We Offer AAA Battery Service

Nothing like posting "old news" to the blog, but for those of you that didn't already know, we offer AAA battery service.

Didn't know AAA tested and sold batteries? They actually offer a top of the line battery with a excellent warranty.
                                         

We try to make life as easy for you as possible. Just give us a call at 405-626-0910 and one of our technicians will come to your location (home, work, pretty much anywhere). The process starts with a battery test, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If your battery fails, our technician would be more than happy to swap it out for a good battery - that he already has on his truck - as quickly as possible for you.

AAA batteries come with a fantastic warranty and they are a quality battery. We use them in all of our vehicles - both personal and business.

So, next time you try to start your car and it just won't crank, call us! We'll come help get you going again. 405-626-0910

Preparing for Fall & Winter

As summer comes to an end, I think it's important to go over our cars and make sure they are cleaned out, cleaned up, tuned up, and prepared for the change in weather. I recommend getting your battery, alternator, and started tested if they are 3+ years old. If you are a AAA member, you can request battery service and they will send someone to your location to test your battery, alternator, and starter.

Your local mechanic should have the resources to test your alternator, starter, and battery as well. Often times part stores offer these services, as well.

I also highly recommend a tune up - make sure your plugs and wires (or coil packs) are all in good repair. Make sure your radiator, water pump, and hoses are all in good condition. Check your antifreeze levels - make sure your system is filled with a good quality antifreeze, and at the correct dilution so your "water" doesn't freeze.

Replace your cabin air filter and check that your heater turns on and blows warm air. It might not be cool enough just yet for the heater to be on, but the morning you need it, you want to know it's ready to go.

Whenever going over your vehicle I recommend checking your oil, changing it if it's time, and checking the tire pressure in all 4 tires. Double check that your spare is holding air and at the right pressure too - a flat spare doesn't help anyone!

Last but not least, pick up an auto safety kit. Find an out of the way spot to stick it and have the peace of mind of knowing you have a few first aid supplies and your own jumper cables. Here's a kit I recommend:

AAA 76-Piece Excursion Road Kit

Happy Trails!

Fall Car Care

Fall, pumpkin spice treats and cooler temperatures are just around the corner. (Can you hear me fan-girling right now?) With the cooler temps comes time to do some fall maintenance for your vehicle to keep it running smooth. Here are 3 tips to help you prepare for the coming fall and winter seasons.

1. Check the air pressure in each of your tires and even your spare. As a roadside service and towing company, we run into motorists with flats all of the time. Some flat tires are unavoidable, but some can be prevented by checking your tire pressure regularly. There is no worse feeling when your stranded than to have someone come change your flat tire than when they get the spare down and it's flat too. No one thinks about their spare very often - it's hidden out of sight, and unless you get a flat, you don't need it. But just because you haven't had a flat since 1982 doesn't mean it couldn't happen today, tomorrow, or next week. When was the last time you checked on your spare tire?

2. Change your cabin air filter. Not all vehicles have a cabin air filter, but if yours does, changing it will improve the air quality inside your vehicle. As you prepare to switch from the air conditioner to the heater, now is a great time to make sure you have a fresh cabin air filter for the coming months.

3. Replace your windshield wipers and switch your windshield washer fluid to the low temp type. Your standard blue windshield washer fluid freezes at roughly the same temperature as water. If you get the low temp type, you'll be able to wash your windshield on even the really cold mornings that are on the way.

A few simple steps today can save you from a headache and costly bill tomorrow.

Be safe and remember to slow down, move over for all vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Extend the Life of Your Vehicle with Preventative Maintenance

A little vehicle maintenance can go a long way - things such as belts, hoses, and fluids should be changed at regular intervals to ensure a long life for your car. If you are hiring someone to do basic maintenance for you, make sure they have a good reputation and the right equipment.

Some cars and trucks require special tools for things as simple as changing a serpentine belt. Without the right equipment, damage can be done to your vehicle. Be sure to refer to your owner's manual for specific information about the year, make and model of your vehicle.

Many times, people don't think about belts, but belts can cause a world of trouble. When I was a bit younger, and paid a bit less attention to my car, I neglected a serpentine belt. I ignored the telltale squeal, and even the slightly stranger sound that followed. (Something similar to grinding, but a faint grinding. In fact, it sounded almost like paper caught on the inside of a fan, being vibrated by the spinning blades.) I just let it go, and let it go, and let it go. When the belt failed, it ruined my plans for the holiday, and left me stuck on the side of the road.

Take it from me, that's not the place to be! It doesn't take long to change a belt - whether you do it yourself or take it in somewhere. And it is totally worth the investment. Most belts should be changed every 50,000 miles. And after shredding one while driving down the road, I keep a written maintenance log in my vehicle. I write down the date and mileage of each service, and then also when the next service is due.

By keeping up with the recommended belt changes, I have prevented another side of the road meltdown...Thank God!

Check Your Tire Pressure

Did you know that your tire pressure affects your gas mileage? If you didn't, I'm telling you now, it does! It is very important to properly maintain our vehicles. Tire pressure may seem like a small thing, but maintaining the correct tire pressure will prevent uneven wear to your tires, maximize your gas mileage and prevent low-pressure (or high-pressure) blow-outs.

It's easy to check your tire pressure. You only need a tire gauge to do the checking (they usually only cost a couple dollars at the auto parts store, or in the auto section of department stores). Now, if you find your tire is a little low, then you'll need access to an air compressor. Many gas stations offer free air, or air for a quarter or two. On the side wall of your tire, you can read the ideal tire pressure for your tire.

Once you locate the recommended tire pressure (mine is 44psi) then you can check the tire. Remove the valve stem cap (you know, the little-bitty-easy-to-lose cap?) and fit your tire gauge onto the valve stem. If you're pressure reads lower than recommended, then you know it's time to add air. If it reads high, you may need to let a little out.

In case you're wondering, I did have a tire shop overfill my tires once, so I usually check my tires within a day or two of going to have my tires rotated and balanced.

Oh, one last thing! The optimal time for checking your the air pressure in your tires is in the morning when it's a little cool, and before you've driven your car. The recommended psi is based on the "cool" temperature side of things.

What automotive care and maintenance topic would you like to know more about?