Automotive Tip

Have your vehicle’s engine belts inspected on a regular basis. A broken belt can have disastrous consequences. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments and replace as needed.

Automotive Tip

One of the most important, though overlooked, parts of a vehicle is the alternator. The reason for the importance is really quite simple, the alternator recharges the battery, and helps provide the electricity needed to run your vehicle.

Automotive Tip

Lose the Junk - Every 100 pounds you remove improves economy by 1 to 2 percent, so clear our your trunk and your backseat before you leave home. Both of them are preferable to a loaded-down roof rack, however, which can fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.

Automotive Tip

Before shifting to park it is best to apply the emergency brake then shift the vehicle into park. This reduces the stress in the transmission and puts the weight of the vehicle on the brakes which are made to handle the weight.

Automotive Tip

How big is your key-chain? The bigger the key-chain can actually cause damage to the internals of the ignition, causing costly repairs down the road. It can damage the ignition by bouncing the weight around during normal driving conditions.

Automotive Tip

Use your smart phone camera to take pictures of your rental car before driving it ... you might need them!

Automotive Tip

Clean hard to reach areas of your auto (dashboard, cup holders) with a dampened sponge tipped paint brush.

Automotive Tip

Food and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturer's directions.

Automotive Tip

Checking and changing oil is critical to keep today's engines running properly and efficiently. Follow manufacturer guidelines for changing the lubricant - generally, every 3,000 miles or three to four months.

Automotive Tip

Proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3% when maintained regularly. Save money and wear and tear on your tires!

Automotive Tip

Rotating your tires helps to distribute tire wear evenly and ensures that you'll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important! Your owner's manual should specify both rotation period and pattern. If not, rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,700 to 12,000 km).

Automotive Tip

Check the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on a level surface. Open the hood, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, then return it to the oil reservoir. Take it out again and see whether the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you add oil, don't overfill, doing so can damage the engine.

Automotive Tip

The chances of belt failure rise dramatically after four years or 36,000 mile for V-belts and 50,000 mile for serpentine belts. Safety first, have your car checked if you've reached these milestones!

Automotive Tip

When turning your steering wheel, don't hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump.

Automotive Tip

Nearly 60% of people claim their driving behavior changes due to rising gas prices, with 90% saying they drive less and 75% revealing that they are maintaining their vehicles better. We will help you make your vehicle a classic! - come see us

Automotive Tip

Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive. The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.

Automotive Tip

DYK? Even though ramps and interchanges make up less than 5 percent of all highway miles, 20 to 30 percent of all large-truck crashes occur on or near ramps.

Automotive Tip

Despite claims by makers and dealers that some newer fuel filters never need changing, it's smart to have it done once a year. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance (hesitation and starting difficulties) and is an early warning that there may be corrosion in your gas tank.

Automotive Tip

Keeping you (and others) safe! If you notice some "softness" in your brake pedal, or feel a vibration when the brakes are applied, get them checked out. The brakes could be wearing out or you could have a problem with the car's hydraulic system.

Automotive Tip

Keep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and use them (or your smart phone) to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage worsens, mention it to your automotive professional. It may be an early warning sign that something is wrong with your car.