Summer Automotive Care – Tips for Taking Care of Your Car

 

Summer is a time of lazy days, warm nights and family vacations. For many people, it means cookouts and spending time with family members. However, summer brings with it more than just an excuse to head to the beach – it’s one of the harshest seasons for your car. In order to make sure that your vehicle stands the test of time, you need to know a few things about summertime-specific maintenance. Here are a few simple, effective tips for maintaining your vehicle through the dog days and beyond.

Trip Check

Summer is the season for travel, more so than any other time of year. However, while taking a vacation or embarking on a road trip can be exciting and a great way to spend more time with your family, it can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t take the proper steps before heading out. One of the most important things to do is inspect your car to make sure it’s roadworthy and won’t cause headaches later on. You’ll want to check the following:

• Charging System: You’ll definitely want to have a charging system check done before you go anywhere. Make sure your mechanic checks your battery, the starter and the alternator. Summer heat can be a killer on these components.

• Tire Condition and Pressure: Give some attention to your car’s tires. Is there a good amount of tread left? Is there any uneven wear? Do you need a rotation? Is there damage from your car being out of alignment? Is the tire pressure set properly? A good set of properly maintained tires can mean the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident.

• Brakes: Your braking system is one of the most important on your vehicle. Make sure that you check brake pad thickness before heading out, and if you feel a pulsation in the pedal or seat when applying the brakes, you might consider having your rotors turned.

• Wipers: Summertime is infamous for producing heavy thunderstorms. Your road trip might pit you against torrential rain, hail and high winds. Make sure that your windshield wipers are up to the challenge. Ideally, you should change your wiper blades roughly every six months or so. Make sure your wipers keep the windshield clear and look for any signs of damage or wear on the blades.

• Fluids: Many of your car’s systems are hydraulic, and require specific fluids to operate. Make sure you check and top off any fluids under the hood, including transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid.

• Coolant: To stay within its operating temperature and avoid overheating, your car relies on coolant circulating through the radiator and assorted pipes and hoses. Make sure you check the coolant level in your car (when the engine is cool). You should also visibly inspect all the hoses for signs of damage, wear and leaks.

• Belts: The high heat ofsummer can mean death for your engine belts, particularly if they’re old and worn already. Make sure you check all the belts under the hood. Depending on your make and model, you might have a single serpentine belt, or several smaller belts. Give them a good eyeball to make sure they’re not cracked and about to break.

Don't let this be you!

Checking all of these systems can be time consuming and difficult if you’re not familiar with automotive technology. If you’re not comfortable inspecting any of these areas, take your car to a trusted mechanic and ask for a trip check before you head off. It can make a real difference in your safety and in your enjoyment of the summer months.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

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APRIL IS NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH! What Does That Mean?

Did I mention to you yet that April is National Car Care Month?  My regular readers are shaking their heads in amazement!  By golly!  I don't think she did!  Well, fear not my fellow preventive maintenance enthusiasts, I did NOT forget, nor, did I plan on letting this month go by without at least bringing this to your attention, at least once!  The logo below is shown on all genuine "CCC" literature.  These guys have taken preventive maintenance to a new level!

So, here it is April 16th, and we're about half way through National Car Care Month.  I was actually waiting because I wanted to put together a fantastic, unbelievably great article that would not only bring this month to your attention, but, also make you want to do something about it!

I thought long and hard and I figured out that what I need to do to really get everyone revved up (yes, pun intended...) was to make it so easy, so unrealistically simplified, so non-thought provoking, that you would just take my advice and trot off to your local shop and have your car, truck, suv, van, or motorcycle serviced.  And, I did just that.  I have put together some things that will have you at your shop by the time you finish reading this.  And here's how.....

Inside a dirty motor, notice the
brown discoloration from "varnish"
from unchanged oil. All of this
can and will cause sticking valves,
bad gas milage and more!

Here's the top of a badly burned piston.  Also
caused by lack of oil and not changing the oil.
As with the "varnish" build up, this can cause
rough running and seriously bad gas milage.

First, I put together some pictures of what actually happens to the inside of your motor when you don't change the oil.  Yup, these are real, live pictures of just what happens to your poor motor when you simply don't take the time to care.  Now, I've also included some pictures of what happens to brakes when we don't change the brake pads regualrly.  Once again, these are pictures of rotors when brake wear down and score the rotors.  These are what's left to actually "stop" your vehicle when you're tooling down the highway at speeds sometimes in excess of 70 mph.  Not a very pretty picture at all!  Especially when you think that changing those brake pads is a very minimal expense compared to what you're going to  have to pay for if you can't "stop" your vehicle and even worse.

Set of seriously worn brake
pads. These worn pads will
cause the damage seen in the
lower photo of worn rotors.

Now, with all this being said, I also came up with a list of suggested preventive maintenance items and some materials that will help even the most mechanically challenged of us determine what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and why!  It doesn't get any simpler than that.  Clicking here will take you to a nice, general service schedule that has everything you need to have done to your vehicle regularly, in color.....very cool!

Rotors worn down by
bad brake pads.

All of this damage can be avoided by simply maintaining your vehicle.  And, that maintenance is far less expensive than replacing the parts that break and the labor involved in repairing this damage.

I have included a link to National Care Care Association's booklet entitled "The Car Care Guide" written by the Car Care Council. It's a great guide for determining what things need to be maintained on your vehicle and how often they should be done.  It's a great basis for planning out your scheduled maintenance routine and ensuring that nothing slips by.
The booklet not only describes each routine maintenance point, but, also gives a detailed explanation of why the service needs to be done.  It's a great guide for both the average car owner and the do-it-yourself'er to use as a reference.

There are other things to mention here in addition to what needs to be done to properly care for a vehicle, and here are some ideas to help save you money when you do actually have the services rendered.

1. When changing your oil, look for sales that include oil, oil filter and air filter combined into a single package deal.  Most auto parts stores will rotate different manufacturer's products into deals on a regular basis.  It's much more cost effective to "bundle" these items than to pay for each one of them separately.  We recommend Monthly Oil Change Special (OCS) page from Advance Auto Parts.  Advance Auto Parts offers a monthly oil change special each month to save you money on a bundle of everything necessary for your oil change.
2. Purchase "lifetime warranty" brake pads.  Most manufacturer's offer lifetime warranties on their brake pads.  Simply keep the receipt from your purchase and when it's time to change the pads, go back to the auto parts dealer and bring them back the used pads to receive a refund on the purchase price of the pads.  Essentially, you can purchase only one set of pads for the entire time you own the vehicle!  You can click here to go to our 'Online Parts Store' and search right there for the brake pads you'll need! 
3. Buy your maintenance parts while they are on sale and keep a small inventory of the parts you will need to replace.  Hoses, belts, and even small replacement parts are good to have handy, like the idler pulley for your serpentine belt, windshield wipers, and fuses, etc.

Planning out your preventive maintenance will help you keep your vehicle in top running form for the life of your car, truck, suv, or van.  It will help maintain it's value too.  Not enough can be said for the value of these small items which in total add up to great value.

And, of course, there's no better place to save you money than our good friends at Advance Auto Parts.   

Seriously, I wouln't preach if I didn't care.....so, get get your car serviced and feel better about it!  It'll give you the satisfaction of knowing that you're vehicle is running great and you've taken all the little precautions to keep you and your family safe!

Happy Motoring!

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Time To Maintain Your Brake System

Timing is everything in determining when to replace your brake pads. The wrong time is after you have attempted to stop, but were aided by whatever it was that actually brought the vehicle to a complete stop!

Putting off servicing your braking system can increase your repair costs, or in the event of the above accident, can cost you collision repair cost on your vehicle and whatever it is you used as a backup brake. And, the good thing is, your brakes will tell you when they are wearing down!!

The first thing you will notice is an extremely high pitched squeal when you are coming to a stop. The manufacturers of brake pads include an indicator, which is a little piece of metal on the pad. When the pad wears down to less than 1/4” of material, the indicator touches the vehicle's rotor, making a noise that will make your teeth ache, much like when the class bully would run his fingernails on the chalkboard on his way out of the room with the teacher as she took him to the principle's office. What this is telling you is that you need to get the brakes serviced, preferably within the month, depending on your driving schedule. But regardless of how much you drive, the sooner, the safer.

Now, some bad news, sometimes many aftermarket and lower priced pads don't come with a wear indicator. But, an informed person can be watchful of other signs that it is time to replace those pads. One way, if it takes you longer than normal to stop, or if the brake pedal has more travel in it than before, it's a good bet that you need to inspect your pads. This can be achieved by removing the wheel and knowing what to look for.

Rotors can be a little harder, as they will last through two or three sets of brake pads. A wiggly steering when stopping is a good indication that the rotors are probably warped and it is time to replace.

Another option is 'turning' your rotors, which is an option in some cases. This is done at your mechanics, where they will shave off enough of the metal from the rotors to make them smooth. Most newer vehicles are equipped with thinner, lighter rotors to save on costs and increase fuel economy. If you find that you are replacing the rotors often, you might consider switching to a slotted version. While more expensive, the slots disperse heat better than the standard stock rotors. For most drivers, this added expense isn't necessary.

For you convenience, Advance Auto Parts lets you order your parts on line at home,
and then pick them up in your local store an hour later, how cool is that!

Another option for better performance is upgrading your brake pads to ceramic pads. The ceramic pads work just as well or better, than the stock pads. They produce much less dust and are generally quieter. And there are performance pads, but I don't recommend them for the average driver as they have a short life span and cause more wear on the rotors.

To paraphrase my father (and whoever he stole it from) “An ounce of preventive maintenance, is worth a pound of towing bills!”

April is “National Car Care Month”, so regardless if you are going to do it yourself, or take it to your trusted local mechanic, take a weekend in April to checkout your ride. Check those fluids, topping off the ones that need it. Don't forget the windshield fluid, radiator coolant (check your vehicle maintenance book to see what type of coolant your radiator uses), brake fluid, power steering fluid. Now is a good time to change your engine oil. Check those brake pads, inspect your tires for tread, wear and weather damage (dry rot). Lube the chassis. And it would not hurt to get inside that car and rub some type of protectant on your dash, console, side panels, etc.... the inside of the vehicle needs maintenance too you know. Take care of your ride, it will take you places that others can only get to in their minds....... (LOL).

Advance Auto Parts stocks everything you need to do your maintenance and repairs.  They also offer the convenience of shopping on line and picking up an hour later at your local store, so you are in and out and on your way to completing your project that much faster, and by clicking below, and use the promotion code, you get a great discount to boot!!

Save $20 Off Purchases of $75 or more at AdvanceAutoParts.com with code BIG20!

Remember to check back to our blog often, as Dee, Larry and I will be posting more on vehicle maintenance and repairs.   Leave us a comment on our posts, make suggestions for future stories, or tell us about your projects.  And like us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/LDJAutoBody

Til next time - Betty

More about → Time To Maintain Your Brake System

LDJ AUTO BODY AND CUSTOM SHOP ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW MECHANICAL SHOP!

LDJ Auto Body is announcing the grand opening of our new, full service, mechanical shop!

Since 2009, LDJ Auto Body has been the #1 choice for our customers for auto body, collision, and auto paint repair. As most of you know, our new facility, located at 10915 East Bay Road, opened in November and we are happy to announce that our complete, mechanical shop is now open for business!

That's right! In addition to the best auto body and collision repairs and factory and custom paint.....LDJ Auto now offers you the same great service and pricing for all your mechanical needs too!

From maintenance jobs, like oil changes, lubrication and tune-ups, to major mechanical work, including complete engine and transmission change outs, LDJ Auto truly is “your one stop shop” for everything automotive!

Our mechanical technicians are all ASE certified and have over 30 years experience in engine and mechanical maintenance, trouble-shooting, and repair!

We now offer ALL mechanical services, including brake jobs, belt replacement, alternators, starters, radiator service and repair, a/c recharging and repair and much, much, more all at the same, great prices and quality our customers have always relied on.

LDJ Auto Body's new location also offers exhaust repair and replacement, suspension work and full welding services too! We can also fabricate many of those “impossible to find” parts for our restoration customers.

Don't forget, our new location is open weekends to help our customers meet their busy schedules. We know that most vehicle repairs are not planned! Repair work can really throw the wrench into your busy days......so we not only offer weekend appointments, but also early drop-offs and late pick-ups to help in avoiding costly rentals and the inconvenience of “finding a ride” to work!

Our customers are the best! To show our appreciation, LDJ Auto will be offering some great sales and promotions including coupons, mobile applications for scheduling, and loyalty rewards! Register for our newsletter, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck and Motorcycle News, today to receive the latest information on how to save big money on all your maintenance and vehicle repair needs. You'll get weekly updates and emails for ALL of our promotions. You can even schedule your appointments on-line!

Stop in and see us today for unbelievable prices on oil changes, brakes, and tune-ups! Get free estimates on ALL YOUR MECHANICAL NEEDS!

Remember, ALL OF OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! We offer “labor only” estimates! Bring your own parts and save money! New and used parts! And, as always, your vehicle will be DONE ON TIME, EVERY TIME!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanial, your “one stop shop for everything automotive!

Call and schecule your appointment today at (813) 644-4497.

More about → LDJ AUTO BODY AND CUSTOM SHOP ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW MECHANICAL SHOP!

LDJ AUTO BODY AND CUSTOM SHOP ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW MECHANICAL SHOP!

LDJ Auto Body is announcing the grand opening of our new, full service, mechanical shop!

Since 2009, LDJ Auto Body has been the #1 choice for our customers for auto body, collision, and auto paint repair. As most of you know, our new facility, located at 10915 East Bay Road, opened in November and we are happy to announce that our complete, mechanical shop is now open for business!

That's right! In addition to the best auto body and collision repairs and factory and custom paint.....LDJ Auto now offers you the same great service and pricing for all your mechanical needs too!

From maintenance jobs, like oil changes, lubrication and tune-ups, to major mechanical work, including complete engine and transmission change outs, LDJ Auto truly is “your one stop shop” for everything automotive!

Our mechanical technicians are all ASE certified and have over 30 years experience in engine and mechanical maintenance, trouble-shooting, and repair!

We now offer ALL mechanical services, including brake jobs, belt replacement, alternators, starters, radiator service and repair, a/c recharging and repair and much, much, more all at the same, great prices our customers have always relied on.

LDJ Auto Body's new location also offers exhaust repair and replacement, suspension work and full welding services too! We can also fabricate many of those “impossible to find” parts for our restoration customers.

Don't forget, our new location is open weekends to help our customers meet their busy schedules. We know that most vehicle repairs are not planned! Repair work can really throw the wrench into your busy days......so we not only offer weekend appointments, but also early drop-offs and late pick-ups to help in avoiding costly rentals and the inconvenience of “finding a ride” to work!

Our customers are the best! To show our appreciation, LDJ Auto will be offering some great sales and promotions including coupons, mobile applications for scheduling, and loyalty rewards! Register for our newsletter, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck and Motorcycle News, today to receive the latest information on how to save big money on all your maintenance and vehicle repair needs. You'll get weekly updates and emails for ALL of our promotions. You can even schedule your appointments on-line!

Stop in and see us today for unbelievable prices on oil changes, brakes, and tune-ups! Get free estimates on ALL YOUR MECHANICAL NEEDS!

Remember, ALL OF OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! We offer “labor only” estimates! Bring your own parts and save money! New and used parts! And, as always, your vehicle will be DONE ON TIME, EVERY TIME!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanial, your “one stop shop for everything automotive!

Call and schecule your appointment today at (813) 644-4497.

More about → LDJ AUTO BODY AND CUSTOM SHOP ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW MECHANICAL SHOP!