Author: benchung
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When Do I Need New Tires?
Question: I took my minivan to a quick lube for an oil change last week (it’s near my office), and they said I was due for new tires. I only have 40,000 miles on the vehicle. How can I be due for new tires already? Answer: While 40,000 miles doesn’t seem like a lot, tires… Read more
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How Do I Choose the Right Tires for My Car?
Are you in the market for new tires? Many of our clients bide their time through the summer and make a plan to buy new tires in September and October…still leaving plenty of time before the snow flies. While many of you have a go-to brand or rely on the team at Hong Kong Auto… Read more
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A new car warranty does not mean you must go back to the dealer
All too often, we hear a customer say, “Ben, you’re great. But we bought a new car and are taking it to the dealer. We’ll back when the new car warranty is up!” It’s a common misconception that you have to take your new car back to the dealer while it’s under warranty. This is… Read more
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Should I use synthetic oil in my car?
Question: My brother swears by synthetic oil for his truck, but he also tows a boat with it in the summer. I’ve always used regular old engine oil for my sedan. Now that it has about 60,000 miles on it, I’m wondering if I should switch to synthetic oil. Is there a benefit to that? Answer: The timing… Read more
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4 Summer Getaways within a Few Hours Drive
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: [full_width] Trip #1: Green Lake, WI Green Lake, WI is one of the Chung family’s favorite… Read more
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Top 5 Most Common Auto Repairs in the Midwest
Each year, CarMD conducts a national auto repair study to determine average repair costs, top repairs my model year and even the Most Common “Check Engine” Light Repairs. While we may find it way more fun to dig into the data than many of you, here is information we think will be helpful for you.… Read more
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11 ways to maintain, clean and deodorize your car with vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda are useful home remedies for removing stains, unclogging drains and cleaning windows. Turns out, they’re also useful in your cars and trucks—for killing odors, removing bugs and tar, and fighting off frost—and they’re environmentally friendly compared to many of the chemicals we buy to do the same tasks. Here are 11… Read more
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What you need to know about your “Low Tire Pressure” warning light
For those of us who dread long, cold and dreary Chicago winters, the mid-February thaw we had was a sunny and joyful reprieve. But sudden and extreme swings in the air temperature can also trigger a dashboard warning light that many of us might not recognize: A glowing orange or red “Low Tire Pressure” indicator.… Read more
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Do I really need to change my transmission fluid?
Question: My SUV has about 75,000 miles on it, and when I took it to the dealer for a recall recently, they said I need to change the transmission fluid. Is that really a service I need? If so, why? Answer: Yes, servicing the transmission is a legitimate maintenance service, one that could save you $3,000… Read more
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Buying a used car? 3 money-saving reasons to schedule a used car inspection
Question: We’re looking for a reliable used vehicle for our daughter, who’s going to be driving this spring. We’re considering cars that are 3-4 years old with 40,000 to 50,000 miles on them. Given that the cars are newer, is there any value in a used vehicle inspection? Yes, absolutely. Why? Reason #1: A pre-purchase… Read more
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Home remedies for winter woes
Even though it’s been a fairly mild winter to date, you never know when the “snowstorm of the year” will descend upon us. And when it does, we have some automotive home remedies to help cure those snow- and ice-related winter woes. Quandary #1: Goop-covered headlights Cure: Car wax Car wax’s water repellents not only protect… Read more
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Top picks: Your favorite car repair articles from last year
Throughout the year, we like to bring you articles about how to save time, money and headaches by taking care of your car. We want to give you the information you need to make the right auto repair decisions for you. And every January, we like to do a roundup of our clients favorite articles—in… Read more