Preventive Maintenance
How to save big with a little preventive maintenance
Question: I change the oil in my car every 3,000 – 3,500 miles, and I regularly have the tires rotated. But then I hear auto experts like you talking about “properly maintaining my car.” What kind of car maintenance is required beyond oil changes and tire rotations, and do I really need to spend the…
Read MoreFree maintenance: What you need to know about this new car freebie
Q: I recently bought a new car from a dealer in Wilmette, and it came with a free maintenance plan. But when I called to schedule my first “free” appointment, I was told that my oil change might not be covered because “it’s too soon.” The car uses synthetic oil and has 5,200 miles on…
Read MoreGo green to save money, help the Earth
When you think about taking care of the environment, cars and trucks probably don’t jump to the top of your “green” list. But there are a variety of ways that drivers can get on the green bandwagon. Getting your car serviced regularly is one of the most important things you can do to minimize emissions…
Read MorePreventive maintenance is key to saving money on car repairs
Spending several hundred dollars every year on vehicles that seem to be running just fine doesn’t sound like a good idea on the surface, but maintaining your car or truck has a big impact on your bottom line. Not only does regular auto repair prevent bigger, costlier repairs, but it preventive maintenance also helps prolong…
Read MoreNeed 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 MoreThe 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 MoreOverheated 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 MoreCooling 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 MorePrevent 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 MoreWhat's that light mean? Clogged air filter triggers this dashboard light
There are a number of dashboard warning lights in your vehicle that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the oil light and battery light are for, but a lot of others are puzzling and require pulling out the owners’ manual. To help make things a little more clear, we take time each…
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