Auto Service News:

Things can get out of control quickly if you don’t know what to do when your vehicle’s temperature rises. Many modern automobiles are so refined that you can hardly hear their engines anymore, but don’t be lulled into complacency—there’s still a combustion cycle taking place under the hood, and catastrophic overheating remains a remote possibility. That’s why you should periodically check your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. Every gauge has a normal stopping point once the engine is warmed up; it’s usually a bit below the midpoint line between cold and hot. It’s probably not a doomsday scenario for your engine if your gauge ever reads anywhere above normal, but it could easily become one if you don’t take prompt action. Here are the steps you’ll need to know. Step 1: Check for steam The one surefire indication that you’ve really got an overheating engine is that old B-movie standby: plumes of steam pouring out before your eyes. Except it likely won’t be that dra…

Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle. “At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later.” The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service. The top areas showing the highest failure rates include: Engine Oil – 22 percent of veh…

Back-to-school season is the ideal time to review your ABCs; the ABCs of car care, that is. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists brush up on their auto care knowledge to make sure their vehicle is operating at its most efficient level before the school year carpool crunch and the onset of fall and winter weather. The ABCs of basic car care include: A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule. B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem. C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home. “Many people simply don’t take the time to care for their vehicle properly,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By following these three simple steps, motorists will not only protect their second largest investment, but they will be able to address minor repairs before they become more complicated, expensive repairs.” To make it easier for motori…