Many motorists do not take the time to schedule regular oil changes, but did you know something as simple as a seasonal oil change can have multiple benefits on your vehicle’s performance and overall longevity? A simple seasonal oil change, when done every 3 months, or 3,000 to 6,000 miles depending on your vehicle, can keep your vehicle running more smoothly, and for much longer. Oil changes are the most inexpensive way to provide quality maintenance to your vehicle and prevent many common issues due to age and wear.

For example, an oil change will remove old, dirty oil, as well as replace the old filter, keeping the engine free from harmful dirt and debris. Small particles like dirt, road debris, and even air pollutants can get into the engine and begin to corrode away the moving parts. If engine oil is dirty, it will not properly lubricate and protect all of the constantly moving engine pa ...[more]

Your vehicle is a complex machine with many moving parts and functions. In order to keep those parts moving freely and to reduce damage as well as to keep out water and dirt, one of the most important things you can do is keep engine parts protected and lubricated with an oil change. Regular oil changes are vital to the life of your engine and can extend its performance for years, keeping the engines free of sludge. Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 3,000-6,000 miles, depending on your vehicle use and the type of oil you are using. Oil changes are one of the easiest, most affordable, and most reliable ways to keep your car running smoothly and problem free.

Oil Changes are essential to:

• Reduce engine wear
• Remove engine sludge
• ...[more]

If a tune-up sounds like a simple thing, you’d probably be surprised that many car owners actually forget to have one done regularly. In combination with other preventative maintenance like transmission flushes and oil changes, tune-ups can extend the life of your vehicle by inspecting and restoring vital engine parts. Tune-ups should be done at regular intervals, about every 30,000 miles, and especially in older vehicles. Things wear out overtime, so even if it’s been a few years, you may want to ask yourself: When was the last time I checked my hoses and gaskets? Are my sparkplugs still in working condition? How long has it been since I’ve changed the air-filter or fuel-filter?

Tune-ups can not only replace worn parts they can save you time and money in the long run by preventing costly future repairs, and boosting the performance of your vehicle. If you’ve noticed any of the following, it’s probably time for a routine tune-up:

Did you know cold weather puts an added strain on your car battery? When temperatures drop into freezing levels, your vehicle must work harder upon startup and also run its cold weather functions like heating systems, wiper blades, and the defroster.  There are simple steps you can take to winterize your car battery and ensure its best performance through this chilly season:

Check the Fluid Levels:

• Pull of the cap off the battery to get to the hydraulic fluid inside.
• Using a hydrometer extract some fluid to check the level and condition
• The hydrometer tool will give you a “low”, “fair”, or “good” rating
• A “ ...[more]

As the weather gets colder outside, the transition from using your A/C to your heater in your car may take you by surprise. How can you be sure you are ready for the colder seasons? Do you know if your heater is working properly? We can help you with all your heating system questions and concerns to get you ready for this winter season!

Did you know your car heating system works by using the excess heat that is put off from your car’s combustion process? It warms the cabin by filtering and redirecting that heat into your vehicle. Your car’s cooling system works by removing the rest of the heat that could cause damage to your engine. The heating and cooling system are made up of many different parts that are important to maintain to not only keep your car engine cool, but you and your passengers warm in freezing temperatures.

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As a vehicle owner, you know that maintenance and repairs are worthwhile investments. Some vehicle repairs can be unexpected but easy enough to fix, a flat tire, a dead battery, or a blown fuse. However, some repairs require more time and more money to fix, a transmission problem, wear and tear to the vehicle over time, or a failed air-conditioner. Regular maintenance is key to prevent most repairs, but you never know what is ‘just down the road’ for your car or truck. Knowing how to make small repairs, and knowing when to take your car in for inspections, maintenance, and repairs is key to extending the life of your vehicle and getting the most out of your investment.

Outside of routine and seasonal maintenance, oil changes, tire checks, air-conditioning or winter-proofing, having a trusted mechanic to inspect for any potential problems before they happen ...[more]

As a culture, we are deeply reliant on our vehicles. From the daily work commute, to soccer practice and school meetings, to a leisurely road trip, we need a reliable vehicle to make our daily lives flow smoothly. To keep your car, truck or SUV in working order, all it takes is a little knowledge, some maintenance, and a trusted mechanic.

Most great mechanics and shops will have knowledgeable technicians on hand to answer a variety of questions. In this technological day and age there are many of these shops with fantastic websites that offer tips, tricks, prices, specials, and you can even email questions, receive quotes, or schedule appointments. It’s really never been easier to compare prices and do a little research of your own before heading into your auto mechanic.

Everyone knows the basics of car maintenance, you need to get oil ...[more]

It's summer again that means longer and hotter days. With the hot weather being here is your vehicles air conditioning system in good working condition. If not or your not sure it easy to find out. Just simply turn on your cars a/c and crank it up to see if cool air comes out. If you have cool air coming out your still good, or are you? The majority of the time your cars a/c will go out during use because of the extra strain, or low refrigerant known as R-134a. The type of refrigerant your car takes depends on the year of your car. Cars that are made before 1994 typically will use R-12 or Freon.

After researchers found out that the Freon or R-12 was one of the leading cause of ozone depletion it later became illegal to use in your car. This is why vehicles built in 1994 and up don't use Freon because the government banned the use. Manufactur ...[more]

Being that summer is pretty much here and the weather is getting hotter, staying cool is a must. This is especially true when it comes to driving. Driving in a car with no air conditioning can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. That's why making sure a trained technician should complete your air conditioning recharge.

In most vehicles the air conditioning in a car is a closed loop system of tubing that is filled with a refrigerant that cycles from liquid to a gaseous state that circulates around the system again and again. The refrigerant in a cars a/c is what makes the cold air for your vehicle. With out it the a/c will just blow hot air. When this happens all you need to do is recharge your ac with more refrigerant.

Performing an air conditioning recharge can be a fairly quick process and could practically be perform ...[more]

With the summer here and temperatures rising, keeping your vehicle’s engine cool is very important to its performance and life. That's why it is important to have your vehicle’s cooling system maintained and working as it should. The cooling system in your car is what keeps your engine at the proper operating temperature. Keeping your vehicle’s engine at proper operating temperature keeps it running properly, giving you the best performance out of your vehicle.

The cooling system in cars usually consists of: engine water jacket, thermostat, water pump, radiator / radiator cap, cooling fan (depending on the vehicle electric or belt-driven), hoses, heater core, and expansion tank.

The cooling process works like this: the coolant in your car or the antifreeze circulates through the engine to draw off heat. You should always have the prope ...[more]