Protect Your Auto Investment

Modern vehicles are wonders of engineering. In the past ten years, maintenance intervals for things like spark plugs, emission and cooling systems have been stretched out to 100,000 miles. But the need for periodic maintenance hasn't changed. In fact, given the longer life expectancy of the typical vehicle today, the need for periodic maintenance has never been greater if you expect to get the most from what has become the second biggest investment most individuals will ever make.

To protect your automotive investment, and to get the maximum reliability and safety from the vehicle you depend upon daily, you need to establish and follow a maintenance plan. The best place to start a maintenance program is by reading your owner's manual. In it you will find the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This is based on "normal" driving, but very few of us drive "normally." The roads are typically dusty and strewn with potholes and speed bumps. The manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is the starting point for your vehicle maintenance plan, not the end of it. Here are some general recommendations, which apply to all types of cars and trucks.

Lube It For Life
The engine is the heart of your vehicle and probably the most costly to repair when something goes wrong. Modern electronic controls have eliminated a lot of adjustments, and what we used to call a tune-up has evolved into something akin to a complete physical, where most of the work involved is designed to verify proper operation of computer control systems. While it's true that new cars and trucks run cleaner than ever before, the engine and all its related control systems must be kept operating exactly as designed to prevent increased engine emissions and a host of driveability problems. The one thing you can do that will add many miles to your engine is regular oil and filter changes. Most auto manufacturers recommend oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles or six months, under "normal" conditions, but many believe a better interval is 3,000 miles or three months. By changing the oil regularly, the inside of your engine will stay clean and you'll avoid damaging sludge build up.

Keeping Your Cool
Today's cars also run hotter than they used to. With the trend to downsize vehicle components to save space and weight, cooling system components are being asked to do more than their older counterparts. The best thing you can do to maintain the cooling system at peak efficiency during the life of your car is to replace the coolant according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Although some of the newer coolants last longer, anti-freeze does wear out. By replacing the coolant periodically, you insure that the corrosion inhibitors are fresh and are helping to eliminate the scale and corrosion that builds up inside the cooling system.

Fluid Facts
Probably the most ignored fluid in the car, and the most important, is the brake fluid. Brake fluid is not a petroleum-based product, so it does absorb moisture from the air, which diminishes its effectiveness and lowers braking performance. Sludge will also build up over a period of time and may block the valves inside anti-lock brake (ABS) units and result in costly repairs or replacement. In addition, this sludge may cause calipers and wheel cylinders to leak, also resulting in repairs or replacement. So the best thing to do is to have the brake fluid flushed and refilled periodically, although manufacturer recommendations vary as to how often. A good rule of thumb is to have the brake fluid changed and the system flushed every 36 months or 75,000 miles. The transmission fluid also needs to be changed on a regular basis to help keep the transmission in tip-top shape. Here again, some manufacturers have increased maintenance intervals to 100,000 miles for transmission fluid changes, but they still need periodic maintenance. Most transmission failures can be directly traced to lack of maintenance. When planning your maintenance schedule, consider that even one transmission replacement will probably greatly exceed the cost of all the fluid and filter changes for the entire life of the car. Power steering is another fluid that is often ignored. It is recommended that it be flushed and refilled at least as often as you replace the brake fluid.

Replacing the differential fluid is something that is most often overlooked. A regular fluid change will help the differential last the life of the vehicle. If your vehicle is four- or all-wheeldrive, change the transfer case fluid as well.

Get Out The Grit
Filters are an important part of regular maintenance. Air and fuel filters keep dirt and abrasive grit out of the engine. Problems arise when these filters get dirty and start to clog up. Many driveability problems, such as hesitation and rough idle, can stem from dirty air and fuel filters. For maximum effectiveness, they should be replaced about every 15,000 miles, but driving in dusty conditions can require more frequent air filter changes. A filter that is very rarely replaced, but should be, is the carbon canister filter. It is an important part of the emission control system and filters the incoming air that this system uses. The canister is such an integral part of today's engine management system that a clogged canister filter can also result in driveability or emissions problems.

Some cars still have a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter, also called a breather element. This filters the air for the PCV system to ensure clean air enters the engine crankcase. Most cars today draw air for the PCV system from the air cleaner housing so this filter is not needed, but if your engine has one, replace it at 15,000 mile intervals as well. Speaking of the PCV system, the PCV valve (if equipped) should be replaced on a regular basis, too. When you put the new PCV filter in, replace the PCV valve as well. Many cars now use a metered orifice instead of a PCV valve and this should be checked periodically for free flow.

Today's Tune-Up
Ignition systems have become much more reliable over the years. Many engines don't even have distributors anymore. They use a DIS or Direct Ignition System. These systems can either mount one ignition coil on each spark plug, or share one coil for two plugs, thus eliminating the need of a distributor. On engines that still use a distributor, it is a good idea to replace the distributor cap, distributor rotor and ignition wires according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The spark plugs need to be replaced on a regular basis as well. Even though some manufacturers have extended those intervals to 100,000 miles, this doesn't apply to all engines. The best plug to use is the one the manufacturer recommends. This information can usually be found on an engine decal located under the hood.

Belt Basics
Perhaps the most critical engine component these days is the timing belt. Not all engines use a timing belt, but on those that do, it's critical that it be replaced before it breaks. At some point the belt breaks and, if your car has an interference engine where the valves and pistons occupy the same place in the combustion chamber at different times, serious engine damage can occur. If your car has a non-interference engine, the worst that will happen is you get stranded somewhere. Most manufacturers suggest replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles. Other engine drive belts should be checked on a regular basis (about as often as you change oil). In general, you should be on the lookout for excessively cracked, glazed or frayed belts. Many accessories including the alternator, power steering pump and coolant pump are operated by drive belts. If these belts break or slip, the components they drive will fail to work, and that can leave you stranded. One more thing to check while you're looking at the belts is the battery. Virtually all batteries are maintenance-free these days, except for a periodic terminal cleaning and inspection for cracks or leaks. Also, make sure the battery is mounted securely.

Tire Tips
Tires are one of the most important maintenance items under your car. The best way to get the most out of your tires is by having them rotated and balanced on a regular basis, about every 7,500 miles. This will ensure that they wear evenly and last as long as possible. Balancing is important to eliminate vibration at road speeds and because a properly balanced tire reduces the stress and strain on shocks, struts, and steering parts. Keeping the tire pressures set to specification will also go a long way in extending tire life and fuel economy.

Last Word
Finally, you should get in the habit of replacing your wiper blades once a year. Wiper refills are the most inexpensive safety feature on your vehicle. And if you doubt having good wipers is a safety feature, try driving with bad ones in a downpour at night. If you live in an area that suffers cold and snowy winters, you may want to change to winter blades in the fall and go back to regular blades in the spring. Following a maintenance program is the best insurance you have against unexpected breakdowns. It can also pay dividends by allowing you to get the most out of your transportation investment. With a little forethought and TLC, that family chariot can reliably deliver a couple of hundred thousand miles of service.

Customers and Car Care

Survey Says...
Unlucky Seven

Services Most Neglected by Customers

Oil, Filter, Lube	35%
Transmission	19%
Tires	14%
Cooling System	13%
Brakes	10%
Belts	5%
Tune-Up	4%

For more information on how you can protect your new vehicle: www.WaltMassey.com
courtesy www.ase.com

Don't Let Car Troubles Ruin Your Holiday Travels

After summer's heat but before winter's chill, the months of autumn present an ideal time for car service and maintenance.

As the holidays approach, motorists should make certain their vehicle is up to the rigors of winter travel. Autumn has traditionally been a busy time for car-care activities. Whether you do your own maintenance or depend on the pros, fall service let's you undo the wear and tear of summer's tough conditions while getting ready for colder weather ahead.

The following tips from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should give you a road map to fall car care. According to officials at ASE, "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown, while never pleasant, can be deadly in the winter."

First things first--Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.

Engine Performance-Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters-air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel-Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.

Oil-Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling System-The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Heater/Defroster-The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers-Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent-you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery-The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights-Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System-Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires-Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Emergencies-Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.

www.WaltMassey.com

courtesy http://www.ase.com/

End of Summer Marks Perfect Time for Car Care

Preventive maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter.

The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings are coming (hopefully). Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

First things first Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe.

Engine Performance—Have engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters—air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel—Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that’s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming in the first place.

Oil—Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual—more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling System—The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you’re doing your own work, allow the radiator to cool down completely before removing the cap. (Newer vehicles have coolant reservoirs.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

Heater/Defroster—The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers—Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent—you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery—The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution: Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.

Lights—Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System—Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires—Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Emergencies—Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.
courtesy ASE.com

www.WaltMassey.com

Auto Service Goes High-Tech

Increasingly, automotive repair and service is becoming a high-tech profession, note officials with the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Old images die hard, but yesterday's mechanics have become today's technicians, complete with hand-held computer diagnostic tools and a wall full of credentials attesting to their abilities.

In a recent poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians, over four-fifths said they used a computer on the job, more than two-thirds said they owned a computer at home, and over half said they had access to the Internet.

"The profession is being revolutionized," notes ASE President Ronald Weiner. "Brute force has been supplanted by brain power. If you don't think so, just look under the hood of one of today's sport coupes or SUVs. This is rocket science-or very close to it. Today's auto technicians need to be master diagnosticians, well versed in electronics, and have smooth customer service skills." Auto technicians face components and repairs virtually unheard of a generation ago: on-board computers, electronic fuel injection, and antilock brakes, to name but a few advances.

Fortunately, the requirements on motorists are much less. According to ASE, a major component of satisfactory auto repair is good communication between shop and customer.

ASE suggests that consumers read their owner's manual to become familiar with the basic systems and the service intervals. Once at the repair establishment, be prepared to describe the symptoms; but do not suggest a specific course of repair. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions or definitions of technical terms. Don't expect an on-the-spot diagnosis, but ask to be apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins. And, be sure you understand policies regarding diagnostic fees, labor rates, return of old parts, and guarantees, ASE advises.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.

ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Walt Massey Automotive is proud to have these top technicians!

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Tires - No Respect!

While it’s easy to overlook those four patches of rubber called your tires, performing a few simple checks can yield better fuel economy and improved vehicle handling. Since most tire damage and wear is a result of driving on tires that are improperly inflated, tire experts suggest checking your air pressure once a month.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for many reasons other than reducing the potential of a flat tire or a blowout. In order to achieve optimum handling from your vehicle, from everyday driving to making emergency maneuvers, tire pressure needs to be at the proper inflation level. Even a tire that doesn’t appear to be low on air can result in reduced vehicle handling and excessive tread wear.

Tires that are not at the correct air pressure will also increase the rolling resistance (the friction that occurs when an object rolls) of the vehicle. Under-inflated tires, for example, result in increased rolling resistance and therefore require more energy (or fuel) to move the vehicle, which negatively impacts fuel economy. According to the Department of Energy, keeping tires inflated properly improves fuel economy by approximately 3.3 percent. Tires that are over-inflated result in reduced levels of handling performance because less rubber is in contact with the road.

Improper inflation puts unnecessary stress on your tires and can result in excessive or uneven wear. When this happens, it compromises the ability of the tires to perform, and often results in premature tire wear—and the necessity to replace them sooner than expected. Tires with excessive or uneven tread wear can also lead to an accident. (JD Power & Associates)

Need new tires? CLICK HERE

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How To Improve Gas Mileage

While it is always wise to conserve natural resources, the price of gasoline has made even the most wasteful people think twice. Whatever your motivation, here are some fuel economy tips from the pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Walt Massey Automotive.

Monitor tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.

Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on-assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel.

Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle. Win-win, indeed. Contact our Service Department at Walt Massey Automotive now for a gas-saving checkup.

www.WaltMassey.com

Auto Service - Use Your Senses!

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

- Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
- Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
- Worn tires, belts, hoses.
- Problems in handling, braking, steering,vibrations.
- Note when the problem occurs.
Is it constant or periodic?
When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
When did the problem first start?

If you have any automotive service needs, please CLICK HERE and let us know.

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Springtime Car Care

Spring is the perfect time to evaluate your vehicle after a rough winter and make sure that summer driving is a breeze. Engine performance, fluid levels, transmission issues and especially the A/C all need attention before you head into the dog days of summer and long, grueling vacation trips. CLICK HERE for some easy, but smart, tips on Spring maintenance from the experts.

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Auto Service - How To Choose the Right Mechanic

How much do you know about your vehicle? Not much? Then who do you trust to get under the hood? CLICK HERE to see why choosing an ASE Certified Technician is an important part of your vehicle maintenance.

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