Rick's Auto Service

" What is routine maintenance on my car?" "How often should my vehicle be washed?" or does my vehicle really need to be washed regularly?  Keeping your car looking sharp. It also helps with the resale value. General Maintenance. I know I am always talking about maintenance, but it also allows you to fine any thing that might be loose and fix it (headlights, mirrors antennas etc). Outside finish. Dirt dulls the finish, check out older models, the clear finish is worn off. Keeping the car clean protects the car from possible rust. Outside elements: moisture/dust/dirt/ rude birds which their poo is highly acidic which can eat away the clear coat and paint. Washing is the only way to remove road salt. Salt is more corrosive then dirt or bugs. The salt if not removed accelerates rust on the frame of your vehicle. Impacts visibility. Even a layer can impact how ... read more

What function does a timing  belt play? The timing belt connects the camshaft to the crankshaft and keeps the engine valves opening and closing in time with the movement of the pistons….Ok stop right there what is a cam- shaft/crankshaft and pistons…I asked A camshaft—this may still be Greek to you and me so here goes!!! The #camshaft is critical to the basic function of an #engine.  It has two distinct parts: the #cams  and the #shaft, the camshaft is the element that enables #valves to open. As the shaft rotates, the egg-shaped cams (or “lobes”) push the valves open in sync with the crankshaft gear. A Crankshaft is a shaft which transmits the power developed by the engine to various parts of the vehicle. As one website p ... read more

Just some TLC to add to your Total Car Care Please don’t ignore CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. This can end up in costly repairs. Just as you need to filtrate and care for yourself CHANGING FLUIDS AND FILTERS in your car is essential. They are required for the operation of your vehicles systems and components. Getting new shoes regularly is as important as CHECKING YOUR VEHICLES TIRES.FOLLOWING A SERVICE SCHEDULE. Routine inspections and timely repairs help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road. KEEPING A DIRTY CAR. A buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt are potential rust for your car later. ARE YOU A SEVERE DRIVER?  Driving smart and observing speed limit improves gas economy and helps with long term wear and tear

PLEASE DON’T TRY TO BE IN  HURRY IN THIS WEATHER, that’s about the best travel advice I can give you. “What to do and not do when you are in a car accident?” If you are our driving today and tonight please be careful, there is a sheet of ice here and there on the road. So, even being careful you hit someone or someone hits you. “What Should you do?”   You should never drive away from the scene of the accident. Do drive it if you still can to the side of the road, if you can’t leave it for the tow truck. If you have flares use them (don’t do anything if you are hurt, wait for police or ambulance.). If you think someone needs medical help call 911. Call the Police, they can help with traffic, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and file a report. If able take notes: draw map of accident scene, write down vehicle and property damage, get insurance information.—This maybe hard to do because if in an acci ... read more

Let’s start the new year not only changing our personal habits, but how about our driving habits? I don’t know about you, but bad habits, or laziness sort of creeps on us. If you see yourself not doing any of these(I was guilty of a few), then make a change today. KEEP THE PHONE AWAY Texting or talking on your phone(we think it is multi-tasking!!) does lead to countless road accidents. From research, listening reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. Don’t be distracted. STICK TO THE SPEED LIMIT Stick to the speed limit, it safer and cheaper. It certain spots you can be fined heavily for going over the speed limit. SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE I think when we are rushing we tend to crowd the car in front of us. Leaving a 2-3 second gap between you and the driver in front of you, can keep us from rear-ending that driver, if they stop suddenly. TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS WHEN NEEDED ... read more

Oil Changes, every car needs to have one, from 3,000 to 10,000 miles-depending on your driving conditions. They need to be done 3-4 times a year, if you want to or not!! We help to make it painless, we offer a Oil Change Club, 4 oil changes for 79.99 or if you have a full-synthetic 139.99. Our trained mechanics take the time to completely check your car, keeping safety first, always. By finding the small problems today and taking care of it now you save $$$ sometimes even in the $1,000s.  For example, The most common issue in not changing your cars oil is that the engine runs less efficiently, and as time goes on, it can cause the engine components to warp and wear out....eventually when the oil is not changed, the engine will shut down and have to be replaced. #OilChange #Engine #Gifts #Maintenance

How much do brakes cost to replace? This is one of the most frequent questions that we receive from our customers when calling on the phone. Without first looking at your car and checking out what exactly the problem is, is really doing you, our customer a disservice. What your brother or neighbor needs done on their brakes may be different then what your car will need. If you called a doctor with an aching bum knee, you would expect to make an appointment and have him look at your knee. If he said just take two aspirins or we are doing a whole knee replacement without taking x-rays or even doing an MRI, you would be shocked. So, think of us as your car doctor, let us give your car a health assessment. We do an assessment on every oil change, we cover your belts, filters, check your fluids, brakes, tires, and much more than that. Let us keep your car healthy and you worry about your knees!!! #brakerepair #mechanic #autorepair #oilchange

This year has gone by way to quick, we are looking at weather getting as low as the 30's this week. Just as you would prepare your house, or get your garden winter ready, it's very important to get your car ready to go and in great running shape. Give Rick's Auto Service here in Mishawaka a call at 574-255-4724, or make an appointment on our website