As the leaves start falling and the air starts getting cooler, you may be thinking thoughts of pumpkin spice, caramel apples, and the coming holidays. But you should also be thinking about your vehicle. Now is the time that you need to tend to some important maintenance so that you can get your car ready for winter and make sure that you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of an icy road.

Here are a few vehicle maintenance tips you need to take care of this fall to prepare for the long winter months ahead:

Check the Heater and De-Icer

It’s going to get cold, no matter where you live. Obviously, it will get much colder in the winter if you live in Maine than it will if you live in Arizona. But temperatures will drop no matter where you live, and you will need a heater in your car. Don’t wait until the winter to find out it’s not working. The same goes for your de-icer. You will need it to quickly clear up your windows on those cold mornings. Get them both checked out now and make any necessary service.

Add Fuel De-Icer Monthly

You can also get ice in your fuel tank when the temperatures drop below a certain level. Any moisture that has built up in your fuel tank can turn into ice. Then you get ice in your fuel line, which can cause a lot of problems. Add a bottle of fuel de-icer to your tank each month to keep this from happening.

Check the Battery

Batteries are more prone to failure during the winter. Make sure that your battery is healthy now. You’ll need to take your vehicle to a service center to have the battery tested. Only a professional can determine whether the fluid is at the right level and how much life the battery has left in it.

Check the Tires and the Spare

Winter roads can become icy and snowy, which can make it hard for the tires to grip the road. If the tread on your tires is low, you will be in danger on the roads this winter. Check the tires now to make sure they have a healthy tread depth. Also check on your spare tire to make sure it’s ready to go in case of a flat.

Replace or Clean the Wipers

Visibility will often be reduced during the winter months. It will only be worse if you have old or dirty wipers that are leaving streaks on your windshield. Clean or replace your windshield wipers now to ensure you have a clear windshield.

Wash and Wax

Your vehicle is going to get a lot of snow, mud, and salt during the winter months. Wash it now so that you aren’t compounding the debris on your exterior. Wax your vehicle to give it a layer of protection against the winter elements.

Don’t try to do all the vehicle maintenance yourself this fall. Bring your vehicle into Tim’s Truck Capital to get full service. Our team will ensure that your vehicle is in top condition, both for this winter and for many winters beyond. We service all makes and models. Visit us today!

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Having a pickup truck can be especially handy for a lot of reasons. Your buddy needs help with a local move? You’ve got a pickup truck ready to go. You want to grab a load of mulch for your garden without having to pay the extra delivery fees? Your own truck will save you money.

You can find great deals on used small pickup trucks at Tim’s Truck Capital so that you can have your own truck for whenever the need arises. You won’t be left at the mercy of friends with trucks, and you won’t have to pay to rent a truck every time you need one. You can take care of what you need, and you can become that guy with the truck that everyone asks for a favor.

Finding the Right Truck for Your Needs

Before you can choose the right truck among the many used small pickup trucks we have at Tim’s Truck Capital, you need to think through the reasons you want to buy a truck. Since you’re looking at small pickup trucks, chances are good that you don’t need the larger, heavy-duty trucks and the massive loads that they haul. Or maybe you’ve ruled them out because you don’t want the huge gas bill, or you just don’t want to pay the higher cost.

Small pickup trucks are ideal for carrying smaller loads. You can have a small truck for personal use, such as if you like to do woodworking or you enjoy spending time in your yard. Or you can use a smaller truck for a side business that you’re trying to grow, such as a weekend landscaping company or an organizing service. You can even use a truck for your weekend recreation, like camping or beach trips.

The lower price tag on small pickup trucks makes it easier for you to afford a truck as a second vehicle for these occasional uses or for your growing business.

Some of the most popular models we carry at Tim’s Truck Capital include the Ford F-150, Chevy 1500, Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500, Dodge Canyon, Dodge Sierra 1500, and the Nissan Frontier. We carry a wide range of models from different years and different manufacturers to help you find the right truck.

Shopping with Tim’s Truck Capital

You may not know what kind of truck you want when you start shopping, or you may have your sights set on a specific model. Whatever the case, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Tim’s Truck Capital will walk you through your options and help you understand how the features on each model can meet your needs. We’ll help you find the perfect truck to meet your goals and fit your budget.

Once you’ve decided, we’ll help you find the right financing terms to keep your costs as low as possible. Our service department can also keep your truck well-maintained to prolong its life and give you great performance year after year. Visit us today to start your new truck search!

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The Jeep has been one of the most popular vehicles in America for decades. The rugged Jeep is fun to drive, and it can take you just about anywhere you want to go, whether it’s through rugged mountainsides or under the canopy of forests. Jeep has become synonymous with Americana – likely because of its can-do spirit and the fact that you can see it in front of just about any part of the American landscape.

Though the Wrangler has been most associated with the classic Jeep image, Jeep has produced a variety of models that have delivered that same great performance, dependability, and unique styling. At Tim’s Truck Capital, we strive to carry a wide variety of used Jeeps for sale to help you find the perfect model to fit your needs. We may have “trucks” in our name, but we offer a wide variety of other vehicles, and Jeeps have always been some of our most popular sellers.

Popular Models

The Jeep Wrangler has always been one of Jeep’s most popular models, and we carry plenty of them at Tim’s Truck Capital. It is the definitive off-road Jeep, and it is built to take you just about anywhere you would want to go. The powertrain is built for power, and the wheels and suspension are designed for rough terrain. You can even remove the doors, windows, and roofs on some models to get the complete open-air experience, and the interior is designed to be easily hosed down.

In the Jeep Cherokee, you’ll see vestiges of the Wrangler, but the design is a bit more grown up. The Cherokee is a sleeker SUV that has some of the same power as the Wrangler, but more of the styling and comfort you want in a daily driver. You can still hop in a Jeep Cherokee to take a weekend trip somewhere nice, and you can even take it for glamping or another outdoor-sy adventure.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the larger and more luxurious version of the Cherokee. You’ll get a lot more features in the Grand Cherokee, and you’ll have more space for more passengers. You can use the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a daily driver also, or you can use it for a weekend trip to the beach or the mountains.

Tim’s Truck Capital carries all of these popular Jeep models, and we occasionally have other choices like the Jeep Liberty, the Compass, the Renegade, and more.

Shopping at Tim’s Truck Capital

Not only do we strive to carry a large selection of the highest-quality used vehicles at Tim’s Truck Capital, but we also work hard to offer you great financing deals, and our service department can keep your Jeep in great condition for many years to come. We strive to be your home, from purchasing your Jeep to finally trading it in when you’re ready for a new one. Our friendly staff go above and beyond to answer all your questions and meet your needs. Visit us today to shop our used Jeeps for sale or to make a service appointment for your current Jeep.

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If you search for affordable and reliable vehicles, one of the top results you are going to get is the Toyota Corolla. For more than 50 years, the Corolla has been providing drivers with a dependable ride in a stylish package that’s loaded with great features. It has earned its reputation through years of consistent offerings.

Toyota chose the name Corolla because it stands for “small crown” in Latin – a fitting name for a small, seemingly modest vehicle that packs a powerful punch. You get a lot of value in the Corolla, such as smooth handling, many of the latest tech features, and high-class styling for a much lower price than what you would expect.

Features of the Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular vehicles ever sold. But that isn’t because it’s a speed demon or a luxury vehicle. The Corolla has always offered a smooth yet spirited ride that makes driving fun. You have enough pep to break you out of the doldrums of your commute, but you also enjoy fantastic fuel economy and a comfortable ride. The Corolla exceeds your needs whether you are driving to work every day or you are taking a road trip with the family.

One of the biggest reasons that the Corolla has remained so popular over the years is that It is known for its longevity. You can expect to count on it for at least another 10 years. In many cases, the Corolla has kept going after 20 or 25 years – sometimes even more. The car requires only basic maintenance to keep it in good shape. The parts were made to last, and the history behind the Corolla proves that to be true.

Technology on the Corolla

Another reason the Toyota Corolla has remained so popular is that it has kept up with the times, both in terms of styling and in terms of its technical offerings. The Corolla doesn’t have all the trappings you’d see in a luxury vehicle, but it does have the standards you’d expect for the times. In recent model years, that means you’ll find a backup camera, Bluetooth streaming, power windows and locks, and sometimes even HD radio and satellite radio.

By moving through the levels of trim on the Corolla, you can get even more luxury features. Some modern options include heated seats, leather upholstery, and smartphone integration for the infotainment system. When you shop used Corolla models, you can find all the features you want – even loaded models – for an affordable price.

Get Your Toyota Corolla Now

Tim’s Truck Capital may be known for its selection of high-quality trucks, but we also sell a wide variety of sedans and other models. We have a great selection of used Toyota Corolla models, and we can help you find the perfect configuration for your needs and budget. Visit us today to explore our inventory and to work with one of our friendly specialists to find the perfect car.

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Plow trucks can be very useful for the long winter months. They can be helpful in plowing your own property, but they can also help you with your work if you do different types of labor jobs. The offseason can be a great time to buy or upgrade your plow or plow truck. Learn more about this below.

Parts of a Plow System

A snow plow system for your truck is made up of plow blades, lights, a frame, and any accessories you may need. Newer plow systems have a frame that you can attach to your truck. This frame can be on your truck permanently, and you can remove and unhook the plow and lift pump when you are not using it. Since the plow system covers up your lights, you have to mount lights on the plow to use this vehicle at night. You may also add accessories to make your job easier.

Factors to Consider Before Upgrading

Above, we discussed how the basic plow system works for you, but there are other things to keep in mind when you are purchasing because you want a plow truck that works best for the specific tasks you will use it for. Check out a few different factors below.

• What Jobs You Will Use Your Plow For? When you are buying a plow truck, you first need to think about how you will be using it. Will you be using this simply for your own property, or will you be doing commercial plowing? You also need to think about if you will be plowing on paved, gravel, or dirt surfaces. Once you start to determine the type of plowing you will be doing, it will help you make a more educated decision about your purchase. Does Your Truck Have the Capability You Need? You also need to think about your truck’s capability.
• Does your truck have the right horsepower and torque to do the job you need? What kind of fuel efficiency will you be looking for in your truck? The truck is an essential part of your plowing experience, so you will need to think about it carefully.
• Why Type of Blade Will Work Best for You? You also need to think about the plow itself to make sure it can perform the work you need it to. Above, we talked about the types of conditions you may be working in. This is important to consider because you can get a plow blade that helps make your work easier. There are straight blades and multi-position blades depending on the type of work. There are also different accessories that could help with some of your jobs.

The summertime can actually be a great time to buy a plow truck. This is because it is not the busy season for plow trucks, and you can get some great deals. You also have time to shop around and find out more about your different options. You are not in the midst of a busy season right now, so there is not all the pressure to buy the first thing you see. As discussed above, there are some different factors you need to consider before buying a plow truck, but you can feel free to ask questions to knowledgeable plow truck dealers. The winter months are not too far away, and the hot summer deals are out and about right now.

At Tim’s Truck Capital, we have plow specialists on hand all of the time to help you with any questions you may have about upgrading your plow truck or plow system. We also have a dedicated service staff so that you can keep your vehicle and your plow system running as it should be in the wintertime.

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Back to Basics: Four-Wheel Drive

You may think you know what a four-wheel drive vehicle does, with images of heavy-duty trucks off-roading through the wilderness in your mind. Yet when you hear terms like “all-wheel drive” or “4×2,” you may get confused and question what you really know. The truth is, that drive systems are more complicated than they first appear, and knowing the difference between them can help you find the right vehicle to suit your needs.

How Four-Wheel Drive Works

A four-wheel drive vehicle gets power to all four wheels equally. The engine transfers power to the transmission, where a transfer case divides power equally to the front and rear axles. All four wheels have the same power, which makes the vehicle better able to power through tough conditions, such as unpaved roads, muddy ditches, and hills. Four-wheel drive, or 4X4, is ideal for tough situations and those with low traction.

Activating Four-Wheel Drive

Many vehicles that are advertised as four-wheel drive actually are only part-time four-wheel drive. They usually come with a button or switch that lets you turn the four-wheel drive mode on or off. The reason is that four-wheel drive is not ideal for use in all situations. For example, if you have to make a tight turn, the system would make that very difficult. The inner wheels, which have to cover more ground, would have the same power as the outer wheels, and that would cause them to slip. Therefore, you need the ability to turn the system on or off to get optimal performance in every scenario.

Many four-wheel drive systems also have a “high” or a “low” setting. 4WD High is designed to compensate for the different rotational rates of the tires when you make a turn or you are driving at higher speeds. The mechanism is called “limited slip,” and it typically accounts for the differences between the inner and outer wheels. 4WD Low is designed for more power at lower speeds, such as if you are trying to get out of mud or you are climbing a rocky hill.

Other Drive Modes

Besides four-wheel drive, or 4X4, and all-wheel drive, you may see other drive trains, such as 4X2 or IWD (individual wheel drive). A 4×2 drivetrain is what you find in most vehicles. It means that there are four wheels, but only two of them are getting power. You would usually think of this as rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, meaning that only the rear wheels are powered or only the front wheels are powered.

Individual wheel drive is similar to all-wheel drive in that each of the wheels gets power based on their needs, but the wheels are powered by different motors that are working independently. A major benefit of this system is that if one wheel fails, the other wheels can still drive the vehicle to a repair shop.

Finding the Right Vehicle for You

At Tim’s Truck Capital, we really know trucks, and we can help you find the right truck for you, including the right drive train. We’ll help you think through how you want to use the truck and then find the perfect model to fit your needs and your budget.

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Manual Transmission Synchronizers

If you’ve ever driven an older car with a manual transmission, you know that changing gears is not always smooth. You may struggle with the gear shifter, feeling like it’s sticking between gears or that it needs a little pushing to move. Or you may notice that the vehicle takes a moment to catch up when you change the gears, maybe even sputtering a little.

One improvement that has been made over the years is the addition of a synchronizer to the manual transmission. A synchronizer helps the manual transmission work more smoothly so that you can change gears easier and you can accelerate faster. By helping the transmission to work more smoothly, the synchronizer also helps in slowing wear and tear on your transmission, which can help you save lots of money in the long run.

How a Manual Transmission Synchronizer Works

The construction of a manual transmission is complicated. Essentially, a series of gears are positioned on an output shaft and are intertwined with gears on a countershaft. When you change gears, a slider, or shift sleeve, moves over the gear you have selected and locks it to the output shaft.

A synchronizer adjusts the speed of the shaft so that the gears align more quickly as you shift. The slider pushes against the keys or balls in the synchronizer, which then push against the blocker ring. That ring then pushes against the gear’s cone, and the friction it causes helps the shaft speeds to equalize. The notches in the block align when the shaft speeds are equal, and the slider teeth mesh with the block ring.

The whole process works more smoothly, giving you better performance and reducing the wear and tear on the transmission.

Double Clutching on a Manual Transmission

Double clutching was once used to achieve the same results that a manual transmission synchronizer produces.

In regular shifting, the driver pushes down the clutch and then changes the gear with the shifter knob. With double clutching, the driver pushes down the clutch and then uses the shifter knob to change the gear to neutral. The driver then pushes down the clutch again and shifts the vehicle into the desired gear.

Double clutching produces some of the same results as a synchronizer, helping the vehicle to shift into gear more smoothly and reducing some of the wear and tear on the transmission.

Protecting Your Transmission

Over time, your transmission will wear down no matter what you do. But taking measures to reduce wear, such as shopping for a vehicle with a manual transmission synchronizer, can help you preserve your transmission and save a lot of money in the long run.

You should also bring your vehicle in for regular transmission service. You should bring it in for the recommended maintenance, and you should bring it in as soon as you notice any issues with the transmission, such as the vehicle driving or shifting differently. Tim’s Truck Capital has an exceptional service department that will keep your vehicle running great with regular transmission service and other routine maintenance. We service all types of vehicles, including those with manual transmission synchronizers. Call our service department today to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.

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Unless you’re someone who loves tinkering with cars, the words “sequential gearbox” probably sound like Greek to you. However, you likely do know the term “manual transmission.” You know that in a car with a manual transmission, you use a clutch and shifter knob to move the car through the gears while you’re driving, going from first to second and up to fourth. Not everyone likes driving a car with a manual transmission, but everyone typically knows what it is.

A sequential gearbox is similar to a manual transmission, but it’s a bit different. In a car with a manual transmission, you shift the car through the gears in an “H” pattern. The top left position is first, and then you move straight down to second. To get to third, you shift up, to the right and up again. Fourth gear is straight down from third. In a vehicle with a sequential gearbox, you just hit a lever or a paddle to click through each of the gears in order, whether you are up-shifting or down-shifting.

Typically, you are going to find a sequential gearbox in a car that is designed for high performance or in a race car. In Formula One race cars, the shifters are located on either side of the steering wheel. The driver hits the lever on the left of the steering wheel to shift up and hits the lever on the right of the steering wheel to shift down. In other vehicles with a sequential gearbox, there is an actual lever that the driver either pushes forward or pulls back to shift up or shift down.

Advantages of a Sequential Gearbox

Many find a sequential gearbox easier to control than the regular manual transmission. Some people briefly stumble when they move from second to third, having to remember quickly the right shifting pattern. With a sequential gearbox, there is nothing to remember. You just push a paddle or a lever.

A sequential gearbox also prevents you from jumping gears when you are up-shifting or down-shifting. With a manual transmission, you can skip right from first to fourth gear if you want – though you will likely get some pushback from the car. With a sequential gearbox, you have no choice to skip gears. You have to move through each gear, and you’ll enjoy much smoother shifting and performance.

Upgrading to a Sequential Gearbox

If you currently drive a car with a manual transmission, you may be able to upgrade to a sequential gearbox to get better performance. You should talk with a mechanic about whether it’s possible for your vehicle and how it might improve your driving experience.

The expert mechanics at Tim’s Truck Capital are happy to help. They know the ins and outs of transmissions and can help you make the best choice for your vehicle. Call us today to make an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable mechanics and learn about your options.

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When you hear about a vehicle’s power, you hear about two things most frequently: Horsepower and torque. Both power the vehicle in different ways and deliver different results. So whether you want a vehicle that has higher horsepower or better torque depends on what you want the most out of your driving experience.

Towing heavy loads requires a specific kind of power. Consider the mechanics of horsepower and torque to determine which is better for towing:

What Are Torque and Horsepower?

Horsepower is the metric that gets the most attention when it comes to determining the power of a vehicle – primarily because it influences the everyday driving experience more and most drivers don’t understand the technical specifics of torque. Horsepower will help a vehicle drive faster and get started from a stopped position faster.

Torque refers to the distance of the pistons in the engine. The farther the pistons move, the greater the torque the vehicle has. A vehicle with higher torque can take on more weight and move easily without revving the engine. Whereas, if you are relying on a vehicle with high horsepower with lower torque, you may be able to take on the load, but the vehicle will strain more and you’ll rev the engine high.

Think of it like the difference between a guy who wins an arm wrestling match in a quick slam down and one who wins after straining and grunting for several minutes. The vehicle with the higher torque will be able to tow the heavier loads with the quick slam down.

What Else Helps with Towing?

While torque may be the clear winner over horsepower in terms of improving towing capacity, there are other characteristics of a vehicle that also improve its towing ability. Having a longer wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear axles – will make it less likely that your tow load will weigh down the rear of the vehicle. A rear-wheel drive system will give you more oomph when you are towing heavy loads. You should also look for a vehicle that has stronger suspension and a body-on-frame chassis design, which will provide more strength when towing heavy loads.

If you aren’t sure about how to evaluate and select these characteristics yourself, you can look for a diesel truck with great torque and add on a towing package.

One of the friendly specialists at Tim’s Truck Capital can help you find the perfect truck, SUV, or other vehicle to meet all your needs. We can help you find a vehicle that will easily haul the type of loads you expect to two, as well as meet the other requirements you have, including passenger capacity and convenience features. We’ll help you find it all at a price you can afford, and our finance specialists can help you find the terms to make it fit into your monthly budget. Visit us today to explore your options and find your ideal vehicle today.

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If you’re like a lot of the customers at Tim’s Truck Capital and Auto Sales, you know the value of buying a great used truck instead of a used one. After all, you can get a lot more bells and whistles for a lot less money when you don’t buy a brand new truck or vehicle. When you buy a new vehicle, it depreciates by thousands of dollars the minute you drive it off the lot. And who needs that?

As far as used trucks go, the team at Tim’s Truck Capital really likes the 2016 Denali Ultimate, GMC’s top Sierra series. It’s got ultra luxurious features inside and out, but is still a real workhorse.

It’s available with either the standard 5.3-litre V-8 engine or a 420 hp 6.2-litre V-8. You can also choose from two bed lengths or a crew cab. You’ll love the Tri-Power steps that make it easy to get in and out, plus they can be moved toward the rear for access to the front of the cargo bed. How convenient is that? There’s also a remote locking tailgate.

The interior is pretty sweet, too, with wireless phone charging and great acoustics from the Bose sound system that comes standard. The IntelliLink infotainment system has navigation, an 8” diagonal color touch screen and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and WiFi hotspot lets you connect up to seven devices! You can also choose myGMC mobile app7 for smartphones that provides additional connectivity, diagnostic and remote lock and start functionality.

Find Your Perfect Ride at Tim’s Truck Capital

Is the 2016 Sierra Denali Ultimate right for you? If not, let us know at Tim’s Truck Capital. We can find whatever used vehicle you are looking for. Give us a call, or fill out our Find It For Me form on our website at www.timstruckcapital.com. We are your best source for used cars for sale in NH and used trucks NH, too. We’re conveniently located at 904 Suncook Valley Highway in Epsom, NH, serving the entire Concord area!

Tim’s Truck Capital

904 Suncook Valley Hwy

Epsom, NH 03234

Phone: 888.659.1537

Website: http://www.timstruckcapital.com/

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