Posted on 12/17/2020
Whether you're planning an adventure-filled winter road trip, or you live in a cold climate, you want a warm and cozy ride for yourself and your passengers. Have you noticed your car heater isn't working as well as it did last year? There are many reasons why it might need service. Heater control valves It may sound strange, but your vehicle needs coolant to warm your car. The coolant heats as it runs through your engine, and then it runs to your heater core: a mini radiator that holds the hot coolant and blows air over it. That warm air is then directed to the cabin of your car. The heater control valves must be open for the coolant to pass through to the heater core. If your heater control valves are faulty, they need to be replaced. Air pockets If the heater core or the hoses connecting to it contain air pockets, these pockets can prevent the coolant from sufficiently moving to warm your vehicle. Here at the shop, our technicians can ven ... read more
Posted on 11/29/2020
As you take on the road, your tire tread will gradually wear. How the tire tread wears can tell you a lot about your vehicle's suspension, balance, and alignment. If there's an issue with any of these components, your tires will wear unevenly. While uneven tire tread doesn't seem like a huge problem, it can significantly impact the driver's safety. Responsible driving means staying on top of regular tire maintenance. While it's essential to get an alignment, tire rotations are just as crucial. A tire rotation service involves moving your tires from one position to another. Typically, the front tires will move to the rear, and the rear tires will move to the front. Depending on the type of drivetrain and wear, your technician may also impact the tires to different sides. Signs it's time for a tire rotation: Uneven Tire Wear Unnatural Vibrations Constant Tire Pressure Loss Benefits of a tire rota ... read more
Posted on 10/30/2020
Emergencies are a driver’s worst nightmare because they can happen when you least expect it. While you can’t prepare for all road trip disasters, an emergency kit can help you stay ready for most. A vehicle emergency kit has essential items that you may not need to use regularly but can come in handy during a harsh environment. If you don’t currently have an emergency kit stowed away in your vehicle, we have a few suggestions to get you started. Below are five essential items to pack in your car in case of a roadside emergency. First Aid Kit During a roadside emergency, injuries can come in all sizes, from mild to severe. A first aid kit can help manage symptoms, alleviate pain, and prevent infections until you’re able to seek medical attention. Many online retailers sell pre-made first aid kits, but it may be more cost-effective to build your kit from the Dollar store. You should make sure that a few items are included, such as ha ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2020
Fall is finally here, and there’s no better time than now for a vehicle maintenance service. Your vehicle has six vital fluids that help maintain proper vehicle function, fuel economy, and longevity. Once several thousand miles have been driven, fluids may need to be topped off. If you drive your vehicle with low or dirty fluids, it can lead to significant vehicle damage and costly repair bills. Below are 6 of the essential vehicle fluids to maintain this Fall. 1. Coolant Coolant regulates engine temperature by keeping it cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Coolant also works to prevent an accumulation of pollutants, foam, and corrosion. The additives inside the coolant can expire and should be checked every 30,000 miles. 2. Engine Oil Every vehicle’s engine has components that are continually moving and spinning. Engine oil keeps these components lubricated and moving smoothly. To maintain the engine oil, you should have an ... read more