Category: Auto Service
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Should I repair my car or buy a new one?
Question: My car needs a number of repairs (new tires, brakes, timing belt) and I’m not sure it’s worth putting the money into it. It’s got about 110,000 miles on it, and there’s some good looking new cars out there! Should I go ahead and upgrade or just fix my current ride? Answer: According to a new… Read more
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Rebuilt parts are a great way to go green and save money
Question: My car needed a new alternator recently, and the service advisor at your auto repair shop suggested installing a remanufactured unit. Will a rebuilt alternator last as long as a new one? Answer: Yes, your service advisor was correct, and there are a lot of financial and environmental reasons for choosing rebuilt parts! According to… Read more
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In the market for a good used car? What you need to know about declining car quality
Think cars today are more reliable than ever before? Think again. According to the 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study by J.D. Power, the number of problems per 100 vehicles increased 6 percent last year. It’s the first time since the 1998 study that the average number of auto repair problems has increased. How bad is the… Read more
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Pothole damage? Shocks, struts and alignment can be affected
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNG-e_04Q_g?list=PLc3uF1gTNvcI15l9xVXfG0H5K0A7a4s26] You might get a heated argument over whether spring, summer, fall or winter is the best season, but everyone seems to agree on the worst: pothole season. And this year already has produced a bumper crop of impressive pothole specimens. These holes can do a lot of damage to tires, wheel rims, shocks… Read more
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Trivia: What to do when you slip on the ice with anti-lock brakes
This winter has been full of snow and ice. If you hit a slippery patch on the road and your car has anti-lock brakes, you should: A. Throw on the hazards and turn the steering wheel violently from side to side. B. Pump the brakes hard and fast to the beat of your favorite tune.… Read more
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Timing belt replacement can save you hundreds of dollars
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmtiYheNBWc&w=420&h=315] For many of us, replacing our vehicle’s timing belt isn’t a top-of-mind activity. But knowing when this critical engine part needs to be replaced can save you hundreds of dollars and a sudden, aggravating breakdown. Here’s why… When it comes to timing belts, it’s all in the name. The timing belt keeps your car’s… Read more
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Preventive maintenance is key to saving money on car repairs
Spending several hundred dollars every year on vehicles that seem to be running just fine doesn’t sound like a good idea on the surface, but maintaining your car or truck has a big impact on your bottom line. Not only does regular auto repair prevent bigger, costlier repairs, but it preventive maintenance also helps prolong… Read more
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Guess the answer to the trivia question!
You should change your oil every 3,000 miles because: A. We love seeing you! B. Without oil, the metal-on-metal friction creates so much heat that eventually the surfaces weld themselves together and the engine seizes. C. You want to relax in our comfy waiting room. D. You’ve had too much togetherness over the holidays and you just want… Read more
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It's a new year – resolve to keep your car running smoothly and safely!
Happy New Year! Do your New Year’s resolutions include taking great care of your car or truck this year? If so, we can help! Our auto technicians are the best of the best and you can rely on Hong Kong Auto Service to make your service visit a pleasant, personable one. Just in case you’re… Read more
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Brake rotors ─ Why it seems like you need new ones every brake service
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rfciRq2JzU&w=560&h=315] Question: Traditionally, when I needed brake service, I’d go to Hong Kong Auto Service and you would machine the brake rotors. Now, you usually say I need to replace the rotors. We have three cars in the family, so we do our share of brake jobs. Why do we always need new rotors? Why… Read more
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If your battery light pops on, you could be left out in the cold
There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the oil light and low fuel light are for, but a lot of them require pulling out the owners’ manual. This month, we want to highlight the battery warning light. If this light is illuminated, there could… Read more
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Check engine light on? It could be a fuel system pressure issue
Your car’s “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light can flash on for more than 1,400 different reasons. The light is part of your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system and can indicate anything from a quick fix like a loose gas cap to a major repair like a catalytic converter. And here’s another example of… Read more