This 2018 Football season, Barry Sanders Supercenter was able to give away a pair of tickets to each Oklahoma State University homegame. Winners entered into the contests weekly by test driving a vehicle at Barry Sanders Supercenter or bringing their car in for a service!

This giveaway was graciously provided by Barry Sanders himself. We were so excited to share in the spirit of Oklahoma State Football! Go Pokes!

Our very first Very Barry Giveaway winner was Daniel M! Patricia D, Kayla S, Darrell H, Kaylee L, Nadine F, and Starry C have all been winners thanks to Barry Sanders!

     

 

It’s that time of the year again! The Barry Sanders Supercenter team is bundling up for the Oklahoma winter weather, but we’re also shedding our old winter wear for a great local cause. Keep reading to learn more about the pantry drive.

Barry Sanders Supercenter is partnering with the Stillwater Public Schools Pioneer Pantry. They are donate\ing winter wear like coats, gloves, hats, sweatpants, long-sleeves, and scarfs for children in the local Stillwater community. We will be taking donations at the dealership from Monday, November 19th, 2018 to Wednesday, December 19th, 2018!

ornaments and store logo

The Pioneer Pantry operates year-round to help students in need. Stillwater sits in Payne County Oklahoma where the poverty rate is 26.4%. The Pioneer Pantry offers hygiene products, school supplies, clothing, footwear, and more.

Barry Sanders Supercenter believes in the work that the Pioneer Pantry does throughout the Stillwater Public School system! All donations will be dispersed throughout the school systems based on which school needs what.

Students can visit the health room or nurse’s office at each school to find items or teachers can make requests on behalf of the students. The Stillwater community can email pioneerpantry@stillwaterschools.com to request certain items.

There are no limits to what the students can take from the Pioneer Pantry. However, their mantra insists that you give back any way you are able. The mantra states, “Take what you need when you need it, and give what you can when you can.”

It’s time to give all we can to the Pioneer Pantry Drive

F free to drop donation items for the Stillwater Public Schools Pioneer Pantry at Barry Sanders Supercenter. Year-round, you can donate directly at the Stillwater High School lobby.

Along with this holiday drive, Barry Sanders Supercenter is celebrating Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Black Friday Sales Event. AND the Big Finish Sales Event starting in December with holiday deals on Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram inventory. You can also find great Hyundai Holidays deals at Barry Sanders Supercenter in our new Hyundai inventory.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to learn more about our holiday drive and various new and used inventory!

We hope all of the Stillwater population stays safe and warm while 2018 comes to a close!

It may still be a balmy 90 degrees across Oklahoma, but it is October, and that means winter is coming. Just like in Game of Thrones, it can be pretty serious… if you’re a car, that is. Here’s how to prepare your vehicle for all the snow, ice and snowy ice that is sure to cover Stillwater soon.

icy car tire on silver car

1. Winter can be especially damaging if you don’t have the proper fluids. 

Engine coolant and engine oil are the two protectors of your engine during extreme conditions (for winter, those are below freezing temperatures.) Before the weather gets overly chilly, get an oil change and check all of your engine fluids, including engine coolant. The coolant not only keeps the engine from overheating in the summer, but it fights corrosion, which is vital for a long-lasting engine. No matter if you have a new car or a used car, engine fluids are a must-check before December. 

2. Double check your battery power.
Getting out of bed in the morning when it is 27 degrees is the WORST, right? Well, your car feels the same way. Starting your car is half the battle in the winter, so make sure your battery is up to the challenge. If your battery is more than three years old, you are at risk of battery sabotage. You can get your battery tested for power at our service center. In addition to the battery fluid that powered the battery, check to make sure there is no corrosion on the battery connectors, and that the battery lines are not damaged. If all three of these have been checks, the battery should be good to go. 

3. Spring isn’t the only time that visibility can be a problem. 
Precipitation is precipitation, whether it is frozen or not. You should always have ta good pair of wiper blades on your vehicle in case you get caught driving in a storm. Also, make sure you have wiper fluid. Snow leaves residue, and you’ll want to get it off without getting out of your car. Trust. 

4. Belts and hoses are more prone to breaking or leaking. 
Go through your vehicle and examine all the belts and hoses you can see. Winter is know to make things brittle, and your car’s parts are no exception. The belts and hoses are exposed to high heat once your car is up and running, then they are rapidly cooled down when your done using your car, truck or SUV. This process makes them especially vulnerable to breaks. The best way to prevent this is to check for small cracks or tears before winter begins. If you see any hose or belt problems, it is usually a quick and price-efficient fix. Save yourself time and frustration later in the year.

5. Always be prepared. Have plans for a break down. 
No matter how much you prepare, sometimes winter wins. You should always have the ability to stay warm and safe in your vehicle, even when it is broken down. Also, you should never be stranded without communication in today’s age. Here are the top things Barry Sanders Supercenter suggests having with you while you travel in an emergency kit during the coming months.

  • Blanket(s)
  • Boots
  • A radio
  • A candle
  • A lighter
  • A flashlight
  • An ice scraper
  • A portable cellphone charger

Barry Sanders Supercenter has a great selection of new or used vehicles if you feel it’s time to upgrade before the winter hits. We also have an excellent service center available to meet all your winter prep needs. Give us a call. We would love to help you stay safe on the road this winter.

Which Oil Do You Want for Your Car?

Oil changes are a regular occurrence when your are maintaining your vehicle. That means you pay for them frequently, often at least twice per year. Because of this consistent pull on your wallet, you want to be sure you’re getting the best oil change for your buck, and for your car.

oil being poured into a car engine

The easiest way to make a dent in the amount of money you spend on your oil changes is to choose old fashioned, mineral-based oil rather than synthetic oil. But is this going to save you money in the long run and be better for your vehicle? That depends on a lot of things.

Most manufacturers require owners to choose synthetic because generally it holds up better and longer than non-synthetic. But, going over on the mileage (see your owner’s manual) or time (6 months) between your oil changes is never an option; so having ‘longer lasting’ oil isn’t a perk to consider. What you should consider are the weather conditions you are driving in, how much you drive, how you want to impact the environment and the type of vehicle you drive.

Weather is one of the toughest things on your car, especially when you live in Oklahoma. From the dramatic summer heat to the drastic cold of winter, your car experiences the weather’s mood swings just like you do. The only exception being that it stays out all day and you get to put clothes on and go inside. It may have a tougher time than you do. That’s why considering the weather is an important part of deciding on the right oil for your car. Typically, it is suggested that you use synthetic oil and change it regularly when you live in harsh conditions. Not that we live in the tundra, but freezing temps are hard on any vehicle. 

Do you use your car all day, everyday? Or are you one of the lucky people who live five minutes from work? That will have an effect on your oil change, too.  Shorter drives don’t typically heat your car up the way a long drive does. To fully make use of non-synthetic oil, you need to heat your car up to very high temps. These temperatures burn off impurities and the moisture. For drivers who don’t drive heavily, synthetic will keep your car healthier longer.

We should all try to save the environment in whatever way we can. One of those ways is to use synthetic oil rather than standard oil. Being made from nonrenewable resources, non-synthetic oil is a detriment for the environment because of the way it is gathered. Take this into consideration when deciding on the right oil for you.

Your vehicle is a specific type. It was made a particular way. Sometimes, the vehicle you have makes this oil decision for you. Read up on your particular model to see what makes the most sense for you. That, along with these factors, will enable you to make the best decision when your change oil light inevitably flashes on again.

One thing that doesn’t need as much consideration is where to get your oil change done. The Barry Sanders Supercenter mechanics are experts in all things Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai, and RAM. We promise that you will never regret choosing our Service Department for any of your maintenance needs. Let us now if we can help with your vehicle.

We Know Why Your Check Engine Light is On

Fellow Oklahomans, we know that your check engine light can be a nuisance at times, but just keep in mind that it is your best friend in regards to identifying potential problems with your engine. 

bright yellow and orange check engine light sign

Most of the little problems your car comes across it can fix on its own. But when something occurs that your vehicle can’t adjust, the yellow check engine light illuminates to make you aware of the issue. These issues can be very small and easy to fix at home, or they can be more serious and require professional maintenance; and they can happen in both new cars and old. 

If the light is steady when lit, then the issue isn’t urgent. Check the gauges on your vehicle for any hints as to what the issue may be, like the temperature of your engine or the oil pressure. The check engine light could be indicating something as simple as a need for an oil change or a loose gas cap, but if your car is overheating the issue could be more severe and you should shut down your engine as soon as possible. 

If the check engine light is blinking, then the issue is critical and must be taken care of immediately by a professional. This could be caused by a number of serious issues that could lead to permanent damage to your vehicle if not taken care of properly. But as long as you take care of your car, it’ll take car of you and take you all over Oklahoma. 

Regardless of whether the light is blinking or steady, it would be in your best interest to have your vehicle looked at by a mechanic as a precaution. For excellent rates on maintenance and even routine check ups, bring your car, truck or SUV to us at Barry Sanders Supercenter.

Barry Sanders Supercenter Celebrates Students!

Stillwater High School and Barry Sanders Supercenter partner each school year to give away free technology to intelligent, giving, and successful students in the local Stillwater community. 

This is our 11th year supplying deserving high school students in Stillwater with technology like iPads and Chromebooks. This school year, we’ll be giving Chromebooks away to students like Lauren who wrote us a wonderful thank you note! 

The Barry Sanders Supercenter team is happy to help students in the community so that they may succeed in school and have time to help others. 

Barry Sanders says these awards are about more than just the highest GPA or top performing athletic students. The Barry Sanders Supercenter Pioneer Spirit Award is given to those deserving of recognition no matter their GPA, academic history or year. 

Barry Sanders Supercenter and Stillwater High School recognize good deeds, leadership, community service, academic achievements, and talents!

Our dealership staff is also happy to award the teacher of the year with a Pioneer Spirit Award at the end of each year! 

We look forward to our continued partnership with Stillwater High School and supporting Oklahoma students with furthering their education and exploration of technology in order to find and pursue their passions.

Girl Scouts Learned Car Tips at Barry Sanders Supercenter

On Friday, July 13, 2018 Barry Sanders Supercenter hosted the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma for a badge program. We actually had Boy Scouts show up, as well to learn alongside the ladies.

boy scout looking at car engine

The Scouts went through three stations to achieve badges including a section about general car maintenance, how to check and change a tire, and a discussion about how economic vehicles help the environment.General maintenance included replacing batteries, radiator caps, fluids, how to tell if a fuse has gone bad and how to replace fuse boxes, how to check tension belt conditions, and how to jump start a vehicle. These lessons are on our Facebook page through a live video so stop by our social media if you need to teach your kids these lessons, too!

The next Girl Scouts event is being held in Lawton on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Lawton Kia from 3-6 pm. We hope you can bring your Girl or Boy Scouts out to learn some strong automotive care tips!

Tire Tips from Barry Sanders Supercenter

Tires

A car is nothing without tires. Whether you drive an electric car, gas or a hybrid, tires are a necessity, without them, you cannot get around.

At Barry Sanders Supercenter in Stillwater, Oklahoma, we know you need a solid set of tires to get around the hometown of America’s Brightest Orange.  Wouldn’t it be great if orange tires were a trend? We may have found our new idea!

You don’t need to know NASCAR terminology to make sure your tires are safe.  We’re here to give you the basic knowledge that will allow you to get the most out of your tires.

Wheel Alignment:

Tires wear the more you drive on them. You cannot fully avoid this issue.  What you can do however is make sure that your tires are aligned. This allows for better tire life and ride experience. Aligned tires won’t make any noise, nor will your car favor one side or another.

Wheels out of alignment can be a nightmare, one moment you can be in the center lane, and before you know it, you’re drifting towards the side of the highway, or worse, into oncoming traffic. Another issue that might be noticed with misaligned tires is abnormal vibrations. Rattling and humming at high speeds might be indicators that your tires need to be aligned. The only vibrations you should want are positive vibrations, not abnormal.

Tire Rotation:

Longevity is what we want in all of our investments. How long can we make this last and still perform well? What can I do to get the best return on my investment?  Our Barry Sanders Supercenter Service Technicians would answer that tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles. This allows them to live and perform better longer.

Tire Pressure:

Some people, like tires, can handle pressure. Others, however, cannot. Keeping your tires at the right pressure can improve fuel economy, traction, stop and start ability, and most importantly, ride quality. To check what the exact tire pressure is that is needed for your car, look for a label on in the inside of your door frame or come on down to Barry Sanders Supercenter and we’ll check for you.

Copping some new shoes:

We hope you now know what to look for when your car starts humming its own tune or decides to go its own way, as if your tires are taking advice from Fleetwood Mac. We’re all under pressure sometimes, even our tires, but now you know how to get your tires to perform well.

No matter how much time you spend keeping your tires in shape, eventually there will be a time to upgrade.

Buying tires isn’t as hard a process as some can make it seem. A great place to start is the internet. There you will find many reputable tire companies and will be able to find the perfect fit for you and your car. This is the fun part! You can find the perfect fit for your metal Cinderella and off you two will go riding into the sunset. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

Maybe tire fitting fairy-tales aren’t your thing. Instead, you can come see us at Barry Sanders Supercenter in Stillwater, Oklahoma and we can align, rotate, or replace your tires for you!

Or maybe you want a new car instead. We got you covered on that, too! Come to Barry Sanders Supercenter and get into a new 2019 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or Hyundai. Whatever you want, you better believe we can find it!

We are a short drive from Guthrie, Perry, Perkins, Langston and all other surrounding areas. Come in and let us help fix your tires or get a new car.

What to Do When You Witness an Accident

Hopefully you’ll never have to witness a car crash, but if you do, there are plenty of things you can do to help the people involved. Keep these directions in mind in case you witness and accident and you could save a life.

Of course, you shouldn’t stop and help at every accident, but if you see a major accident that looks like it would involve serious injury, it’s a good idea to pull over so you can assess the situation. But you’re not Superman, so keep yourself safe; go slow, turn on your hazards, and leave plenty of room for the emergency vehicles.

Check on the drivers in the cars to see what their condition is and how badly they’re hurt. Then it’s time to call 911 and give them a clear description of what’s happening. Then it’s mostly a waiting game. You don’t want to move the victims unless the car is about to explode. If you’re a qualified medical professional, though, do what you can to help the injured.

Give your police report when the time comes, and then go home and relax. You’ve had a long day.

Sillwater Police Lunch Provided by Barry Sanders Supercenter

We at Barry Sanders Supercenter are honored to welcome the Stillwater Police Department to enjoy a great lunch on us!! There will be Chick-Fil-A provided along with the chance to spend some quality time with the amazing Stillwater community and their protectors. This luncheon will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 12-2pm at Barry Sanders Supercenter, located at 4120 W 6th Ave. Stillwater, Ok. 74074. In order to enjoy this luncheon, you must show valid Id.

We are honored to serve the men and women who continually serve us by putting their lives on the line every day for our safety. We hope to see you there because we are excited to show our appreciation for all of our service men, women, and loyal customers!