Preventative Maintenance

Using Auto Diagnostic Check Sheets to Speed Your Auto Repair

Using Auto Diagnostic Check Sheets to Speed Your Auto Repair

When you hear a noise coming from your car, what do you do? Do you try to determine where the sound is coming from? Do you pay attention to when it happens (e.g. do you hear it when you first start the car, only after you exceed 50 mph, when you brake, during acceleration…)?

Is Your Car a Victim of the MINI Cooper Low Oil Level Epidemic?

Is Your Car a Victim of the MINI Cooper Low Oil Level Epidemic?

Based on the above definition, #2 to be exact, there is no doubt that we are experiencing an epidemic. Over the past year, we have seen dozens of Mini Coopers coming into our facility with a very low oil level. This is serious because it can dramatically reduce the life of a Mini Cooper engine!

Why Do I Even Need An Oil Change?

Why Do I Even Need An Oil Change?

It’s interesting; so many things that we use today just don’t require much maintenance. When we purchase something like a television or a toaster oven, we don’t ever expect to have to take them to a repair shop. They may require a bit of cleaning now and then, but that’s just about all the maintenance we expect to do.

My Car Hit a Median Strip.  What Should I Do?

My Car Hit a Median Strip. What Should I Do?

There are a lot of distractions for drivers these days — from GPS systems to mobile phones to all kinds of computer display panels. Get distracted long enough and you just may end up hitting a road obstacle — it could be a median strip, a pot hole or some debris in the roadway.

My SRS (Air Bag) Warning Light, is On!

My SRS (Air Bag) Warning Light, is On!

SRS stands for supplemental restraint system, but the more common lingo for the SRS warning light is the Air Bag System Warning Light. This light typically comes on for a few seconds when you start your car, but if it stays on, it signals that there is a problem.

Car Batteries. When to Change Them?

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.

Yes, Some Auto Services Can Wait

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.