Month: June 2022

Categories
Great Used Cars

Electric Vehicles are More Practical Than You Think. Here’s Why

Woman and her child charging their electric vehicle at a charging station

As fuel prices soar and climate change becomes a larger public concern, the need for electric vehicles becomes clearer and clearer. Despite the growing need for electric vehicles, there is no shortage of negative rumors surrounding the vehicles. You’ll hear about “range anxiety” or how rare materials are used to build batteries for EVs. The thing is, you could say many of the same things about gas-powered vehicles — without all the benefits of an EV. 

Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle or flat out refuse to adapt, this blog will show you just how practical electric vehicles are. By the time you finish this blog, you’ll be convinced that electric vehicles are the future of automobiles — and that future is now. Once you’re done reading, make sure to pay a visit to Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg to test drive an electric vehicle today. 

They Require Less Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons electric vehicles are more practical than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is that they require less maintenance. With a gas-powered vehicle, you have to perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups — all of which are costly. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles require little to no routine maintenance and will only see a mechanic when it needs major repairs or servicing. 

While electric vehicles will still need new tires, brakes and wiper blades throughout the year, you will still be performing less routine maintenance on them compared to a gas-powered vehicle. This means you’ll be able to save tons of money on oil changes, tune-ups, fluid changes and other routine maintenance that is associated with a gas-powered vehicle. With the money you save on both fuel and maintenance costs, owning an electric vehicle practically pays for itself!

Save on Fuel Costs

An obvious benefit to electric cars is the amount of money you will save by not purchasing fuel. If you own a fully-electric vehicle you won’t be hitting the local gas station to fuel up once a week. Instead, you’ll be able to “fuel” up at home as you can have a level 2 or 3 charger installed inside of your garage with relative ease. This means not only will you save money on fuel, but you’ll also save yourself some time as you won’t have to travel to the gas station.

Now, if you live in an apartment complex, charging your EV might be a bit more complicated if your complex doesn’t have on-site charging stations. In this case, you’ll have to figure out where the nearest charging station is and spend a bit of time charging up there. While the time spent charging may be a drawback, if you can combine it with other activities it is quite practical. 

Whether you have the ability to charge at home will decide just how practical owning an EV is for you. However, as time goes on and EVs grow in popularity, more public charging options will become available and make owning an EV more practical than ever before. Even if you don’t have the ability to charge an EV at home, the amount of money you’ll save on fuel and maintenance is enough reason to make the switch. 

Self-Driving Mode

A feature straight out of a sci-fi movie, self-driving technology is yet another reason owning an electric vehicle is more practical than you may think. We all know that driving is dangerous and combining human error with it only heightens the amount of risk — yet we all get behind the wheel each morning without a second thought. 

With self-driving electric vehicles, that inherent risk of human error is eliminated, making the roads a safer place for everyone. Self-driving car technology allows you to commute completely hands-free as artificial intelligence makes driving decisions for you. You will have to remain alert at all times while using the self-driving mode just in case you need to take control of the vehicle at any time.

Not only do self-driving cars keep people and the roads safer, but they also make your daily commute easier than ever before. 

Test Drive an EV Today at Thrifty Car Sales

Now that you know just how practical owning an electric vehicle can be, it’s time for you to test drive one at Thrifty Car Sales. At Thrifty Car Sales, we offer the best deals on new and used vehicles — including full-electric vehicles. If you don’t want to overpay for your next car, you need to visit Thrifty Car Sales today!

Categories
Local News

Five Places You Need to Visit in the Lehigh Valley

Bethlehem SteelStacks

Located just an hour and a half from both New York City and Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley is a metropolitan area in eastern Pennsylvania. It’s nestled in between the Blue Mountain to the north and South Mountain to the south and is home to over 820,000 people. The principal cities of the Lehigh Valley are Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, with the majority of it’s 820,000 citizens residing in these cities. 

The Lehigh Valley has a perfect blend of city life and outdoor activities, with either being an option on any given day. With so much to do and see in the Lehigh Valley, our list of the top five places to visit should come in handy during your visit. Whether you love the outdoors or want to enjoy Lehigh Valley’s nightlife, this list has something for you!

When you’re checking out the following five places, don’t forget to pay a special visit to Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg. Here at Thrifty Car Sales, we carry Coopersburg’s largest selection of new and used cars, trucks and SUVs — all at the lowest price. If you don’t want to overpay for your next car, truck or SUV, visit Thrifty Car Sales today. 

Coca-Cola Park

The first stop on our list of must-see places in the Lehigh Valley is Coca-Cola Park. Home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs — a Philadelphia Phillies Affiliate — Coca-Cola Park is an award-winning minor league baseball stadium located in Allentown. Coca-Cola Park was built in 2008 and is a fantastic destination for the entire family.

Outside of just baseball games, Coca-Cola park is host to a variety of events, including concerts for big-name acts such as Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp. The park’s location is a major asset as well, as you can access it from a variety of routes throughout the Lehigh Valley with ease. Once you’re here, on-site parking is available and it is plentiful. 

If you’re attending an IronPigs game, you’ll be happy to know that tickets are pretty cheap, with lawn seats starting at just $9. That makes Coca-Cola Park one of the cheapest attractions in the Lehigh Valley, and one that is friendly to all ages. 

Looking for a great time that won’t break the bank? Then pack up the car and hit Coca-Cola Park located in Allentown, just a few short minutes from Thrifty Car Sales! Visit the Coca-Cola Park website for tickets or more information.

SteelStacks

Do you love live music? Then the SteelStacks in Bethlehem is a must-see place for you! Home to the ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks is a multi-purpose entertainment venue that has a focus on music. SteelStacks sits on 10-acres of the old Bethlehem Steel campus in southside Bethlehem.

Throughout the spring and summer a variety of events are held here, including one half of North America’s largest free music festival — Musikfest. There are three different stages at SteelStacks — Levitt Pavillion, Musikfest Cafe and Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage — all of which offer free and paid concerts. 

In addition to three stages, the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema is located at SteelStacks. The Frank Bank Alehouse Cinema is an arthouse cinema that not only plays movies but also offers comedy shows and concerts. A stop here is highly recommended if you enjoy the indie arthouse vibe or are looking for something out of the ordinary. 

SteelStacks got its name from the two 230-foot tall blast furnaces left behind by the old Bethlehem Steel company. These furnaces hold a ton of history and are quite the sight to see, that’s why SteelStacks had the Hoover Mason Trestle (HMT) installed around the furnaces. The HMT is an absolute must-see for history and railroad enthusiasts, so stop by the next time you’re in Bethlehem! 

The SteelStacks are easily one of the best destinations in the Lehigh Valley for live music and entertainment — and the best value too! If you want a good night out on the town or a leisurely stroll through history, Bethlehem SteelStacks is the perfect spot for you. Visit the SteelStacks website for more information or simply stop by 101 Founders Way in Bethlehem today.

PPL Center

Another great family-friendly spot to visit in the Lehigh Valley is the PPL Center. Host to a variety of events including concerts and Lehigh Valley Phantoms games, the PPL Center has a capacity of up to 10,000 people and is located in the heart of Allentown. It includes a full-service bar, gift shop, stadium concessions and even a few restaurants like Chickie & Pete’s and Tim Horton’s.

The PPL Center has made quite a name for itself as a venue, hosting big-name artists such as Anuel AA and The Doobie Brothers. In addition to being a concert venue, the PPL Center is home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms — a Philadelphia Flyers Affiliate. When the Phantoms aren’t playing and concerts aren’t being held, the PPL Center offers family-friendly events such as Disney on Ice and Monster Jam.

If you’re looking for one of the best ways to spend a night in Allentown, look no further than one of the many events hosted at the PPL Center. You can find a list of scheduled events and tickets for upcoming events on the PPL Center website or you can stop by their box office on 701 Hamilton Street.

Wind Creek Casino

Looking for a more adult-oriented activity? Then Wind Creek Casino is the perfect activity for you! Located in Bethlehem, the 150,000-square-foot facility is home to over 3,000 slot machines and more than 150 table games — with what locals say are some of the best winnings. 

In addition to the casino, you can also find a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale, as well as shopping outlets and the live entertainment Wind Creek Event Center. Wind Creek’s Event Center hosts a variety of live acts such as Santana, Kevin James and Thrice. If you’re hungry, you can dine at Emeril’s Chop House or keep it simple at Steelworks Buffet and Grill. 

Whether you plan on gambling, dining, shopping or catching a show — Wind Creek in Bethlehem has it all! If you’re feeling lucky, you’ll want to make a pit stop at 77 Wind Creek Boulevard in Bethlehem. 

Da Vinci Science Center

One of the best spots in the Lehigh Valley to take your kids, the Da Vinci Science Center is an interactive science museum located in Allentown. It was established in 1992 and features a multitude of hands-on exhibits and activities for people of all ages. 

Explore a dark tunnel maze, peek into the depths of the sea with a marine life tank, or live out your dreams as a weather forecaster in the WFMZ 69 News simulator. In addition to these great activities, the Da Vinci Science Center offers unique workshops and educational programs each month to children of all ages. 

If you love science and your kids do too, the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown is the perfect place for you! Stop by 3145 Hamilton Boulevard Bypass in Allentown and discover the wonders of science at the Da Vinci Science Center — or visit the Da Vinci Science Center website today!

Explore the Lehigh Valley

While you’re out exploring the Lehigh Valley and these top five attractions, make sure to stop by Thrifty Car Sales too. A large supporter of organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley, Thrifty Car Sales is much more than just a  dealership. At Thrifty Car Sales, our roots are right here in the Lehigh Valley and we don’t plan on leaving. 

If you’re located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton or somewhere else in the Lehigh Valley, Thrifty Car Sales is the dealer for you. Visit us today and see why Lehigh Valley says we’re their favorite car dealership!

Categories
Maintenance

Buying a Used Car? Here are 5 Maintenance Tips to Make Life Easier.

Man doing maintenance on his used car at home

Everyone knows that buying a used car is a great way to save money. However, the real key to frugal car ownership is performing your own maintenance at home. You can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars simply by performing your own routine maintenance on your vehicle. 

When it comes to owning a car, there is no better way to ensure it has a long lifespan than with routine maintenance. However, not everyone is a trained mechanic — that’s why we put together this list of five valuable car maintenance tips that make your life easier. Whether you’re an expert mechanic or new to wrenching, you’re sure to find a useful tip on this list. 

Keep Cardboard Boxes

While most people look at empty cardboard boxes as trash, us DIY mechanics look at them like they’re gold — and they kind of are. Cardboard boxes are perfect for repurposing in the garage since you can use them for a variety of jobs. 

Don’t want to lay on a cold concrete floor? Put down a flattened cardboard box. Doing an oil change and don’t want oil on your garage floor? Easy solution: put down a flattened cardboard box. See where we’re going with this? 

When you use cardboard boxes in your garage — you’re not just being savvy — you’re making a positive impact on the environment too. Why not save the environment while also saving your back from the cold concrete floor? 

Get a Magnetic Dish

Staying organized is one of the most important parts of working on your car at home, that’s why this is one of our favorite tips to share. If you want to keep track of those pesky nuts and bolts that want to roll away on you, there is no better way to do it than with a magnetic dish. 

A magnetic dish is exactly what it sounds like, a dish that is magnetized so you can easily store objects within it. You can attach the dish to your car so it is always within reach while you’re working, helping you keep track of things with ease. 

If you’re looking for a magnetic dish, you can find them at your local hardware stores like Home Depot or Harbor Freight. Magnetic dishes are fairly inexpensive and their use will far outweigh any money you spend on it, so get one today!

A Little Light Goes a Long Way

Another great way to make life easier in the garage is to have a great light source. When you’re working on your car, things can get tough to see, especially when they’re covered in motor oil and dirt. That’s why we suggest having at least one good source of light handy in your garage at all times. 

We recommend a headlamp as it’s a hands-free way to get light in the exact places you need it. However, if you don’t want to look like an angler fish, there are plenty of great shop lights out there to choose from. There are magnetic lights that you can attach to the car, old school “trouble” lights and fancy LED strip lights — all of which work great in the shop. 

Don’t work on your car blind, stop by your local Harbor Freight and pick up a shop light today. No matter which light you choose, you’ll be glad you did it!

Take Pictures as You Go

Cars are complex pieces of machinery and while anyone can work on them, there are some best practices you should follow. This tip is an absolute must for any mechanic, be it experienced or not. If you want to make performing your own vehicle maintenance simple, taking pictures with each step is the best way to do it. 

While you’re working on your car, keep your smartphone handy and snap pictures as you go. Chances are you’ll need to reference the pictures at some point during your repair, so it’s best to have them than not. If you’re ever unsure about how something goes back together, having a picture on hand really comes in handy. 

Another bonus of taking pictures is being able to reference them down the line during other repairs. Need to take that manifold off again but can’t remember how? Just reference your tear-down photos from the last time and you’re off to the races. This simple tip will save you hours in the shop and endless frustration — so don’t forget it!

Replace Things in Pairs

Whenever you’re replacing an item your vehicle has more than one of, always replace all of them at once. There is no bigger annoyance than replacing an item on your car, only to have to do it all over again just a few short days or weeks later. That’s why we recommend always replacing things in pairs if they come in them. 

Whether its brake pads, headlights, tires or anything else on a car — replacing both or all at once saves you time and frustration. The best part of this method is that you’ll never have to play the “when was that last replaced” guessing game! 

When In Doubt, Visit Thrifty Car Sales

Still unsure about your ability to work on your car? That’s okay, simply bring it to our service center here at Thrifty Car Sales and our expert technicians will handle the rest. Whether you just need an oil change or a full engine rebuild, the expert technicians here at Thrifty Car Sales can do it all. 

If your car needs maintenance and you don’t want to do it at home, come on down to Thrifty Car Sales and we’ll take care of it for you. At Thrifty Car Sales, we make servicing your car a breeze. Simply stop by our service center or schedule an appointment ahead of time on our website — it’s really that easy.