Maintenance / Preventive Maintenance
6-point checklist to get your car ready for spring!
The winter season is finally behind us! However, the harsh cold and wintry mix from “Old Man Winter” may have caused long-term effects on your car. Frigid temperatures, potholes, road salt and more can to do a number on your vehicle. Some of the casualties caused by wintry conditions are wheels knocked out of alignment or damaged shocks, struts and other suspension-system parts.
Read MoreWheels and Deals: Cutting Car Ownership Costs
Lots of vehicle owners chalk up car-ownership costs mainly to the price at the pump or unexpected repairs, but other factors figure big-time in calculating how much your set of wheels truly is costing. Driving style, preventive maintenance and insurance options all contribute to how much you’re paying (and could be saving).
Read MoreWe offer service with a SMILE
When weekend warriors head to the hardware store for supplies to paint their family room, their to-buy list may include paint, paint brushes and drop cloths. However, from the moment they enter the store, the retail team guides them through the buying process to ensure they leave with everything they need. In the paint department,…
Read MorePhone estimates rarely ring true
Remember the old Phone First ad campaign? Its spirited little jingle implored people not to waste time and gas visiting stores that were closed or out of a certain item, but to get on the horn instead. That logic works OK for checking on inventory or asking about operating hours, but not so great for…
Read MoreVehicle 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 MoreIn 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 MoreTiming 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 MoreGuess 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 MoreIt'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 MoreBrake 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