Scheduled Maintenance the Path to 200,000 Miles

Scheduled Maintenance the Path to 200,000 Miles

in Maintenance, Uncategorizedby Chris

Cars, trucks, and SUV’s last longer today than in earlier times. The average age of an auto on the road in 1995 was eight years. Today, the average is about 11 years. People are getting more from the cars today than ever before. There are many factors such as advances in electronics, design, and engine technology. Some things do not change but grow in importance. More than earlier times, the key to a vehicle that lasts is keeping up with the regular scheduled maintenance. As well as, ensuring you get quality repairs when necessary.

⇒  What is Regular Scheduled Maintenance? ⇐

The guide to regular scheduled maintenance has two parts, the manufacturers recommended service and schedule, and the adaptation you must make to suit your driving style, habits, and pattern of usage. You can help keep your car in great shape by using the proper instructions. If you do a lot of city driving, then you should apply the schedule that covers heavy usage. Similarly, if you live in a hot or cold area, you should account for the conditions such as cold weather starts that can cause excessive wear.

→ The Manufacturer

The manufacturer’s recommendations come with the vehicle instructions and are often available online. They indicate the recommended mileage intervals for routine steps like oil changes and inspections. The adaptation will require the help of a knowledgeable automotive technician. Some little-noticed steps advised by manufacturers could play an important role in avoiding big repairs. For example, keeping tires inflated properly is important to tire tread life, but also to the delicate steering, alignment, and suspension balance.

Electronics are a growing part of the manufacturer’s equipment that helps the car keep track of its condition, The network of sensors and the on board control computer run the car and also detect signs of problems. The check engine light activates its alarms when sensors send information to the computer.

→ The Technician

In 1995, the average automotive repair worker would have been a certified mechanic. He and she would have a lot of formal training and a lot more time under the hood developing an ear for bad noises and an eye for the beginnings of excessive wear. Today, a qualified technician must add familiarity with on board computers, software, and electronic diagnosis.

Vehicle scheduled maintenance is the key to getting long, productive life from your automobile. It is a significant investment for most car owners, and getting the most out of the purchase is a key to financial well-being as well as safe and happy driving experience. You must have an excellent technician as your partner in long-term scheduled maintenance.

→ Quality Parts

You must act with the idea that you will keep your car for a long time. You can add accessories that make it more comfortable and useful, and items that may have come after you bought your car such as backup cameras. When parts wear or need to be replaced, then it is critical to get the right replacement parts. The right parts include getting high-quality parts when replacements occur, and not settling for temporary type fixes and a keeping a regular scheduled maintenance.

⇒ Owner and Technician Teamwork ⇐

Owners can help the technician hone in on any trouble spots. A great habit all vehicle owners should strive for is to increase awareness of their vehicle’s condition. For instance, owners should look at the ground after parking for some hours to see if there are signs of oil or fluid leaks. You can open the hood occasionally and look for signs of wear in the belts and hoses.

When operating your vehicle, you may hear here odd sounds or detect an unusual odor. These are important pieces of information for your technician. You should note the conditions in which these events occur such as speed or how long you have been driving. Noting information about the condition of the vehicle can help the technicians pinpoint the source of the problem. This habit can help find problems and also reduce the costs of repairs.

⇒ The Path to 200,000 Miles and More ⇐

Modern vehicles have a great potential for long life, and 100,000 miles is no longer the general limitation for carefree driving. Your vehicle can go far beyond, and the electronic and computer-based scheduled maintenance helps the driver play a vital role in early detection of problems. Once your vehicle achieves the scheduled maintenance for 100,000 miles or more, then you should engage your mechanic and technician on a schedule for maintenance that incorporates the vehicle age, mechanical condition, weather conditions, and driving pattern.

You and your automotive technician should add additional inspections or things to watch based on all the available facts. Today’s automobiles have advanced oils, lubricants, rust proofing, and wear resistant finishes. When added to an involved owner working with a well-trained and knowledgeable technician, then you have a path to 200,000 miles and beyond.

Getting ready for road trip

Ready for a Road Trip: What to Ask

in Blog, Car Tipsby Chris

 

A road trip offers you the opportunity to explore a new region of the country without the added expense of a flight or train ticket. Also, this experience is an adventure. You might not even know exactly where you’re going until you arrive. Before embarking on this exploration, you should plan to bring your car to a local Winston Salem Auto Repair Shop. Here are a list of handy questions to ask and your mechanic.

1. How much time should I plan for?
While you know that you should bring the car into the shop, you might procrastinate until the last minute. Dropping off your vehicle the day before you leave on a trip might mean that you don’t have it back in time. Instead, call your mechanic to find out what a reasonable time to bring the car in is. If you suspect that your vehicle needs major repairs, you’ll then need to allow even more days for the work. Planning a road trip in advance is imperative when you don’t want to cancel your trip.

2. Is the car in good condition for this drive?
If you’re planning to travel across the country in a car that’s practically old enough to have its own license, your mechanic might advise you otherwise. While you might fear the answer that you’ll receive, it’s better to know and work on alternate travel arrangements than to get in a car that could breakdown before you’re even halfway to your destination.

3. Can I choose more efficient fueling options?
Chances are that you want to save some money on this road trip, and gas is going to consume a large portion of your budget. Perhaps you’ve been using the wrong type of gas for your car all of these years without knowing it. Even if the fuel you’ve been putting in the car isn’t damaging, it might not provide you with the most miles. Asking this question can provide you with an answer that is useful for your road trip and the future.

4. How are my tires?
Finding yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place with tire issues can feel frightening and overwhelming. Now is the time to ask how your tires are likely to hold up during the trip. If any question exists, consider replacing them now so that you don’t have to deal with unexpected costs and delays when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation.

5. How much do I fill my tires?
Some cars are quite sensitive to changes in the environment. For example, you might notice that your dashboard alerts you to low pressure in the tires every time that the temperature drops below a certain level. Knowing how to fill your tires, especially when you’ll be driving in new conditions, is important. In addition to learning how to use the air pump at the station, you can also purchase a unit that you keep in your car. Low pressure in the tires could happen when you are miles away from a gas station.

6. Why does that check engine light keep coming on?
If you have a mysterious light that keeps appearing on your dashboard alerting you to some trouble, you might cross your fingers that it turns off when you bring your car to the mechanic. However, failure to ask a question at your Winston Salem auto repair shop service appointment could just lead to greater problems later. The answer might be that you need a replacement part for your car, or you may learn that the computer is malfunctioning. Some of the fixes are simple.

7. Can my car handle that terrain?
On your road trip of the region or country, you may want to test your car out on new terrain. Still though, your desire to try out the new terrain does not mean your car can handle it. Mapping out your journey to get a sense of what you’ll be driving in can assist you in asking the right question when you meet with the mechanic.

8. Are any of the fluids low?
Getting your oil changed or having other fluids added to your car during the road trip doesn’t necessarily take a tremendous amount of time, but it can put a halt to your plans. Instead of waiting until the light starts blinking on the dashboard, have all of the levels checked before you start on your trip.

9. Should I have my car inspected now?
In the event that your car is up for an inspection in the near future, you may want to consider having it taken care of at this point. By doing so, you can know about issues present with your vehicle and cross an item off of your future to-do list.

As you’re packing and preparing for your road trip, you might not put too much thought into the car itself. However, if you want to have a road trip without hassle, then you should pay attention to these issues.

Here at Cloverdale Auto Service we strive to become your go to Winston Salem Auto Repair Shop Contact Us Today to Schedule an appointment! Or Call Us Now 336-331-3448
Hybrid Vehicle

The Truth About Owning and Maintaining a Hybrid Vehicle

in Blog, Hybridsby Chris
What does it take to maintain a hybrid vehicle? If you’re considering buying one, you may want to know about the cost and time it takes to maintain a hybrid. Here’s a look at how hybrid technology works, how important hybrid repair is, and why it’s beneficial.

Hybrid Auto Technology

Full hybrids are dual powertrain vehicles, using a gasoline engine along with an electric motor. The engine recharges the battery pack that supplies power to the electric motor. It also draws reserve energy from the brakes enabling the hybrid vehicle to accelerate at maximum power, even from a full stop. Since electric motors augment the internal combustion capabilities of a gas engine, automobiles can use a smaller more fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine to power the vehicle at higher speeds and the electric motor to power at lower speeds and minimal acceleration.

Battery Pack

Hybrids do have an additional battery pack, but it is much smaller and lighter weight than those in the full-electric plug-in models. Additionally, new hybrid batteries contain lithium ion, which is lighter-weight and more efficient than the older nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the earliest hybrid vehicles.

Considering the dual-powertrain and additional electrical components, you may be wondering if hybrid vehicles require more maintenance than their gas engine counterparts. The following section tells you what to expect while maintaining a hybrid model.

How Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Differs from Gas and Diesel Models

In general, hybrids and gas models have the same maintenance schedules and the costs are similar. Here are four key differences in gas and hybrid maintenance that you should consider.

1. The primary difference between a gas engine and hybrid maintenance is the battery. It’s designed to be replaced after, so many charges and the battery life varies with different models. Since the battery is part of the powertrain in hybrid vehicles, automakers must provide an 8-year 80,000-mile warranty on the battery. In some states, the requirement is 10 years and 150,000 miles. In fact, hybrid batteries have been shown to last more than 200,000 miles. If the battery needs to be replaced, within the warranty period, there’s minimal cost to you. Even if you fall outside of your warranty period, you can get new or used batteries at a reasonable price, and they’ll come with a warranty.

2. Another difference is that hybrid systems require professional maintenance since it contains a lot of high voltage wiring. You don’t always need to go to a dealership auto service department, but you should find a local mechanic or technician who is experienced in dealing with hybrid-electric technology. Other tasks like checking and changing fluid levels, replacing tires, repairing cracked windshields, and other exterior body maintenance can be handled just like you would on a gas or diesel model. The bottom line is that this part of hybrid vehicle maintenance is not for the DIY car enthusiast.

3. You may be able to extend your oil change service up to 5,000 to 10,000 miles on a hybrid. That’s because the electric motor means there’s less use of the gasoline engine, giving you longer oil life. Additionally, hybrids use synthetic engine oil which lasts longer than conventional oils. The combination leads to cleaner burning oil, so there’s less wear and tear on the engine, and the oil filter lasts longer as well.

4. Finally, hybrids give you a longer life on your brake pads. When the hybrid system diverts power from the brakes to the battery, there’s less friction and heat on the brake pads. So, even when you sit for long periods in traffic, your pads wear at a much slower rate than in traditional gas engine vehicles.

Why You Should Consider Owning a Hybrid

Hybrid vehicles are available in compact models like the Toyota Prius. There are many midsize hybrids including the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and the Toyota Camry. Popular SUVs like the Acura MDX, Nissan Rogue, and the Toyota RAV4 come in hybrid options. Even pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado are available in hybrid models. There are many other models on the market now, and automakers are planning to introduce more hybrid technology in all their vehicles.

The main benefits of owning a hybrid include the following.

• Hybrid vehicles are eco-friendly. They use less gas, which equals fewer emissions.
• They offer superior fuel economy thanks to the dual-powertrain technology. You’ll save money at the pump.
• In some instances, hybrid vehicles qualify for lower insurance premiums.

Investing in Hybrid Vehicle Technology

Buying a hybrid vehicle is a long-term investment. As more of them enter the market, the initial cost is quickly becoming comparable to, and in some cases less than, the cost of similar gas or diesel models. Over the life of the vehicle, the cost of owning a hybrid is often less.

If you are in need of Winston-Salem hybrid repair contact Cloverdale Auto Service today!

Headlights Properly Maintained

For the Long Road Ahead: How to Keep Your Headlights Properly Maintained

in Headlightsby Chris
 Since 1898, when the first headlights were introduced, drivers around the world have appreciated the convenience and extra time that driving at night can provide. As a feature which is present on literally every vehicle, headlights can tend to be overlooked and ignored. About the only time you even think about your headlights, is when you notice a dimly-lit view unexpectedly facing you, indicating that one of your bulbs has finished what it came to do. In the times in between, though, it’s good to think about your headlights every now and then, to ensure they are clean and properly maintained. Doing so ensures you will maintain a bright, clear view, alerting you to any obstacles which may be lurking in the night.

Keep Them Clear

In the winter, when the snow comes down, it can be easy to just give a quick scrape to your car’s windows, and then hop in and take off. No one wants to be standing out in the cold longer than they have to, so cleaning off as little as possible is certainly preferred. However, before you set off on your journey, ensure that your headlights are free from snow, as well. Even a thin layer left on the headlights can greatly diffuse the light put out buy the bulbs, resulting in reduced visibility, or even no visibility at all.

Additionally, snow can throw light to unexpected places, potentially distracting or momentarily blinding other motorists. Another thing to check for is leaves on your headlights. This can actually be easier to forget, since leaves typically don’t present a major hazard by blocking a vehicle’s windows, at least to the point to cause visibility issues. Due to their thickness, however, even one or two leaves in the wrong spots can severely hamper your ability to see what’s ahead at night.

Keep Them Clean

When washing your vehicle, pay special attention to the headlights. As one of the leading edges of your vehicle, headlights can have a tendency to collect more than their fair share of bugs, dirt, and other contaminants. Additionally, at least in units using halogen bulbs, the heat from the bulbs can evaporate water that collects on the surface of the headlight, resulting in increased water spotting. Taking a few extra minutes to make sure all of this is removed will pay big dividends in improved safety while driving in the dark.

Additionally, many headlight lenses can become cloudy over time due to windswept dust and debris being pushed over the lens surface at high speed, resulting in thousands of tiny scratches. Similar to snow, these scratches can cause the lens to diffuse the light incorrectly, dimming your view of what’s ahead. There are many different headlight restoration kits available if you want to tackle the problems yourself. For serious issues, however, you may want to seek professional assistance, as the more abrasive work required to restore the lenses could result in permanent damage if done incorrectly.

Be Proactive

Replacing the bulbs in modern headlights is a fairly easy and inexpensive project to tackle. Given this, and given the supreme importance of properly functioning headlights, it’s a good idea to stick to a regular schedule of headlight bulb replacement.

There are many factors that determine how long a bulb will last, including, of course, how often you use the headlights, the voltage running to the headlights, and even the types of roads you drive on. Additionally, the brightness of even the best bulbs will diminish over time. All that to say, do your best to understand the expected lifespan of your vehicle’s headlight bulbs, and then replace them before you reach that milestone. This ensures you won’t be stuck on a long, dark road, with only one headlight to light your way.

It Might be Time for an Upgrade

Having existed for over 100 years, as you might imagine, the headlight has seen many improvements over the course of its existence, as have the bulbs inside the headlight. Today, there are essentially three options when choosing what type of bulb to install in your car’s headlights: halogen, xenon high-intensity-discharge or HID, and LED, which stands for light emitting diode. Each of the three bulbs mentioned is in order of brightness, cost, and lifespan.

Many new vehicles come equipped with LED headlights as standard, but with the correct wiring, older vehicles can accept LED or HID lights, instead of the halogen bulbs they most likely came with. Upgrading your bulbs allows for increased brightness, longer visibility, and less-frequent replacement. The only requirement is that you must make certain your vehicle’s electrical system can handle the different load, and that the sockets have been wired correctly to accept the new type of bulb. Not doing so could create problems that cost far more than any savings you might achieve by switching bulbs.

For anyone driving at night, or even desiring more visibility during the day, headlights are an essential component to getting you where you’re going safely and efficiently. With the right planning and a few moments’ time, you can ensure your headlights operate at their peak capability, illuminating the road ahead, no matter where you roam.

Repairing a Hybrid Vehicle Safely

Repairing a Hybrid Vehicle Safely

in Blog, Car Tips, Uncategorizedby Chris

 

The technology with vehicles are improving each year, and because of the introduction of hybrid vehicles during the early 1990s and the threat of carbon emission to the environment, many people are considering hybrid vehicles as their mode of transport. Hybrid vehicles are types of vehicles that use two sources of power. In some vehicles, there can be more than two sources of power, and it gives better performance and fuel economy to the vehicle. Hybrid vehicles have multiple sources of their power. One of the most abundant sources of power for hybrid vehicles would be coal & wood, natural gas, gasoline, hydrogen energy, solar energy and wind energy.
Hybrid vehicles ranges from two wheeled hybrids, heavy vehicles which include buses, and rail transport which is being used on all modern rail roads in the planet. Many people are already in the possession of several hybrid vehicles, and the leading names in the world of hybrid made-vehicles are currently Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt.
Hybrid vehicles are said to have an amazing performance compared to their regular counterparts. Thus, whenever the vehicle breaks down, it is highly suggested that it should be taken to a professional technician to have it checked. Hybrid vehicles have a complicated system that I full of electrical charges, and it would be unsafe for someone without proper training to go through it because of the risk of electrocution.

Some owners are lucky enough to find treasures on second hand auto shops. There are many sedans which are working perfectly fine that can be found in second hand auto shops just because their engine has a head gasket which has blown, and their owners have lost trust in their performance, even if these vehicles can still register high fuel economy.

Dealers usually sell these vehicles for lower price, without the potential buyer suspecting that these vehicles are actually hybrid ones which would require special training and handling in order to be fixed. Those who had a similar experience of seeing a tempting offer at the dealership often become surprised once the used vehicle reaches their garage. These auto enthusiasts are 100% ready to do the job, until they opened the hood and see a warning that says how dangerous the task would be. Then they would realize that the vehicle is hybrid, and repairing it by themselves poses a risk of injury or death.

The most recommended thing that can be advised to an individual having issues with their hybrid vehicles is by taking them into the dealership or a certified auto repair shop. Hybrid vehicles have a computer system which can be scanned using a diagnostic tool, and it can display the error that the vehicle is currently experiencing. Dealerships and auto repair shops also has trained technicians which have studied and have undergone training to handle these types of concerns. It would be best if the issue with the vehicle is left with the technicians because they are certified to do the job.

Aside from the certification that they have which proves how competent they are with fixing hybrid vehicles, these technicians also know where to handle the vehicle safely so injury and death can be prevented. Many car owners who own hybrid vehicles would sometimes reason out that taking the vehicle to the dealership or an auto repair shop would be costly, and they would just waste their time and energy. However, they do not know the full risk of taking the solution into their own hands.

People should be thoroughly informed how dangerous fixing a hybrid vehicle is without the supervision of a professional. Repairing the hybrid car at home is possible, although it is not recommended. One could have serious injuries while doing it, and because of the high charges of the battery on a hybrid vehicle, one can also be electrocuted. Some people who are facing up the risk use different tools and items when fixing their vehicle by themselves. They would use rubber gloves to prevent being shocked by electricity, and they would seek assistance from another person to perform the task.

Hybrid cars are said to be the future of transportation. With the rate of how nations consume energy and gasoline, a futuristic peak oil scenario is not impossible to happen – which is why governments are encouraging their citizens to use vehicles that have the ability to save a lot of energy. Hybrid cars, with the kind of system that they have, can actually save a lot of fuel and it would become a huge relief especially for families which have a lower budget reserved for petroleum.

Hybrid vehicles also promote a good environment, as they emit lesser carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. More hybrid vehicles are expected to be manufactured in the future, because more people are becoming interested on how they work and how they can save fuel.

Old Car Looking Like New

Six Simple Steps to Keep That Old Car Looking Like New

in Blog, Car Tipsby Chris

 

For most people, their vehicle is one of the most important possessions that they own. Without a vehicle, many people would be unable to make it to work or ferry the kids around to and from school, sports and other activities. Unfortunately, many people simply don’t have the money to replace their old car should it break down or begin looking old and outdated. For this reason, we’ll now take a look at some simple steps that you can use to help ensure that your older vehicle continues running and looking like new.

Keep It Clean Inside and Out

One of the biggest keys to keeping your old car looking like new is to make sure it stays clean both inside and out. This means regularly washing and waxing the exterior and also fully detailing the interior. Shampooing the carpets and cleaning and treating the seats, dashboard and other interior elements should help to prevent stains and damage. Furthermore, keeping your vehicle clean can also help ensure the interior smells nice in addition to looking good.

Repair Any Exterior Damage

Small dents, cracks and chips in the paint may not seem like that big of a problem at first. Unfortunately, these minor cosmetic issues could potentially turn into a much more serious problem if left unchecked. If you don’t make sure to touch up the paint job or repair any minor cosmetic damage, it could potentially allow rust and corrosion to begin to eat away at the paint and the body. Luckily, most minor cosmetic damage can be repaired fairly easily, and by doing so, you should be able to ensure that the exterior is free from rust and other issues.

Focus on Routine Maintenance

Everyone knows about the importance of regularly changing your oil, but there is a lot more that goes into keeping an old car running well than simply getting an oil change. Making sure your tires are properly inflated and having them balanced and rotated can help to prevent numerous potential issues. Similarly, you will also want to keep the wheel bearings properly greased and maintained and also ensure that your brake pads, drums and rotors are in good condition.

In most cases, it is best to simply take your care into your favorite repair shop at least once a year to undergo a full inspection and perform any necessary maintenance tasks. Being diligent about maintenance will not only help ensure your car continues to run smoothly, but it can also potentially prevent more serious issues that could otherwise set you back some serious cash.

Remember to Flush Your Fluids

Oil is far from the only important fluid in your vehicle. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant and differential oil are all things that you’ll also need to think about occasionally. Flushing these fluids is a good way to ensure that the fluid is clean and free from debris, which can help to prevent damage and problems from arising. Therefore, it is important to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and make sure to change or flush all of the vehicle’s fluids as needed.

Watch Out for the Damaging Effects of Sunlight

Nothing can harm the interior or exterior of a vehicle quicker than sunlight. If you constantly leave your car parked directly in the sun, the result can be that the sun’s UV rays will start to make the exterior paint begin to dull, fade and discolor. Similarly, sunlight can also wreak havoc on the interior of your vehicle. UV rays can easily begin to damage the dashboard or cause your carpets and seats to fade or discolor.

Therefore, it is always best to park the vehicle indoors whenever possible, or at the very least, attempt to park it somewhere shady if you do need to leave it outside. As well, you should also consider using a sunshade to help shield the interior of your vehicle from harmful UV rays whenever you do have to park it in the sun.

A Little Upgrade on an Old Car Can Go a Long Way

If the exterior of your old car is beginning to look old and faded, taking it in for a new paint job is a quick and easy way to instantly spruce up its appearance and make it look newer. Of course, there are also even easier steps you can take to improve the look of your car’s interior. Spending a few bucks on a new steering wheel cover or using a dashboard cover or seat covers can help to hide damage and make the interior feel shiny and new no matter how old the car actually is.

No matter what you do, there is no way to ever fully prevent damage to your vehicle or mechanical issues from arising. However, by being diligent and making sure to follow these simple steps, you should at least give yourself a better chance of keeping your older car around for years to come. As long as you make sure to focus on routine maintenance and keep your car clean and well-cared for, there is absolutely no reason why your older car can’t continue to look and perform like new.