Mechanics Hate Us

There’s a chump born every minute, and possibly a brand new automotive related swindle to go along with it. Everything from fuel line magnets to cyclone air intake systems to protoplasmic turbines have been pushed upon the hapless driving public at large since the birth of the car. Henry Ford himself grew to become rich, but also enabled thousands of others to do the same advertising worthless automobile products. For anybody other than an engineer or automotive technician, a car is an inherently complicated contraption that’s full of mystifying parts and systems. Let’s go through a few common varieties of automobile repair that you most likely don’t need on your car.

-Fuel Savers:

Unfortunately, scientists have in reality NOT discovered a secret gadget that will save you hundreds of dollars in gas every year. This is one of the areas that not only will offer zero advantage, it could in fact cause gas mileage to become WORSE. Magnetic devices in reality have no capacity to re-arrange gas molecules into a more combustible substance. Twister vortex air intake systems that mix gas into a vigorous cyclone also offer zero. Owing to increasingly stringent governmental regulations, vehicle makers pay out millions of dollars in research every year to improve gas economy. If sticking a 25 cent fridge magnet to your fuel line actually worked, they would have been mounted on every vehicle years ago. If you’re actually interested in substantially increasing your fuel economy, Google search the phrase “Hypermiling” for genuine ways.

- Oil Additives

Many people possibly will recall a popular advertisement from the 1990’s touting the advantages of a product labeled as ‘Prolong’. Among the highlights of this advertisement was a car being driven all-around Los Angeles with (supposedly) no motor oil in the engine. Various lubricant additive products will construct similar claims or boasts to extreme performance. Although a few motor oil chemicals do offer a minor performance increase, most are nothing more than glorified motor oil. Changing your oil as suggested by the manufacturer will keep your motor running flawlessly with no requirement for costly additives.

-Engine Flushes

A common upsell at drive-thru oil change facilities. After opening the hood and doing the preliminary inspection they say that the motor is full of sludge and deposits that they can see built up below the oil cap. They notify you that it can be repaired at the same time as you hang around, for merely $89.95. Sorry to say, these products often cause more damage than good. The can of speedy engine flush is in reality a heavy-duty solvent that sometimes loosens large chunks of motor goo that can clog critical internal motor orifices. Even if the engine hasn’t had recurrent oil changes, it’s a better idea to stay away from flushes.

-Fuel Injection Cleaning

An expensive repair often sold at the dealership level. Although this service can occasionally be helpful for fouled fuel injectors that are causing the engine to run poorly, it’s best to skip it if the motor is running OK. A lot of dealerships tout this as something that needs to be completed annually, often at a price of hundreds of dollars. Save yourself the money and pour a container of $5 fuel system cleaner in the tank once a year.

-Transmission Flushes

Modern transmissions are packed with hundreds of miniature gears, sensors, and orifices. Running transmission fluid at abnormal pressure levels through the transmission to “clean it out” can in reality cause more damage than good. It’s essential for the inside of the transmission to stay dirt free to function correctly, but it’s better to keep it that way by making sure to change the transmission fluid every few years. Also, a lot of transmission flush machines use a “one brand fits all” generic transmission fluid that might not perform up to manufacturers specifications. When it comes to vehicle repairs, pick wisely!

Learn about the best ways to save money on auto repairs at Car Repair Online

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Toothman Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Toothman Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Toothman Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Mike Davidson Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Mike Davidson Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Mike Davidson Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Willis Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Willis Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Willis Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Winter has passed and temperatures are now|With temperatures] nearing extreme highs and no relief until fall, every driver must consider the terrible effect that the heat can have on an unprepared vehicle. The service team at Santa Fe Ford have offered to share some tips that can save any car owner time, money, and aggravation this summer.

The obvious first step is to check the tire pressure. As the weather changes the air pressure in the tires changes. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are functional.

Next check that all of the fluids are topped off including radiator coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and wiper fluid. Make sure to pay close attention to the HOT and COLD zones on the dipsticks and only fill to the correct line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is completely charged and the battery terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

People often ignore shoddy windshield wipers until it is to late and they are in an unsafe driving condition. There should be no cracks and the metal clips should be clear of the glass surface. A replacement set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the stress out of summer driving.

Once that is all complete check the serpentine belts for fissures and tension. A repetitive squeaking is the first warning sign of imminent belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering so keeping a close watch on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Santa Fe Ford’s Service Department. Get your vehicle serviced by the pros. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Santa Fe Ford can insure a wonderful and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

With temperatures approaching extreme highs and no relief until fall, every car owner has to consider the damaging effect that the heat can have on a poorly serviced vehicle. The Factory Certified Technicians at Russell and Smith Mazda have assembled this this checklist that can save any driver time, expense, and headaches this summer.

An easy first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. It’s easy to forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are functional.

Next check that all of the fluids are topped off including radiator coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Pay close attention to the HOT and COLD zones on the dipsticks and only fill to the correct line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is completely charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Scorching summer heat will kill a car battery in no time and summertime humidity will lead to build-up on the battery terminals.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. There should be no cracks and the metal clips should be clear of the glass surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the stress out of summer driving.

Once that is all complete check the serpentine belts for fissures and tension. A cyclical squeaking noise is the first warning sign of imminent belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering so keeping a close watch on it can be the difference between a good running car and disaster.

If you are not mechanically inclined bring your car to Russell&Smith Mazda’s Service Department. Leave the work to the professionals. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Mazda can provide a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Gurnee Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Gurnee Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Gurnee Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Russell&Smith Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Russell&Smith Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Fair Oaks Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer. The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly. Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free. An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving. Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer. If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Fair Oaks Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Fair Oaks Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

With temperatures approaching extreme highs and no relief until fall, every car owner has to consider the damaging effect that the heat can have on a poorly serviced vehicle. The Honda Service team at the Houston Honda dealer have offered to share some advice that can save any car owner time, expense, and aggravation this summer driving season.

The obvious first step is to check the air pressure in the tires. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are functional.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Pay close attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. Adding too much oil or fluids can damage sensitive engine components.

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are corrosion-free. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

People often ignore shoddy windshield wipers until it is to late and they are in an unsafe driving condition. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades can be had for $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Finally check the serpentine belts for fissures and tightness. A constant squeaking noise is the first warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and catastophe.

If you are not mechanically inclined bring your car to Russell&Smith Honda’s Service Department. Get your vehicle serviced by the pros. With their well-equipped shops, OEM parts and the factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Honda can guarentee a fun and trouble-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.