Last updated 2 days 6 hours ago
It is always good to have your vehicle running well. This is especially true when going on a road trip, so take your vehicle to your auto mechanic for a pre-departure inspection. The last issue anyone wants to worry about when taking a road trip is car problems. Taking the time to check out the vehicle before leaving will always pay off. Here is a list of items to inspect before going on a trip.
Tires
One of the most important item to inspect before taking your vehicle on a road trip is the tires. Tires not only have a large effect on fuel economy, they are a key piece of equipment when it comes to road safety. Checking your tires for wear, cracking, and damage is necessary. Also be sure to check the age—old tires are not safe.
Fluids
There are a range of fluids in a vehicle, including motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, and coolant. Checking fluid levels is relatively easy, but quite important. If you haven’t had the transmission fluid, brake fluid, or coolant flushed recently, now may be a good time. An oil change should also be performed if one is soon due.
Belts
Most vehicle accessories are driven by belts and should be checked to ensure they don’t fail during a trip. This is especially important if a vehicle uses a timing belt. Belts are relatively cheap, and a repair shop will quickly check them for you.
Hoses
Just like belts, hoses are made of rubber which degrades over time. Hoses that are cracking are a serious concern because they may fail at any time. Even a small hole or crack in a vacuum tube will cause poor engine performance and fuel economy.
Filters
The three main filters to check are the air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter. Fuel filters are often forgotten, and changing a clogged one will result in increased performance and fuel economy. The same is true for air filters, especially at highway speeds and in older cars.
To get a full vehicle inspection, contact Beck Service Center at (888) 476-0993. Be sure and tell the mechanic all the items you want inspected to ensure you have a safe, worry-free road trip!
Last updated 9 days ago
When summer comes, air conditioning becomes an important automotive accessory. If a vehicle’s air conditioning system is not working, or appears to be functioning improperly, take it to a local repair shop.
There are a number of possible problems that may occur in the air conditioning system. If the air conditioning is blowing some cold air, but not fully functioning, it is working harder than it need to be, which decreases your vehicle’s fuel economy. The solution is usually simple, so take a look at these different symptoms and make sure your air conditioning is running properly.
No Cold Air
If you turn on your air conditioning and no cold air comes out, there are a number of possible causes. The most common cause is a lack of refrigerant. If too much refrigerant has leaked out, the amount of air that replaces it will cause the air conditioning system to stop cooling completely. However, there are some easy causes to check for first. Check that the belt that drives your A/C compressor is not loose, worn, or broken. Also check the fuses or relays that control the air conditioning system. It’s easy to start the car with the hood open, then carefully look to see if all the proper pieces of the compressor are moving. Finding possible causes will help your repair shop fix the issue quickly.
Little Cold Air
When the air conditioner blows cool air, but doesn’t seem to ever blow cold air, there is a problem that will often get worse with time. Low refrigerant is likely the cause. However, too much refrigerant will cause issues. If you have a leak in the system, the A/C may soon stop blowing any cold air, and the leak must be repaired before recharging the system. If the air conditioning appears to work at first, then begins to fade, there may be water present in the system. Excess air or water in the air conditioning system will cause ice to form, restricting the flow of coolant.
If you are experiencing any problems with your air conditioning system, bring your vehicle to Beck Service Center for repair. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (888) 476-0993.
Last updated 16 days ago
Our latest blogs have covered topics like custom exhaust systems and tire maintenance. If you would like to learn more about these and other automotive topics, please explore the information provided below. To inquire about our auto repair services, call Beck Service Center at (888) 476-0993.
- If you need more information on how to check your tire pressure correctly, read this guide from Edmunds.com.
- For more information on the role of the exhaust system and how a custom system can improve your vehicle’s performance, read this guide from Auto Education.
- If you are interested in suggestions on how to keep car maintenance costs down, read this article from MSN.
Last updated 23 days ago
There are few things worse than getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. While some flat tires are unavoidable, many are simply caused by years of neglect. Here are some auto maintenance tips for prolonging the life of your vehicle’s tires.
Rotation
Tires wear unevenly for a number of reasons. One of the most basic reasons is the disproportionate wear that the front left tire sees due to the abundance of right-hand turns in daily driving. Uneven tire wear can make you more susceptible to flat tires and loss of control. Having your tires rotated regularly can help lengthen the life of your vehicle’s tires by evenly distributing wear.
Balancing
When the weight in your tire becomes improperly balanced, it can cause trouble for your tires and car. Tires can become imbalanced in a variety of ways. Uneven wear, rough terrain, and impact are just a few factors that can affect tire balance. Once your tire balance is off, your car will start to feel shaky and you will be at risk for more severe tire damage. Getting your tires balanced regularly will give you a smooth drive, lengthen the life of your tires, and make your car more fuel-efficient.
Alignment
Misaligned tires are one of the most common causes behind premature tire wear. Unlike tire balancing, tire alignment corrects the angle of the tires in relation to your vehicle. Signs that your tires are misaligned include uneven or rapid wearing of the tire treads and a slight drifting of your car towards one side of the road. An alignment service helps correct the angles of your tires, making your vehicle more efficient and your tires less likely to wear unevenly.
For more information about steps you can take to prolong the life of your vehicle’s tires, call Beck Service Center at (888) 476-0993.
Last updated 1 month ago
Changing your oil regularly is critical to maintaining your car’s performance.
In this video, you will learn the facts about common oil myths. For example, you don’t necessarily need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. You should check your owner’s manual for a more accurate figure. In regards to the difference between conventional and synthetic oil, many people are under the impression that they cannot switch if they have been using conventional oil. This is false—synthetic oil works well as long as it has the right viscosity. Finally, it is simply not possible to judge the quality of your oil by its appearance or smell. Your best bet is to follow your owner’s manual or consult with an auto repair professional.
For more information about the role oil plays in your car’s engine, call Beck Service Center at (888) 476-0993.
