How do I save on gas?

Use regular gasoline

Unless your vehicle requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane gas is a waste of money. The premium gas doesn’t boost your gas mileage or performance. If you're not sure what grade works best for your vehicle, your owner's manual will tell you. You can also ask your mechanic what grade to use. Using regular gasoline over high-octane gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Don't top off

Don't top off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.

Tighten up the gas cap

Gas will evaporate from the gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.

Go for the shade

The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank. So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.

Use your garage for your car

Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.

Pump up your tires

Don't get caught driving on under inflated tires. Under inflated tires wear down more quickly, and they also lower your car's gas mileage. Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on under inflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.

Check your tire pressure once a month

Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard located in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.

Keep your engine in tune

Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Ensure your mechanic checks for them.

Replace air filters

When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.

Use the right oil

You can improve your vehicle gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Use motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API (American Petroleum Institute) performance label. This oil contains additives to lower the friction.

Don't skimp on maintenance

Your car's performance depends on it being properly maintained. The owner's manual of your vehicle will tell you what maintenance is needed and when. If you have any questions, your auto repair shop will be able to show you the recommended maintenance for your car. Follow the car care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual. Not only will they improve efficiency, they will also save you money on costly repairs in the long run.

How Do I prepare for a long trip?

Have your regular maintenance done

A week or so before you leave, have regular maintenance done, like oil and filter change, or routine maintenance. Specifically, ask the shop to check the air filter and change it if necessary. Changing the air filter is an inexpensive way to enhance fuel economy and performance. Also have them check the tires again. If the pressure has gone down since the last check, you may have a leak that can be fixed on the spot.

Have your repair shop check the tire pressure and adjust it if necessary

If the pressure is too low, it can cause a blowout at high speed. Also have them check the tread on the tires for excessive wear. (You can also do this yourself by placing the head of a penny into the tread of the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, you probably need new tires.) Be sure to have your repair shop check to see that the spare tire is inflated and the appropriate tools are available to install it if necessary.

Have the auto repair shop check the coolant

Are you going somewhere with a warmer or colder climate? Let your repair shop know so your mechanic can adjust the mixture of water and antifreeze to ensure the car is protected against temperature extremes.

Buy a road atlas or GPS

If you don’t have a current road atlas, get one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.

Clean out your car

The day before you leave, thoroughly wash and vacuum the car. It’s much nicer to have your trip in a clean car.

Make sure your paperwork is in order

Make sure your license, registration and insurance are all current and accessible.

Fill the gas tank

Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.

Look at what you’ve packed

Open your suitcases and take one last look — do you really need all that stuff? Did you forget anything?

Relax!

Enjoy your trip!

Do I have to go to the dealership for repairs or scheduled maintenance?

No. In fact there are laws that require the factory to honor your warranty as long as you have proper documentation of the appropriate maintenance being done.

Just have any legitimate mechanic do it, and hold onto your records and receipts. If you have a maintenance schedule book, have the mechanic sign it.

Should I repair my car or buy a new one?

Something goes wrong with your car and you're faced with a high repair bill. It would be nice to get a new car, but is that the smartest decision? Would you be better off fixing your current ride, or is it really time to buy a new one? The answers to these questions will vary, so let me give you some information that might help you make a more informed decision.

Reasons to fix your current vehicle

If you aren't sure if fixing it is the right thing to do, here are a few reasons why it is a good idea to bite the bullet and get the repairs done.

• It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one.
• Although something as severe as a blown motor or failed transmission will run you in the thousands of dollars to replace, it still isn't enough to buy a new car. (It would certainly make a nice down payment, but then there are the monthly payments to consider.)
• Insurance and registration fees will go up with a new car.
• A new car typically loses an estimated 20 percent of its value the moment you drive it off the dealer lot. Your existing car has already taken that depreciation hit
• Repairing it now will keep you on the road and give you more time to save up and get your finances in order.
• You have a sentimental attachment to your car. Maybe it was your first car, a gift from a loved one, or a dream car you finally were able to purchase. For you, buying a new car means giving up an old friend.

Reasons to buy a new car

There are times when it's time to buy that new vehicle. Here are some reasons for it:

• You don't want to worry constantly about future breakdowns. Your mechanic told you to expect more things to go wrong with your vehicle.
• You're tired of the back-and-forth to the repair shop. Some things are fixed the first time around, while others seem to need constant attention or do not get fixed right the first time. Either way, trips to the mechanic are costing you too much time away from work or family, in addition to money.
• You're tired of your old car. Perhaps it embarrasses you, it rattles like crazy or you have to bang on the A/C to get it working. Every morning when you walk outside and see the neighbor's car, you long for something new. That's perfectly normal. Just take a good look at your budget and make an honest assessment of your financial situation.
• You want something safer. Your car is old enough where it's simply not safe to drive.

When is it time to buy another car?

A good rule of thumb to estimate when it's time to throw in the towel, is if the cost of repairs is greater than either the value of the vehicle or one year's worth of monthly payments and increased insurance payments.

Get an honest estimate

The only way to make an accurate decision, is to know what to expect. Ask your mechanic to fully inspect the vehicle and let you know what it really needs to run like new.

How often should I change my oil?

For maximum protection, most oil companies say to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three to six months regardless of what type of driving you do.

A new engine with little or no wear can probably get by on 7,500 mile oil changes. But as an engine accumulates miles, it dumps more unburned fuel into the crankcase which dilutes the oil. This causes the oil to break down. So if the oil isn't changed often enough, you can end up with accelerated wear and all the engine problems that come with it (loss of performance and fuel economy, and increased emissions and oil consumption).

Regular oil changes as part of preventative maintenance are cheap insurance against engine wear, and will always save you money in the long run if you keep a car for more than three or four years.

What about the oil filter?

To reduce the costs of vehicle ownership and maintenance, many car makers say the oil filter only needs to be replaced at every other oil change. Most mechanics will tell you this is false economy.

The oil filters on most engines today have been downsized to save weight, cost and space. The "standard" quart-sized filter that was once common on most engines, has been replaced by a pint-sized (or smaller) filter. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that a smaller filter has less total filtering capacity. Even so, the little filters should be adequate for a 3,000 mile oil change intervals — but may run out of capacity long before a second oil change at 6,000 or 15,000 miles. Replacing the oil filter every time the oil is changed, therefore, is highly recommended.

Is my car safe to drive?

This is a very important question. There are several things that could make a vehicle unsafe to drive as well as things that could damage it more if it were driven. The best thing to do if there is any question in your mind is:

Call your auto repair shop

Your mechanic will be able to assess the situation enough to let you know if it's safe for you to drive or if it needs to be towed.

Don't under any circumstance drive an unsafe vehicle!

If there is any question on the safety of your vehicle, we will help you arrange to get it towed to our shop.

Save money on repairs

Automotive technicians are often compared to doctors. This comparison undoubtedly makes some techs smile and others grimace. But in the end, the two professions have a lot in common. It may surprise consumers to find that by choosing these professionals wisely, they can get better care at a better price.

When it comes to choosing a repair shop, many experts praise the virtues of the clean facility, a wall covered with ASE certificates or a coffee pot and some tasty snacks. While these items are important, these four vital questions tell most of the story:

1. Will the service advisor or tech take time to listen to your description of the car’s problem?
2. Can they explain things to you in laymen’s terms?
3. If necessary, will they test-drive the car with you?
4. Do they have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair it the first time?

Back to the doctor/technician comparison. Some doctor’s are great diagnosticians. They can pin point a problem when their peers are coming up with empty charts. What’s the difference between that doctor and the people wearing white coats? Possibly his/her knowledge and perhaps equipment, but probably it’s listening skills that sets the really great docs apart from the good ones.

When choosing a professional, the variety that looks after your car or the variety that looks after your body, ask them the four-questions. In effect, audition them. See how the doctor takes care of your flu and how the tech deals with an oil change before visiting with something more serious.

Watch how they handle their time and be aware of how much time is allotted to you. Are they tuned into your problems and asking relevant questions? Are they providing an objective opinion based on information they’ve gathered during your discussion? Can they explain the problem and solution to you in laymen’s terms?

The bottom line is this, time is money. The less time these people are willing to spend with you often multiplies the amount of time needed on the back end. In the case of both the doctor and tech, the extra time spent having to fix you or your car a second or third time not only is expensive, it can be detrimental to the car or patient’s condition.

We only hire the best technicians and service advisors with the ability to handle any situation you have with your vehicle. That’s the reason we have built the reputation of being the most knowledgeable shop in the area.

Winter weather automotive tips

When winter is upon us, there are some tips that can help you prepare for the changes in the weather that can surprise any of us. Taking some basic actions to be prepared will make it easier for you to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

When using your heating system, there are some tips to help keep you warm and your windows clear. When using your defroster, make sure you are using the fresh air from the outside of the car. Have you ever seen someone driving down the road and all the windows are fogged up? The reason is the car is using the inside air in the car and the system can't get rid of the moisture in the air. And that's why the windows fog up. Also, using the air conditioning in this mode helps too since one of the things the A/C system does is remove the moisture from the air and with the heat on you will keep the inside of the car warm. In fact some of the newer cars automatically turn on the A/C and use fresh air in defrost mode. If you don't know about your vehicle, look in your owner's manual, or just drop by and we will be glad to show you how it works.

Your wipers are also key to keeping your windows clean. Making sure you have the proper washer fluid that is ready for the cold weather will also help you do this. Having a snow brush in the car with an ice scraper will keep you prepared for whatever happens.

Keeping your tires inflated properly and make sure you have good tread will help you with traction and control. A lot of the newer cars have great things like anti-lock brakes and traction control which help with the bad weather. But these systems work much better when you have the most grip you can with good tires.

All of these things mentioned above are checked every time we service your vehicle because we want you to be safe while driving, especially during this time of year. If you would like to stop by we would be glad to check these things for you

Summer weather automotive tips

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Life of your Battery

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery. To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The Cooling System

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection.

A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges. The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tire Care

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it’s important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner’s manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.

“It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Why do I Need the Shocks and Struts Replaced?

I'm sure you've probably heard this before. "Your shocks and/or struts are blown and need replacing." Some astronomical price is quoted and you immediately ask yourself, "How important are these things -- do I really need to replace them?" These are good questions that deserve attention.

First of all, it is important to note that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Some have just struts and some vehicles have only shocks. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly.

The shocks and/or struts in your car perform two functions. They dampen spring oscillation, and secondly, they aid in ride control. The springs in your car actually absorb road shocks (not the shock absorbers). Surprised? The shock absorber's function is to dampen the bouncing spring. If you did not have shock absorbers to dampen the spring oscillations from road shock, your car would turn into a "bucking bronco" every time you hit a bump in the road, making it very difficult to handle and dangerous.

The shock absorbers in your car aid in ride control by keeping the car manageable during regular driving. They do this by keeping the tires down on the road and not allowing them to bounce after hitting a bump. This allows for ease of cornering and handling.

The symptoms:

• Vehicle rolls or sways on turns
• Front end dives when braking
• Rear end squats when accelerating
• Vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road
• Vehicle "bottoms out" (with a thump) on bumps

In addition, worn shocks and/or struts can accelerate the wear of your tires and suspension parts, the ball joints, steering linkage, springs and C.V. joints.

Preventative checkups are the key to side-stepping the effects of worn shocks and/or struts. Have your technician check them every time you have an oil change. Things to look for:

• Leaks on the housing
• Dents on the shock or strut body
• Worn rubber mounting bushings
• Pitted piston rods
• Crushed rubber bumpers from "bottoming out"
• Abnormal wear on tires (high and low spots)

Don't "cut corners" when it comes to shocks and struts. Proper functioning of these parts is essential to the handling and cornering of your vehicle, making for safer driving conditions.

Basic Tune-up

A car is essentially a machine, and as such, it requires a certain amount of preventative maintenance in order to continue to perform. A tune up is a regularly scheduled opportunity, usually once a year, to do all of the preventative maintenance that needs to be done. Ensuring that your car gets a tune up regularly will help maintain the performance of your car and extend its life.

A tune up generally includes replacement of several parts on your car. These parts may seem superficial, but failing to replace them regularly can cause decreased performance in your car, and may even lead to other problems. For example, an air filter should be replaced at least once a year; failing to replace it when it's dirty will cause your engine to get less and less of the air it needs to run properly. If the problem is left unattended, the air-fuel mixture will continue to run richer and richer —- meaning that there will be too much fuel and not enough air in the mixture

As you can see, a regular tune up is important to your car's performance. A tune up should involve replacing the air filter, replacing or cleaning the spark plugs, and replacing the distributor cap and rotor. A tune up can also include replacement of the spark plug wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, and oxygen sensor.

Maintenance that is not included in the basic tune up may also be required, so a yearly tune up provides a good opportunity to check the car's systems, such as the brakes and clutch; all fluid and oil levels; and the operation of any other systems that are not used or checked regularly. If the tune up is performed in spring or early summer, the air conditioning system should be checked as well, as it likely will not have been used for many months.

A note on newer cars: most new cars use platinum spark plugs, which do not require frequent replacement. Platinum spark plugs are often claimed to last 60,000 to 100,000 miles (95,561 to 160,934 km), or even more. These spark plugs will not need to be replaced with every tune up. Some newer cars also use an electronic ignition instead of a distributor, and therefore do not need a new distributor cap and rotor. For most cars, it is a good idea to check the owner's manual or shop manual to see what maintenance is recommended during a tune up.

Lower Ball Joint Failure

This is an example of what could happen!

I was driving along, minding my own business (as you do), and there was a sudden BANG, the right front corner of the car dropped, there was a very loud screeching noise and some smoke. A split second was all it took to guess what had happened, even though I'd never experienced anything like this before. Fairly frightening, actually.

Interestingly, the steering remained totally controllable apart from the slight initial jerk when the joint came apart, and the brakes stayed fully functional. Within what must have been milliseconds I had to make up my mind what was going to be damaged and how to limit it. I ended up deciding the best thing to do was to steer onto the sand/gravel shoulder to prevent suspension parts from being ground to dust by the asphalt. In retrospect, that was probably the best thing to do. By the time the car left the road, the ball joint nut and stud had been ground down to half their thickness. Any further and the lower control arm would likely have been damaged as well.

The actual damage that led to all this was the ball joint tapered stud having cracked off the the ball itself (which could not rotate in its socket due to corrosion). Had I known to think of it at the time, I would have popped the ball joint taper out of the lower control arm and simply wiggled it by hand. This would have made it abundantly clear what the problem was.

The tire was destroyed, having its tread worn away to the steel cords at the point of contact. The inner CV joint had been pulled apart, but miraculously the bearings had got sucked into the boot and did not get lost.

There was a small amount of distortion to the fender lip and some fracturing of the paint, easy enough to fix. And the mud flap's lower bolt had been ripped out of its nylon "nut", necessitating replacement of the "nut".

The moral of this story is that if you're told your lower ball joints need to be replaced, just do it. It's a small price to pay, believe me.

Nobody Lides A Hot Car!

Many of us have experienced this little adventure. It's the first hot day of the year. Uncomfortably shifting in your seat, you turn that long-neglected A/C knob to full blast, only to discover an unwelcome blast of hot air blowing out from the vents. It is a fact that without regular maintenance, a car air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency per year. Without proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit may be performing as poorly as other models that are years older!

During the summer months, the temperature inside a vehicle sitting in the sun can easily reach 130°F or more. Keeping you and your passengers comfortable, during the hottest weather is the job of your automobile's air conditioning system. The air conditioning system works by removing heat from the air inside your vehicle and transferring that heat to the outside air. What is left when the heat and humidity have been removed is cooler, more comfortable air. To remove the heat, the system relies on several key components.

For this system to work correctly and be ready for the hot weather, it needs to be free from leaks so that the refrigerant stays in the system. Although A/C systems are resistant to leaks and contamination, they are not leak-proof. Over time, contamination or leaks can appear and affect the cooling performance of your A/C system.

In fact, the most common cause of inadequate cooling is when the refrigerant leaks through worn seals and O-rings, loose fittings and connections. To make sure all parts and components of your A/C system work properly, we recommend having your A/C system checked at the beginning of the warm season. Your auto care advisor can recommend an A/C Performance Check to test for any worn hoses or seals and leaks or contamination, as well as to make sure your vehicle is ready for the warm weather.

It is important to note that some refrigerants used in automotive A/C systems are considered harmful to the environment. We take great care to protect the environment while we are servicing the system. But there is good news: We can bring your auto A/C system back to original strength. Schedule an appointment with one of our factory-trained professionals. We are very familiar with all aspects of car air conditioning repair, from modern computerized components to proper environmental disposal. The chances are we can perform the auto air conditioning service while you wait in our Customer Lounge with free coffee, snacks, magazines, and TV.

The Timing Belt

Certain engines have timing belts with a limited life span. Car makers use belts instead of the more durable chains because chains are noisier and cost more to manufacture. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended mileage at which the timing belt must be replaced. On average, manufacturers suggest replacing your timing belt every 45,000 to 100,000 miles. The job of the timing belt is to turn the camshaft(s) while maintaining a precise alignment. The crankshaft will make two revolutions for every revolution of the camshaft. Engines will have at least one camshaft but can have as many as four in some of the V-type engines.

The camshaft regulates the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valve. The valves must open and close at exactly the right time in relationship to the piston movement in order for the engine to run properly. There are two types of engines that use timing belts; "Interference Engines" and "Non-interference Engines". The difference lies in the proximity between the valves and the pistons. On an interference engine, if the timing belt slips even one notch, the piston can crash into an open valve causing serious engine damage by bending valves and breaking pistons. Non-interference engines will usually not self-destruct. In either case if the belt fails, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded.

Timing belts fail without warning and on some vehicles, are almost as hard to check as they are to change. Replacing a Timing belt is not a cheap job but it is far less costly than the alternative. In most cases, we recommend that you replace the water pump when replacing a timing belt … even if there is nothing wrong with it. When replacing a timing belt, the vast majority of the labor to change the water pump has already been done. If your water pump fails after replacing a timing belt, the result always damages the timing belt. It is a good rule of thumb and smart preventive maintenance to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt.