Our news
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A new car warranty does not mean you must go back to the dealer
All too often, we hear a customer say, “Ben, you’re great. But we bought a new car and are taking it to the dealer. We’ll back when the new car warranty is up!” It’s a common misconception that you have to take your new car back to the dealer while it’s under warranty. This is…
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Should I use synthetic oil in my car?
Question: My brother swears by synthetic oil for his truck, but he also tows a boat with it in the summer. I’ve always used regular old engine oil for my sedan. Now that it has about 60,000 miles on it, I’m wondering if I should switch to synthetic oil. Is there a benefit to that? Answer: The timing…
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4 Summer Getaways within a Few Hours Drive
Now that school’s out and there’s sunshine to spare, it’s time to think about heading out on the road for some family fun. Here are four ideas for nearby summer destinations, including our favorite one a couple of hours north: [full_width] Trip #1: Green Lake, WI Green Lake, WI is one of the Chung family’s favorite…
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Top 5 Most Common Auto Repairs in the Midwest
Each year, CarMD conducts a national auto repair study to determine average repair costs, top repairs my model year and even the Most Common “Check Engine” Light Repairs. While we may find it way more fun to dig into the data than many of you, here is information we think will be helpful for you.…
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11 ways to maintain, clean and deodorize your car with vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda are useful home remedies for removing stains, unclogging drains and cleaning windows. Turns out, they’re also useful in your cars and trucks—for killing odors, removing bugs and tar, and fighting off frost—and they’re environmentally friendly compared to many of the chemicals we buy to do the same tasks. Here are 11…
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What you need to know about your “Low Tire Pressure” warning light
For those of us who dread long, cold and dreary Chicago winters, the mid-February thaw we had was a sunny and joyful reprieve. But sudden and extreme swings in the air temperature can also trigger a dashboard warning light that many of us might not recognize: A glowing orange or red “Low Tire Pressure” indicator.…
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Do I really need to change my transmission fluid?
Question: My SUV has about 75,000 miles on it, and when I took it to the dealer for a recall recently, they said I need to change the transmission fluid. Is that really a service I need? If so, why? Answer: Yes, servicing the transmission is a legitimate maintenance service, one that could save you $3,000…
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Buying a used car? 3 money-saving reasons to schedule a used car inspection
Question: We’re looking for a reliable used vehicle for our daughter, who’s going to be driving this spring. We’re considering cars that are 3-4 years old with 40,000 to 50,000 miles on them. Given that the cars are newer, is there any value in a used vehicle inspection? Yes, absolutely. Why? Reason #1: A pre-purchase…
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Home remedies for winter woes
Even though it’s been a fairly mild winter to date, you never know when the “snowstorm of the year” will descend upon us. And when it does, we have some automotive home remedies to help cure those snow- and ice-related winter woes. Quandary #1: Goop-covered headlights Cure: Car wax Car wax’s water repellents not only protect…
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Top picks: Your favorite car repair articles from last year
Throughout the year, we like to bring you articles about how to save time, money and headaches by taking care of your car. We want to give you the information you need to make the right auto repair decisions for you. And every January, we like to do a roundup of our clients favorite articles—in…
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Why choose Hong Kong Auto Service for an oil change over a quick lube?
Question: A lot of places advertise oil changes for $14.95 or $19.95, and they promise to get me in and out in 15 to 20 minutes. Why should I pay more and wait for about an hour at your auto repair shop? Answer: Great question! It’s one we hear a lot. And I can see how…
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Car Games to Make Holiday Road Trips Entertaining
For many people, sharing the holiday celebrations with loved ones requires a road trip or two. If you’ve got kids in tow, it can be a long, noisy ride. But one way to take the stress out of the equation and enjoy quality family time is to add in some fun travel-friendly games. Here is…