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Automotive technology has come a long way since the mid-20th century, and so has motor oil. A 1940s-era car didn’t feature an oil pump or oil filter. Instead, they relied on dippers on the crankshaft’s counterweights, which would then sling oil to coat crucial moving parts. Motor oils in those days weren’t designed with detergents and other additives to help keep the engine clean; even with frequent oil change intervals, many cars would be in need of an engine overhaul by the time they reach...

We often see customers who are a little overwhelmed by the tire buying process. There are so many types of tires for different vehicles and different driving styles, all at different price points. Here are a few things every driver needs to know about tires: A tire is constructed from the inside out, starting at the inner liner. There are 20 to 25 different components in every tire; fabric belts are wrapped around the inner liner, with steel belts, more fabric belts and other materials layer...

We see it all the time…people tend to not think about their tires until something goes wrong. Sometimes, this can mean sitting on the side of the road waiting for help, and other times it can mean more serious consequences. Here are a few things to remember for tire safety as the summer winds down and back-to-school season starts. • Check your tire pressure regularly. This one is really important. Your car’s tires will lose air through the valve over time, and an underinflated tire will hur...

Before you know it, the days will be getting shorter, the leaves will be starting to turn and the college students are going to be headed back to campus again. You want to make sure they’ve got a safe, reliable vehicle when they start cracking the books again, so let’s go over a few auto repair bullet points: Belts and Hoses: Too often overlooked as an auto repair, the serpentine belt drives the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, AC compressor and other accessories on today’s car...

The kids are going to be headed off to school again before you know it, then of course, the holidays will start coming one after another between Labor Day and the end of the year. There’s a lot to stay on top of, and auto repair should be one less thing for you, the grownup, to worry about as the year marches on. Here are some suggestions for things you might want to take care of before it all starts rolling again:    Oil Change – Can’t remember the date of your last oil change? Then it mig...

We frequently get questions about all-season tires when consumers are trying to make the right purchasing decision for a set of new tires. As the title of the blog asks…”are all-season tires really all-season?”   The answer is,  it that depends on what part of the country you’re living in.   All-season tires are a compromise from the very start. They’re designed for a forgiving ride, low noise, decent handling and good road manners. Maybe not as much as what a good set of grand touring ti...

So you did your homework, asked all your friends, read all the online reviews and found yourself an auto repair shop that you’re happy with. Here are some things to look for in an auto repair shop, and some good reasons to keep coming back to that same shop: A good shop ought to be able to work on a wide range of vehicles. That means auto repair techs who can turn wrenches on the classic ’71 Chrysler sitting in a service bay, won’t be intimidated by the engine control computer in your BMW,...

The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready?    Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of Rain-X on your windshield and ...

Oh, the lowly spare tire. It doesn’t get much respect.    Today, a lot of vehicles don’t even come with a spare tire anymore, not even the little “donut” space-saver spare. Instead, to cut weight and free up space, they come with a compressor and a can of a Fix-a-Flat-style product in hopes that you can get back on your way again. Great idea, unless your tire has a sidewall puncture or is shredded…   Anyway, if your car is equipped with a spare, you shouldn’t just ignore it. Tires have a...

Winter tires versus all-season tires…which is the right choice for you?   The two designs are quite different and deliver different levels of performance and winter weather traction, so let’s discuss.    • All-season tires are designed as an all-around compromise. They feature a tread pattern that evacuates water from the tire’s contact patch to prevent hydroplaning, with plenty of small, textured slits (sipes) to add extra biting edges for traction in wet or slushy conditions.  • All-s...