Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Importance of Maintaining Your Vehicle

The following are a few of the important reasons why you should maintain your vehicle ~

  • You increase driving safety ~ some accidents are not caused by bad driving, in fact when it comes to the majority of automobile accidents around the world, you have faulty brake systems, worn wiper blades and tires, exhaust buildups and leaking gas tanks to blame
  • Help reduce pollution ~ a well maintained vehicle will easily limit the amount of dangerous fumes and automotive fluids released into the air and local water tables
  • Lowers your cost of operation ~ a well-maintained car won't need too many major repairs
  • If you decide to sell, you're going to get a better price ~ most buyers value excellent vehicle performance and condition over the car model
  • Better performance ~ you lengthen your vehicle's great performance if you keep a careful eye on its vital fluids, oil and various parts
  • Less roadside emergencies ~ there's nothing more frustrating then having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere, a well maintained vehicle lessens your chances of getting stranded due to a cracked radiator, bad tires or a malfunctioning battery
Our mission here at The Auto Analyst is to educate our clients as much as possible regarding vehicle maintenance.  We NEVER want to see or hear about one of our clients being broke down alongside the road.  Stop by and let us explain what we can offer you and your vehicle regarding vehicle maintenance and how we can help you budget for it. www.theautoanalyst.com

A good New Year's resolution ~ MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!

Friday, December 13, 2013

You Don't Have to go Back to the Deal for Service or Maintenance...

Did You Know?


You don't have to go back to the Dealer for service or maintenance on your new or used vehicle!  Federal Law (Magnusen-Moss Act 1975) prohibits new car dealers from implying or denying warranty service because routine scheduled maintenance was performed at an independent repair facility.  Any independent repair facility can handle your maintenance and repair needs.

I invite you to visit our website to get acquainted with what we have to offer or stop by our facility for a tour. www.theautoanalyst.com

Monday, November 25, 2013

Prepare for Thanksgiving Travel

Whether your trip is 100 miles down the road or 1,000, it will pay to get your car up to speed on all of its regular maintenance. That means taking care of any fluids that may have been neglected while you were out enjoying the summer sun. Check, change and/or top off your oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluid as needed. In the case of your oil or automatic transmission, make sure you get a high-quality filter, too. It may seem like overkill to take care of all of your fluids at once, but it’s worth it in the long run.Take a look at the car’s brakes, too. Are your rotors warped or cracked? Do they have deep grooves or are the pads worn close to their minimum clearance? Your vehicle will be experiencing harsh conditions for much longer than your daily commute to and from work, so once again it’ll pay to nip any potential problems in the bud now.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving! Click here to schedule an appointment today  www.theautoanalyst.com

Monday, November 18, 2013

BREATHE CLEANER AIR

Before winter sets in is a good time to check your cabin air filer, after it's been working hard all spring, summer, and fall.  Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens, and according to the Car Care Council, should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner's manual.

The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle's air conditioning and heating and ventilation systems.  The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

a dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause musty odors in the vehicle and cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car compared to walking down the street.  A restricted cabin air filter can also impair airflow in the HVAC system, possibly causing interior heating and cooling problems, important for staying comfortable this winter. Over time, the heater and air conditioner may also become damaged by corrosion.

Make sure you have your cabin air filter checked and/or replaced before heading off to grandma's house for Thanksgiving.  Call today to schedule appointment (530) 621-4591 or click to schedule online www.theautoanalyst.com our technicians are standing by to make sure you arrive to your Thanksgiving destination safely.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

BELTS & HOSES - HAVE THEY BEEN INSPECTED OR REPLACED LATELY?

Many experts urge replacing belts, radiator and heater hoses at specific recommended intervals to prevent your car from breaking down.  Losing a belt today means big trouble for the engine because serpentine belts are used on most engines to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor.  If the belt snaps, everything is lost and you may be stranded.  Older cars use individual V-belts for these various accessories.  A blown hose results in an overheated engine and can cause additional engine damage.

ARE YOU AWARE?  According to a recent survey, nearly one-third of all cars and light trucks have belts or hoses that should probably be replaced.

Make sure you have your vehicle's belts and hoses inspected ASAP, especially if you are planning a trip for Thanksgiving.

THE AUTO ANALYST - Your One Stop Auto Repair Facility!


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Filters & Fluids ~ Just how important are they

Your car's filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort.  maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly.

The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted.  The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors.  The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings.  The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars).  The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a car's ventilation system.

Filters are normal wear items that require regular checks and replacement.  Factors that affect replacement intervals include:

  • Mileage
  • Driving habits
  • Driving and road conditions
  • Type of filter
  • Vehicle type
Some symptoms you may experience when one or more of the above filters are clogged and dirty:
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Hesitation while accelerating
  • Musty odor in the cabin
ARE YOU AWARE?

Your car's engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, so it's easy to see how big a job the air filter has.   Have your filter checked today. www.theautoanalyst.com

Extremely dirty and neglected air filter.
Notice the dirt that went by the air filter onto the air flow sensor.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

COLD WEATHER READINESS...

The temperature is dropping ~ now is the time to make sure components are working properly on your vehicle that you may not have been using in the warmer weather.

  • Check defroster and heater to make sure they're operating.  Both help prevent frost buildup on the windshield, improving visibility.
  • Replace broken exterior lights.  Don't put off replacing a high-beam or tail light.
  • Keep tires properly inflated.  Air pressure drops in colder temperatures.  Proper inflation will help maximize traction in wet and snowy conditions.
  • Test 4WD (four-wheel drive) systems.  Because 4WD is not required all the time, it's best to test the system to make sure it is properly functioning before winter arrives, as it is when you will need it the most.
  • Inspect tread on all tires and replace if necessary.  Don't try and make it through the winter with bald tires.  The more tread left on the tire, the better traction your car will have in winter weather.

Friday, October 11, 2013

TIRE SERVICE - Why do you need this service?

Don't try and make it through the winter with bald tires.  The more tread left on the tire, the better traction your car will have in the winter weather.

Your car's tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety.  Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.

To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced.  Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured.  In some cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired. Visit The Auto Analyst website.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Optimize Visibility

Inspect wiper blades and replace as needed.  Visibility is essential to safe driving in rainy and foggy weather. Wiper blades typically last for 3 to 6 months, depending on how often they are used and the temperature. Don't wait until that first raindrop hits your windshield to discover your wiper blades need to be replaced. Next time you are in your car check them out!  www.theautoanalyst.com

Friday, September 27, 2013

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

What Is It?
The engine cooling system affects your car's overall dependability and engine longevity.  Cooling systems have advanced over the years with new coolant formulations and new radiator designs and materials.  if you suspect a problem with your cooling system, you should check it immediately.

What Does It Do?
The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate heat to the air outside.  The water pump circulates coolant through the engine.  the coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated.  the thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.

Typical Wear And Tear
Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include:
*  Driving habits
*  Operating conditions
*  Type of vehicle
*  Type of coolant
*  frequency of regular maintenance such as coolant changes

Symptoms
*  Overheating
*  Sweet smell
*  Leaks
*  repeatedly need to add fluid

Are You Aware?
You should check the condition of the coolant each Spring and Fall to make sure the additives that protect against corrosion still function to make sure the coolant doesn't freeze.  It is recommended that the cooling system be flushed every other year to maintain peak performance.
www.theautoanalyst.com

Friday, September 20, 2013

Check the battery...

This is to make sure all connections are secure and that there is no corrosion, which you should have cleaned off.  Have the battery's fluid level topped off if necessary and applicable.  If your battery is over 4 years old, you should consider replacing it.  If your battery is weak any temperature change will cause it to fail.www.theautoanalyst.com