FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR TIRES

It is time to check your tires and make sure they have at least 4/32 inches of tread depth remaining.  Rain and wet leaves reduce traction and can cause hydro-planing with tires with low tread.  Look for abnormal tread wear, which may indicate an alignment or suspension problem.  Cooler weather also causes tire pressure to drop, so inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire and loading label on the driver's door jam.

If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR BATTERY

Hot summer weather is hard on batteries, but when it gets cold outside that is when a bad battery shows itself.  First, look for corosion on the battery terminals.  This needs to be cleaned or repaired to eliminate resistance between the battery and the rest of the electrical system, such as the starter.  have the battery load-tested and replace it if it tests low or weak.

Don't wait until it's too late call today to have your battery tested (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR WIPERS

A good guideline is to replace standard wiper blades every six months and constant pressure blades every 12 months, but they may wear sooner.  Now is a good time to replace any wiper blades that streak, chatter or don't clear the windshield properly.  Don't forget to check the washer fluid level too.

If you have any questions or need wiper blades please stop by or give us a call at (530) 621-4591.  You can also schedule an appointment online at www.theautoanalyst.com

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR LIGHTS

This year daylight savings ends on November 4th. 

You need lights to see and be seen, especially when the rain, snow and fog reduce visibility.  Check that all lights are working properly, including marker lights, turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, backup lights, taillights, headlights, daytime running lights (if equipped), and fog lights (if equipped). 

If you headlight lens look cloudy or don't seem to be as bright as they used to be now would be a great time to have a headlight restoration or replacement performed.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your vehicle's lights please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR BRAKES

With Fall comes a lot less light and a lot more precipitation so making sure your brakes are working well is extremely important.  If you are experiencing any type of squeaking, grinding, or scratching noise please have your brakes checked immediately.

Even if you are not currently experiencing problems but you have driven 35,000-45,000, you should get your brakes examined to make sure they are working the way they should.

Call (530) 621-4591 today to schedule your brake inspection by one of our ASE Master Technician or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule online.

GET YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR FALL

The weather will soon be changing, if that time hasn't already arrived.  Driving safely during the next few months requires more than just cautious driver behavior.  Your vehicle also needs some attention.

Here are a few practical tips to help get your vehicle ready for fall.

CHECK THE BRAKES AND TIRES.  Inclement weather and road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power.  That means good brakes and tires.  If the tires have wear bars showing you need to replace them. When was the last time your vehicle's brakes were checked?  If not recently, then make sure to have the brake lining and all components checked ASAP.

CHECK THE LIGHTS.  Walk around the outside of the vehicle and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers.  Make sure your headlight lens are not foggy causing the headlights to be dim.

REPLACE WIPER BLADES.  The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield.  Cracked or worn blades won't do an adequate job.  Check the blade's rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to make sure the blades clear the glass.  Replace worn blades.

MAKE SURE HEATER/DEFROSTER WORK.  Driving with an improperly working heater isn't fun or safe.  Neither is driving with fogged-up windows.  Make sure to check both the front and rear defrosters for correct operation.

CHANGE OIL AND AIR FILTER.  If the oil is dirty or you're at your recommended oil change time, change the oil.  Make sure the air filter is clean.

FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM.  It is recommended that your vehicle's cooling system (radiator) is flushed every other year.

CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS.  Make sure all levels are at or above minimum safe levels including the washer fluid.

Remember The Auto Analyst employs ASE Master Technicians to help you with any of the above or any other automotive needs you may have.  Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com or we can be reached at (530) 621-4591 Monday thru Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

DOES ANTI FREEZE EVAPORATE?

Your cooling system in your vehicle is a closed system, so coolant cannot evaporate.  If you are having to add coolant to your system, you have a leak somewhere.  Which means that you need to have a cooling system pressure test performed.  This test is usually performed overnight.  Some times leaks do not show up until the vehicle has completely cooled down.

When your engine does not have the proper amount of anti freeze (coolant) in the system it will start to overheat.  Don't let the engine run overheated, or you will likely damage it. 

Remember never remove the radiator cap or open the reservoir when the engine is hot. The fluid inside is under pressure and hot enough to scald you.

When adding anti freeze make sure you check your owner's manual for the correct type for your vehicle.

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.