Auto Service

We’ve all taken day-long road trips. Besides the depleted gas tank at the journey’s end, dust typically powders the hood and gook (formerly insects) glops across the windshield. Guess what? Those particles and winged things also have been sucked under the hood via your vehicle’s air-filtration system. The first line of defense for your engine’s…

“Drink plenty of liquids.” It’s an old bit of advice uttered often during cold-and-flu season. But as the weather begins to heat up, how on-the-mark are your vehicle’s fluids? Determining whether they’re on target isn’t difficult and keeping tabs on the “big-5” fluids—oil, brake fluid, coolant, power-steering fluid and transmission fluid —will help keep your…

You wouldn’t stand inside your front hallway on a frigid day, bundled head-to-toe while running in place for 10 minutes, trying to build up warmth before heading out into the cold. So why do it with your car? While it’s true that Grandpa’s 1959 Rambler would require a lengthy warm-up before leaving the garage, today’s…

Despite our unseasonably warm temps so far, Chicago winters typically mean epidemic levels of snow, sleet and ice. Are your brakes up to the task once this warm-weather streak gives way to reality? More specifically, can you say your anti-lock brakes are up to snuff, and are you comfortable using them properly? It’s a good…

If you discovered a simple tool that could save life, limb and money, would you learn how to use it? Meet the tire pressure gauge. This little device—designed to help maintain proper tire inflation—can drastically improve gas mileage, increase tire lifespan, and keep you and loved ones safer on streets and highways. In fact, properly…

If you’ve watched the news lately, the weathermen already have begun uttering the “s” word. That’s that nasty four-letter word that Chicagoans have a love-hate relationship. The word “snow” conjures up more dread than the Bears losing to the Green Bay Packers or a month without a mouth-watering pizza from your favorite pizzeria. Okay, maybe…

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” —Author Unknown First impressions make lasting impressions. Whether selling your vehicle to a private owner or trading it in to the dealer, the vehicle’s outward appearance can make or break the sale and can mean the difference between a good price and a great…

“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way …” Cue sound of screeching tires. Enough already! Do you really think endless renditions of this seasonal chestnut are going to keep today’s kids occupied on a lengthy holiday car journey to visit the relatives? All righty then.…