Car Tips

WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS:

• Change engine oil and oil filter.
• Have battery capacity tested and terminal contacts cleaned.
• Replace windshield wipers if they are more than two years old.
• Purchase windshield deice fluid and keep windshield washer bottle filled.
• Have coolant antifreeze protection tested and change coolant if it is over 4 years old.
• If you have a two wheel drive vehicle, rotate tires with the best tires on the drive wheels.
• If your tires are over 4 years old - replace them. Old rubber has poor traction.

SAVING GAS

TIRE PRESSURES: Check pressures at least monthly and set tire pressures with tires 'cold' ( do not drive more than a few miles before setting pressures). Tires heat up as they are driven. Set pressures to tire specifications - in your car manual or on the driver's door jam.

ENGINE AIR FILTER: Change air filter at least every 30,000 miles, preferably 15,000 miles.

ENGINE FUEL INJECTION SERVICE: Clean engine throttle body every 30,000 miles and consider adding a can of fuel injector cleaner to your fuel every few months. Many brand fuels contain fuel injection cleaner so you don't have to add this separately.

NO WARMUP: Today's cars to not need an engine warm up period. Just start and go slow.

STAY OFF THE BRAKES: Leave at least one car length of space per 10 mph of your speed in front of you and anticipate traffic ahead of you. Don't waste fuel by rushing up to a red light. Braking wastes gas and wears out your brakes.

SLOW DOWN: At speeds over 40 mph fuel mileage decreases as speed increases.

CABIN AIR FILTERS

Most cars today have cabin air filters to filter out road dust and pollens. Improved air quality inside our vehicles is very important so we recommend changing these filters annually or at least every two years.

FIXING A FLAT:

Flats are rare occurrences today and because of the potential hazards of changing a flat on the highway we do not recommend this procedure. It is imperative that you consult your owners manual for proper procedures related to your auto. Some vehicles have self leveling systems that can cause a vehicle to fall off a jack. One of the safety items you should carry in the car is a can of 'Fix-a Flat'. This product will inflate a flat and inject a sealant into the tire. There are occasions where help is not available so we have provided a short article on >> Fix a flat>>

AUTO SERVICE CONTRACT 'CAUTION'

There seems to have been an explosion of companies offering contracts that promise to cover most if not all of your auto service needs. We have examined a number of 'contracts' and have concluded that they offer very limited coverage for the premiums charged. Some also have serious exclusions that all but precludes coverage. If you are considering one of these - read the fine print and be wary.

 

DO IT Yourself

There are a number of services you can do that will save money - a few are listed here. Consult your owners manual for any maintenance you perform. If you have difficulty completing any task, please let us help you finish.

 

CLEAN OUTSIDE AND INSIDE: Detail your car yearly or at lest every two years. A clean vehicle will last longer and run better.

INSPECT ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS and replace as necessary. Headlamps, taillights, turn signals, brake lights.

REPLACE CABIN AIR AND ENGINE AIR FILTERS

CHANGE OIL. Since most auto service facilities offer coupon oil changes, it is not too practical to change your own oil. If you choose to do so we will gladly accept your old oil filter and used oil for proper disposal. Please use gloves since used oil is a carcinogen and allow engine to cool before changing oil.

TOP OFF ALL UNDERHOOD FLUIDS: Be very cautious to use proper fluids in different under hood vehicle systems. The wrong fluid can destroy brakes and other mechanical systems.

REPLACE WIPER BLADES: If older than two years or if they are streaking.