Let Back Roads Automotive help you and your teen find the right car at the right price.  We have plenty of budget friendly choices.  We are your hometown dealer and work hard to make every teen’s first car memorable all the while ensuring the parents’ needs are also met.  We have bows, take pics for social media, make it fun and informative so they feel comfortable.  Here at Back Roads, they can drive different makes/models and test out the safety features.  There are plenty of roads here in Great Bridge/Hickory where they can drive at their comfort level.  We know they face unique challenges on the road due to their limited driving experience and maturity level.  Read more about our first cars and the memories we have.  Our team had fun reminiscing about our first car in a previous blog.

Here are some important considerations and tips for teen drivers:

Make sure to enroll your teens into a driver's education program that includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.  They’ll learn the rules of the road, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. 

Practice makes progress!  Spend plenty of time practicing driving.  Start in low-traffic areas and gradually progress to more challenging driving conditions.  Day and night drives are both important. 

Be a good role model when it comes to distractions.  They watch us and think maybe they can handle several things at one time.  Work with your teen to avoid distractions. Remind them to never text or use a cell phone while driving.

Limit other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio, to maintain focus on the road.

Ensure they always wear a seatbelt and that all passengers do the same.

Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions.

Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for adequate reaction time.

Lastly, establish Clear Rules and Consequences.  Set clear rules and consequences for unsafe driving behavior, such as speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving.

Spring is here and we know because …so is the Pollen.  Our detailers, here at Back Roads Automotive have been busy trying to keep our cars super clean.  It’s a great time to look at YOUR vehicles also.  Performing a spring car check is essential to be sure your vehicle is in good condition after the harsh winter months.  You’ll want to be sure it’s in great shape for the summer for fun family trips.  Of course, we hope you’ll take advantage of trading it to us and getting a newer vehicle.  Planning to keep your car for a while?   Here is a great check list from your Back Roads Automotive team!

Take a minute to look at the exterior!

Clean the outside to remove sand, grime, and road debris.  Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from UV rays and to give it a nice shine.

Look for acid rain, dents, dings and scratch damage to get repaired soon.  

Inspect your tires!

Check tire pressure and inflate to the recommended level.  Also look at the tread depth and condition.  Bulges and slices can be dangerous. 

Rotate them if needed.  Having great tires/tread helps you stop fast and get through the water during storms.

Inspect your Wiper Blades!

Everyone here in Hampton Roads knows how fast thunderstorms can hit in the summer.  We forget the importance of great wipers until that moment!

Check for cracks, tears, or any signs of wear.  Don’t forget the rear ones on SUV’s and wagons.  Replace them if necessary.

Check Lights!         

Test all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

Replace any bulbs that are burnt out.

Inspect Windshield and Glass!

Check for cracks, chips, or other damage.

Repair or replace as needed.  Most insurances can help make it easy.

Inspect Belts and Hoses!

Look for signs of wear, cracks, or fraying and replace them so you are safe.

Check Air Conditioning!

Test the air conditioning system to ensure it is working properly.  Recharge refrigerant if necessary.

Don’t forget the Cabin Air Filter!

It’s the air you are breathing. Check and replace the cabin air filter if it is dirty or clogged.

Check Fluid Levels!

    - Engine oil

    - Transmission fluid

    - Brake fluid

    - Power steering fluid

    - Coolant

Inspect Battery!

Check the battery for corrosion and ensure it is securely mounted.

Test the charge and replace if necessary.

Inspect your Brakes - if you are able or have them inspected by a reliable shop.  We have several great shops right here in Great Bridge/Hickory. 

We use them every day and they do a great job for our cars, trucks and SUV’s.

Check brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid.  Replace brake pads if they are worn down.

Check Engine Air Filter

Inspect and replace the engine air filter if it is dirty or clogged.

TEST DRIVE your own car.  Take a minute, turn down the music to check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues.  Drive at slow speeds, higher speeds and pay attention when turning.

By following this spring car check checklist, you can help ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition and safe to drive during the warmer months ahead. If you are unsure about any of the items on the checklist or if you identify any issues that need attention, see a local mechanic or auto service shop near you!

We have so much history right here in Great Bridge.  Our team here at Back Roads Automotive wants to be a part of our growth and history also.  Many of us live, shop and plan to be here for many years.  

It's More Than Meets The Eye!

Image Source: Pinterest

If you've ever owned a vehicle no doubt you been what's called upside down in your car. It's when you owe more that the vehicle is worth. Well Rick Sullivan, a mechanic from Clinton, Illinois, spent six months and $6,000 to bring this extraordinary concept to life. The inspiration struck him when he saw a Ford Ranger overturned in the snow. This sight sparked an idea: to create a vehicle that permanently looked like it was flipped over.

Building Process

• Base Vehicle: The drivetrain of a '91 Ford Ranger.

• Transformation: Stripping the Ranger's body and fitting an upside-down Ford F-150 body onto it.

This project required not just mechanical skills but also a creative vision, something that is often undervalued in the automotive world.

Community Reaction and Impact

The truck has become a local sensation, drawing attention and sparking conversations wherever it goes. Passersby are often initially confused, then delighted by the truck's design.

Need A New Car?

It may be fun to drive an truck that is literally upside down but not so much when you owe more on a vehicle than it's worth. Stop by today where you can find a car that not only meets your needs but also puts you on a more stable financial path. Remember, being "upside down" isn't a permanent state – with the right approach, you can turn it around and drive forward with confidence.

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 Here at Back Roads Automotive, we know women are a huge part of decision making when it comes to large family purchases.  A new vehicle is no different. That's why we offer a friendly atmosphere with time to look at different models with no hassle.  A non-commissioned sales team means an honest no pressure environment.  Women shopping on their own is a growing trend here in Chesapeake and also across our nation.  

It's important for customers to be informed.  Buying a purchase as large as a vehicle can take time.  We want to give our readers an insider's look into our store and how we operate.  It's very different!  It's not a traditional set up. 

 We offer a Tire and Wheel Road Hazard Warranty that offers several benefits to you!  Here are some of the key advantages:

It's financial!  If you are a daily driver, you already know the roads here in Hampton Roads can be tricky.  Our warranty options provide financial coverage for repair or replacement of tires and wheels damaged by road hazards such as potholes, nails, glass, and debris. It helps save you money on unexpected repair costs.

Because Back Roads Automotive offers this coverage, you'll have peace of mind knowing you are protected against unforeseen damages caused by road hazards. This can also reduce your stress when it happens because of potential repair expenses.

Road hazard repairs or replacements can be expensive. Our warranty covers these costs, resulting in significant savings over time. Without the warranty, you would have to bear these expenses out of pocket.

You are covered!  You can quickly address issues without a significant disruption to your schedule.  We are all busy and it saves time. 

Talk to our business manager today about all the valuable programs we offer here at Back Roads Automotive - 757.410.2400! 

Buying Your First Car

The excitement of buying and personalizing your first car is a memorable experience for many people including us. It represents a significant milestone and a sense of independence. Here at Back Roads Automotive, we love to help first time buyers get a great vehicle and create wonderful memories. Ones they will remember...like we do.  Check out our own memories below! 

Jay Sawyer, who is our CEO owned a 1988 White Jeep Cherokee and loved it.  Summertime at the beach with a 4 Wheel Drive SUV gave him freedom and independence to hit the road and break hearts.  No more riding with friends to get around.  He could explore new places here in Hampton Roads and all the way down to the outer banks.  

Jim Hayden is our Sales Manager and he had a 1972 Buick Lesabre that could fit eight friends!  Jokingly, he said he could fit four more in the trunk!  It was a beautiful dark Green with a vinyl top.  Riding in style was his game.  Jim said buying his first car was a big step into adulthood.  

Brian Korich is our Finance Manager, and he wins "most interesting".  He owned a 1976 White Datsun B210 Honey Bee Edition.  Boy, was it special with roll-up windows, no radio or AC.  But it did have a Black racing stripe!  He had moved two hours away, so his first memorable trip was back home to see is friends. 

Tammy Baker is our Controller.  Her first vehicle was a 1972 White Celica.  Super sporty at the time.  The car business is in her blood, and she was lucky to pick out her Celica from her family's lot.  What a great experience that must have been as a young woman getting your first vehicle.  

Paul Huffman, is in Sales and he drove a 1977 Red Trans Am.  Now, that was a cool ride!  The sheer thrill of having the car everyone knows due to the Smokey and the Bandit movie was undeniable. The anticipation of hopping in that fine ride and everyone admiring it was incredibly exciting as a teenager.  

Taylor Doyle is in Sales.  Buying his 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT in sleek Silver was the reward of his hard work.  Of course, it was fast, but Taylor said he was sure to obey ALL the traffic laws... LOL.  He said there was a sense of pride in being able to show off his new GT to friends and family and he put some miles on it for sure! 

Jeremy Ocheltree is in Sales, and he owned a 2003 Dodge SRT4.  He was sixteen and working his first job driving this fast car.  It was a manual transmission with a 4-cylinder turbo, 215 horsepower making the top speed 153 mph.  Wonder how he knows that?  Another fast driver we guess.  

Patty Mauf is our Title Clerk, and her first vehicle was a 1980 White Reliant K car.  It was big and square, and her friends nicknamed it the "box car".  She was in Madison South Dakota and drove it to neighboring towns and to the mall like most teens.  She had finicky headlights that pointed upwards and tricked the street lights sometimes.  Good memories with friends are what it's about.  

Matt C. is one of our Technicians. He's a car guy through and through.  He started out with a BMW that he said he hated!  Then switched to off road trucks and race cars.   In the years to come, your first car may hold a special place in your heart. Even if it's not the most luxurious or high-tech vehicle, the memories associated with your first car make it a sentimental possession.

Justin Onufrak is one of our Technicians and he had a great first memory.  His parents surprised him at Christmas with a 1988 White Chevrolet Celebrity topped with a big red bow.  He didn't even have his license yet, so it was very special.  He loved driving on the back roads with his friends and could fit quite a few of them into his car.  Justin has owned a lot of vehicles since then.  Now, he gets to share that love of automobiles and racing with his son!  

Troy McBee is our Digital Marketer and his parents surprised him with a Blue 1997 Ford F-250. He learned how to work on it over time and because he lived out west, he really took advantage of the mountains, snow and camping.  He drove it for quite some time and had a lot of fun exploring Casper Wyoming!  

Mary Anthony in Sales bought her Red 1982 Toyota SR5 on her own.  She quickly learned ownership costs money.  The new rims and tires were pricey!  Luckily her dad helped with that effort. There's joy in owning a vehicle, there's also a realization of maintenance, insurance, and other aspects to consider like back-to-back speeding tickets.  Even though the truck wasn't fast, the Suffolk police noticed it! 

Lorenzo Woods is in Detail and wins most vehicles at 18 years old with three!  A 1989 Nissan Sentra that was Black with silver rims, a Gray Nissan truck and of course a motorcycle.  They were tangible symbols of his hard work and ability to make important decisions at a very young age.  And he really enjoyed all three of them!

Arland Morrow is in Detail, and he had a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix that was Brown with a vinyl top. The coolest feature was the driver's seat would turn when you wanted to get out.  It also had the fancy headlights.  He saved up to get it by working at McDonalds and then took it to Maryland for a road trip.  He worked hard to get what he wanted at a young age.  

Chase Morgan is our lot attendant, and he has an awesome 1996 Ford Bronco that is Black two tone.  His grandparents gave him his SUV making it even more special.  He enjoys taking it down to the outer banks and driving on the beach.  He is young now, but his Bronco will be remembered for many years! 

Remembering the excitement of buying your first car is a cherished memory for many, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in life and the start of countless adventures on the road.

We love our small businesses right here in Great Bridge/Hickory!  They play a crucial role in supporting and contributing to local communities in various ways. 

We create jobs!  We are very proud of our team here at Back Roads Automotive and will continue to hire great, experienced people! 

Small businesses like ours contribute to the economic growth of Chesapeake. This results in increased spending and investment right here.

We are a part of the Community!  As your hometown dealer, we are more deeply connected to our neighbors, friends and associates.  We actively participate in local events like the Great Bridge Parade, sponsor community initiatives like the Harris Teeter cart advertisements and other charitable causes. 

We utilize services locally, helping to create a network of mutually beneficial relationships within our Great Bridge/Hickory/Chesapeake community. This enhances our overall quality of life. 

What are the advantages of owning a 2 wheel drive pickup truck?

Well, for one, it can have an overall better capability than a 4 wheel drive truck. People often mistakenly think that because a 4 wheel drive truck can go off-road, that it is more capable. But in reality, a 2 wheel drive truck can do just as much if not more with the right configuration.

Towing Capacity

If you want the most tow capacity in any type of pickup truck, choose a 2-wheel drive truck. This is because a 2-wheel drive truck has a lower curb weight, but the same gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This means that your payload capacity has increased because of this. A 4-wheel drive truck might give you 5500 lb payload capacity in a single rear wheel configuration, but you can go up to 7500 lb or more in a dual rear wheel configuration.

Generally speaking, the best trucks for towing are 2-wheel drive dually pickups. This is because they have more room for payload capacity and can handle heavier pin weights, which increases the total weight of a trailer that they can tow. For some people, a 2-wheel drive truck may be the best choice depending on what they are doing.

Fuel Economy

Another benefit of a 2 wheel drive vehicle is that it can get better fuel economy in some cases. You can see an improvement of up to 30% when you compare fuel economy between a 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicle.

When you have a two-wheel drive configuration, it is much easier to move the truck due to rolling resistance. This is because there is less weight on each axle and there are fewer driveshafts and differentials that need to be driven. As a result, this can lead to better fuel economy as well.

Maintenance Costs

A 2-wheel drive vehicle has fewer parts that can break. This means there is less chance that something will go wrong with your car and you will have to spend money fixing it. Additionally, 4-wheel drive vehicles require additional electronics and controls, which can be expensive to maintain.

Benefits Of A 4 Wheel Drive Truck

The obvious benefit is that you can go off-road. This is the type of truck that is designed for people who want to take their vehicle camping, hiking or regularly have to go on unpaved roads. A 4x4 truck will have no problem getting through rough terrain that would stop a 2 wheel drive truck.

Traction - In poor weather conditions, a 4x4 truck will have much better traction than a 2 wheel drive. This is because the weight is evenly distributed over all four tires.

Climbing - If you need to go up a hill or incline, a 4x4 truck will be able to do it with ease.

Where going off road is not the primary purpose of the truck, it is used more in emergency situations such as bad weather or other natural disasters. When roads are closed or impassable, a 4x4 truck can provide the only means of getting around.

Resell Value

Generally speaking you're going to save by opting for a two-wheel drive version over 4 wheel drive version. However this will depend totally on the specific configuration you choose.

A four-wheel drive truck is a more desirable vehicle when it comes time to sell it or trade. It might have cost you a little bit more, but it is worth it in the end.