When was the last time your car had a tune-up? Regular tune-ups are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s optimal performance and longevity. Understanding Tune-Up Procedures A tune-up involves a comprehensive maintenance procedure focused on examining all components related to the combustion system in your car. During this process, skilled mechanics meticulously inspect every aspect of your engine. Any worn or faulty parts are identified and replaced as necessary, ensuring your vehicle continues to operate smoothly. What to Expect During a Tune-Up At Ken Scales Automotive, our tune-up servi ..read more

Winter conditions can severely affect vehicles, presenting several challenges for drivers. Here’s what you should be vigilant about during the chilly season. Diminished Battery Performance The cold can significantly reduce your vehicle’s battery efficiency. Starting your car might require more effort on frosty days, as the battery operates at only 40%-75% of its usual capacity under freezing temperatures. Electric and hybrid vehicles might also experience slower charging during winter. The frigid temperatures deplete battery power, reducing overall performance. Frozen Components and Fluids Var ..read more

Ken Scales Automotive has been a trusted name in Southern Oregon for over three decades, providing top-tier auto repair, maintenance, and engine services. With a team of factory-trained ASE-certified technicians and cutting-edge equipment, we take pride in delivering reliable and honest advice and dependable services to keep your vehicle operating at its best. Our Commitment to Quality: At Ken Scales Automotive, we are dedicated to exceptional customer service and the highest level of workmanship. This commitment has earned us an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau®, reflecting our d ..read more

You may have visited an auto repair shop and asked what could be done about your vehicle. A technician will check everything from your tires and engine to the carburetor, the latter of which many don’t realize is an essential component of your vehicle’s functionality. We’d like to discuss what exactly a carburetor does and why you should have yours checked every once in a while. The Main Role Carburetors are tubes that allow air and fuel to enter your car’s engine through valves, which mix the two substances for various tasks. In other words, it saturates air with fuel, allowing your fuel to b ..read more

As the seasons change, you’ll likely be adjusting your car’s air conditioning on the way to school, work, or gathering. To avoid having a cold drive to wherever you’re going, be sure to check your car’s heater for any issues. There are four main reasons your car’s heater may be faulty, so be sure to keep these in mind. 1. Broken Thermostat Thermostats have changed how we warm or cool ourselves off, including in the car. If your thermostat can’t accurately adjust to your needs or is shut down entirely, you’ll need to visit an automotive shop to repair or replace it. 2. Poor Wiring Your vehicle ..read more

If the weather is terrible, it may seem like the best idea is to wait until it is sunnier and warmer to wash your car — which can sometimes take ages. The truth is, however, that sometimes a rainy day can be an excellent time to wash your car. There are pros and cons to this approach. Pros When you wash your car in the rain, you benefit from abundant water to assist you in this job. Rain can: Function as a pre-rinse, helping you eliminate some of the more immediate dirt and grime before you get started on the soap. This is helpful because rainwater is soft water without minerals, so it will b ..read more

In Oregon, rain is something you expect to see very often. Driving in this bad weather, however, can be difficult. Many obstacles don’t exist on a normal day, from slick roads to lower visibility; following these bad-weather driving tips to minimize the risk of accidents and damage. Drive Slowly You may rush to get home after a long work day, but you’ll be happier if you get home without an accident. Drive slowly and be safe, especially if you’re in an older car that also doesn’t handle wet roads. Leave Space In bad weather, it’s harder to stop the car. To avoid hitting the car in front of you ..read more

It’s important to keep your car running smoothly; regularly changing your oil is part of this process. However, some Medford drivers are unsure when it’s time for an oil change. If you’re unsure when to change your oil, here are a few signs to watch out for. You’ve Driven 3,000 Miles Whether you drive frequently or rarely, it’s important to know how long your car can go before heading to the shop for an oil change. Most automobile shops suggest getting an oil change every 3,000 miles driven. However, some newer vehicles may be able to tolerate 5,000 miles before it’s time to change the oil. Yo ..read more

Activating the check engine light (CEL) on your dashboard is a clear sign of a problem, although the specific issue may not always be immediately apparent. While newer car models might provide a summary or error code to help identify the problem, owners of older cars often have to rely on a professional diagnosis. Modern vehicles are equipped with various warning indicators to alert drivers to potential issues, whether they’re related to the engine, transmission, or another system. The check engine light is perhaps the most well-known of these indicators, signaling a range of possible problem ..read more

Winter conditions can severely affect vehicles, presenting several challenges for drivers. Here’s what you should be vigilant about during the chilly season. Diminished Battery Performance The cold can significantly reduce your vehicle’s battery efficiency. Starting your car might require more effort on frosty days, as the battery operates at only 40%-75% of its usual capacity under freezing temperatures. Electric and hybrid vehicles might also experience slower charging during winter. The frigid temperatures deplete battery power, reducing overall performance. Frozen Components and Fluids Var ..read more