What Every Driver Should Know about the ABS on Their Vehicle

ABS warning light symbol that will appear on the car dashboard

We Chicagoans do love our cars, don’t we? Especially in the slush-fest that describes a typical Chicago winter. Staying warm and dry inside our cars when those howling winds and swirling snows hit is a sheer delight. Driving in these conditions, however, is another story. Everyone has at least one hair-raising tale that involves ice,…

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Great Winter Getaways Within 200 Miles of Chicago

winter getaways within 200 miles of Chicago

Anyone who lives in Chicago knows that the winter months can seemingly go on forever. If you have young children, you might already be getting cabin fever. The good news is that there are a ton of great getaway destinations within a few hours of Chicago. These mini vacations are great because all you need…

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9 Ways to Keep Your Family Entertained on Your Holiday Road Trip

holiday road trip tips to keep the family happy Hong Kong Auto Service Wilmette Illinois

Are you hitting the road for the holidays this year and need some ideas to keep everyone entertained? We’ve got you covered with tips for toddlers to teenagers and parents to boot to make this year’s holiday road trip successful. Perk Up Their Ears If you are planning a long trip, it’s a good idea to…

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Tips on Winterizing Your Car for the Cold Chicago Weather

winterize car at Hong Kong Auto Service for road trips

Winter in the Chicago area can be a brutal experience. If you aren’t prepared for extreme temperatures, bone-chilling winds and levels of frozen precipitation that could drown a bass, then don’t try and reside in Illinois. By the same token, the vehicles of those who live in this geographic torture zones are subject to some…

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Am I Safe if My Airbag Warning Light Is On?

airbag warning light | Hong Kong Auto Service Wilmette IL

With roots dating as far back as 1951, the modern airbag system is one of the greatest innovations in automobile safety ever invented. Unfortunately, whenever your airbag warning light or supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) warning lamp is illuminated, this life-saving measure is most likely deactivated. This leaves you and your passengers in danger of being thrown into the…

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Why Do I Have Squeaky Brakes, Even Though The Pads are New?

brake-inspection-for-squeaky-brakes

We had a new client come in this week because her brakes were squeaking. She just had new pads and rotors installed about 6 months ago, and she was a bit frustrated and concerned about what was happening. Unfortunately, brake noise and dust is not all that unusual, even when it’s so soon after a…

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6 Signs You Need New Shocks or Struts

shocks and struts

Shocks and struts are important components of your car. Not just for comfort, but also for safety. They stabilize the up and down motion of your vehicle, help you steer, and keep your tires firmly on the ground. The pounding your shocks and struts take on rough roads eventually causes them to wear out. And…

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4 Summer Getaways within a Few Hours Drive

Porcupine Wilderness State Park, Upper Michigan

Now that school’s out and there’s sunshine to spare, it’s time to think about heading out on the road for some family fun. Here are four ideas for nearby summer destinations, including our favorite one a couple of hours north: Before you head out on any trip, be sure to schedule a pre-trip check with Hong…

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