Low oil warning light: Do you know how critical it is?

There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the battery light is for, but a lot of other lights require pulling out the owner’s manual. In the coming months, we are going to take a look at different lights and what they stand for to…

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Save money with these car buying and ownership tips

There are a number of ways to save money, such as not eating out as often and planning “staycations” instead of pricey vacations. But we often overlook a big one: what’s sitting in our driveway or garage. Not only is there the monthly payment for that car, truck, van or motorcycle, there’s also depreciation, fuel,…

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The high cost of ignoring your timing belt

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0PHG88NW68] Many people picture pistons or valves when thinking about the inside of an engine. Even though these parts are vital in creating power and allowing your vehicle to work, nothing is more important than your timing belt. Your timing belt is what keeps the pistons and valves moving and working in sync. By…

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Ride quality poor? It could be your shocks or struts

Have you ever seen that old Ford bouncing up and down going down the street? Or ever notice when a vehicle makes a tight turn and it looks like it might fall over? Those are two of the most common signs that a shock or strut in your suspension system has failed. And unlike the…

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Prevent costly issues later by fixing tire leaks now

Driving around this part of Illinois can be hard on our tires. Potholes, road construction, age and mileage can lead to tire damage or slow air leaks. And unfortunately, those leaks can sometimes turn into costly repairs. Here’s a first-hand account of how delaying a $20-30 tire repair led to a repair bill of nearly…

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Want an oil change with tons of benefits? Come to Hong Kong Auto Service

Question: A lot of places advertise oil changes for $9.95, $12.95 and other super-low prices. Why should I pay more at your shop? Answer: Oil changes are one of life’s necessities, at least if you own or lease a vehicle. Whether you get one at 3,000 miles, 4,000 miles or more, your car deserves to…

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Winter is here: Make sure you and your car are ready

Winter officially started less than two weeks ago, so we still face several months of potentially hazardous driving conditions. Since we can’t stay bunkered in at home that whole time, here are some tips for keeping safe out on the roads. Make sure your vehicle has been checked out and winterized: Follow the suggested maintenance…

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Flushing brake fluid a necessary step to keep brakes working right

Q: My mechanic recommended I get my brake fluid flushed. Is this necessary and if so, why? A: There are a couple of reasons why brake fluid can lose some of its effectiveness. First of all, brake fluid absorbs any moisture in the brake system, which helps prevent moisture-related corrosion and failure of internal brake…

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Bought a new car? Hong Kong Auto Service can still perform your regular maintenance

When you drive your new car off the dealer’s lot, it’s covered by a number of warranties.  The most basic is the bumper-to-bumper warranty, which covers components like sensors, electrical components and the air conditioning. But those warranties don’t cover regular maintenance like oil changes  and things like new tires. If your car has an…

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