Auto Warranty Scam Targeting Utica Area

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Posted in Automotive News, Utica-Rome Community News

A new car warranty scam is targeting vehicle owners in the Utica area as if the repeated ‘extended car warranty’ robocalls weren’t bad enough. This time, the scam is coming in the mail.

The letter or call tries to trick consumers into buying a service contract for their vehicle. Often, scammers pretend the offer is from the car manufacturer or dealership.

Vehicle owners in the area are receiving notices on pink paper advising them to ‘activate a vehicle service contract’ on their cars or trucks. Consumers are encouraged to call an 877 number that reportedly connects them to ‘SAP – Service Agreement Program’. A simple Google search of the BBB reveals this warranty company is a scam. The ‘warranty’ it hawks provides little to no coverage to buyers.

Unfortunately, warranty scams are not uncommon. The government is continuing efforts to stop fraudulent calls and letters. The FTC has paid out millions of dollars to thousands of people who were duped by these scams.

Get a Warranty Scam in the Mail?

If you receive a letter or phone call from someone suggesting your vehicle’s warranty is about to expire, or needs to be activated, call the dealership where you purchased your vehicle or the manufacturer. Consumer Reports says you should not call the number listed on the letter. It could be a warranty scam.

Like any phone or mail scam, never give your personal information to someone online or over the phone. “Do not provide any personal information, such as a social security number, credit card information, driver’s license number or bank account information to any caller unless you can verify you are dealing directly with a legitimate company with which you have an established business relationship,” advises the FCC.

Bottom line: if you get a call, hang up. If you get a letter, throw it away.

If you have any questions, call us at 315-733-2277 or call your vehicle’s manufacturer, or your dealership.

Looking for a used car near Rome NY, or in Utica, Yorkville and the surrounding area? Explore our virtual used car lot online, or stop by. You can find us where the Boilermaker starts: 2104 Dwyer Ave, Utica.

Pizza Places in Utica NY

Where Can You Get the Best Pizza in Utica NY?

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Posted in Utica-Rome Community News

The fundamentals of pizza are the same wherever you go: dough, sauce, and cheese. As any pizza lover will tell you, there’s a lot of variation from one pizza place to another. So where can you find the best pizza in Utica NY?

Out of three basic components, there are infinite pizza permutations — and that’s before we’re even talking about toppings. Pizza excellence is in the eye of the beholder — or the hand of the slice holder. Is your preference thick or thin crust? Smothered in cheese or less cheesy? Whatever you like, you can find a pizza place in Utica that serves just that.

Here at Nimey’s New Generation Cars, we tend to get our pizza from Jonny’s Pizza on Genesee Street. Not only is the pizza delicious, the slices are humungous.

Pizza in Utica NY
Lunch time. Can you see how huge those slices are?

We don’t want you to rely on just our opinion, so we asked everyone we knew where they get the best pizza in Utica, and — WHEW — we’re they ready to tell us.

So if you’re looking for a delicious slice, where should you go? One of these spots:

Best Pizza Places in Utica NY

Is a pizza place missing from this list? Let us know.

Looking for your next pizza picker-upper? Visit Nimey’s New Generation Cars in Utica, right at the start of the Boilermaker Road Race. We’ve got a large inventory of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs for you to choose from, and our friendly sales team will make you feel like you’ve got a cousin in the car business.

Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

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Posted in Vehicle and Driver Safety, Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Central New York drivers are no strangers to driving in the snow, but is your car equipped in case you find your vehicle stuck in the snow for an extended period of time? You’ll want to have a Winter Car Emergency Kit: a small bag, filled with the essentials, that can keep you safe in an emergency. 

Being Prepared Can Save Your Life

The most important item is a cell phone, fully charged. In most areas, a cell phone will allow you to quickly call for help. Keep in mind, cold temperatures can drain your phone’s battery life, so make your call for help as soon as you find yourself in trouble. 

Keep an extra charger and a back-up battery in your vehicle as well. 

The National Safety Council recommends having a bag or clear container in your trunk stocked with the following items at all times: 

  • Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
  • Jumper cables
  • First-aid kit Bottled water
  • Multi-tool, like a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife
  • Road flares or reflective warning triangles
  • Windshield cleaner

The Right Tools Can Help You Get Unstuck

In the winter, make sure you’re wearing a warm coat and snow boots, in case you need to leave your vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of boots in your car. Other key items to have in a snowy area like upstate New York:

  • A bag of sand or even kitty litter to help with traction if your car gets stuck
  • A snow shovel (there are collapsible shovels, but make sure they’re sturdy enough for significant snow)

Above all, if you find yourself stuck, and you can’t get out, don’t hesitate to contact the police or dial 911. 

Is your car ready to tackle winter? Schedule your vehicle’s winter maintenance check online at Nimey’s New Generation Cars, or simply text 315-235-3463 for an appointment.

ABOUT NIMEY’S THE NEW GENERATION:

Nimey’s is a family-owned and operated full-service used car dealership and car repair center located in Utica, NY. We value integrity and transparency in everything we do. 

We service vehicles in Utica, Rome, and New Hartford – and all of the Mohawk Valley. Whether you’re looking for service or shopping for a used car, stop in and see why more and more people are choosing Nimey’s New Generation Cars in Utica, NY for their vehicle. 

Save time. Save money. Drive better.

10 Most Common Repairs Your Vehicle Will Need

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Posted in Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

When you own a car, you need to take care of it. These are the top 10 reasons you’ll need to get your car in Nimey’s New Generation service department.

  1. Oil/Oil Filter Change – Motor oil keeps your vehicle running smoothly and cleanly, lubricating your engine’s moving parts. Over time, all motor oil becomes dirty and less effective. As a result, it important to change your oil and your oil filter regularly, probably once every 5,000 – 7,000 miles.
  2. Wiper Blade Replacement – Our Central New York weather can be rough on wiper blades, making them less effective, and decreasing visibility when you need it most. Replace them regularly.
  3. Brake Work – Brakes are the most important thing stopping you from having an accident. Have your brakes checked regularly, and especially if you hear squealing, scraping, grinding,  or your car doesn’t seem to be stopping as quickly as it once did.
  4. Antifreeze Added – In a nutshell, antifreeze is an additive that lowers the freezing point of your radiator coolant. It not only keeps the water in your radiator from freezing, it also prevents it from boiling. Refer to your owner’s manual as to how often you should change your car’s coolant.
  5. Air Filter Replacement – Just as with your motor oil filter, your air filter needs to be changed regularly, around every 12,000 miles.
  6. Battery Replacement – You should routinely check your battery, making sure it is free of corrosion, and that the lead terminals are clean. Have your battery checked every year if your battery is more than three years old.
  7. Engine Tune-Up – If you see a warning light come on, you should definitely bring your vehicle in for service. Beyond that,  older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or every year. If your car is newer and has an electronic ignition and fuel injection, then you can go from 25,000 to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up.
  8. Tire Rotation/New Tires – Your tires are the only thing keeping your car on the road. Be sure you have tires suited for the season, and definitely get snow tires for our Central New York winters. Rotating your tires regularly improves your vehicle’s overall performance.
  9. Wheels Aligned/Balanced – Proper wheel alignment and balancing is essential to avoid unnecessary wear on your tires, steering and suspension.
  10. Routine Scheduled Maintenance –  Routine maintenance is what keeps small problems from turning into big (expensive) problems down the road.

Having any problems with your car? Want to schedule a “check up” for your vehicle? Contact Nimey’s New Generation service department at 315-732-2704 or schedule your appointment HERE.

Find More Tips at Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars

We hope these tips have been helpful and informative. If you’re looking for any more assistance on the road, check out our blog for more tips and tricks. For those looking for a great used vehicle or any car service, stop in to Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars for help. You can contact us by phone or in person. Our sales team is happy and ready to help you with all of your automotive needs!

One Simple Step That Will Protect You and Your Vehicle From Theft

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Posted in Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

It’s becoming an all-too-common experience in Central New York: theft of items from vehicles. Local law enforcement says there is one simple step you can take that will help protect you and your car from theft.

It doesn’t matter where you live – from Utica and Rome to Clinton and New Hartford – criminals are lurking. Every few months, local media reports on a string of thefts from vehicles, where the thief is brazen enough to steal from vehicles parked in driveways. Often the thief will get away with money, handbags, computers, and anything else of value in the car.

The best step you can take is the easiest: lock your vehicle’s doors. 

It seems obvious, but too often we either forget, or simply don’t lock our vehicle’s doors.  It’s also important to make sure you never leave valuables in your car – especially where criminals can see them. Bring valuable items into your home, or lock them in the trunk.

Nationwide Insurance suggests the following additional measures:

  1. Always lock your vehicle (even while driving)
  2. When parked, leave all windows – including the sunroof – closed
  3. Know where you’re going and plan routes that avoid high crime areas whenever possible
  4. Park in well-lit areas
  5. Never leave your car unattended if it’s running

Find More Tips at Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars

We hope these tips have been helpful and informative. If you’re looking for any more assistance on the road, check out our blog for more tips and tricks. For those looking for a great used vehicle or any car service, stop in to Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars for help. You can contact us by phone or in person. Our sales team is happy and ready to help you with all of your automotive needs!

How to Avoid the 5 Most Common ‘Staged Accident’ Scams

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Posted in Automotive News, Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

The Federal Bureau of Investigations estimates that staged accidents cost the insurance industry over $20 billion every year, and adds nearly $300 to your annual insurance premium. How do you avoid becoming a victim?

Scammers typically target women driving alone, and senior citizens, under the assumption they will be less confrontational at the accident scene. Scammers will also intentionally choose more expensive vehicles.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) lists 5 common staged accident scenarios:

  •  DRIVE DOWN (or THE WAVE IN)
    The victim merges his vehicle into traffic, after having been motioned by the seemingly helpful criminal. As the innocent driver begins to merge, the criminal speeds up and causes a collision. When questioned, the criminal denies motioning the victim to merge.
  • PANIC STOP
    The criminal is typically driving an older vehicle filled with passengers. The criminal pulls in front of the victim’s vehicle, and a backseat passenger in the criminal’s car watches for the victim to be distracted by something. Once the victim appears distracted, the backseat passenger tells the driver to slam on the brakes, causing the innocent motorist to rear-end the criminal’s vehicle. The victim’s insurance company then typically must pay for vehicle damage and any injuries the criminal’s passengers claim to suffer.
  • SIDE SWIPE
    This type of crash typically occurs at a busy intersection with dual left-turn lanes. The criminal positions his vehicle in the other lane, and side swipes the car in the inner left-turn lane.
  • SWOOP-AND-SQUAT
    This typically involves three vehicles, two driven by criminals and the third by an innocent victim. The driver of the “squat” vehicle pulls in front of the victim’s car. The driver of the “swoop” vehicle pulls in front of the squat vehicle, causing the driver of the squat vehicle to hit his brakes. The victim cannot react in time and rear-ends the squat vehicle. The victim then typically is responsible for any vehicle damage and personal injury to passengers in the squat vehicle.
  • ADDING DAMAGE
    After a collision, staged or not, the scammer goes to another location, causes extensive damage to their vehicle and claims the damage happened during the original accident.

How do you avoid getting scammed? 

In these situations, your phone is your friend: use your phone’s camera to document the damage on your car and the other vehicle, as well as the number of passengers in the other vehicle.

  • Avoid tailgating.
  • Immediately call the police to an accident scene.
  • Avoid “runners” and “cappers” – people who suddenly appear at an accident scene to try to direct you to particular doctors and attorneys, as they are typically part of the criminal scheme.
  • Be wary of physicians who insist you file a personal injury claim after an accident, especially if you are not hurt.
  • Steer clear of tow trucks that appear when you have not called for service, as they are often “cappers” for body shops.

Find More Driving Tips at Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars

We hope these tips have been helpful and informative. If you’re looking for any more assistance on the road, check out our blog for more tips and tricks. For those looking for a great used vehicle or any car service, stop in to Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars for help. You can contact us by phone or in person. Our sales team is happy and ready to help you with all of your automotive needs!

Which Is Worse for Your Car: Rock Salt or Brine on Roadways?

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Posted in Automotive News, Vehicle and Driver Safety, Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Anyone who drives a car in Central New York knows that winter is a car killer. If you’re not sliding or slipping, corrosion is having its way with your vehicle.

With many municipalities switching from sand and rock salt to brine, or a brine combination, you may have experienced corrosion that seems worse than in previous years. You’re not imagining things.

Brine may be more effective and cost less for your town, but it’s much worse for your vehicle. First, brine is able to penetrate into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle’s undercarriage – places rock salt wouldn’t generally reach. Second, and we’ll have to reach back to high school chemistry for this, is that brine forms an acid when humidity reaches 20-30 percent.

In most states, brine is a mix of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride dissolved in water. “That’s a very important point, because magnesium chloride is much more corrosive than sodium chloride, the rock salt,” said Bob Baboian, an auto industry consultant and a fellow at the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, in comments to the Washington Post.

When that magnesium salt is dissolved by the humidity in the air, it creates an acid. That acid eats your car. Once the temperatures are above the teens, there is likely enough humidity in the air to create that acid. That’s especially true in your garage.

What can you do to help protect your vehicle?

  • Invest in an undercoating for your vehicle. It will help protect your investment from the corrosive properties of salt and brine.
  • Wash your car regularly – and always include the undercarriage wash, especially if you know you’ve been driving on brined roadways.
  • It sounds crazy, but if you can’t rinse your car, keep it out of the garage, and in the cold, until you can.

Find More Driving Tips at Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars

We hope these tips have been helpful and informative. If you’re looking for any more assistance on the road, check out our blog for more tips and tricks. For those looking for a great used vehicle or any car service, stop in to Rich Nimey’s New Generation Cars for help. You can contact us by phone or in person. Our sales team is happy and ready to help you with all of your automotive needs!

Nimey’s The New Generation Mourns the Loss of Our Patriarch and Founder

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Posted in Dealer Information

On Saturday, November 16, 2019, we lost our patriarch, Richard Nimey.

Rich began his work in the car business as a young child in Washington Mills. In 1964, he began to build his business on the corner of Culver and Bleecker Streets. He took significant pride in each and every repair. He always needed to know how every part functioned and its purpose.

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