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If you take time to recall the days of manually cranking your car windows up and down, power windows can truly be considered one of the greatest innovations to the modern car. But, as with all modern technology, once in a great while, it lets us down – literally. If you’ve ever had an issue with your windows getting stuck either down or up, you know how frustrating it can be, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. But, before you play with the switch to no avail or tug on the window, take the time to call your dealer. Your dealer can swiftly diagnose the problem, and, in most cases, fix it quickly. Forcing a window or switch can damage or even destroy other components, making for a more extensive and costly repair. If you’re currently experiencing window problems with your vehicle, keep in mind that many states require working windows in order to assist law enforcement safety during traffic stops, so your car may not pass inspection without them. Instead of relying on duct tape or sheer grit, make an appointment with your dealer for a quick and easy fix, so that the windows on your car go up and down.

Did you know that every single component of your vehicle is designed by engineers to provide you with the latest technology, the greatest comfort and the best safety features – including your tires? Many of us overlook our tires as an intentional design element of our car, but there are a number of factors that go into selecting the absolute best tires for your vehicle. For starters, width and speed rating are just a few of the things that engineers look at when selecting the proper tires for your vehicle. And, in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of your car, you should always have 4 tires that match – just like they day you drove it off the lot. Should you get a flat or need to replace a tire, your dealer will be able to provide you with a tire that is designed to match your car. Or, if it’s time to replace a few, check with your dealer about specials on purchasing a complete set of 4 tires. Repair places will be able to provide you with a workable tire should you need a quick replacement, but only your dealer can outfit your vehicle with the specific make and model of tire that was designed for your car.

Even though today’s cars last longer than ever before, that doesn’t mean you can neglect regular tune ups. If you want your car to run correctly and efficiently, it needs proper maintenance. While the tune-ups of yesteryear required adjustments of carburetors and replacement of spark plugs and wires, today’s tune-ups are often such simpler. A tune up can range from an easy filter replacement to full system maintenance on vehicles with higher mileage. If it's been a while since your last automotive check-up, talk to your dealer about scheduling an appointment. The standard maintenance dealt with today could save you a bundle in the future – and, most importantly, keep your car as reliable as ever.

What's a dealer-approved contractor? It's pretty simple. Your dealer directs you to specialists who know your car as well as they do. They'll keep it safe, beautiful, and do the job right. Want to clean your car inside and out? Your dealer knows a guy. What about pin stripes? Your dealer will make a call and set everything up for you. If it bolts, sticks, makes music, or has anything to do with your car, your dealer knows how to make it work.

The internet is full of great offers on car products and accessories. Your dealer knows this. Sites like Tire Rack, for example, specialize in tires, rims and wheel sets, and working with your dealer, they'll make sure your car gets tires that will keep it running safely and efficiently. Tire Rack will ship them to the dealership, where they'll be installed quickly and safely, right the first time. So by all means, hunt online for deals -- but talk to your dealer before buying, to ensure you get the best products and a painless, professional installation.

Maybe you want tinted windows because you're sensitive to sunlight. Or maybe you just think they look cool. (They do!) Your dealer will not only help you get them, they'll help you do it right. Each state has its own window tinting law, and your dealer not only knows exactly what's allowed in your area, they'll send you to an approved contractor who's guaranteed to do the job right. Just drop off your car ar the dealership and let them do the rest!

Does your car look safer than the one you had ten years ago? It is. Today's vehicles contain decades of safety engineering. Every nut, bolt and spark plug is designed to perform the same way every time, and minimize impact on you in the unlikely event of an accident. That's why even the mildest fender bender should be repaired by your dealer. Your friend might know how to paint your bumper, but unless they know your car inside-out, you might end up with a pretty bumper and no crash protection. So let the professionals keep you safe by repairing your car to factory standards.

You keep up with your scheduled maintenance.  Your oil is changed on time, your tires are inflated, and your transmission hums beautifully. But your job isn’t done when you leave the dealer. “Walk through” your car once a month to check things your mechanic might miss. Pay special attention to the glove box and the trunk. Are your car’s registration and insurance cards valid? Is the spare tire ready to go? Is it inflated? Do you have a working jack? A quick monthly check will save you hours if you break down or get pulled over.

Fancy yourself a mechanic? Do you have a big shelf in the garage at home, full of motor oil, wiper fluid, cleansers--everything your car might need in a pinch? Great! But remember to read the label. Car fluids have a 'sell by' date, after which they deteriorate rapidly. Their effectiveness isn't just compromised; old fluids can actually harm your car. Remember--you wouldn't drink expired milk, so don't feed your car the bad stuff! Your dealer will hook you up with all the up-to-date products you need to keep your car running smoothly.

The holidays are here, and we're all trying to save money. It's tempting to put that oil change off 'til your next paycheck, and that rattle in your engine ... can't it wait for the new year? Maybe not. Problems can worsen without warning, and a little timely prevention can save you from a costly cure. Your dealer mechanic knows your car best, letting him fix it faster, cheaper, and more efficiently. He can spot problems before they occur. So make sure to budget for routine maintenance, and if your car acts up, visit your dealer immediately. A car equals freedom to go to work, run errands and have fun - don't gamble with it!

Your brake lights still perform the same job they did 100 years ago: telling other drivers when you're slowing or stopping. But with cars going faster than ever, brake lights need to be as sensitive as possible. Even slamming your trunk can loosen brake light connections, so have your dealer confirm they're as tight as possible. You can even ask your dealer about new LED tailights, which are designed to last the life of your car.

Accidents happen. But we're not talking about fender-benders this time; we mean the kind where you stop short and your coffee cup goes flying to the floor. There's no shortage of cleaning products, so ask your dealer what's appropriate for your car. Using dealer-approved products will make the job easier, faster, and make sure the fluids won't harm your surfaces. Chemicals can be unpredictable, though, so just to be safe, test the product on an inconspicuous spot before treating the affected area. Have questions? Remember that your dealer will help you make your car look as good as new!