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Auto Services That Can Improve Your Gas Mileage

Auto Services That Can Improve Your Gas Mileage

Gas prices seem like they're constantly going up, making it a bigger priority for drivers to squeeze as many miles as possible out of each gallon of fuel. We've put together this list of services that can lead to improvements in your MPG:  Change Fuel Filter Changing out a dirty fuel filter for a new one can significantly make a difference in your gas consumption. This will ensure your engine is guzzling the purest and cleanest gas.  Replace Air Filter Similar to changing out your gas filter, a new air filter will allow for better airflow in the combustion chamber. As a result, it can prevent your engine from burning up extra fuel as a way to compensate for the lack of air. Adding New Spark Plugs Aging spark plugs can lead to engine misfires. Consequently, inefficient spark plugs can waste a lot of fuel. Adjustments to Tire Inflation Your tire pressure fluctuates a lot throughout the year, so you must measure them on a regular basis. Make adjustments to your p ... read more

Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service

Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service

  Brakes are responsible for keeping you and all other road users safe as they are responsible for stopping or slowing down. The ability to effectively slow down or stop your vehicle on the road is not an option but mandatory. Therefore, regular servicing and giving them the care they need to function correctly is essential to maintaining your safety. Here is a closer look at the top signs your vehicle needs brake service.   Squealing or Squeaking Noises Hearing high-pitched squealing noise in your vehicle when applying brakes does not always mean they are giving out immediately. However, the squeaking noises serve as a reminder to service your brakes. It may also be a sign that the brake pads are worn out; hence, they may need to be changed. Most times, the noises come from foreign objects like pebbles or debris lodged into the brakes. These bits of foreign objects may come in contact with the rotor, thus producing the high-pitched noise you hear while a ... read more

Automotive Innovations Every Driver Should Be Thankful For

Automotive Innovations Every Driver Should Be Thankful For

November is a time of thanking and giving. Before the holidays are in full swing, we thought this is the perfect time to take a moment and realize how grateful we are for our vehicles. Cars nowadays are safe, more efficient, and last longer. Here are some of the best automotive inventions for which we're thankful:  Smartphone Integration - Most car manufacturers now have an app for everything! Some apps can check your fuel and tire levels, unlock your doors, and remotely start your engine with a push of a button. Bluetooth - This one might not be as new, but remember the old days when we needed cassette tapes, CDs, or an aux to listen to our jams? With the implementation of Bluetooth, we can stream anything wirelessly! LED Lights - LED lights are not only brighter, but they also rarely need to be repaired or replaced. These lights are more vivid than ever while being energy efficient and help you see the road clearly to avoid accidents.  Rear-Cross Traffic Alert & ... read more

Is Dark Engine Oil Bad?

Is Dark Engine Oil Bad?

With time and wear, the quality, consistency, and color of your motor oil will change. Truthfully, you should not only rely on color to dictate the efficiency of oil. Depending on the oil, the color will alter for various reasons, including heat, additives, and contaminants. What Color is Oil Supposed To Be? Engine oil color is not as significant as people make it out to be. Oil can naturally get dark and still be effective in doing its job. However, as a general rule new, clean oil should be amber or honey color. What Causes Motor Oil To Turn Black? Thick, dark, and sometimes black motor oil usually indicates that your oil has been exposed to dirt or outside contaminants that lead to a soot accumulation. Soot is a byproduct of inadequate combustion, and in moderate amounts, should not cause engine damage. The problem with soot is that sometimes it can agglomerate into something bigger. This is where the thick black texture may be more pronounced. If you want to be on the safe side ... read more

To Flush or Not to (Radiator) Flush

To Flush or Not to (Radiator) Flush

If you want to avoid unwanted costly repairs and boost engine performance for your German vehicle, then regular maintenance is key. You may already be set on your alignments and oil changes, but what about your cooling system? Coolant (or antifreeze) is the solution that regulates the water inside of your car radiator. The fluid prevents the water from freezing over in cold temperatures and from boiling in hot temperatures. Coolant is also responsible for lubricating the water pump and other neighboring components.    The majority of modern-day vehicles typically have cooling systems that are intended to last up to 100,000 miles or more. However, the longevity of your cooling system also depends on your driving habits. To preserve the system for as long as possible, we recommend getting a radiator flush. A technician pumps up to several gallons of antifreeze/coolant during this service through the cooling system. All of the old antifreeze gets flushed out, including any con ... read more

All The Things That Can Kill Your Car Battery

All The Things That Can Kill Your Car Battery

A dead car battery can be troublesome, but there are various ways to prevent it from happening to you. To prevent your battery from dying, you first have to know what causes it to drain. Forget those jumper cables and check out this list of potential reasons why your battery will stop working.   1) You Forget to Turn Your Headlights Off If your battery keeps dying on you, the first thing you should consider is your light usage. Most cars nowadays have an automatic headlights system. But if your automobile doesn't have this benefit, your headlights may stay on until you turn them off or until your battery is completely depleted.   2) Your Battery Connections Are Loose or Corroded The positive and negative terminals can sometimes get loose or corroded with wear and tear. If your terminals are the problem, you may have trouble starting the vehicle because your battery can't correctly transmit the electricity needed to power your car. You can stop corrosion from tak ... read more

These Habits Bring Major Damage to Your Vehicle

These Habits Bring Major Damage to Your Vehicle

Many of us have our fair share of bad habits, especially when it comes to driving. We see drivers unconsciously shortening the lives of their vehicles every day. However, we want you to know that it is not too late to turn these habits around. Here are some of the worst practices that you could do to your car.   Going too Long Between Oil Changes Engine oil helps protect our car and waiting too long to get it changed asks for trouble. Your oil's primary job is to cool and lubricate the engine. Over time, your oil may get very dirty, and it will no longer perform these functions well. Running out of oil mid-drive can quickly leave you broken down in the middle of the road. Please make sure you know your vehicle's service intervals and get your oil replaced before your engine acquires further damage.   Letting Your Gas Tank Run to Empty The temptation to ignore low gas levels is common for many individuals. We dread both the time and money to fill up. Unfortunatel ... read more

Tips on How to Get Around Hollywood, FL Safely on 4th of July

Tips on How to Get Around Hollywood, FL Safely on 4th of July

Independence Day is a beloved national holiday in the United States. This fun day is packed with patriotism, and generally, people use the extra time to spend it with friends and family. Many of us will spend the weekend driving in miles upon miles of traffic to get to where we want to be. With most people confident enough to travel again, traffic is expected to be significantly worse this year than last. With that being said, here are several safety practices that will keep you driving safely through the Florida traffic this 4th of July:   Tip #1 - Know Your Route Before departing your home, check your map or GPS and get familiarized with the route. Look to see if there are any shortcuts that can save you time. There are loads of digital apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze that give you real-time traffic conditions. To ensure your safety, let a trusted rider be your guide when you are driving.    Tip #2 - Focus on the Road at All Times Most vehicle acci ... read more

Factory Recommended Services - How Important Are They?

Factory Recommended Services - How Important Are They?

One of the perks of being a driver is getting to experience the thrill of cruising through with a good-sounding engine and getting that smooth and safe ride in your car. This comes at an extra degree of responsibility in keeping this optimal performance. More often than not, car owners rush to get a quick fix of their vehicle insurance, have their routine belt inspection done and tire checkups neglecting regular oil changes and service. Auto repair shops frequently flash a list of industry-recommended services you need to get done on your car, just as enlisted on your car manual. Factory Recommended Services Cars are manufactured with a certain operating point denoting optimum performance. At each milestone, different set maintenance services are done as different components wear at different rates. With this in mind, they provide a schedule with intervals of maintenance that owners ought to follow for peak performance and perfect operating conditions. The industry p ... read more

What are the Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts?

What are the Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts?

What are the Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts? Many car repairs aren't as urgent as are having a bad suspension fixed. Damaged struts or shocks will make your driving unsafe and will put your life on the line. When driving with bad struts and shocks, your vehicle's stopping distance will increase, particularly when driving on wet or slippery roads. With a long stopping distance, you can easily get involved in an accident. Shocks and struts are the components of your vehicle that keep it stable by making the tires stay on the ground uniformly. Here are the signs of worn shocks and struts:The car is sliding or veering When driving in bad weather like tornadoes, you may experience normal sliding and veering. But when driving in good weather, this cannot happen. If it happens then, it means your struts and shocks have been compromised. Worn-out shocks and struts will make the car unstable, so you'll find it hard to maintai ... read more

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