Easy to Read Checklist for Back to School/End of Summer Car Care

checklist

Unlike the previous summers, we bet you took your car on at least a short vacation and had a blast!  While relaxing on a trip is one of the best stress relievers around, you shouldn’t take your car for granted.  Soon you will be shuffling the kids back and forth to school, to see their…

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Phone 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…

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How to save money on auto repair

auto-repair-wilmette-il

I think it’s safe to say we’re all a little more money-conscious today than we were a decade ago. And while spending more carefully is often for the better, this philosophy can backfire if you regularly choose an auto repair shop based on the lowest quoted price. Going for the “cheapest” auto repair generally gives…

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Should I repair my car or buy a new one?

Repair car or buy new

Question: My car needs a number of repairs (new tires, brakes, timing belt) and I’m not sure it’s worth putting the money into it. It’s got about 110,000 miles on it, and there’s some good looking new cars out there! Should I go ahead and upgrade or just fix my current ride? Answer: According to a new…

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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…

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Preventive 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…

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Nitrogen isn’t a miracle fix for tire pressure

Keeping a handle on tire pressure is an important task for every driver on the road. One trend is to fill tires with up with nitrogen, instead of traditional air, which contains 78% nitrogen. Nitrogen has been used for years in racing tires, commercial and military aircraft tires and heavy-duty equipment tires, so this isn’t…

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