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]

As the weather warms up, the road hazards of snow and ice seem to fade with the cold, but with changing seasons come new risks to be aware of. Springtime tends to be wet and rainy, with melting snow and ice, and climbing temperatures. This becomes a perfect recipe for creating potholes, those sneaky annoyances that can wreak havoc on your tires. During the winter, cracks form due to moisture and ice expanding weakened fractures in the road surface. As the cracks get worse they can become torn out of the road by the weight of passing cars, winter chains, or studded tires. In areas with heavy spring and winter rainfall sinkholes can form with the potholes, creating even deeper road hazards. Because potholes can form on any road surface, keeping a diligent eye on road will help protect your from their potential harm, but most potholes ar ...[more]

The absolute easiest thing that you can do for the life of your vehicle is to be diligent about getting regular oil changes. It is the most vital part of routine maintenance and will keep your vehicle running smoother, performing better, and help prevent many of the most common causes of breakdowns. Under normal driving conditions, most mechanics will recommend changing your oil about every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months. Oil changes are typically a quick and simple service that can be done in a matter of a few minutes at your trusted automotive shop or something that you can do at home with the proper tools. With a full service oil change, your mechanic will usually check or replace your air filter, visually inspect your belts and hoses, check fluid levels, check your tire pressure, and looks for signs of leaks.

The ...[more]

Tire Rotation: Most of us don’t think about it nearly enough! Tire rotation should be routine maintenance on ALL vehicles and should be done regularly based on your tires and driving habits. Regular driving puts enormous strain on even the highest quality of tires. The front wheels will wear down faster than the back tires due to turning the wheel. Keep a close eye on your tread, tires will start to wear down on the outer edges with normal use, and tires should be rotated before significant wear is visible. Also, uneven wear on other parts of the tires can mean that there is a problem with the alignment or possibly other parts of the driveline. It is crucial to get this type of wear checked out because it may mean the difference of a safe drive, let alone the fact that tires would have to be replaced hundre ...[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:

Stay safe this winter by knowing how to get the most out of your winter tires!

There are many different types of tires that can get you through the winter, and selecting the best type of tire and protection for your driving conditions will help you get through this winter season safely and smoothly. Remember to always check your tires for uneven wear, tread depth, and inflation. Improperly inflated, damaged, or bald tires can be a safety hazard in even the best driving conditions, and with winter driving precautions, can become even more dangerous. Always ask your trusted mechanic if the tires on your vehicle are rated for your weather and driving conditions.

Selecting from winter tire choices can be based on vehicle performance, driving conditions, climate conditions, and other factors. Here are the types of winter tires, and what they should be primarily used for:

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Winter driving can be an adventure no matter what climate you live in. Driving in snow, sleet, or on ice can make even the most seasoned drivers nervous. If you live in an area that falls below an average temperature of 45 degrees or lower in the winter, has winter storms of snow, rain, sleet, or ice, then winter tires are a great investment to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road this season.

• Get 4 - Four winter tires will provide the best protection against winter road hazards. With 4 winter tires, you will have consistency in handling, control, traction, and grip.
• Tread - Winter tires have unique tread, specialized for channeling snow, ice, slush, and water away from the tire. With more ‘sipes’ and ‘lugs’, essentially g ...[more]

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 &l ...[more]

Are you ready for fall and winter driving? Changing leaves and snow days can be exciting, but also bring about new dangers for drivers. To keep you and your loved ones safe this season, there are special circumstances to remember when driving in the colder months. More accidents happen in the winter and fall because drivers ignore safety precautions. Here are some tips and important guidelines to follow to prevent common accidents:

Tips to Remember for Fall and Winter:

1. Check your tires. Your tires should be properly inflated, balanced, and have enough tread to avoid loss of traction. Cold weather and temperature fluctuations can decrease tire pressure. Keep a tire pressure gauge handy in your vehicle at all times and check frequently. If you can, invest into s ...[more]