Category: Maintenance / Preventive Maintenance
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Vehicle making ghoulish noises? Use our checklist to get to bottom of those haunting sounds
Are you one of those adults who loves Halloween? If so, you’re in good company. A recent study shows that 68% of adults celebrate Halloween, and if you’re one of them, you’re probably already pulling together the props and materials for this year’s perfect costume. But as you’re driving from Wilmette to Chicago in search… 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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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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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
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Service Engine light on? We'll help you pass the emissions test!
Question: I need to take my car in for an emissions test, but the Service Engine light has been on for some time. I’ve been told my car won’t pass. Is that true? What happens if my car fails the test? Answer: Yes, you are correct: Your car cannot pass the emissions test when the Check… Read more
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'Check engine' light can be triggered by escaping fuel vapors
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
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This dashboard light involves the airbag system and is a major safety issue
There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the oil light and battery light are for, but a lot of them require pulling out the owners’ manual. In the coming months, we are going to take a look at different lights and what they stand… Read more
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Bad vehicle speed sensor affects your vehicle's anti-lock brakes
Your car’s “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light can flash on for more than 1,400 different reasons, and in the coming months, we’re going to share with you what some of those reasons are. The light is part of your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system and can indicate anything from a quick fix like… Read more