March 2nd, 2022 by Hillside Automotive
In short, almost always yes. You may have received a call near the end of your manufacturer’s warranty or sometime after from a company offering to extend it for either a monthly fee or a lump sum. They may have avoided using the word ‘warranty’ but instead offered a ‘service contract’ for repairs. Some
February 2nd, 2022 by Hillside Automotive
Keeping your current car in good shape is more important now than ever. Food and houses are not the only things that have increased in price during the pandemic. Used car prices have gone up more than 30% in the past year, while used car inventory is down 15% in the same time frame
October 20th, 2021 by Hillside Automotive
You might think about an emergency kit before a winter road trip, but roadside emergencies or neighborhood evacuations can happen anywhere, at any time of year. On even a relatively short trip a breakdown could mean a couple hours in either the heat or cold waiting on a tow truck. Give yourself peace of mind
September 8th, 2021 by Hillside Automotive
An often-overlooked part of car maintenance, the tires, like the rest of a vehicle, need appropriate care to be safe, last longer, and perform as expected. Being in direct contact with the road, tires contribute to many aspects of vehicle performance and safety, such as vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, braking, and overall control of the
August 11th, 2021 by Hillside Automotive
Preparing for your end-of-summer road trip? We’ve got some tips to help you ensure your car is running smoothly. Extreme summer heat can stress your car’s functions, and your patience, but there are some precautions you can take to minimize these issues. While these tips are great for summer and road trips, they are also
April 28th, 2021 by Hillside Automotive
The thermostat is an important part of your cooling system. Your vehicle’s thermostat performs a similar function to the thermostat in your home. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range. When your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks on and when it gets too cool, the heater
November 4th, 2020 by Hillside Automotive
Did you know it only takes 1/12th an inch of rain and 35 mph to hydroplane? The roads are more dangerous when rain comes after a dry spell. In the first few minutes after it begins to rain, the water mixes with motor oils and oil from new asphalt, resulting in a surprisingly slippery roadway
October 7th, 2020 by Hillside Automotive
Have you ever wondered how far you can continue to drive after the low fuel warning light comes on? It’s better to never let your tank run that low, but it can happen to anyone occasionally. Even if you’re off the beaten path, you probably don’t need to immediately panic. Your owner’s manual may
September 23rd, 2020 by Hillside Automotive
Your vehicle is complex, and requires a variety of different fluids to operate. In the event of a leak, many of these fluids can be identified by color, texture, or odor. Familiarize yourself with the different characteristics and which types of leaks require immediate attention. If you suspect a leak, there’s an easy way
September 16th, 2020 by Hillside Automotive
Your vehicle is running fine. So why bother taking it in for an inspection? A lot of reasons! 1. Cut repair costs. Discovering a worn component before it creates major problems can save big money. 2. Safety. A poorly maintained vehicle can drive you into a serious accident. 3. Better performance. This translates to improved