Back to School Safety

Posted on by Michael Lazo

Summer is now a distant memory and it is time to get back to school.  With school season underway, you are dealing with more vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on the road.  If you participate in a daily or weekly carpool, you may have several kids dependent on you to get them to and from school.  In this month’s blog, we highlight some important maintenance tasks that should be completed during this season to keep your carpool running, and you, your passengers, and pedestrians safe. Continue reading “Back to School Safety” →

Addressing Shock or Strut Problems

Posted on by Michael Lazo

Is your ride feeling a big rough or bumpy lately?  Do you notice significant squeaking or bouncing when making a turn?  If you are dealing with these issues or other unusual driving sensations, you may have a problem with the shock absorbers (shocks) or struts within your vehicle’s suspension system.  In this month’s blog post, we examine how shocks or struts play a role in your suspension system, and what to look for if there are developing problems. Continue reading “Addressing Shock or Strut Problems” →

The Importance of Wheel Alignments

Posted on by Michael Lazo

If you have not had a wheel alignment lately and you have been doing some rough driving, you might consider adding this inexpensive maintenance item to your periodic service routine.   This important but often overlooked service is critical for keeping your vehicle driving smoother and increasing the longevity of your tire treads.  In this month’s blog post, we cover the common cause for wheel alignment issues, and discuss the importance of keeping them properly aligned. Continue reading “The Importance of Wheel Alignments” →

the belt tensioner

The Belt Tensioner

Posted on by Michael Lazo

Consider this nightmare road scenario:

You are driving along a dark country road late in the evening and a belt suddenly breaks.  Your vehicle is inoperable.  It’s late, and you fumble to find your phone in hopes that you can reach a roadside service for assistance.

Scenarios like this can happen, especially if you ignore important maintenance items like your vehicle belts.  In this month’s blog, we examine the function of your vehicle’s belts, and look at a specific problem you might encounter with a component of the belt system – the belt tensioner. Continue reading “The Belt Tensioner” →

Road Hazards: Potholes

Posted on by Michael Lazo

While springtime is a great time to get out on the open road, driving can be hazardous this time of year for your vehicle because of potholes.  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), “…1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With an average price tag of almost $600 per repair, damage caused by potholes cost drivers a staggering $26.5 billion in 2021 alone (Source:  AAA, March 2022).”  Continue reading “Road Hazards: Potholes” →

Vehicle System Fluid Flushes

Posted on by Michael Lazo

Every driver knows the importance of regular oil checks and replacement.  Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and without it, the engine would cease to operate.  Motor oil lubricates important engine parts, helps to regulate temperature, and works to keep your engine parts clean.

What many drivers may not know is that several of their vehicle’s systems also utilize fluids that share a similar purpose as oil does for the engine.  While these fluids do not require the aggressive maintenance checks as oil, they do need to be serviced at some point in the lifecycle of the vehicle. Continue reading “Vehicle System Fluid Flushes” →

Repair or Replace Your Vehicle?

Posted on by Michael Lazo

With the costs of just about everything on the rise, making major financial decisions requires a greater emphasis on a process of research and practical economics.  This approach is a wise one to apply to deciding whether to repair or replace your vehicle.

A new purchase decision should never be based purely on emotions but should be rooted in facts.  In this month’s blog, we lay out five steps to help you arrive at a decision to repair your vehicle or make an investment in a new or used vehicle purchase. Continue reading “Repair or Replace Your Vehicle?” →

The Modern Tune Up

Posted on by Michael Lazo

In the not-too-distant past, vehicle owners often spoke about giving their vehicle a much needed “tune up”.  The term “tune up” has a different meaning today, but it is still an important maintenance function that should not be overlooked.

In this month’s blog, we examine the modern “tune up”, share its purpose, and what is involved with this service.  If you have not had your vehicle in to get a tune-up, we highly recommend it to increase the longevity and function of your vehicle. Continue reading “The Modern Tune Up” →

Do It Yourself Maintenance Tasks

Posted on by Michael Lazo

An important responsibility of vehicle ownership is making sure that you follow a routine maintenance schedule.  Items such as oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and other miscellaneous inspections to your engine components are vital to the longevity of your vehicle.  Most vehicle owners use a trusted mechanic for this type of ongoing maintenance.  However, there are many small, simple maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own.  And they don’t take very long to complete! Continue reading “Do It Yourself Maintenance Tasks” →

steering wheel

Your Vehicle’s Steering System

Posted on by Michael Lazo

Imagine sitting in your vehicle at a traffic light.  Your engine is idling, and you are preparing to make a left turn. The left turn arrow turns green and as you go to make the left turn, nothing happens.  Your vehicle does not turn even as you forcefully try to steer the vehicle left.

Your vehicle’s steering system is a critical function of driving, and without it you are unable to operate your vehicle.  Steering is a necessity as well as a safety concern. Continue reading “Your Vehicle’s Steering System” →