people that love their jobs, it was a bit of a paradigm shift. But you don’t win numerous Customer 1st Awards without being a good listener.

 

It pays to be first! A year before anyone ever heard of COVID-19, Griegers was the first dealership in Northwest Indiana (some will say in the Nation) to integrate online buying tools into their website’s digital experience.  It was the first thing visitors saw on the Griegers Motors Home Page. What originally was meant to make the car buying experience fun while reducing the time at the dealership, the Griegers Motors‘ cars online tools are ideal for keeping people safe and compliant. If you’re geared up to take advantage of Black Friday offers, just keep reading.

 

The best Black Friday deals come with the best service & best online car buying site!

While everyone is talking about the cars online experience, Hallal believes the secret to a great online shopping experience is the seamless transition from online shopping to visiting the dealership. According to the Griegers GM, “Griegers updates online inventory in real-time and uses images in the 360-degrees virtual inventory. Most car buying sites with our technology seems to feature cars they don’t stock or are located in some other state. You have to wait a week for the vehicle to arrive before you can test drive it or inspect it.”

 

“Our online customers love knowing they can stop by to see a car or truck, inspect it, and drive it. If they love it, they can drive it home within an hour.” -Brad Hallal, Griegers GM

The virtual inventory is real. The specials are real. The people are real. Once you find a car you like at a price you want, feel free to drive out that day!

Hallal’s Tips for Black Friday Online Car Shopping:

 

• If Griegers’ shoppers decide to visit the dealership on Black Friday, we recommend utilizing the Griegers 360-degrees virtual inventory to narrow down a few makes and models before you get to the dealership. Be prepared for a slightly longer than normal wait as our staff sanitizes vehicles and safely works with customers. Your patience will be well-rewarded.
• Arrive early to avoid crowding and to be sure you have enough time to check out a particular vehicle. Shoppers also can leverage Griegers’ research tools, book test-drives, inventory, factory incentives, value your trade, and finance tools.
• It always pays to come with a pre-approval for financing or a loan in hand for the car you want, which can be done online.
• Consider Certified Pre-Owned and Used Cars. These vehicles are included in the Black Friday Sales Event and are supported with the same cars online tools as our new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram line-ups. 
• Learn the secrets to Online Buying with this helpful link

Hallal compiles a few Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

For shoppers looking to buy a new vehicle during the holiday weekend, Brad offers a few Black Friday Deals that stand out.

Click vehicle to visit 360-degrees Virtual Inventory…and have fun!

2021 Jeep Compass Latitude

 

Lease for $199/mo x 42 months

360-Degree Inventory Link

$3,499 due at signing

 

2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux 4×4

 

Lease for $239/mo x 42 months

 Virtual inventory link—$3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4

 

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

-or- Lease for $149/mo x 39 months

360-Degree Virtual Inventory Link    $3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4

 

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

-or- Lease for $329/mo x 36 months

Link to Inventory– see it here– $3,499 due at signing

2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport Unlimited

 

Lease for $259/mo x 39 months

Shop Griegers Online inventory  $3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Jeep Cherokee

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

shop with 360-Degrees of Fun- Inventory Link

 

2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport

Lease for $229/mo x 36 months

See Virtual Inventory –– $3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew 4×4

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

-or- Lease for $309/mo x 42 months

Ram Inventory Link–$3,799 due at signing

 

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

-or-

Lease for $336/mo x 42 months
Link to virtual Inventory– $3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

-or-

Lease for $378/mo x 42 months
See our real-time inventory– $4,799 due at signing

2020 Dodge Durango SXT + AWD

Lease for $319/mo x 36 months
Link to safe shopping   –$3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Dodge Durango GT

0% APR for 72 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

Learn more at Griegers Virtual Inventory

 

2020 Dodge Charger SXT AWD

Lease for $319/mo x 39 months
Visit Northwest Indiana’s Best Online Car Shopping —Site$3,499 due at signing

 

2020 Ram ProMaster City

0% APR for 60 months Plus No Payments for 90 Days

360 Degrees of Fun- Inventory Link

BLACK FRIDAY BONUS….. HDTV with Purchase!

Of course, any great Black Friday Event needs something Extra Special!

Black Friday Delivers Strong Online Car Shopping Demand with Savings of Up to 20%

Black Friday is expected to deliver strong online car shopping demand with some of the best offers since the annual tradition started. The factors are perfect for getting a great deal. Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Black friday, Car buying online, car shopping online, cars online, Cyber Monday, online shopping
Posted in COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES | No Comments »

In today’s celebrity interview, you’ll learn what drives Valparaiso’s award-winning Chef, Chris Pavlou.  These days, everyone seems to be talking about the charismatic owner of Radius-Valpo.  Radius was recently named the Restaurant of the Year in Northwest Indiana, honored at the Chefs of Steel competition, and named Best Service, Chicago.  Radius was also at the top of our Grieger’s sponsored, Top Music Venues list. Fasten your seat belt and hold on… it’s an Award-Winning Interview! Chef Chris Pavlou cruises Valpo in a Ram Truck

Today, you’ll learn Pavlou’s secret recipe for success.  So what drives this Chef? It’s a Ram HD- Motor Trends 2020 Truck of the Year.

CONTENT:

1. Video: Interview with Radius’ Chef Chris Pavlou
2. The art of winning awards. It doesn’t happen just once
3. Video: Chris Pavlou reviews the 2020 Ram Truck
4. Video: Back-to-back! Its what you need!

The art of winning awards…it doesn’t happen just once!

The great Lou Holtz from Notre Dame once said that Championships are won, one play at a time. When you focus on fundamentals and execute them every day, success will follow. Successful teams have a unique culture that is followed by everyone.

John Wooden, perhaps the greatest coach in sports history, had a similar philosophy that yielded countless awards and accolades. Upon retiring, Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood, shared his secret. According to Coach Wooden, his secret was to never watch a game film or study the competition.

Wooden believed watching game films of the competition meant you were playing to their level. By focusing on being the best you can be, you’re only competing with yourself. Wooden believed you can’t lose when you know you gave it everything you got!

For the record. Coach Wooden won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period as head coach at UCLA, including a record seven in a row. Within this period, his teams won an NCAA men’s basketball record 88 consecutive games.

Pavlou reveals the secret recipe for the Radius success.

Chef Chris Pavlou never met John Wooden, but his philosophies and expectations of his team are ironically similar. In our video interview, Pavlou mentions he doesn’t look at other restaurants as competition. He competes against himself.  Whether it’s creating a new recipe, booking music, or making improvements to his dining space.

Pavlou believes a great customer experience requires an insatiable drive to get better.

At the cornerstone of his business model is to create a remarkable experience… and this is done one customer at a time. Wake up the echoes! I think Lou Holtz would like Pavlou.

Father knows best!

Creating a remarkable experience for every customer that walks into Radius-Valpo was learned from Pavlou’s father, Ted Pavlou. “I learned from my father that you need to welcome every customer when they walk in and thank them when they leave”.

As where Pavlou’s mother and father sculptured this Chef’s work ethic, it is his wife Tina and his kids Alyssa and Niko that inspire him. The great ones always seem to have a great family as a supporting cast.

  Chef Pavlou turns critic. Driving the 2020 Ram HD-Motor Trends Truck of the Year

Driven to create a remarkable experience

Even the menu is inspired by the Radius experience. The desire to innovate new recipes is driven by the insatiable drive to create a fresh experience for his loyal fans. The food and drink menus change often because people love innovation.

The passion to keep the Radius experience fresh is shared within the Radius culture. Pavlou’s staff works as a team to create fun cocktails, while Pavlou considers himself the Picasso of great food. His canvas? The All-American hamburger.

Insatiable. The desire to please customers doesn’t stop with the innovative recipes of his diverse menu. Pavlou set up his restaurant in a location that is as extraordinary as his menu. In the heart of Valpo, Radius customers love to see and be seen. Nothing beats al fresco dining in downtown Valpo, and Radius is arguably the best seat in town. Even Radius’ live entertainment is worthy of winning awards.

Pavlou was first introduced to Griegers Motors when Radius-Valpo was recognized as a top pick for Valpo’s best music venues.  Pavlou quickly learned to respect Griegers and it wasn’t because of the long list of awards the Valpo dealership has won. Pavlou appreciates how they do it. Griegers Motors shares Pavlou’s drive to create a remarkable experience.

The Griegers customer experience. Where the rubber meets the road.

When Brad Hallal first approached me about creating Cool Cars.No Boundaries, it was because he wanted to create fun experiences for his customers long after buying a car or truck.  For Hallal, creating a great customer journey needs to include cool places to go and great places to eat. It’s all about the experience.

The wizards of Valpo?

Brad Hallal and Chris Pavlou seem to have much in common. Both Radius and Griegers Motors are winners of countless awards. Like Pavlou, Hallal learned the art of creating a remarkable experience from his father-in-law, David Rodgers. Hallal doesn’t play to the competition- he wouldn’t be Northwest Indiana’s only three-time Customer 1st winner if he did.

Read More: Griegers Motors and the J.D. Powers Customer 1st Award.

Frequently, when I’m in the Griegers Service Department having an oil change or getting my vehicle serviced, I’ll run into Dave Rodgers or Brad Hallal. They usually appear to be following up with the status of a customer’s car or truck. If you’ve been around as many dealerships as I have, you’ll know its rare to see an owner or GM in the back end.

But then again, it’s rare to see a dealership win 3 consecutive JD. Powers Awards!

…and if you were wondering, they always seem to find time to say hello!

The secret is revealed!

So what’s the secret to winning awards? Say hello to every customer and thank them when they leave… and make sure they have a remarkable experience in between. Just make sure it’s done one customer at a time.

-Jim Jano Janesheski

Back-to-back Truck of the Year. More reading.

• For Ram inventory, click here. 
• For Commercial Trucks, click here.
• Ram Agriculture, click here
• Ram Official, click here
• Be like Chris Pavlou- schedule your own “Cool Ram.No Boundaries” test drive, click here.

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Driving Tips- How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

 

 

 

Tags: Chris, Griegers, Heavy Duty, Motor trend, Pavlou, Radius, Ram, Truck of the Year, Valparaiso, Valpo
Posted in COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES, Ram | No Comments »

Cold and snowy winters seem to be just a normal part of life in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. We have learned to cope with the harsh temperatures and blowing snow by bundling up and being prepared. The blustery weather also impacts your car, making it important to keep your car prepared as well.

Your Car’s Battery

Your aging battery may be able to handle starting your car in the warm September weather, but because your battery produces less current when it’s cold, it may fail when the mercury drops. Have your battery and electrical system checked out before the cold weather sets in. This is not a guarantee your battery will last the entire winter, but it will tell you if it’s in imminent danger of failing.

If your battery is 3 or more years old, you might consider replacing it rather than taking a chance of getting stranded on a below-zero night. It’s also a good idea to have a good pair of jumper cables stashed in the trunk, and if you travel a lot during the winter, you might want to invest in a portable jump-starter just in case.

Oil, Antifreeze, Brake Fluid…

You should always have your car’s fluids checked during the fall, ensuring they are at the proper levels before winter begins. Have your oil changed, and make sure to use the correct type of oil recommended by the manufacturer for cold weather driving. If the antifreeze has not been changed during the past twelve months, flush and refill that as well.

Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all thicken during the cold weather. It’s important to warm your car up before driving, as thick fluids do not circulate as well. This may cause tears in internal seals and other issues as these fluids are pushed through your car’s operating systems.

The best way to warm the car’s engine is to turn it on, wait about one minute, then drive it very slowly until the heat begins to feel warm. Leaving your car parked as you warm it up is no longer recommended and may damage your engine. Conversely, driving at normal speeds before warming your car up can also damage the internal workings of your vehicle.

Tires

Winter brings with it snow, rain, ice, sleet, and overall dangerous driving conditions. It’s important to have good tires in order to stay safe during these treacherous months. Have your tires checked for wear, and if necessary have them replaced, balanced, and an alignment performed. It is also recommended to replace all-season tires with winter tires whenever possible.

Tires lose pressure during the winter months. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can reduce gas mileage, diminish steering control, cause your tires to wear unevenly – shortening their lifespan, and can even cause a blowout. In the winter it’s a good idea to check the tire pressure once weekly in the morning to ensure you are driving on properly inflated tires.

Your Car’s Body

We’d do an awful lot of slipping and sliding on the roadways if it weren’t for salt and sand; but both these substances stick to your car’s body and undercarriage causing deterioration and damage. To keep your car from suffering undue rust and corrosion, wash your car often – at least once a month – paying particular attention to the undercarriage.

Visit Our Used Car Dealership – Michigan City

If your car is just not up to facing another winter, it might be time to visit our used car dealership in. Michigan City. To michigan city residents will find the perfect vehicle to get them through the harsh winter months at Grieger’s Motors.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Most people use their car on a daily basis. Whether you need to run to the store last-minute to pick up groceries or get to work on a cold winter day, your car is vital to your quality of life. While our used car dealer in Michigan City knows that many people may take their car for granted, this year, we challenge you to treat your car with the TLC that it deserves!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

At Grieger Motors, your friendly, reliable car dealer serving Michigan City, we know it’s inevitable. Sooner or later you’re going to have a flat tire, and to keep you safe, here are some tips on handling that emergency situation.

Be Prepared

Always have a lug wrench and a jack that’s in good working order. Also, a flashlight or headlamp to help you work in the dark, and check the air pressure in your spare from time to time. The last thing you want is a flat spare tire!

Changing the Tire

1. Find a safe place to park. Avoid grass or dirt because your jack might sink and become unstable.
2. Secure your vehicle. Turn off the engine, turn on your emergency flashers and engage the emergency brake.
3. Get the tire ready. Remove the hubcap and slightly loosen the lug nuts, turning them counter-clockwise.
4. Raise the car. Check the owner’s manual for the best place to secure the jack, and jack up your car until the tire clears the ground.
5. Remove the flat. Completely unscrew the lug nuts and remove the tire.
6. Put on the spare. Once it’s in place, tighten the lug nuts and lower your car to the ground.
7. Remove the jack. Then tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.

A Final Word of Caution: If you have a small, “donut” spare, drive slowly and only for short distances.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

At Grieger’s Motors, your Dodge dealership serving Michigan City, we know many people think leasing a vehicle is a bad financial decision, but in reality, it’s an ideal choice for many. Truth be told, leasing can make good sense if you:

• Want to get a new car every 3-4 years.
• Normally drive 15,000 or fewer miles yearly.
• Have good credit.

Leasing Tips

With those criteria in mind, here are some tips for getting the best leasing deal.

• Choose a type. In advance, narrow you range of choices by deciding what vehicle best meets your needs. Is it a sedan, SUV, pickup truck?
• Decide how much you can afford monthly. The biggest cost is the monthly payment, but add in fuel costs and leave some “wiggle room” for unexpected incidentals.
• Take a test drive. While driving, pay attention to things like comfort, visibility, braking and internal noise. What about entertainment options and Wi-Fi accessibility? Safety features like head-protecting side airbags, blind spot warning, front-end collision warning, rear-view camera and cross-traffic alert are also important.

At Grieger’s Motors, your Dodge dealership serving Michigan City, we always have a great selection of lease specials, and we’ll always negotiate to get you in the vehicle that’s right for you. So, come see us today!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

I think you’ll agree, holiday travel in Northwest Indiana can be stressful and dangerous! In today’s Cool Car…No Boundaries, we look at tips for driving in the snow and bitter cold.  Today you’ll learn, “Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana.

Not all fun and games!

Cool Cars…No Boundaries sponsor, Griegers Motors, is all about having fun. Anytime you see an event downtown… you’ll see signs of the Griegers family. Even their website is fun! But when it comes to family and safety, Griegers Motors is all business. In today’s article, you’ll learn how to survive the frozen tundra that is Valparaiso.

Before You Go… Here is the first tip in getting there safe!

Today’s edition of Cool Cars…No Boundaries will focus on tips for driving in snowy, winter conditions. If you have not yet read our 2 previous articles that cover simple winter maintenance checklist and our guide to winter service, you might want to read them now.

Cold Car…No Boundaries: Holiday Series

• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Valpo & Northwest Indiana
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat; from infant car seats to boosters.

Insiders trick to a free winter-maintenance inspection… killing 2 birds! .

My secret? Have an oil change at a full-service shop and a certified mechanic inspect it while it’s there.  I have found some of the best car dealerships in Valparaiso, Crown Point and Chesterton offer the best prices on oil changes. Seriously, even cheaper than the Jiffy Lubes, Midas, Duke of Oils, and Genies. Just look for dealers that offer an “Express Lane”

The benefit of going to a car dealership is that they have certified mechanics that can inspect your vehicle while it is there. Most “quick oil change joints” hire kids to do the oil change. Seriously! Just look in the back.

My sponsor, Griegers Motors, has an Express Lane and boast,  “no appointment is necessary”.

Although Griegers seems happy  to give your car, SUV or truck an oil change without an appointment, I usually let them know in advance. Just use their service appointment link and put in the comment section, “oil change and winter inspection”. I can’t say for certain, but I would be willing to bet they appreciate this heads-up and it only takes a few seconds.

Tips for driving in Northwest Indiana winters

Know Your Car

Every vehicle handles differently. Get to know the unique characteristics of your car, truck or SUV. This is particularly true when driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads. If you change out your tires to winter, or snow tires, your car will handle and brake much better, but it will take some time to adjust to these improvements.

Take time now to learn how your vehicle handles under winter weather driving conditions. Here are a few suggestions I picked up from Brad Hallal at Griegers:

• Before driving your car or truck, remove snow, ice or dirt from the windows, headlights, tail lights, and backup camera.
• When snow first hits, practice driving on snow-covered or icy roads. Even if you are a seasoned driver in LaPorte, Lake or Porter County, give yourself a chance to warm up your winter driving skills.  Get to know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions by practicing in an empty parking lot.  See your vehicle’s manual to familiarize yourself with the features on your vehicle—such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control—and how the features perform in slippery conditions. Your vehicle may pulsate when controlling traction. This can cause a panic situation if your not familiar with this in advance.
• When renting a car, get familiar with the car, truck or SUV before leaving the rental place. Ask questions about the controls if you’re not sure.  Take a look at the owner’s manual before driving off.

Stock Your Vehicle

Stock your vehicle with appropriate items for your journey, such as extra windshield fluid, an ice-scraper, or an emergency kit . For more on this, see 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?

Keep the following in your vehicle:

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
• Bring sand or kitty litter, in the event your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Bring Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers.
• Blankets for protection from the cold.
• A cell phone, a charger, water, and food.

Plan Your Travel and Route

• Don’t rely on GPS, Google maps, etc. They can not always be counted on. Keep your family safe by planning ahead before you leave.  This is especially true with bad weather.
• Look at traffic congestion via Google maps, local traffic reports on TV, etc. just before leaving. If your familiar route has issues, get acquainted with alternate routes before leaving.
• Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. Plan to leave early if necessary.
• Let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
• Go Over Your Vehicle Safety Checklist.

I asked Joe Luciano, Service Manager at Griegers Motors, if he had any additional recommendations for safe Holiday travel not mentioned in our holiday-travel series. Joe mentioned checking your vehicle for recalls. Joe recommended Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and  Ram owners visit the Griegers website for a quick check.  (see Mopar recalls) Joe offered the below videos for all vehicles (all makes and models) and also a video specific to  Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram owners.

Check for Recalls

Owners may not always know that their vehicle is under an open recall and needs to be repaired. NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle or one you are looking to purchase has a critical safety issue that has not been repaired. Check for recalls on your vehicle by searching now: nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your vehicle is under a recall, get it fixed at your nearest dealer FOR FREE.

All Vehicles:  How to use you cars VIN to find out if your car, SUV or truck has a recall.

How to use you cars VIN to find out if your FCA-Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram or Fiat has a recall.

So there you have it! Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana. With the help of the gang at Griegers Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we hope this article helps you and your family get through holiday travel safely. We look forward to seeing you in the new year as Cool Cars…No Boundaries discovers the coolest things to do, interviews the region’s biggest characters and drives the coolest cars…without boundaries!

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

 

 

Shttps://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

Tags: Chrysler, driving, Griegers, Griegers Motors, Jeep, Northwest Indiana, safety, service, snow, Valparaiso, winter
Posted in Community, COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES | No Comments »

Installing a Car Seat Properly: Cool Baby…No Boundaries

As part of our special 4 part holiday edition of Griegers’ Cool Cars…No Boundaries, we’re looking at tips for safe holiday travel. Today, you’ll learn the secrets to choosing a car seat for your car, SUV or truck. From infant car seats to boosters. This blog will help young families learn how to choose an infant car seat and install a car seat properly.

Back in the day… holiday travel was simple. Mom and Dad threw junior in the back seat and off they went. When going over the river and through the woods involved a long trip, kids would often sleep in the back window. It seemed innocent enough. Parents just didn’t know better.

When everything changed…a new generation.

My dad had a cool Corvair convertible as a family vehicle. The poor man’s Porsche. My mother would tell me stories of how my dad would never back down from a drag race…even when my infant siblings and I were in the backseat.  It was an era of fast cars.

Yes, America fell in love with the automobile, and the automakers raced to make cars faster, bolder and cooler…without boundaries.

Speed and performance sold cars. Safety took a back seat to horsepower, styling, and the allure of the open road.

Yet, like a reckless love affair, America’s mid-century passion with the automobile proved to be destructive. In 1965, the same year that Chevrolet released its new Corvair (the car that my dad drove) over 49,000 Americans would die in automobile accidents. That’s as many as the number of American soldiers who would die throughout the Vietnam War.

That all changed when a man named Ralph Nader would bring this harsh reality to Congress with the publication of his book, Unsafe at Any Speed: the Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile. Cars like the Corvair disappeared.  Safety became the focus of American cars and trucks.

Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat.

Putting your family first is cool!

In today’s competitive car, SUV, and truck market, safety features are a big selling point. Manufacturers like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram are racing to lead the industry in safety technology. Griegers Motors sells Chrysler Pacifica’s as fast as a Corvair on Woodward Avenue. Why? Because the Chrysler Pacifica is one of the safest cars for families and a perennial IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Not even the safest cars can protect an infant without this!

When it comes to knowing how to choose a car seat for newborn or installing a car seat properly, even the smartest consumer becomes confused. There are latches to anchor, belts and buckles to secure, and weight limits to uphold.

But even Griegers’ ultra safe Chrysler Pacifica is not safe enough to save the life of an infant when the car seat or booster seat is not properly selected or installed.

If your baby is securely strapped in a car seat, his or her risk of dying in a car accident goes down by 71%, according to the CDC.

Yet buying and installing a car seat can still seem overwhelming. Don’t get intimidated.

Choosing the Right Car Seat- 3 simple things to consider

When selecting the right child seat, just look at:

• Your baby’s age
• Your baby’s weight and height
• Does the seat meet safety standards

Select the Right Car Seat

Installing a car seat properly

More secrets to choosing & installing a car seat

Birth to age 2. Use a rear-facing seat. Your child’s weight should be no higher than allowed on the seat’s weight limit.

Age 2 to 4 – no more than 40 pounds. Use a forward-facing child safety seat.

Age 4 to 8 OR up to 4 feet 9 inches tall. Use a belt-positioning booster seat.  Back seat only.

After age 8 AND/OR 4 feet 9 inches tall. Seat belts (without a booster seat) are OK. But your child should keep using a booster seat until adult seat belts fit properly.  Check the position of the lap belt and the shoulder belt on your child. The lap belt should be on the upper thighs — not the stomach. The shoulder belt should be on the chest — not the neck.

Remember that all children under age 13 should always ride properly buckled in the back seat.

Make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find out how to select the right seat for your child’s age and size.

Though thick outerwear will keep your children warm, it can interfere with the proper harness fit on your child in a car seat. Choose thin, warm layers for your child instead, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.

Have Fun! Be safe!

Cold Car…No Boundaries: Holiday Series

• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Valpo & Northwest Indiana
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat; from infant car seats to boosters.

Griegers Motors’ perennial IIHS Top Safety Pick…. The Chrysler Pacifica

Thanks for spending time with us as we discover the secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters. On behalf of my sponsor, Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram….we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

 

Posted in Community, COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES | No Comments »