In order to ignite fuel and turn the motor over, gas-powered vehicles are reliant upon an effective ignition system. If the ignition process doesn’t go smoothly or isn’t functioning properly, your vehicle won’t be able to operate correctly and may fail its next emission test. The vast majority of modern ignition systems are comprised of spark plugs/cables, a distributor and supporting components. More often than not, your spark plugs will need to be the first component in your ignition system that will need to be replaced. As they get older, spark plugs tend to collect deposits that impede the ..read more

Preventative maintenance is important for keeping your vehicle safely on the road, but just as important is safe driving practices! This includes avoiding driving distractions, which can seem minor but have major consequences… Every day, about 100 people die in car crashes, and 90% of all crashes are caused by driver error. Being less than totally focused on driving when you’re behind the wheel is dangerous to your vehicle and everyone on board… So put down that tube of lipstick and lock up your cell phone! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top 10 distraction ..read more

When tire rotation is performed regularly, their lifespans can be extended by up to 20 percent. Not only will this save you money on replacement tires but rotating your tires also cuts down on your gas money. For uniform tire wear, it is suggested that a vehicle’s tires are rotated every 6,000 miles as part of your vehicle’s preventative maintenance schedule. There are many factors that can cause wear to tires. Weight distribution is one of the biggest factors. On front-wheel drive cars, the stress of steering, braking and the weight from the engine and axle can quickly cause deterioration. In ..read more

In addition to offering drivers no shortage of challenges when it comes to weather-related conditions, the seasons known as FALL and WINTER also make things tough by making general visibility tough by greatly increasing the amount of darkness Guilford County residents are forced to deal with. Once Daylight Savings ends, night seems to come immediately at the end of the workday and the only time you get to see the sun is on weekends. Driving in darkness so often means your headlights become one of your car’s most important tools. In addition to helping you navigate roads, headlights also serve ..read more

While we’re grateful for the warmer weather that the dawn of springtime affords us, March and April also typically contain a fair amount of rainy days that can be hazardous to driving conditions here in Guilford County. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on wet and slippery driving surfaces this spring: Keep Both Hands on the Wheel. While this is always a good idea, it’s especially important when driving conditions are less-than-ideal. In addition to maintaining your own course, you should be more alert and be in “defensive driving” mode while the possibility of contending with erratic ..read more

If you want your car to handle properly then having properly-aligned wheels is of paramount importance. Your vehicle’s suspension system connects the wheels to the body and helps provide a steady ride even along an uneven driving surface. Over time, your suspension will start to bend or warp after you’ve hit enough pot holes, curbs, etc. When this happens – and it will – your wheels will be misaligned which can cause your car to veer in a given direction which is obviously dangerous for you and your passengers. Wheel alignment procedures will fix the shape of your suspension and ensure that yo ..read more

Your vehicle’s braking system is a complex assortment of sophisticated components and elements all working together to ensure you can stop when you need to and stay safely on the road. For this important system to work properly, it requires each and every one of its parts to be working in sync and running smoothly – a feat which is dependent upon your brake fluid being healthy and being able to perform its job. Braking systems are hydraulic, meaning that they’re reliant upon liquids moving in a confined space under pressure to operate. Your brake fluid is ultimately what is responsible for you ..read more

In terms of vehicle safety, the importance of having dependable tires cannot be overstated. While that statement may seem obvious, many drivers are guilty of neglecting their tires and not performing regular tire maintenance performed. Neglecting your tires can lead to long-term damage for several of your vehicles components, including the suspension and axel among others. Some tips on how to keep your tires in good shape can be found below: Proper Inflation. Having too much air in your tires can cause them to bulge which will lead to the sides wearing out quickly. Conversely, not having enoug ..read more

Sometimes it’s obvious when you need auto repair services. You’re driving down the highway and your vehicle’s engine sputters and stalls. Or you’re out doing your grocery shopping and you put your key the ignition, only to hear a weird grinding or clicking sound. Yet at other times, you may wonder whether or not you’re overreacting. For example: - The “Check Engine” light blinks on and off but doesn’t stay on steadily. - The “Check Engine” warning comes on and stays on steadily, but your car runs smoothly and sounds fine. - You notice a puddle under the vehicle after it’s been parked for a ..read more

There are several components in the various systems housed within your engine, all of which need to be operating effectively in order to make your motor run and get your vehicle from Point A to Point B. While you’re most likely familiar with the more prominent components in your engine (transmission, etc.), the smaller or less obvious parts that help your vehicle run smoothly also need to be tended to regularly and should be included in your maintenance schedule. One engine component that many drivers are unfamiliar with is the serpentine belt. Typically comprised of rubber and guided by hydra ..read more