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Auto Repair Tips

Should an oil change be just changing oil?

As I've mentioned before on this website, car repair is a lot like medicine.

When you're sick and have to visit the doctor's office, you can choose to have an orderly check your illness, or you can have a qualified doctor review the problems with your health.

An oil change at a discount oil and lube joint is like going to a doctor's office that doesn't have a doctor on duty. At reputable shops, ASE certified technicians are on staff in case potential problems are spotted by the lube department.

It's just like a physical exam or health check-up.

'Getting Ready For Cold Weather' Car Tips

A lot of people ask me, 'Do I need to winterize my cooling system this year?' and 'How long should my antifreeze or coolant last?'

Most people think that the only thing they need to worry about when it comes to their coolant is AVOIDING FREEZE-UPS.

There are 3 things we have to worry about with coolant:

  1. Protection against freezing and boiling
  2. Rust and Mineral Deposits
  3. P/H balance

Protection

A 50-50 mix gives protection to -34 degrees

Rust.

How To Avoid Getting Ripped-off on Brakes

Many so called cheap brake shops end up selling parts or services that you don't need.

Have brakes inspected and measured

  • Every time you rotate and balance tires (every 6000 miles)
  • By ASE Certified tech
  • Be sure to keep record of dates and measurements

Find a good auto repair shop in Mishawaka or South Bend, which will teach you about brakes before you need them, and who will answer your questions.

It is also important to flush your brake system regularly:

Defensive Driving

Unfortunately, not everyone on the road is a good driver. Even the best drivers are at risk on the road because of other agressive drivers. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe on the road:

  • Always wear your seat belts
  • Slow down!
  • Avoid distractions (radio, cell phone, makeup, food/drink, etc.)
  • Expect someone to run a red light
  • Expect someone to slam their brakes in front of you
  • In the winter or in wet conditions, expect the road to be slick
  • Above all, be present and careful

Shocks and Struts -- Comfort and Safety

What is a shock or strut? It's a hydraulic stabilizer...it keeps the tire in contact with the road and dampens or stills the car body after going over a bump. If your car is like a big, rubber ball bouncing down the road you're probably dealing with bad shocks.

Shocks and struts smooth the ride and keep your tires in contact with road. CONTROL = SAFETY.

How often do shocks go bad?
Every 50-60,000 miles, when hydraulic oil leaks out or when the seals rupture.

My Car Is On Fire -- What Should I Do?

  • Don't panic.
  • Determine if it's smoke or steam.
  • Pull off the road immediately.
  • Unlock power door locks -- in case electricity quits.
  • Turn the ignition OFF -- to shut off fuel pump and spark plugs.
  • Pull the hood release -- so firefighters can put out fire.
  • Get everyone out of the car.
  • Call the fire department.
  • Leave the sunroof, windows and doors closed.
  • Don't open the hood -- starve the fire of oxygen.

Don't Rock Your Automatic Transmission When You're Stuck

If you're stuck in the mud or snow (or whatever comes your way!), don't rock your car to free yourself!

When people get mad and rock their car back and forth to free themselves, they abuse their cars.

Weak or borderline problems show up with the stress caused by trying to free your car like this.

The next time you're stuck, dig out or call a tow truck. It will be easier on your wallet.

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