Auto Care Pulse

Automotive Tip

2020-09-14T07:35:00.003-05:00

Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

Automotive Tip

2020-08-12T07:50:00.004-05:00

Protect the interior plastic by parking the vehicle in the shade, using a window deflector screen, and applying a UV protectant to prevent the plastic and vinyl from drying out.

Automotive Tip

2020-07-31T07:32:00.000-05:00

Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles, or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles. To check coolant level, turn the car off and wait for the engine to cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators.

Automotive Tip

2020-07-27T08:11:00.000-05:00

Vehicle maintenance isn't just an important way to extend your vehicle's life -- it's a major safety issue. If your vehicle is unsafe, your service tech will let you know what you need to do to fix it.

Automotive Tips

2020-07-15T10:31:00.002-05:00

When changing a bad bulb, clean dirty or corroded sockets with fine steel wool or a small wire brush. Wipe the socket clean of debris before installing the new light bulb.

Automotive Tip

2020-07-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

Use Headlights When Needed - Headlights aren't just necessary at night. When you are driving in the rain or fog, turning on your headlights can play an important role in keeping you - and those around you - safe on the road.

Automotive Tip

2020-06-30T09:08:00.001-05:00

Lose the Junk - Every 100 pounds you remove improves economy by 1 to 2 percent, so clear our your trunk and your backseat before you leave home. Both of them are preferable to a loaded-down roof rack, however, which can fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.

Automotive Tip

2020-06-26T06:37:00.001-05:00

Regular oil changes help keep your car running smoothly. But why stop there? With every oil change, we'll also give you a bumper-to-bumper inspection and make sure your filters, fluids and belts have a clean bill of health.

Automotive Tip

2020-06-22T07:12:00.002-05:00

Your vehicle’s engine needs unrestricted airflow for proper performance. Have the air filtration system checked frequently for clogging or damage. Doing so will help ensure that your vehicle is performing at peak condition.

Automotive Tip

2020-05-29T08:34:00.001-05:00

Automotive Tip

2020-05-18T06:40:00.001-05:00

Avoid Distractions - Sending text messages isn't the only dangerous distraction that drivers need to avoid while operating a vehicle. Changing CDs, using cell phones, eating, and interacting with passengers are just a few examples of the types of distractions that you should take care to avoid when driving.

Automotive Tip

2020-05-06T07:12:00.001-05:00

Clean hard to reach areas of your auto (dashboard, cup holders) with a dampened sponge tipped paint brush.

Automotive Tip

2020-04-30T07:34:00.002-05:00

When driving at night ... Cars come with dashboard dimmer switches for a reason. With bright dashboard LEDs and large infotainment screens finding their way into vehicles, there are a lot of sources of unnecessary and distracting lighting inside a vehicle that can diminish your vision. Dimming dash lights can remove reflections on the windshield and allow your eyes to better adjust to the darkness ahead, improving nighttime visibility.

Automotive Tip

2020-04-29T07:45:00.002-05:00

our vehicle’s engine needs unrestricted airflow for proper performance. Have the air filtration system checked frequently for clogging or damage. Doing so will help ensure that your vehicle is performing at peak condition

Automotive Tip

2020-04-27T07:15:00.001-05:00

When passing vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road, move over to get out of the way if the way is clear for you to change lanes. If changing lanes is not possible, slow down while passing stopped vehicles.

Automotive Tip

2020-04-20T07:34:00.002-05:00

Automotive Tip

2020-04-13T07:27:00.001-05:00

Don't try to run your windshield washer system once you suspect there's no more fluid in the tank, or you may damage the washer fluid pump.

Automotive Tip

2020-04-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

Keep your speed down. Most vehicles "have their best efficiency at 40 to 50 miles an hour", says Roger Clark, a fuel economy engineer at General Motors. "Every 10 miles an hour above those speeds, you lose four miles a gallon." So if you can take a rural road with few or no traffic lights, your gas tank is better off than being on a high-speed freeway.

Automotive Tip

2020-04-03T07:08:00.001-05:00

Automotive Tip

2020-03-30T07:58:00.001-05:00

If you’re headlights don’t appear to be as bright as they once did, you may want to check their cleanliness. Sometimes, dirt from the road transfers over to your lights dim them. Before taking your car into the mechanic for this, try giving the headlights a good cleaning first.

Automotive Tip

2020-03-27T07:09:00.001-05:00

One of the most important, though overlooked, parts of a vehicle is the alternator. The reason for the importance is really quite simple, the alternator recharges the battery, and helps provide the electricity needed to run your vehicle.

Automotive Tips

2020-03-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

Proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3% when maintained regularly. Save money and wear and tear on your tires!

Automotive Tip

2020-03-20T07:59:00.002-05:00

Food and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturer's directions.

Automotive Tip

2020-03-18T08:20:00.002-05:00

Don't try to run your windshield washer system once you suspect there's no more fluid in the tank, or you may damage the washer fluid pump.

Automotive Tip

2020-03-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

According to a recent survey, nearly one-third of all cars and light trucks have belts or hoses that are ready to be replaced. Have your belts and hoses checked regularly, and you won't have to worry!