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We’ve all been there. Driving, running errands, whether it be shopping at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, doing our groceries at Uncle Giuseppe’s in Smithtown, or even grabbing a bite at Maureen's Kitchen, when suddenly our dashboard illuminates a warning symbol. Fifty percent of people ignore said warning light to worry about it at a later time, while the other fifty percent of people rush to their web browser on their IPhone or Android to find out what could possibly have gone awry in their GLA 250, GLC 300, C 300, or even their E 450. If you are one of the latter fifty percent of people, you are in luck! We’re here to diminish your curiosity. Tire Pressure Light In the case that this light appears on your dashboard, it simply means that one (or multiple) of your tires has low pressure. On newer cars in the fleet, your dash can even tell you what tire pressure each of your tires is currently at, helping you find out which one needs more air. Similarly, if your tire pressure is extremely low, you know that you may have a flat tire. Call Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance (1-800- 367-6372) to help you get a tow to bring your car to the Service Department for repair. Gas Light The appearance of this warning light indicates that your vehicle’s fuel or gas level is getting low. The great thing for those that have the helpful “Hey Mercedes” feature, is that you can ask the system to take you to the nearest gas station, or even a gas station on your way home. For example, you can say “Hey Mercedes, take me to the nearest King’s Park gas station.” and she will figure out which is closest to you! Check Engine Light It may look like a submarine, but this is a check engine light. This could be a problem with your engine system,the fuel injection system, the exhaust, or even the ignition system. When this light comes on, you should take your vehicle into our Service Department in the Selden vicinity to get looked at. Seat Belt Indicator This one is one of the easier signs to recognize, you may have even seen it this morning when you accidentally forgot to put your seatbelt on while rushing to get to your dentist appointment in Hauppauge! Simply putting your (and your passenger’s) seat belt on does away with the warning light’s appearance . Battery Light This warning means that the battery is not being charged, or that it has lost its charge in your vehicle. You may require a jump start on your vehicle or even to replace the battery. Have one of our staff members from our Service Department help you with a Diagnosis to see what is specifically needed. Airbag Light The airbag light means that your SRS system may have a fault. This SRS malfunction could result in your airbag not being properly deployed if at all,  in case of any accident or emergency. It is recommended that you see our Service Department for a Diagnosis to prevent any danger that could result from the absence of a functional airbag in your vehicle. Brake Wear Light The brake wear light signifies that your brake rotors or pads are worn, and are in need of replacing. Parking Brake Light The Parking Brake light is as simple as it may sound, your parking brake is in place. Many of those that live in the sloped areas of Saint James leave this on accidentally when parking in the street. If driving, release the parking brake so as to not damage your brake system or your vehicle. Coolant Light This light could mean that either your vehicle’s coolant leve l is low, or that there could be an issue with the coolant system. Overheating could be possible. Seek the Service Department to inquire about the necessary cautions to take for you and your vehicle’s safety. ABS Light The ABS Light signifies that your ABS brake system has a malfunction. You will still be able to start and stop, though extra functions may be limited such as the Electronic Stability Program, Brake Assist, and Anti-Locking, on your brake system. ESP/ESC Light This light indicates that the Electronic Stability Program/ Electronic Stability Control functions are limited, meaning that when making turns, skidding on slippery surfaces, or even just braking, you do not have the extra stability that the ESP program provides. These warning lights are the most common that appear on dashboards for Centereach, Smithtown, Coram, East Setauket, Port Jefferson, Islandia, and surrounding areas’ driver's vehicles. Should you have any more questions, concerns, trouble setting up an appointment for your vehicle’s concern , or even if you see a light that doesn’t appear on this list, feel free to contact our Service Department to have someone assist you with your worries.

The best ways to prevent COVID-19 is to stay home and practice social distancing. However, many of us here on Long Island still need to leave our homes. Whether it be for work or a trip to the supermarket, there are a few things we can do to help prevent the spread of germs and diseases like the coronavirus.Professionals say washing our hands frequently and avoiding touching our faces can help lower the spread of COVID-19. However, be sure to also clean the things you touch frequently. Here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, we compiled a list of helpful tips when it comes to sanitizing your vehicle. Utilize Soap and Water When it comes to fighting germs, using soap and water is highly recommended when cleaning your vehicle’s interior. Autoblog shares with us that the trick is to avoid any cleaners that are labeled as being free of detergents. For those with leather interiors, makeup removal wipes are a great alternative. Now that may sound a bit odd but, skin care products usually contain moisturizers which is great for organic trim materials. Be aware of which cleaning products you will be using to clean the inside of your vehicle. Staying clean and getting rid of germs is extremely important right now, however you do not want to ruin the interior of your car! Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment at our Mercedes-Benz Service Center. We offer exterior and interior detailing services. Scrub Your Interior Use disinfectant wipes or soapy water to thoroughly scrub the hard surfaces inside of your vehicle. Areas around the driver’s seat and passenger seat like the windows and center console should be cleaned extremely well. These areas are more likely to be hit with droplets when a person is to sneeze or cough. Don’t Forget About High-Touch Surfaces Areas like door handles, audio controls, seatbelts, mirrors, climate controls, steering wheels, etc. should be cleaned extremely well since these areas are frequently touched. Don’t forget to clean your MBUX touch-screen infotainment system if you have one in your Mercedes-Benz! Soft Surfaces The CDC recommends using a cleaner that is appropriate for whatever material is being cleaned. For example, if you are cleaning leather, you would want to use a Leather Cleaner or Vinyl Cleaner. For vehicle carpets and upholstery, it would be wise to use carpet or upholstery cleaner. Contact our Parts Center if you need help finding the cleaning product that is right for your vehicle. Use Rubber Gloves When cleaning your vehicle, we recommend using disposable gloves as they help prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. After cleaning, be sure to dispose of your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Stay safe and healthy. We are still available to help you with all your vehicle needs! Being an essential business, our Service Department remains open and is offering vehicle pickup and delivery services along with full vehicle sanitization. Our Sales Department is working remotely and is still available to assist you! Contact us or schedule a service online. Our team here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown is looking forward to assisting you.

Your safety depends a whole lot on the condition of your tires. Your tires give you the ability to grip the road, make safe turns, and stop in a safe amount of time. Now that Spring is finally here, you may be asking yourself "when is the best time to make the switch from Winter Tires to Summer Tires?" Winter Tires Winter tires perform best in temperatures below 45 degrees in areas with cold, snowy and icy weather conditions. In order to maintain grip on slippery roads, winter tires are designed to stay soft in colder temperatures. Using Winter Tires in warm and dry weather conditions will wear the tread. It is important to change from winter tires to summer tires during the summer time to maintain the condition of your Winter Tires for future use. Summer Tires/ All-Season Tires With April just around the corner, we should expect temperatures to begin to rise here on Long Island. All-season and Summer Tires perform best when temperatures are above 45 degrees and should only be used in warm, dry and mildly wet weather conditions. These tires are designed to give drivers a more comfortable ride in the summer time. Visit Our Service Center With a Tire Center located in our dealership, we can help you find the best tires for your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Stocked with all major brands including Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Pirelli and much more, our highly trained technicians will assist you in finding what you are looking for. Our Service Center here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown offers many services when it comes to your vehicles tires. Whether your vehicle needs a Tire Inspection, Wheel Alignment, Tire Rotation, Tire Inflation Check & Correction, or you simply just need new tires, we are here to help! Schedule a service online or stop by our Express Service. Tire & Wheel Program Getting new tires may be expensive, however the Tire & Wheel Warranty Program will help protect you and your wallet in the future. The Tire and Wheel Program will pay to repair or replace your tires and wheels if your vehicle’s tires are damaged by a road hazard such as a pothole, nail, tree limb, or other debris. All repairs or replacements will be performed by authorized repair technicians and facilities. In addition to protecting your tires and wheels from unexpected hazards, this program also includes many benefits to assist you in getting back on the road as soon as possible. With a variety of plans offered, you can find the plan that fits your individual needs and budget. Coverage is available for up to 7 years. Keeping our customers safe on the road is our top priority! Contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your tires. For more tire information and helpful tips on your tires, check out some of our other posts like October Car Care: Tire Tips or Snow Tires vs. All Season Tires. We look forward to assisting you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY! Schedule a service online today!

To our customers, Like so many of you, we have spent the last several days and weeks learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it is impacting our world. For Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, that means understanding how it affects our employees, customers and communities, and then making the necessary adjustments to our work and operations. We have one simple objective that guides us: keeping you and our employees safe. This has been at the center of our conversations every step of the way. With that in mind, we have made several moves in our business in response to the threat of the coronavirus. We have ramped up cleaning services at our stores and are adding hand sanitizer at the front entrances and at all cash registers. Sanitizing wipes are near workstations and counters so that employees can keep them continuously cleaned. We are closely following the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on the steps we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus. We have shared specific instructions with our employees on the importance of washing their hands and staying home if they feel sick or are returning from an area of the world identified as posing a coronavirus-related risk. Per CDC recommendations, we will ask employees who have traveled to such locations or have been exposed to others who have traveled to such locations to self-quarantine for 14 days. A strict travel policy for our employees is in place, and we have canceled meetings with large gatherings, again to do what we can to help prevent the spread of the illness. If you don't feel well, or choose not to visit one of our stores, of course we are ready to serve you through many virtual buying and servicing options. We are hear to help in any way possible to ease the stress of car shopping and vehicle service at this time. Please give our sales dept a call at (631)- 265-2204 or our service dept at (631)- 265 -7139 We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do all we can to protect you and our employees. Thank you The Competition Auto Group Family

Car filters play an important role when it comes to the overall performance of your car. A clogged filter can result in a loss of power, dirty smoke, oil light or even engine failure. It’s important to understand that your vehicle's filters should be replaced regularly. Mercedes-Benz Air Filters Mercedes-Benz Air Filters protect you and your passengers from pollen, dust and soot particles. These genuine interior air filters are designed to filter out even the finest particles as small as a few thousandths of a millimeter. This helps clean air reach the combustion chambers as well as protect the engine. Mercedes-Benz Cabin Air Filters Mercedes-Benz Cabin Air Filters use high-efficiency filtration to create a sealed system that protects you and your passengers from pollen and other pollutants while you drive. These filters also help protect your vehicle’s heating, ventilation and climate control systems. Car Filters and Why You Should Change Yours There are four main filters in a car; the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. These filters enable air flow and catch dust and contaminants that are in the air, fuel, or dirt in the motor oil. Cabin Filters Cabin Filters clean the air that comes into your car through the heating and air conditioning. It filters out dust, pollen and other airborne particles. Changing your cabin filter will result in: Breathing fresher air Longer life of your car’s A/C heating system Air Filters Air Filters prevent insects, dust, particles, sand or debris reaching the engine. This ensures a good mixture off air and fuel to support performance. Changing your air filter will result in: Better car performance due to a clean air flowing into the engine Good combustion will decrease fuel consumption Clean and clear car exhaust Oil Filters Oil Filters maintain continuous oil flow by purifying the motor oil so that it can do its job efficiently. Changing your oil filter will result in: Longer and more efficient engine life Fuel Filters Fuel Filters remove particles like dust and rust in the fuel. This protects your fuel injectors and helps maintain the performance of your car engine. Changing your fuel filter will result in: Cleaner and more efficient engine performance Keeping some car parts in good condition Changing your vehicle's filters will make a huge difference in your vehicle's overall performance. Although most people don’t think about it, it is important to maintain and change your filters regularly. You can look at your vehicle's owner’s manual for more information or see a professional.  Our Parts Department here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown maintains a comprehensive inventory of high quality genuine OEM parts. Visit our Parts Center if you need help finding the right parts for your vehicle. Order parts online and be sure to check out our parts specials! Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Life happens. From unpleasant road and weather conditions to children and pets, everyday life can be unpredictable, especially when trying to maintain the appearance and performance of your vehicle. Elite Bundle Protection Elite Bundle Protection includes coverage for the interior and exterior of your vehicle. With terms available for new, pre-owned, and lease vehicles from 1-7 years, you can choose an option that best fits your lifestyle. All Packages Include: Emergency Roadside Assistance Trip Interruption Rental Car Reimbursement COVI (Connected Owner Vehicle Intelligence) Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about Elite Bundle Protection. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Pre-Paid Maintenance Program Pre-paid maintenance plans are designed to keep your vehicle in compliance with the factory warranty and operating at peak performance throughout the lifetime of ownership. Customized intervals and a variety of coverage options give you the freedom to choose the right plan that matches your driving habits and the factory’s recommendations for your vehicle. Maintain Performance & Drive with Confidence This program gives you: Security of knowing that all maintenance is performed by factory authorized repair facilities and technicians Confidence that your vehicle has been maintained properly Complete service history of all your covered maintenance services performed under this program Potential increase of future resale value of your vehicle Term Options The term you select determines how often and for how long you are eligible for benefit coverage. The factory wrap term is for coverage after the factory maintenance program expires (factory program is included with purchase of vehicle). Emergency Roadside Assistance All Pre-Paid Maintenance Programs include 24/7 nationwide, Sign & Drive emergency roadside assistance (max $150 per occurrence, limit 3 incidents per 12 month period) that will assist you with the following: Towing Jumpstart Flat-tire Fluid delivery Lockout assistance Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Pre-Paid Maintenance Program. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY! *For details, exclusions, and limitations on Mercedes-Benz Premier Prepaid Maintenance, contact your dealer, visit www.mbusa.com/maintenance or call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

Most likely, you have a lot invested in what connects you to the road and we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle looking as good as the day you bought it. Not only will the Revolution Wheel keep your vehicle looking its best, it also protects your valuable investment for years to come. Revolution Wheel Coverage Revolution Wheel offers your alloy wheels a professional repair process that eliminates the appearance of cosmetic abrasions, damage caused by brake dust and loss of clear coat (resulting from acid rain or road salts). There is no longer any reason to incur the high cost of replacing wheels with minor damage. In the event the finish of your wheel/s becomes pitted or the surface suffers abrasions then your wheel/s will be refinished. Our nationwide network of Axiom Authorized Technicians will utilize the most current and advanced methods in the industry to perform necessary repairs, making your wheels look new again. Our wheel repair technicians provide: Expert refinishing and restoring Finest materials and paints Fast turn-around Additional Benefits Rental Car Benefit In the event your vehicle is undergoing repairs covered by Revolution Wheel for more than 8 hours, you are eligible for reimbursement of rental vehicle expenses. We will cover up to $50 a day for 4 days. Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Revolution Wheel. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

There is no denying, modern keys are expensive. Due to the complex technology and component programming than now exists in most keys, replacing your key and remote can cost hundreds, and in some cases thousands of dollars. The best defense against losing your keys is a good offense. Prepare now, rather than stress out and spend the money in what might be an emergency situation. Key Fob Program Whether your key or key fob are lost, stolen, or simply quit working, The Key Fob Program will pay for a replacement key or remote up to $1000 per incident. Luxury vehicles benefit up to $1,500 per incident (if applicable). If your key or fob is locked inside your car, lockout assistance will be provided so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. The Key Fob Program has flexible terms so you can choose the plan that is right for you with protection options up to 7 years. Emergency Roadside Assistance Every Key Fob Program includes a nationwide, Sign & Drive emergency roadside assistance benefit (max $150 per occurrence, limit 3 incidents per 12 month period) that will help you in the event you need the following: -Towing -Jumpstart -Flat-tire -Fluid delivery -Lockout assistance Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Key Fob Program. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Life happens. From unpleasant road and weather conditions to children and pets, everyday life can be unpredictable and messy especially when trying to maintain the appearance of your vehicle. Paint and Fabric Protection Program A Paint and Fabric Protection Program offers superior protection for the inside and outside of your vehicle. Take preventative measures to help maintain the “new” look of your vehicle for many years to come. Additional Benefits Rental Car Benefit In the event your vehicle is undergoing repairs covered by The Paint and Fabric Protection program, you are eligible for reimbursement of rental vehicle expenses incurred up to fifty dollars ($50) per day, maximum 7 days for exterior repairs and 5 days for interior repairs. Interior Rip/Puncture Protection We guarantee the treated fabric/leather/vinyl of your vehicle will remain free of weather-induced or ultraviolet-induced weakening of the fabric/leather/vinyl surfaces resulting in fading, cracking, loose stitching, rips or tears less than 3 inches, or punctures less than 1 inch in diameter, and if not, then the damaged area will be repaired free of charge and the surface retreated. Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Paint and Fabric Protection Program. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Dents and dings can accumulate on your vehicle throughout your ownership. These damages can affect the appearance of your vehicle, ultimately lowering the overall value and presentation of your investment. Paint-Less Dent Repair Program (PDR) Having a Paint-Less Dent Repair Program (PDR) can keep your vehicle looking its best throughout the ownership life cycle. Coverage The Paint-Less Dent Repair Program is a metal body repair process that enhances the appearance/removes small dents and dings without damaging the painted surface. Our trained professionals will take care of dents that are up to 4 inches on horizontal or vertical panels. If your vehicle is damaged by hail, we will reimburse you up to $250 to help cover your insurance deductible. How It Works If a dent or ding occurs on your horizontal or vertical panels, first contact your selling dealer to arrange an appointment for repair. The dealer will arrange a professional PDR technician to take care of your vehicle and get your vehicle looking its best as soon as possible. Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Paint-Less Dent Repair Program. Contact our Finance Department or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!

Here at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, we compiled a small list of tips to help maintain your vehicle's performance. We hope to give you the confidence you need when driving, especially during the harsh snowy winters here on Long Island. How to Get The Most Out of Your Tires Tip #1 Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles. This will help your tires wear evenly. Tip #2 Keep your vehicle's tire pressure at the recommended level. Low tire pressure can cause your tires to wear and lose grip on wet, rainy surfaces. Take a look at your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI for your tires. Tip #3 Check your vehicles tire pressure on a regular basis. Checking at least once a month will help maintain your vehicle's performance. We also suggest checking your tires pressure before a long road trip. Tip #4 It is extremely important to check your tires tread depth regularly. A simple way to check tread depth is by inserting a quarter upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, you need to replace your tires. If you are unsure about the condition of your tires, we recommend seeing a professional. Staffed with a highly trained team and a Tire Center located in our dealership, we will help you find the tires that best suit your vehicle and your needs. Tire and Wheel Program Your vehicle's tires experience great amount of wear and tear, especially during the winter time here on Long Island. Protect your vehicle with the Tire and Wheel Program after you've made your purchase. Coverage The Tire and Wheel Program will pay to repair or replace your tires and wheels if your vehicle’s tires are damaged by a road hazard such as a pothole, nail, tree limb, or other debris. All repairs or replacements will be performed by authorized repair technicians and facilities. In addition to protecting your tires and wheels from unexpected hazards, this program also includes many benefits to assist you in getting back on the road as soon as possible. With a variety of plans offered, you can find the plan that fits your individual needs and budget. Coverage is available for up to 7 years. Additional Benefits Emergency Roadside Assistance Every Tire & Wheel Program includes 24/7 nationwide, Sign & Drive emergency roadside assistance (max $150 per occurrence, limit 3 incidents per 12 month period) that will assist you in; -Towing -Jump start -Flat-tire -Fluid delivery -Lockout assistance Rental Car In the event your tire/wheel repair requires an overnight repair, you are eligible for a $50 per day (max 4 days) rental car benefit. This cost will be offered as a reimbursement allowance or “direct bill” through our authorized direct bill rental car companies. Trip Interruption If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from your permanent residence, you will be reimbursed for lodging and meals up to ($100/day for 3 days). Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to learn more about the Tire and Wheel Program. Contact our Finance Department at (877)599-2152 or visit our Service Department with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule a service with us online and be sure to also check out our service and parts specials. We look forward to seeing you at our Mercedes-Benz dealership located at 630 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!