Our news
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Low oil warning light: Do you know how critical it is?
There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the battery light is for, but a lot of other lights require pulling out the owner’s manual. In the coming months, we are going to take a look at different lights and what they stand for to…
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The high cost of ignoring your timing belt
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0PHG88NW68] Many people picture pistons or valves when thinking about the inside of an engine. Even though these parts are vital in creating power and allowing your vehicle to work, nothing is more important than your timing belt. Your timing belt is what keeps the pistons and valves moving and working in sync. By…
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Overheated coolant triggers "check engine" light
Your car’s “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light can flash on for more than 1,400 different reasons, and in the coming months, we’re going to share with you what some of those reasons are. The light is part of your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system and can indicate anything from a quick fix like…
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Cooling system flush prevents overheating, engine damage
Question: My owner’s manual suggests getting cooling system flushes performed on my car, but it’s running fine. Do I really need this done? Answer: Your engine cooling system helps keep your engine from overheating, which is one of the most common causes of breakdowns and internal engine damage. A cooling system flush is basic maintenance…
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Ride quality poor? It could be your shocks or struts
Have you ever seen that old Ford bouncing up and down going down the street? Or ever notice when a vehicle makes a tight turn and it looks like it might fall over? Those are two of the most common signs that a shock or strut in your suspension system has failed. And unlike the…
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Prevent costly issues later by fixing tire leaks now
Driving around this part of Illinois can be hard on our tires. Potholes, road construction, age and mileage can lead to tire damage or slow air leaks. And unfortunately, those leaks can sometimes turn into costly repairs. Here’s a first-hand account of how delaying a $20-30 tire repair led to a repair bill of nearly…
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What's that light mean? Clogged air filter triggers this dashboard light
There are a number of dashboard warning lights in your vehicle that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the oil light and battery light are for, but a lot of others are puzzling and require pulling out the owners’ manual. To help make things a little more clear, we take time each…
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Want an oil change with tons of benefits? Come to Hong Kong Auto Service
Question: A lot of places advertise oil changes for $9.95, $12.95 and other super-low prices. Why should I pay more at your shop? Answer: Oil changes are one of life’s necessities, at least if you own or lease a vehicle. Whether you get one at 3,000 miles, 4,000 miles or more, your car deserves to…
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Winter is here: Make sure you and your car are ready
Winter officially started less than two weeks ago, so we still face several months of potentially hazardous driving conditions. Since we can’t stay bunkered in at home that whole time, here are some tips for keeping safe out on the roads. Make sure your vehicle has been checked out and winterized: Follow the suggested maintenance…
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Flushing brake fluid a necessary step to keep brakes working right
Q: My mechanic recommended I get my brake fluid flushed. Is this necessary and if so, why? A: There are a couple of reasons why brake fluid can lose some of its effectiveness. First of all, brake fluid absorbs any moisture in the brake system, which helps prevent moisture-related corrosion and failure of internal brake…