 |
|
 |
Did you know?Today’s cars have as much or more computing power as the first Apollo lunar capsule. (Source: American Automobile Manufacturing Association) In 1990, just 18 % of the functions in a typical Ford automobile were computer controlled. (Source: U.S. Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, The Wall Street Journal, Feb.2, 1994) Today’s qualified automotive technicians must be able to interpret 465,000 pages of service manuals to be able to repair any automobile on the road. This is the equivalent of 250 large city phone books. Too many keys?We see it all the time: Too many keys, remotes, key tags or toys on a single key ring. Weeks later we get a phone call that the car won’t start. After paying to have it towed to the shop, we push the car into the shop to do some tests and find that the problem is a worn out ignition switch. Why? The weight of all those keys, toys, etc. adds up and puts extra stress on the ignition switch. Our advice: save some money on the tow bill, testing, and repair of that ignition switch by taking a look at your key ring. Want Nitrogen?Is it time for a tire rotation and balance?If so, call us for an appointment today:(616) 846-3480 Maintenance, Maintenance, MaintenanceVehicle Maintenance Check ListWrite in your mileage and date of service when performed: Oil and filter change, Brake inspection and adjust _______________ 15,000 miles or 1 / year Tire rotation and balancing ________________ 6,000 or 2 /year Wiper blades ___________________________ Once a year Wheel alignment ________________________ Once a year Coolant/radiator flush ____________________ 2 yrs regular / 4 yrs long life Transmission fluid service _________________ 30,000 miles / 3 years Engine filters - fuel, air, Engine performance Brake fluid service _______________________ 60,000 miles / 5 years Timing belt service _______________________ 60,000 miles / 5 years Accessory belts _________________________ 60,000 miles / 5 years Thermostat _____________________________ 60,000 miles / 5 years Fuel injection service _____________________ 60,000 miles / 5 years Battery_________________________________ 5 years Our recommendations are based on experience to obtain maximum life of your vehicle and may vary from manufacturers' recommendations. [Where both miles and months / years are listed, consider whichever one comes first.] Schedule your next service Call 616-846-3480 for our Spring Lake Center or 616-847-2790 for our Grand Haven Service Center. Questions & AnswersQuestion: With improved technology does your oil still need to be changed every 3,000 miles? My owner’s manual says every 7,500 miles. Answer: Your owner’s manual may say 7,500 miles under “normal” driving conditions and more often if conditions are “severe”. Severe is defined as:
Most of us fall under “severe” or the "more often" category. Which brings us back to the old 3,000 mile mark. 9 out of 10 mechanics surveyed say more is better. You say 2 more oil changes a year at a cost of $28.00 each? What does it cost for a new engine? Or, how much can you save by getting another year or two out of your car with no car payments. Remember the car manufacturers want you to buy a new vehicle! Question: I am taking a road trip with my family. Is there some kind of repair schedule that I should ask my mechanic to perform before I hit the road? Answer: “YES, a pre-trip inspection is important! When are you leaving?” You would be surprised at how often I here “Tomorrow.” PLEASE allow 2 weeks before your trip for this inspection. If your mechanic finds problems and makes repairs on your vehicle, you will want a week or so to test the fixes before you hit the road. Give yourself enough time to feel confident that the repairs made will not be an issue as soon as you get outside your city limits. Do you have a question about auto service, maintenance or repair? Drop us a note or call 616-846-3480 and you might see it in our newsletter. |
Car Care Tips |