CAR CARE TIPS BLOG

It’s that time of year for some spring cleaning, including your automobile. Schedule a car tune up for an inspection of the engine, to analyze the overall performance of your vehicle, and to have adjustments made to the operating systems as needed. The tune-up checklist should include both preventative maintenance and restorative engine assessment.

Of all the technological advances in the automotive industry, one of the most beneficial to vehicle owners and mechanics alike has been computerization. Using specialized software, diagnostic tools can accurately point to problem areas so that repairs can be made right the first time. Your mechanic doesn’t have to guess anymore!

A conscientious vehicle owner understands the difference between regular automotive service items and unexpected automotive repair. Generally, when a mechanic refers to automotive service, they are referring to the maintenance schedule listed in your owner's manual. This schedule is intended to take care of the things that will keep your vehicle in tip-top operating condition, such as regular oil changes or tire rotations. When referring to automotive repair, a mechanic generally means work to fix an unexpected problem, ranging from replacing a cracked radiator to rebuilding a transmission.

Because maintenance items are fairly standard on most vehicles, the auto mechanics at most auto repair shops are trained to perform the work. Plus you will find that independent auto shops are typically less expensive than dealerships for the same work.

Have you noticed dashboard lights blinking on and off and wonder what the problem might be? Now you can stop guessing! Of all the technological advances in the automotive industry, one of the most beneficial to vehicle owners and mechanics alike has been computerization. Using specialized software, diagnostic tools can accurately point to problem areas so that repairs can be done right the first time.

Before the emergence of car diagnostic tests, identifying problems was time-consuming and expensive, especially considering car owners only brought their cars to mechanics after a breakdown. Now, problems can be detected long before expensive repairs are required, or even worse, a breakdown leaving you stranded on the side of the road. You don’t have to wait to get a car diagnostic test only when the check engine light comes on. Some auto mechanics recommend taking your car in for a diagnostic check at least once a year, which will uncover minor problems that can’t be seen or heard (and that won’t trigger the check engine light).

It seems that some drivers don’t know how to keep their vehicle in good operating condition. Or, it’s possible that some just don’t have the money in their budget to pay for seemingly unnecessary items. However, even though keeping up with preventative vehicle maintenance is an expense, the potential cost to repair damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, or suspension systems (just to name a few) due to lack of maintenance is much greater. Extending the time between the recommended service intervals really doesn’t save you money.

Are you wondering about the maintenance your car needs? Here are the most common items that you should have inspected, repaired, or replaced on a regular basis:

This is the most controversial question going around in the automotive industry today. Whatever the answer, it’s agreed upon that keeping up with oil changes is the most cost-effective maintenance item needed to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance level.

So how often do you really need to change your oil? Some vehicle owners either don’t understand what kind of oil change to have or they think they are saving money by skipping an oil change. The repair for engine damage caused by dirty or low oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes, especially if you use your shop’s oil change coupons.

5 Facts to Consider About Oil Changes:

Did you know that the battery is one of the most important parts of a vehicle? It manages a large range of tasks and devices, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers. Auto shops report that flat or damaged batteries are one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls. Many batteries are simply too old for the job they’re performing.

After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable. Even with proper maintenance, many car batteries will become inefficient within three years of normal everyday use. Cold weather puts a two-fold strain on batteries by reducing power output (up to 50% at 20 degrees F) and increasing the amps needed to crank a cold engine (up to double the amps at 20 degrees F).

So what are the symptoms of a dying car battery:

Winter has arrived and it will be hanging around for a while. Are you wondering when should you get your car serviced? If you haven’t already taken care of basic maintenance items in the fall, it’s not too late, especially if you do a lot of driving in snowy and icy conditions. You need your car to operate at its highest level of power and performance and provide you with reliable transportation during winter’s cold and dark days.

Even though the key to keeping vehicles running well is routine maintenance, some drivers tend to procrastinate when it comes to keeping up with preventative vehicle maintenance basics. Don’t’ be one of the statistics found by the Car Care Council:

• 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
• 13% had low or contaminated brake fluid.
• 18% had dirty air filters.
• 17% had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels.
• 16% needed new windshield wipers.
• 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid.
• 18% needed new belts
• 89% of all vehicles in the study were in need of at least one service or repair.

If you’re sliding through stop signs, it may be time for a brake replacement. There is no precise schedule as to when it is time to replace brakes, but there are some warning signs that you should be aware of. Schedule an inspection of your braking system as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs below:

As an informed vehicle owner, you are aware that if you want to keep your vehicle for very long, you must follow the transmission service intervals recommended in your owner’s manual. You may be wondering just what is transmission service? Simply stated, it is the removal of the transmission fluid and adding new. This process helps reduce the strain on the components within the transmission and prolong its life.

A transmission service is essential due to the fact that by removing the old transmission fluid, any buildup that has occurred in the transmission will be removed also. That residue can potentially contaminate your fluid over time and put unnecessary stress on the transmission, increasing the potential of having to replace the transmission unit.

It is smart to be aware of the symptoms of a failing transmission before you start to experience any of the problems below: