Have you been pouring money into your aging car just for it to break down again, but you’re worried about the hidden fees when it comes to purchasing a new car? Are you wondering if you should sell old faithful and use that money toward a newer car? It’s a big decision. Thankfully, there are some factors that will help make this difficult choice, easier. Here’s what you need to consider if you are trying to decide whether to fix up your old car or buy a new one:
During this time, many people are adjusting to the work-from-home lifestyle and staying home as much as they can. While you aren’t adding to the wear and tear of a daily commute or a day full of errands, you cannot completely forget about your car as it sits in the driveway. Have some extra time on your hands? Be sure to keep your car running properly, especially during this time by:
Continue reading “April is National Car Care Month – Spring Ahead of Vehicle Maintenance”
When it comes to a brake job, most people may not know how much actually goes into each and every vehicle. Let’s start off with one statement: There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” brake pad or rotor! A brake job is not just a brake job because each vehicle requires different rotor and friction material. For example, full-size trucks or vans may need brake pads containing a substantial amount of metal to get extra power while braking and reduce wearing down of brakes. On the contrary, organic brake pads are perfect for the smooth operation of compact cars. You will first need to understand when you should replace your brakes and what brake pads and rotors are best for your vehicle and driving style.
Continue reading ““Breaking Down” The Basic Facts on Brakes”
Why Does the State of New Jersey Require Vehicle Inspections?
It’s important to have your vehicle inspected every two years (or one year for commercial/livery vehicles) to make sure that your vehicle is safe and that its emissions are up to the standards set by the state of New Jersey. Inside of your windshield, there is an inspection sticker which shows the month it expires, this way you’ll know when you should schedule your vehicle’s inspection at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ. Car owners should be aware of this deadline to avoid getting citations and are able to take their vehicles for inspection two months prior to the deadline. Keep in mind that if you have a new car, you don’t have to have the vehicle inspected until you’ve officially had it for five years.
Continue reading “The Basics of New Jersey State Inspections”
Ever notice the numbers on the sidewall of your tires and wonder what they mean? There is a lot to learn from these letters and numbers and by understanding them, a consumer can tell if a tire is right for their vehicle, their driving style, and the road conditions! Interested in cracking the tire code? This article is here to help you learn how to properly read and understand what is on your tire’s sidewall!
There are many reasons why most people avoid getting gas when their fuel tank is low. They may be running late, too busy to stop, or there may be a cheaper gas price closer to their destination. The problem with this is, saving yourself a little time and money now might cost you large amounts of time and money in the future. An obvious reason to not let your fuel level get too low is because you could get stranded if there is no nearby gas station. While not wanting to get stranded is a valid reason, the other concerns have much more to do with preserving the life of your car’s engine. Driving on an empty tank can cause extreme damage to your car in many ways and there are extra precautions to take regarding your fuel tank level as colder weather approaches.
Continue reading “Why Keep Your Fuel Tank Full Especially in Colder Weather?”
As stated in our last blog post, Four Benefits of Keeping Your Car Clean, it is extremely important to keep your car clean and tidy. Since many people mainly focus on keeping the interior and exterior of their cars clean, cleaning underneath the hood seems to be overlooked. Cleaning under the hood of a car, specifically the cowl, has many benefits that go way beyond looks. Essentially, a clean cowl can help extend the life of your car, as well as prevent electronic and mechanical problems or leaks. Fortunately, after reading this article and looking at the photos that were taken of our customers’ cars here at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ, you will understand all the benefits of keeping your car’s cowl clean and how to do it! Continue reading “Keep Your Car Happy by Cleaning its Cowl!”
Did you know “the average American spends 18 days driving per year, with an average of eight hours and 22 minutes per week, a OnePoll study conducted on behalf of Cooper Tire found” (Szymkowski, 2019)? During this time, it is common for both the interior and exterior of your car to slowly become cluttered and/or dirty. To most people, cleaning your car is not a priority, but you will be shocked once you realize how damaging a dirty car could be. If you are wondering, what could be so important that I should stop my busy daily routine to clean my car? Consider these four points:
With summer winding down and college starting up, it is very important to make sure that not only you, but your car is ready for that stressful transition. By scheduling an appointment at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, New Jersey, our technicians will ensure that your car is ready to be sent off to college. Saying that tough goodbye to your child for the school year will be that much easier knowing your vehicle is well-maintained. Follow these 5 steps to assure a safe travel not only to school, but also during the school year: Continue reading “Five Steps for Sending Your Car Away to College”
What Are Wheel Weights?
Did you know that every single automobile’s rims are clipped with wheel weights during the process of balancing tires? No matter the year, make, age, or model of your vehicle, wheel weights are required to properly balance your vehicle to avoid a wobbling or bouncing feeling.
Continue reading “LEAD OUT | ZINC IN: Why Luke’s Auto Made the Switch to Lead-Free Wheel Weights”