As a car or truck owner in Olympia, Washington, you already know how vital scheduling regular auto maintenance service is. You may not, however, know that it’s particularly important to take care of your vehicle during and after prolonged exposure to heat and damaging UV rays. Your car or truck will probably see more use this summer, as many families plan activities and vacation during warmer months. To ensure that your vehicle is still in tip-top shape, you should have it examined by an auto technician. Remember to request the following summer auto maintenance services during your next scheduled appointment at an auto repair shop in Olympia.

Fluids

Most auto shops will check your fluids every visit, but make sure you ask for this auto maintenance service in the summer regardless. Most mechanics will happily top your fluids off for you. Letting fluids get too low or neglecting to schedule an oil change can result in the need for expensive auto repairs down the road. Continue Reading →

Is your vehicle’s engine overheating in Tumwater, Washington? You may need to speak with an auto technician about engine maintenance and repair options. An overheating engine isn’t just an inconvenience; it can indicate serious issues that should be addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will certainly cause further damage to your car or truck, especially if you continue to drive it. When your vehicle is overheating, take these steps and then schedule engine maintenance and repair with an auto repair shop in Tumwater.

Turn Your Vehicle Off

While it’s important to schedule engine maintenance and repair as soon as possible, do not attempt to drive your vehicle to a shop for auto repairs right now. Pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot and shut your car or truck off immediately. Driving an overheating vehicle is dangerous and will cause further damage.

Wait for the Engine to Cool

Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done for your vehicle until after your engine has cooled. This can take some time, but nothing can be done to rush the process. Take the time now to schedule engine maintenance and repair. Be careful not to touch your radiator cap until it’s completely cooled. Continue Reading →

Women lead busy lives, so it’s easy to overlook proper vehicle maintenance in JBLM, Washington. There are, however, a few basic items that you should understand regarding your car or truck. Taking time to become familiar with these things will help you avoid expensive auto repairs down the road. Keep the following vehicle maintenance concerns in mind while driving your vehicle in JBLM.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are a safety feature on your vehicle. If you start to see streaking, visit an auto technician for vehicle maintenance. Being able to see during poor weather is absolutely imperative.

Flat Tires

While an auto repair shop can replace your flat tire, you have to get there first. If you don’t have roadside assistance, it’s important that you know how to change a flat tire as part of regular vehicle maintenance. Continue Reading →

Are you familiar with the warning lights on your vehicle in Lacey, Washington? To prevent unnecessary auto repairs, you should always pay close attention to dashboard warning lights. Putting of a trip to the shop or expecting the problem to go away can cause further damage to your car or truck. Find a reliable auto repair shop if you notice any of these common dashboard warning lights in Lacey.

Check Engine Light

This warning light can indicate a multitude of issues. If you see this light, have a trained auto technician assess your vehicle immediately. While the light could indicate a simple problem with your gas cap, it could also warn of a variety of serious issues that could lead to expensive auto repairs if left unattended. Continue Reading →

Are you looking for a new auto repair specialist to work on your car or truck in Olympia? If you want to find a reliable auto mechanic who has your vehicle’s needs in mind, you’ll need to ask good questions. While every auto repair shop claims that they have what it takes to service your vehicle, it’s not always the case. Consider asking any potential auto mechanics these questions before trusting them with your vehicle in Olympia.

Have you worked on this make and model before?

All vehicles function according to the same principles, but they’re not made the same. Make sure that your auto technician is certified to service, or at least has worked on, vehicles like yours. You’ll save lots of time and money by avoiding shops that guess their way through auto repairs.

Do you belong to any automotive associations?

There are a variety of automotive associations that protect the consumer. Groups like AAA and Automotive Service Association hold auto repair shops to certain quality standards in order to maintain membership. Ask your auto technician if their shop is associated with any of these reputable companies.  Continue Reading →

It’s important that your vehicle in Tumwater receive regular engine maintenance so it will last longer. While performing regular oil changes and other general auto services is helpful, neglecting the maintenance your engine’s requirements will result in the need for extensive auto repair. Engine replacements and rebuilds are expensive and inconvenient, so attend to the following engine maintenance warning signs for your vehicle in Tumwater.

Abnormal Exhaust

Normal exhaust from your vehicle should be light and disappear quickly. If you find that your exhaust lingers or is a black or dark blue color, you may need engine maintenance. Improper ratios of fuel and oxygen can cause these exhaust issues. They should be handled by an auto technician immediately.

Uncommon Noises

Vehicles make noise all the time, but you can usually identify new or uncommon ones. Ticking, metal grinding, and tapping are all examples of sounds that indicate a need for engine maintenance. Your local auto repair shop can listen to your vehicle and determine the cause of the noises before extensive damage occurs. Continue Reading →

You may not be aware that your vehicle’s wheel alignment plays a key role in your driving safety in Lacey, Washington. Not only that, but improper wheel alignment can result in premature wear and tear for your suspension, as well as your vehicle’s tires. Your service representative may recommend a wheel alignment during a maintenance or auto repair visit, but how can you, as the driver, tell that you need one? These are a few factors that can indicate you need wheel alignment in Lacey.

1. It’s Been Awhile

Your vehicle’s wheel alignment is quite adjustable. Over time, these components will naturally begin to shift out of position. You should arrange for wheel alignments at least once a year, even under optimal driving conditions.

2. Aggressive Driving

Steering and suspension are both related to your wheel alignment. If you consistently take turns at high speeds, or engage in heavy stop-and-go driving, you need to arrange for a visit to your local auto repair shop in Lacey for a wheel alignment check. Continue Reading →

Springtime may be on the horizon, but the cold weather isn’t over yet! While it’s important that you take your vehicle to an auto technician for regular car maintenance year-round, winters can be particularly rough. There’s little that’s worse than an auto emergency during the middle of a snowstorm, in the freezing cold, with no auto service and repair center in sight. To avoid this scenario, take steps now to care for your vehicle. Here are several very important winter car maintenance tasks you should accomplish right away.

1. Check Your Lights

It’s not just colder during the winter; it’s darker too! You may find that your usually sunny morning and evening commute is consistently a nighttime drive. This is why it’s important to have your auto repair specialist check the lights as part of your winter car maintenance. Continue Reading →

Are you looking for a reliable auto shop in your area? If you’re having car trouble or need to take your vehicle in for a tune-up, it’s important to find an auto service and repair center you can trust. Not all auto technicians are made equal and you shouldn’t trust just anyone with your vehicle. Don’t take chances with your car; spend the time you need to find an auto shop you can depend on. But what makes a shop reliable? There are actually a number of key elements you should look for when selecting an auto shop.

1. Positive Reviews

Some of the first things you should take note of when looking for a reliable auto shop are previous customer reviews. These can often be found online. If not, however, it’s completely acceptable for you to call and request referrals. Continue Reading →

Are your car tires in good condition? Many car owners can’t say for sure. If you need help assessing them, head to your local auto service and repair center. A professional auto technician will be able to help. Additionally, did you know that there are several things you should do year round to ensure your tires function properly? Not only will you and your car be safer on the road, but your tires will last longer as well. Here are several car tire care tasks you should do regularly.

1. Examine Your Tires During Seasonal Changes

Temperature changes can impact your car tires. As the seasons changes, make sure you check your tire pressure. If it’s low, make sure you address this immediately to keep your car safer on the road. Continue Reading →