A person can learn a lot from kids, and it doesn’t always have to do with video games or top 40 music. In fact, it’s more likely to pertain to romance or money. Money was the topic recently at a lunch table when the conversation turned to purchasing a car. “My mom says that used [...]

“Take a look under that hood,” said the salesperson. The customer peered in, gazing at the workings of the vehicle. “They don’t make ‘em like they used to,” sighed the salesperson, “thank goodness.” There’s a lot of truth to that statement. They don’t make ‘em like they used to, and it is a very good [...]

Things You Auto Know

  In extremely cold climates you put pure antifreeze in the cooling system, right? WRONG! Never use more than 70% antifreeze / 30% water     On a cold morning allow your engine to run at idle speed only for a minute or two before starting out. Then drive moderately until it warms up. Warming up [...]

Are engine problems leading you toward the car dealership? READ THIS FIRST. High interest rates, increased insurance premiums and killer sales taxes on a new car quickly can zap your financial resources. The average new car monthly payment exceeds $500 for more than four years. In the case of a used car, unknown defects present [...]

Your mechanic gives you the bad news: your car’s engine is on its last legs. The prognosis, he warns, could be major repairs. Visions of a shiny new car soon are replaced by the pleasant memory of your car payment book burning ceremony. Time to explore other alternatives. Beyond trading in the car for a [...]

  

You May Never Know the Difference, But Then Again . . .

You probably didn’t notice the difference when manufacturers began putting fluoride in your toothpaste or flame retardant in your kids’ pajamas. Still, those were great ideas. Gas-electric hybrid (GEH) cars are another great idea, but chances are you won’t notice the difference between them and a conventional vehicle unless you’re in the driver’s seat or [...]

Brake Requirements? They Don’t Exist!

There are standards today for just about everything in our society.   But, believe it or not, there are no standards when you replace your automobile brakes. Given that the brake system is the most critical element of car safety, it’s hard to imagine that 50 million cars on the road today have brakes with potential [...]

Seeking a New Repair Shop Not As Easy As It May Seem

You have moved to a new town and will have to find a new automotive repair facility. This decision is more important than shopping for an appliance or shoes. It’s closer to choosing a new doctor or banker. What qualifications are you looking for? Rich Davis, Director of the Car Care Council Certified Inspection program [...]

Checklist Helps Ensure Troublefree Vacation

Ask any tow truck operator along an Interstate highway or in a resort area and he’ll agree, “Year after year, car trouble forces vacationers back home ahead of schedule with their carefully prepared budgets blown sky high.” Car trouble usually means more than just a repair bill, reminds the Car Care Council. It can involve [...]