Routine Car Maintenance Buys Healthy Car Insurance

Posted on October 3, 2010 by Donna McCord

Many people believe that once their odometer reaches 100,000 miles, their car is on its last legs and it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. That’s only true if you’re tired of your car or just have to have that beautiful, new model being promoted in the media. But if you love your car and don’t look forward to monthly car payments or higher insurance and registration fees, you can keep it for up to 200,000 miles and beyond. It’s all in the maintenance. There are two important areas of concern you can influence regarding your car’s health:

1. Keeping the car looking good
2. Keeping the car mechanically fit

Looking Good:

The best way to maintain your paint job is to keep your car clean. The debris that accumulates on the exterior causes the finish to deteriorate (especially bird droppings, which are acidic and chemically damage the paint). The longer debris is left on the finish of the vehicle, the more damage is done.

Since it is not always convenient to wash the car yourself and not the best for the environment to wash a car in the street (wash water flows down the sewer and into the Bay), taking your vehicle to a professional car wash is a good alternative. They recycle and clean the wash water before it goes into the sewer system.

The interior of your vehicle also requires some ongoing attention. Placing mats on the floor to protect the carpets and being careful with food and drink in the car is important. We also recommend a professional detail once a year to keep the appearance (both inside and out) like new.

Mechanically Fit:

There are a number of areas that need attention to keep your vehicle in good running condition.

The best place to start is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Again, this is a place to “start”. Following only the manufacturer’s recommendations simply guarantees to get you to the end of the factory warranty period. To take your car down the road another 5 – 10 years requires more attention to the details. For example, so-called life-time fluids will lead to shorter component life times if the fluids are not changed as needed. Transmissions can last many times longer if the fluid is changed at 60,000 miles (sometimes sooner depending upon the application).

Engine coolant deteriorates and should be tested for acidity or pH so that the old coolant does not damage the engine metals and cooling system. This can lead to engine head gasket failures, radiator failures, coolant hose failures, etc.

The brake system fluid also deteriorates and needs to be tested to determine when it should be changed. Old brake system fluid can cause premature brake component failures or can lower the system fluid boiling point. This can cause brakes to fail under heavy usage.

Power steering fluid needs to be tested and changed when needed. Old power steering fluid will lead to premature failure of power steering system components.

Most car owners are aware of the need to change engine oil and filters. There is an alternative to the tried and true petroleum based oils: synthetic engine oils. The synthetics can go longer between changing, resulting in less waste added to the environment. The other advantage is less wear and tear on engine parts, lower heat and lower or no deposit build-up on the engine. This will mean longer engine life with fewer repairs.

Just as with taking care of our bodies, investing a little time to pay attention to the details will result in your car living a long life for multiple 100’s of thousands of miles. Of course, the chances for success are greater if this car regimen begins when your car is new, but starting now is better than not starting at all!

Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive
2037 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-961-0302
Mountain View Auto Repair

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Heavy Keys Can Mean an Auto Repair Bill

Posted on September 19, 2010 by Donna McCord

Take a look at the key ring you are using to hold your ignition key. How many other keys are hanging there? More than 4 or 5? Do you have charms, a flashlight, a can opener on the ring? How about the mini plastic scan card from Borders or another store you frequent? Your child’s photo? A cute, stuffed animal? It’s amazing how many of us, (and I have to say it is usually us women!), use our key ring as a place to collect mementos and other gadgets we are fond of or want to have immediate access to.

Having a large and heavy key ring may make it easier to find in your purse, but there is a critical down side. Over time, that heavy key ring swaying to and fro from your ignition, will wear down the tumblers in the lock and cause problems with starting your car. The worst case scenario is when your car won’t start at all. Think of your own front door in your home. The key inserts in the lock and turns the tumblers inside until the lock is released. If the tumblers wear down or become damaged in some way, your key is not going to work as it should.

The best way to solve this potential problem is to keep your ignition key on a detachable ring from your other keys and paraphernalia. That way, when you get in your vehicle, you can simply detach the key for use while you are driving. More and more vehicles today use the remote keys, but if you still have to put your key in an ignition slot, be mindful of the weight of your key ring and the possible damage it can cause. The cost to replace your ignition tumblers is not cheap, but something you can easily avoid.

Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive
2037 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-961-0302
Mountain View Auto Repair

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Will Your Vehicle Pass the Unavoidable Smog Test?

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Donna McCord

Most of us have received those registration renewal reminders in the mail that tell us we must prove our vehicle meets the smog requirements before we will receive our registration sticker. For those of you that have been religious about visiting your auto shop for maintenance services, there should be no worries. But if maintenance visits have been infrequent or just plain forgotten, passing that smog test may not be a given!

So, what can you do to improve the chances your vehicle will pass? The most important item is to make sure that your vehicle “check engine” or “service engine soon” warning lights are not on. If they are, your vehicle will automatically be failed, regardless of how well the engine is running. In that case, bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair/service shop to take care of whatever is responsible for turning on the warning light(s) before making your smog check appointment.

There are many other reasons your vehicle may fail a smog test that may or may not cause the warning light to go on, such as secondary ignition parts, engine oil that is way overdue for changing, engine valves that are out of adjustment, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system problems, etc. Any of these can be avoided if you are keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. If you are concerned it won’t pass, that tells me you may not have been on a regular maintenance program. In that case, I recommend that you make an appointment at a good repair facility for whatever service interval is needed plus a thorough, bumper-to-bumper inspection.

By faithfully observing a maintenance program for your vehicle, and if there are no warning lights on, you should pass the smog test the first time. Neglecting vehicle maintenance and then failing the smog test, generally leads to higher repair costs being incurred in order to get the vehicle to pass the second test. Maintenance is always better than repairs!

Your registration renewal notice may direct you to a Test Only station. Test Only stations are what the name implies: no automotive repairs can be performed at one of these stations. If you are not directed to Test Only, you can bring your vehicle anywhere that is a registered test station. Bringing your vehicle to a Test Only station, whether directed there or not, can be a better choice. Test Only stations are usually more objective. They have no incentive for the vehicle to fail, since they are not allowed to perform repairs.

Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive, Inc.
2037 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-961-0302

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Your Battery Needs Attention, Too

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Donna McCord

Your car is starting just fine and everything is working as it should, so why be concerned about your battery until it stops working for you?

Here is what you should know: batteries deteriorate over time from normal use, and the condition of a battery should be checked regularly as part of a complete automotive service. This is easily done by performing a load test on the battery using a special piece of equipment that is connected to the battery. This equipment applies an electrical load to the battery for 15 seconds at which time the voltage of the battery is measured. A healthy battery’s voltage needs to be at or above 9.7 volts. If the voltage measures below 9.7 volts, the battery is considered unreliable and may fail to start the vehicle at any time.

It is also important to know that a weak battery causes the vehicle charging system to work harder than designed and will result in the alternator failing sooner, which is a much more expensive repair than replacing the battery.

A competent repair/service facility performs the battery check for their customers and advises them to install a new battery before they become stranded somewhere. During the winter, for example, it is important to know that a healthy battery at 80 degrees outside temperature has only half of its output at 0 (zero) degrees, so it is important to check a battery before traveling in any cold climate.

As for the expense, batteries come in all shapes and sizes and quality levels. Generally, the lower the cost of the battery, the shorter the service life. It is important to purchase a battery that matches your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended size and power. There is no “one size fits all”. What is inside the battery, called plates, dictates the quality; the size and number of plates in a battery determine how many amps it can deliver, as well as its service life, its warranty and its price.

Lastly, the battery needs to be installed correctly. The cables that connect the battery to the vehicle must be free of corrosion and connected properly. If the cables are connected to the battery in reverse order, the vehicle’s computers will be damaged.

So, yes, even if your vehicle still starts and runs, the battery could be on its last legs, and a good quality, long-lasting battery will cost more.

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The Dealership Alternative

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Donna McCord

Did you know that you are NOT required to bring your new car back to the dealer for all maintenance and repairs in order to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid? Many people have been told when they purchase their new vehicle that the warranty will be voided if they have maintenance or repairs performed by an independent shop, but this is not true!

It is actually prohibited by Federal Law for a new car dealer to either deny warranty service or even imply that warranty service will be voided if servicing or repairs are not performed at the dealership. The law is the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975, Title 15, Chapter 50, Section 2301-2312. Look it up for yourself! A complete version of the Magnuson Moss Act can be found at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm.
Look under “Tie-In Sales” Provisions. A Google Search on the Magnuson-Moss Act will also bring up many Web sites that explain this Federal Code in less “legal speak”.

Your own car manual even tells you that your vehicle’s maintenance may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual without invalidating the manufacturers’ warranty. Look under Vehicle Maintenance and Care, Maintenance Providers, Where to Go for Service and Replacement Parts, just to name a few areas in the manuals where you will find this confirmed.

For example: under Replacement Parts it says “Warranty coverage is not dependent upon the use of any particular brand of replacement parts.” Or, under Maintenance: “When maintenance and repairs are paid for by you, these services may be performed by you or by any automotive service provider you choose.”

Have you ever wondered how well a vehicle is being serviced at a facility whose primary purpose is to sell you a new car every 3 – 5 years? You may prefer a service provider that wants to develop a long-term relationship with you and help your vehicle stay healthy for 10 years or more.

The next time you are told that a new car has to be serviced at the dealer or the warranty will be void, mention the Magnuson-Moss Act (1975), and say “It just isn’t so!”

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MAKE GOOD DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR CAR’S CARE: YOUR CAR WILL LOVE YOU!

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Donna McCord

There are exceptions of course, but most women (and some men, too) are not comfortable making decisions on their own when it comes to keeping their automobiles healthy and reliable. Most of us rely on either our fathers, our husbands, or some other male we trust in our lives for help with our cars. And most of us honestly prefer to not take responsibility for that big hunk of complicated metal we drive,  beyond maybe keeping it clean and fed!

It all comes down to what we know and what we don’t know. If you want to feel more confident and in control concerning the care and maintenance of your car, (short of taking courses to become an auto tech!), you simply need to choose an auto repair/service shop that will be the right fit for you and your vehicle.

The following checklist is a way to determine whether a shop is indeed a quality shop that will provide you with a stress-free, trustworthy, and pleasant experience. Remember, never be afraid to ask a shop these questions:

1. Are your technicians ASE-certified, and are their certificates current?
2. Is there an ongoing training program in place for all your technicians and service advisors?
3. Do you have experienced diagnosticians using the latest diagnostic equipment?
4. Do you provide at least a 12,000 mile/12 month warranty on parts and labor?
5. Are you properly insured to cover possible vehicle damage that may occur while in the shop?
6. Are you certified/approved by AAA and is that status current? (Note: if so, the shop will have answered Yes to the previous 5 questions, plus you will know that they have a satisfied customer base – all prerequisites for being AAA approved.)
7. Do you offer secure “early drop-off” or “late pick-up” for your customer vehicles?
8. Do you provide free shuttle service within a reasonable distance from your shop?
9. Do you provide assistance with rental car service if needed?
10. Do you keep your customers informed regarding future vehicle maintenance needs?

Either before or after asking the above questions, you will want to visit the shop and note if they have a clean garage and a clean, comfortable waiting area. A good shop will encourage you to visit and get to know them before making your first appointment. Most important, how are you treated by the service advisor? Is he or she friendly, helpful, and thankful for your business? Are all your questions welcomed and answered? Are all the services being recommended for your car explained to you fully and using language you can understand?

By making the effort to qualify who works on your car, you will enjoy peace of mind, improve the relationship between you and your vehicle, and save money in the long term by avoiding unexpected, sometimes catastrophic, and always expensive, repairs.

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Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive, Inc.
2037 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-961-0302
www.deansautomotive.com

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CHANGES YOUR CAR CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Donna McCord

You know that the engine oil in your vehicle needs to be changed regularly. But did you know that there are other fluids that need to be checked and changed at regular intervals? These other fluids are in your cooling system, power steering system, automatic transmission, and brake system. They are all products which go through temperature changes, have additive packages in them, and are petroleum-based just like your engine oil. Each fluid requires attention:

1. Your engine coolant turns acidic as it ages. When this happens, it will cause damage to the engine and cooling system components. Coolant in good condition will be within the neutral range of the pH scale. A thorough service center will check coolant pH and recommend coolant changes when needed BEFORE damage occurs.

2. Brake system fluid collects both moisture from the environment and wear metal from the brake system itself. These contaminants cause damage and premature wear to the brake system components, so the fluid contaminate level should be checked at service intervals and changed as needed. Modern day vehicles can have brake system components costing as much as $3,000 to replace, so changing the fluid can save big money in repairs!

3. Your power steering system fluid breaks down over a period of time and picks up wear particles from the system hoses. Worn out fluid causes premature wear in the system’s pump and steering rack. The hose debris will block the system’s small passageways. Changing this fluid when needed can also save thousands of dollars in repair costs.

4. Automatic transmission fluid works especially hard in doing its job of connecting the engine to the drive train. It both lubricates and serves as a coupling agent in the transmission, and goes through a wide range of temperature changes every time the vehicle is driven. When this fluid breaks down, the result is premature wear of components inside the transmission. Transmission replacement or rebuilding can cost $3,000 and more, so change that fluid!

All the above fluids require monitoring and changing, and replacement must be done in its entirety. What is known as a “drain and refill” only replaces, on average, about 20% of the old fluid, as the fluid is present throughout the vehicle systems, not just in the fluid receptacle. Special equipment is needed to insure a 100% fluid change, so don’t hesitate to ask if your service center has invested in such equipment and will perform the correct service for you.

Your vehicle’s fluids are its lifeblood. Prolong your vehicle’s life and help avoid big repair bills by keeping those fluids healthy.

Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive, Inc.
2037 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-961-0302
www.deansautomotive.com

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WHAT TO DO WITH THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT?

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Donna McCord

What is your first reaction when you see that Check Engine warning light appear on your dashboard? I have found that some panic, some question it, and others ignore it.  Overall, I find that there is a lot of confusion about what a check engine light means, and unfortunately the automotive repair industry is mainly to blame.  The consumer sees such a discrepancy in how the industry communicates with the public, that confusion is inevitable. Some places advertise they will diagnose your check engine light for FREE, while others ask for a substantial fee.  What accounts for these differences, and what should you expect to have happen with a check engine light repair/service? Continue reading →

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SAVE MONEY BY KEEPING YOUR CAR HEALTHY

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Donna McCord

For many of us today, the economic climate is prohibitive to buying a new car. Keeping the car you have healthy, reliable, and fun to drive is not difficult. It just means spending a little time getting to know your car better and following a simple maintenance program. Continue reading →

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WHY YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TIRES

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Donna McCord

Have you checked your tire pressures recently? Do you know the birth date of your tires? When did you last run your hand over the tire’s surface and look for cracks or uneven wear? Have you checked to see if the treads are a healthy distance above the wear bars?

If you have answered no to any of these questions, you are neglecting one of the most important friends you have! Without your tires, your car won’t go anywhere! And if your tires are not treated well, you may end up with a problem on your hands that could result in serious injury, even death.

Here’s why: Continue reading →

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