Latest News, Tips & More | Bickmore Auto Group

Myth Busted: Are Trucks Still Gas Guzzlers? Not Anymore!

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love a truck, but I just can’t handle the gas bills,” you’re not alone. For years, people have believed that owning a truck automatically meant spending more at the pump. But the truth is, today’s trucks are more efficient, smarter, and more versatile than ever before.

We understand that people love trucks for what they represent: freedom, capability, and reliability. Whether it’s weekend adventures, towing a boat, or just having the confidence to handle whatever life throws your way, a truck gives you options. And now, you can have all that without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The Old Truck Myth

Once upon a time, trucks were built for one thing: work. They were heavy, powerful, and didn’t worry much about miles per gallon. That’s where the “gas guzzler” reputation came from. But those days are long gone.

Automakers have spent years refining truck design and technology, creating pickups that are strong enough to tow and haul yet smart enough to save fuel when you’re cruising.

Modern Innovation = Better MPG

Today’s trucks are nothing like those of the past. With advanced engineering and design, they can do it all get the job done and go the extra mile on a tank of gas.

• Smaller, turbocharged engines that deliver big power when needed but sip fuel during everyday driving.

• Hybrid and mild-hybrid systems that blend strength and efficiency seamlessly.

• Streamlined body design that cuts down wind resistance.

• Smart fuel management systems, like cylinder deactivation, that use less fuel when you’re not towing or climbing hills.

The result? You can drive the truck you want and still feel good about how much you’re saving at the pump.

Ready to See the Difference?

When you see what’s available today, you might be surprised at how efficient trucks have become. Check out our current inventory to explore models designed for performance and fuel savings. Whether you want something for work, play, or both, there’s a truck out there that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

Thinking About Trading In?

If you’re ready to move up to a newer, more efficient truck, now’s a great time. Visit our trade-in page to see what your current vehicle is worth. Many drivers are surprised to learn their trade-in value can go a long way toward lowering the cost of their next truck and that means even more money saved in the long run.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

Maybe you already know the exact truck you want the trim, color, or features but it’s hard to find. Don’t worry. If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll find it for you through our Vehicle Locator Service. Just tell us what you’re looking for, and our team will track it down. It’s one more way we make shopping easy and stress-free.

Find Your Next Truck

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between saving money and driving what you love. Today’s fuel-efficient trucks let you have both strength and savings, muscle and mileage.

Stop by and talk with our friendly team, explore our inventory, or start online with a quick trade appraisal. And if you don’t see your perfect truck right away, our locator service will make sure you do soon.

Because owning a truck shouldn’t mean giving up on value, it should mean getting more out of every mile.

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Emergency Kits 2.0: Beyond the Blanket and Flashlight

Winter has a way of testing every driver’s patience. What Drivers Need to Stay Ready for Winter Roads and their preparation. A calm morning commute can turn into an unexpected roadside wait, a simple road trip can meet a snow squall halfway, and even reliable vehicles can struggle with subzero temperatures. That’s why modern drivers are rethinking what it means to be ready for the season—not just with a blanket and a flashlight, but with an emergency kit designed for today’s cars, technology, and lifestyles.

From Old-School to Smart Survival

In the past, “winter preparedness” meant a few simple items tossed in the trunk: jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, and maybe a bag of kitty litter for traction. Those essentials still matter, but vehicles and the challenges they face have changed.

Today’s cars are more connected and more efficient, but they’re also more dependent on electronics. A dead battery, frozen sensor, or drained smartphone can cause as much trouble as a flat tire. That’s why modern emergency kits focus on versatile, tech-aware tools that keep you safe and connected.

Modern problems need modern survival tools like lithium jump starters instead of jumper cables, power banks instead of spare batteries. But that doesn’t mean the classics are obsolete; they’ve simply evolved.

Old vs. New: What to Keep, What to Upgrade

Keep your map in a waterproof sleeve and highlight safe pull-offs or fuel stops along your regular routes. Even the most advanced navigation can’t help when your phone dies.

Seasonal Adaptation: Winter vs. Summer Kits

Your emergency gear shouldn’t look the same year-round. Swap or supplement items based on the season.

Winter Kit Additions

• Ice scraper and de-icer spray

• Thermal gloves and hand warmers

• Collapsible shovel

• Tire traction mats or snow socks

• Extra washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures

• High-calorie snacks and sealed water bottles

Summer Kit Additions

• Extra coolant and light tarp for shade

• Cooling towels or mist bottle

• Sunscreen and hydration tablets

• Compact fire extinguisher for overheating risk

Think of it as seasonal insurance protection that fits the environment, not just the car.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Tailor Your Kit to Your Drive

Every driver has different needs. A full-size SUV owner doesn’t pack the same way as someone with a compact EV, and a highway commuter doesn’t need everything a weekend adventurer carries. Here’s how to personalize your kit.

1. Everyday Driver

For short, familiar trips to work or school.

• Compact jump starter

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Small first aid kit

• Paper map or offline GPS

• Thermal blanket and gloves

• Small scraper, de-icer, and water bottle

Keep it small and accessible—a tote bag under the seat works best.

2. Highway Commuter

For longer drives or mixed city-highway travel.

• Add traction mats, shovel, and reflective vest

• Tire inflator or sealant kit

• Portable power bank and charger

• Snacks, extra water, and LED flares

Even short commutes can turn into long waits in a storm—plan for a few hours, not a few miles.

If you’re beginning to wonder whether your vehicle itself is ready for those longer, colder drives, it might be time to review your options. Explore current vehicles with advanced traction control and driver-assist systems in our inventory designed to keep you confident in any season.

3. Road Tripper or Adventurer

For those who go far from help.

• Full-size shovel, tow strap, and jumper cables (even if you have a power pack)

• Extra food and water for 24–48 hours

• Sleeping bag or insulated poncho

• Satellite communicator or two-way radio

• Multi-tool, duct tape, and extra fluids

Keep a printed emergency contact list with roadside assistance numbers and family contacts in your glovebox.

4. Compact or EV Driver

When space or battery is limited.

• Choose lightweight, multi-use tools

• Modular pouches instead of bulky boxes

• Skip redundant gear; pick one item that serves multiple roles

• Add a portable charger cable and adapter specific to your model

EVs don’t need fuel cans, but they do need energy planning. Keeping a portable charger and preheating strategy can make all the difference.

If your current car feels cramped for all the essentials, consider vehicles with more storage flexibility or built-in safety technology. You can view what’s available now on our inventory page.

Classic Gear That Still Deserves Space

Modern gear is great, but a few “old-school” items have stood the test of time.

• Paper maps - batteries die, paper doesn’t

• Manual flashlight - rechargeable is great, but hand-crank is reliable

• Cash - card readers and apps can fail in power outages

• Printed first-aid guide - because Google might not load when you need it most

• Basic tool kit - small wrenches or pliers can fix simple roadside problems

These aren’t relics; they’re reliable. Pairing timeless tools with modern tech gives you true preparedness.

A Word on Vehicle Confidence

Even the best-packed emergency kit can’t replace a safe, capable vehicle. If you’re uncertain about how your current car will handle winter traction, battery health, or safety features, the best step might be a quick readiness check or upgrade consultation.

• Value your trade-in and see how close you are to driving something newer, safer, and more capable.

• Apply for financing if you’re ready to explore options that make sense for your budget.

• Have questions about your vehicle’s winter reliability? Send our team a message, and we’ll help you prepare before the weather turns.

Preparedness, Not Panic

Having an emergency roadside kit isn't just about cool gear—it’s about peace of mind. The smartest drivers aren’t just ready for trouble; they expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. Whether you’re packing your trunk for the season, checking your car’s safety systems, or upgrading to a model built for year-round confidence, being proactive always pays off.

Before winter arrives in full force, take a moment to prepare—your future self (and your passengers) will thank you.

Some people love the winter months. The crisp air, quiet roads, and change of pace can make driving feel different in the best way. Still, every driver’s situation is a little different. The suggestions in this article are meant as a helpful guide, not a complete checklist. Always consider your local weather, road conditions, and vehicle type when putting together your own emergency kit or planning for winter driving.

Quick Links

• View all available vehicles

• Trade in your current car

• Apply for financing

• Contact our team

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Buying Smart While Staying Safe

When you’re shopping for a used car, safety is often the first thing on your mind and for good reason. That’s why so many buyers look to the 5-Star Safety Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when comparing vehicles.

Recently, NHTSA announced that its planned update to the 5-Star Safety Rating system originally scheduled for 2026 models will now be delayed until 2027. At first glance, this might sound like a complicated government decision. But for used car shoppers, it actually brings good news.

Current Ratings Still Count

Because the updated standards are postponed, all vehicles on the market today are still measured by the existing criteria. That means a 2019–2025 vehicle with a 5-star score remains just as trustworthy today as when it was tested. For anyone shopping used, this stability is reassuring: your car’s rating won’t suddenly feel “out of date” in the next year or two.

Many Used Cars Already Have “Future” Features

Even though the government won’t officially include them in ratings until 2027, many late-model used cars already come equipped with advanced safety technology. Depending on the year and trim level, you can find features such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring  helps spot vehicles you might not see in your mirrors.

• Lane-keeping assist gently corrects steering to help keep you centered.

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection  added peace of mind in city driving.

• Adaptive cruise control  maintains a safe distance automatically on the highway.

These are the very features regulators will highlight in a couple of years. Smart shoppers can enjoy them today often at thousands less than the cost of buying new. Browse our latest selection here: Shop Our Inventory.

Value That Lasts

Since the new safety criteria won’t apply until 2027, a used car you buy now won’t lose its credibility on resale. In fact, vehicles already equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems may hold their value even better as demand for those features grows. Thinking ahead about equity? See what your current vehicle is worth: Value Your Trade.

We Help You Shop Smart

Our team can also help you identify which models in our inventory already include features that align with the next generation of safety standards.

Prefer to get a head start from home? You can streamline your visit by starting a secure financing application in minutes: Apply for Financing.

The Bottom Line

The NHTSA’s delay in updating safety ratings may sound like a technical detail, but here’s what it really means: today’s used cars remain a safe, reliable, and value-packed choice. With many pre-owned vehicles already equipped with features regulators will soon highlight, there has never been a better time to consider buying used.

Next step: Explore our certified pre-owned options, schedule a test drive, and let our team help you find a vehicle that fits your budget and your peace of mind.

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What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Dealership

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. The good news? With a little preparation, the process can be simple, smooth, and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you feel confident before walking into the dealership.

1. Set Your Budget

The first step is deciding what you’re comfortable spending. Think about a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle , something you can manage without stretching your finances too far.

Remember, the cost of a car isn’t just the sticker price. You’ll also need to account for taxes, title, and registration fees, and you may want to plan for optional protections like extended warranties or service coverage.

If you have a vehicle to trade in, that can help lower your monthly cost or reduce the amount you need to finance. Even a small down payment can make a big difference.

Loan terms vary, too:

• Shorter terms = higher monthly payments, less total interest.

• Longer terms = smaller payments, more interest over time.

To get a better idea of what works for you, try our loan calculator. And when you’re ready, you can also apply for financing online.

2. Research Your Options

Since you’re shopping for a used car, narrowing down the options is key. Used vehicles come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and finding the right fit starts with thinking about your lifestyle needs:

• Do you commute long distances? Look for fuel efficiency and comfort.

• Have a family? Space and safety ratings may be top priorities.

• Need something for work or outdoor activities? Durability, towing capacity, or all-wheel drive could be important.

• Running errands around town? A smaller, easy-to-park car might be the best fit.

You can start your search right now by browsing our used car inventory. Once you have a shortlist, the test drive is where everything comes together. Sitting behind the wheel, checking visibility, and trying out the controls will tell you far more than any spec sheet.

3. Understand Financing Basics

Financing a used car doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way:

• Get preapproved if you can. Knowing what you qualify for helps you shop with confidence. Start here: apply for financing.

• Understand loan terms. Shorter terms come with higher payments but less interest overall; longer terms mean smaller payments but more interest across the life of the loan.

• Know your credit score. This can affect both approval and interest rates. Even if your score isn’t perfect, dealerships work with a wide range of customers to find workable solutions.

• Make a down payment. The more you put down upfront, the less you’ll need to finance which helps reduce your monthly payment.

Not sure how the numbers will shake out? Use our loan calculator to explore different scenarios. And remember, our finance team is here to walk you through the details step by step.

4. What to Bring to the Dealership

Coming prepared makes your first visit smooth and stress-free. Here are the basics:

• Driver’s License – required for test drives and paperwork.

• Proof of Insurance – needed before you can finalize a purchase.

• Payment Method – whether that’s a down payment or full purchase funds.

• Trade-In Items (if applicable) – such as your title, keys, and any essential documents.

Having these ready will save you time and keep the process moving quickly.

We're Here To Help

Buying your first used car doesn’t have to be intimidating. By setting a budget, researching your options, understanding financing, and bringing the right documents, you’ll be well-prepared to find the vehicle that fits your life.

Start browsing our used car inventory, test out numbers with our loan calculator, and when you’re ready, apply for financing online. We’ll be here to help you every step of the way.

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