Category: Maintenance / Preventive Maintenance
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Need an estimate? Your best bet is to come in for an inspection
What do you do if you have a persistently sore knee? We bet that you don’t start calling doctors to find out what they charge for a joint replacement. After all, the problem could be tendinitis, arthritis, a sprain, or a host of other issues, and a thorough check-up and a second opinion are often… Read more
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Get your vehicle in shape for summer road trips!
It’s May, which means Memorial Day is right around the corner. Memorial Day means cookouts and parades, and it also means the beginning of summer road trip season. After a long winter, your vehicle needs some TLC before heading out. Here are some suggestions for getting your car road worthy and ready for a long… Read more
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Bad idle air control valve triggers Check Engine light
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
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7 tips for saving money at the pump
Gas prices in the Chicago area were at a record high at the beginning of March—$3.92 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Even though they dipped briefly, they are back on the rise. In fact, AAA predicts that Chicago-area drivers could once again be paying the highest prices in the country by late spring. To… Read more
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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… Read more
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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… Read more
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Overheated coolant triggers "check engine" light
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
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Cooling system flush prevents overheating, engine damage
Question: My owner’s manual suggests getting cooling system flushes performed on my car, but it’s running fine. Do I really need this done? Answer: Your engine cooling system helps keep your engine from overheating, which is one of the most common causes of breakdowns and internal engine damage. A cooling system flush is basic maintenance… Read more
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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… Read more
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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… Read more