Are extended car warranties always a scam?
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 […]
Is it time to replace your thermostat?
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 turns […]
4 Tips for driving safely in the rain
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 […]
How low can you go?
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 tell […]
What’s that fluid leaking from my car?
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 to […]
Ten Reasons to Invest in an Annual Car “Physical”
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 […]
Mirror, Mirror
You’ve probably seen them lying around at the side of the road: someone’s outside sideview mirror that’s been knocked off by a driver’s not-so-perfect driving. And you realize the person who owns that vehicle now has lost an important safety feature. Having functional mirrors enhances your safety and that of drivers around you. You probably […]
Trust your nose: 10 vehicle warning signs you can smell
Lots of people enjoy that “new car smell”, but there are other smells you may notice coming from your vehicle that can be a sign of a serious and potentially costly issue. By having the source of any odors investigated promptly you can avoid an unexpected breakdown or more extensive repairs down the road. Gasoline […]