The six fluids you should check regularly are engine oil, coolant (Antifreeze), power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid (in an automatic transmission vehicle, not a manual), and windshield washer fluid. By regularly checking these and watching out for unusual odors, noises, or vibrations you can improve vehicle longevity, gas mileage, and resell value! But if you find yourself asking what exactly each of these fluids does and how often you should be checking them you came to the right place! 

It’s pothole season here in New Jersey! Usually, potholes appear in late winter and early spring due to winter conditions weakening the pavement. Excessive water from the freezing and thawing cycle can often lead to cracks and potholes. Hitting these holes in the road can do more than just spill your morning coffee! Even a minor impact can affect the vehicle’s suspension, alignment, and tire’s sidewalls and can even puncture your tire or bend or crack your wheel!

Does your steering wheel vibrate, does your vehicle pull to one side, or simply doesn’t handle well after hitting a pothole? Icy or snow-covered roads treated with salt can also be a strain on the alignment.

Continue reading “How Do Potholes Form? And What Damage Can They Cause?” →

Just like you, when the temperature drops, rodents seek food and warmth! It’s not uncommon for them to move right into your home or car for that matter. Rodents don’t need a key to get into your car, as sneaking into cars is rather easy for rodents. Did you know mice and rats can fit through holes as small as a dime and a quarter? Openings on your car such as vents, steering columns, pedal shafts, and other openings serve as the main access into vehicles for rodents. Not to mention, rodents have a field day on today’s eco-friendly materials like soy-based wiring. Once these intruders get into your vehicle, they commonly use insulation as nesting material and wires as meals leading to electrical issues, short circuits, and even the spread of diseases.

Continue reading “Rats! Cold Weather Brings Rodents Inside Vehicles” →

As the year winds down and we begin reflecting on the past year, it’s a great time to start thinking of some beneficial New Year’s resolutions. Year after year, most of us make resolutions that end by mid-February or by the first thought of how amazing a slice of chocolate cake would taste after dinner.  With that being said, let’s start 2021 off by making resolutions that we will actually stick with. As we look to improve our lives and those around us, there is one thing that we often take for granted and may not be thinking about — our vehicle. It is extremely important to keep your car healthy and running at its best to prevent underlying issues and long term repairs. Let’s show our vehicles some love this year by making these 5 simple New Year’s resolutions for your vehicle: 

Continue reading “5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Vehicle” →

Picture this: You are packing up to come home from a long, hot beach day, only to finally get into your car and your A/C is blowing warm air. This isn’t the most ideal time to find out your vehicle needs A/C repair. A/C is more than just for comfort; it’s a safety issue too. In fact, one of the most dangerous places for someone to be during a heatwave is inside of their car without A/C since temperatures can spike to dangerous levels. If your air conditioning vents seem to be blowing out warm air or no air at all, one of the common problems outlined below could be the reason.

Continue reading “Why is My Vehicle’s A/C System Not Cold?” →