Posts Tagged ‘car maintenance’
Tips on Winterizing Your Car for the Cold Chicago Weather
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…
Read MoreWhy is My Air Conditioning Not Blowing Cool Air?
On a hot day, the inside of your car can heat up to triple digit temperatures in just 20 minutes (because of a greenhouse effect). Before it gets to that point, you reach for your A/C controls, only to have it blow warm air in your face! With the warm summer months ahead, now’s a great time…
Read More6 Signs You Need New Shocks or 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…
Read MoreWhy do I need a timing belt replacement?
Timing belts are one of those maintenance items that car owners don’t often think about but should. The timing belt is a critical part of your engine. If it fails, your car will stop running and, in some cases, incur major engine damage. To help you head off any unexpected or costly surprises, let’s cover…
Read MoreIf Your Battery is 3-5 Years Old, It’s Time to Have it Tested or Replaced
Question: I’ve had my car for awhile now, and I’ve never given the battery a second thought. When should I worry about replacing it? Answer: A car battery isn’t very different from a regular battery. If the battery in your cell phone dies, you’re not going to be making any calls. When your car battery is…
Read MoreWheels and Deals: Cutting Car Ownership Costs
Lots of vehicle owners chalk up car-ownership costs mainly to the price at the pump or unexpected repairs, but other factors figure big-time in calculating how much your set of wheels truly is costing. Driving style, preventive maintenance and insurance options all contribute to how much you’re paying (and could be saving).
Read More3 benefits of a used car inspection
Congratulations, you’re ready to purchase your next set of pre-owned wheels. Before you cough up the cash, we highly recommend a used vehicle inspection to save you time, money and frustration down the road. Here are three benefits of a used vehicle inspection: 1. A pre-purchase inspection gives you extra assurance. Schedule a pre-purchase inspection…
Read MoreCollege or bust! Fill up on vehicle back-to-school basics
Before you hit the books, pick up your owner’s manual to ensure your car is roadworthy and in tip-top shape for the commute back to school. This manual is your go-to-guide to ensure your wheels get you where you need to go all semester long. Parents, it’s never too early to school your kids on…
Read MoreFlushing brake fluids, is this a legitimate recommendation? Yes, here is why
Q: I recently had my oil changed at a repair shop in Wilmette, and as part of their inspection, they recommended that I flush my brake fluid. I’ve never heard of flushing brake fluid. Was this a legitimate recommendation? A: Yes, flushing brake fluid to remove dirty, contaminated fluid from the system is part of…
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…
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