5 Q&A’s: Intake Valve Carbon Build-up, Direct Injection & Mini Coopers
We see quite a few Mini Coopers with direct injection engines that have carbon build-up on the intake valves. While direct injection engines do offer enhanced fuel performance and cleaner emissions, these engines are more likely to have an issue with carbon build up on the intake valves.
Car Batteries. When to Change Them?
With the cold temperatures we have been having lately, a lot of people worry that they will wake up in the morning, and their car won’t start. The good news is that automotive technology has come a long way, and cars are a lot more reliable. We used to have cars lined up for battery service on cold days when the temperatures dropped to the single digits, but that’s just not the case anymore.
Preservation Focus: Reaching 200,000 Miles – It Takes a Little TLC
We celebrated the tenth birthday of our white 2005 Dodge Caravan free courtesy shuttle van last year, and not long after that, in December of 2015, we hit the 200K milestone.
My Nissan has a Fluctuating Idle When Hot. Is this a Problem?
In general a fluctuating idle is not a serious problem; however, if it is accompanied by the check engine light coming on or the engine stalling that is more cause for concern.
My Battery Died Right After a Maryland State Inspection. What Caused This?
Recently a customer’s battery died the day after she picked up her car. She was convinced we had caused her battery to die. She told us her boyfriend knew about cars and told her, “I suspect they cooked [overcharged] the battery.”
What is a Differential on a Car and What Does it Do?
So many times we’ll hear words related to our cars and not even understand what they are. An automotive service adviser may tell a customer, “We need to change the differential oil,” and the customer may have no clue what he’s referring to. So what is a differential?
My Car Will Not Start Sometimes – How Much Will it Cost to Fix This?
Ever had this happen? You drive your car, park it for a few minutes to run an errand — then when you return your car won’t start.
Our Columbia Auto Shop Customer Bill of Rights
With December being Human Rights Awareness Month, it got us thinking about a Customer Bill of Rights for all BA Auto Care Customers
Avoid Having Your Dream Car Turn into a Nightmare
We’ve all seen the commercials. A guy wakes up Christmas morning, and waiting for him outside is his ultimate dream car — all wrapped up with a bow and a card from Santa.
Smoking Car? 6 Types of Auto Related Vapor / Smoke to Be Aware Of
Don’t let smoke get in your eyes!
How Can I Keep My Car’s Cabin Air Filter Clean?
What is the cabin air filter? It is the pleated, fibrous filter that cleans air that comes into the interior of the car via the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It keeps the air inside your car free of contaminants. Some cabin air filters even trap odors.
Yes, Some Auto Services Can Wait
Not long ago I was on the front line, servicing cars for our “while you wait” customers. I was performing a 5000 mile service on a Honda Fit. The car is getting up in miles, but it is in perfect condition. My report to our customer, Robin, is a good one — just a tire rotation and an alignment that can wait until next year.