Distracted Driving - Are You Focused?

 The world is full of distractions; nearly 80% of collisions involve one. But are you conscious of them while driving? You should avoid these common behaviors listed below while you’re on the road:

Eating or drinking

Making phone calls

Texting

Messing with the radio or looking for that one song

Paying more attention to your passengers than the road

We recommend doing these things while parked, or pulling off to the side of the road for something urgent. Be safe out there!

5 Simple Steps To Get Through the Summer

Be sure you and your car are ready to roll to get through the hot temperatures this summer! Check these items off your to-do list before things really start heating up.

Check the battery. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a charge!

Be sure your belts and hoses are in good shape.  Check that belts are tight when your engine is off, ensure hose quality when your engine is running.

Change & top off your fluids

You don’t actually want to “burn rubber.”  Pay special attention to the tires and wiper blades– areas with rubber are more sensitive to wear and tear in hot temperatures.

Let us check your climate and cooling.  One makes sure your engine doesn’t overheat; the other makes sure you don’t overheat.  They may have different purposes, but they are equally as important for summer car maintenance.  Schedule an appointment with our Service Department so we can pressure test your coolant system and perform a radiator flush!

Mazda 767B screaming 4 rotor at Spa Classic 2014

Listen to that roar! The 767B raced at Le Mans in 1989 and 1990, finishing 12th and 20th overall respectively. This is its first race in 24 years.

What You Need to Know to Tow Like a Pro

Whether it’s your first time using your pickup to haul cargo or you’re a regular pro with the tow, it’s important to haul your cargo the right way.  Don’t latch that trailer until you’ve asked yourself these four questions:

1. What are the restrictions?  Towing laws vary by state, so get to know the ones for your area.  Make it easier on everyone: abide by them.

2. What are my limits?  Each truck has a defined towing capacity and it’s important to adjust accordingly.  For example, smaller trucks require a lightweight aluminum trailer instead of a steel one. Extending the life of your truck begins with using the appropriate trailer.

3. What am I hauling?  Just like you adjusted the size of your trailer for the size of your truck, take into account what you’re moving. You might need to use a closed trailer so avoid cargo spilling onto the road.

4. Where am I towing this?  The last thing you need to keep in mind is the terrain you’ll need to tackle during this job.  Take note of any unpaved roads or other deviations from the norm– it can and will affect your experience.

Top 4 Car Maintenance FAQs

Top 4 Car Maintenance FAQs 

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?



There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.




Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?



Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.




How often should I rotate my tires?



Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.




Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?



YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

If you have any other maintenance questions feel free to contact us!