OUR EXPERTISE INCLUDES

GETTING YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR SUMMER

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance services. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price too! Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

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- Air Conditioning - a marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.  Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner’s manual for location and replacement interval.
- Cooling System – the greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.
- Oil – change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.
- Engine Performance – replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

 - Windshield Wipers – a dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Lights – inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
- Tires – have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they’re cold before driving for any distance. Don’t forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there’s uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.
- Brakes – brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.
- Battery – batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
- Emergencies – carry some basic tools-ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.

GETTING YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR WINTER

Mechanical failure - an inconvenience anytime it occurs - can be deadly in the winter. Preventative auto maintenance services is a must. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, lasts longer, and coulc command a higher resale price. 

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Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician. 

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- Engine Performance - get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Replace dirty air and fuel filters, etc. 

- Fuel - put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a full fuel tank helps keep moisture from forming. 

- Oil - change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual (or more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips)

- Cooling Systems - the cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

- Windshield Wipers – replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent - you’ll be surprised how much you use! Carry an ice-scraper.
- Heater/Defroster – the heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Newer models have a cabin air filter that should be replaced periodically. Check your owner’s manual for the location and replacement interval.
- Battery – the only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
- Lights – inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
- Exhaust System – your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
- Tires – worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressures once a month. Check the tires when they are cold, before driving for any distance. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
- Carry emergency gear: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, and a flashlight. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.