Cheap natural gas is leading us to reexamine how America’s fleet is fueled.
Motor Age — It seems like we’ve been here before. Natural gas is coming back into focus as a transportation fuel in North America, despite a false start from 20 years ago. There were numerous reasons for it’s initial failure, including a lack of fueling infrastructure and less-than-durable natural gas engine technology. While natural gas vehicles (NGVs) have advantages over liquid-fueled vehicles, their disadvantages are not insignificant. So what is different now, and are we witnessing the beginning of a long-term trend?
Worldwide, there are 14.8 million NGVs in operation, but only 112,000 of those travel on American roads. Natural gas is used extensively for heating and power generation in the U.S., but only one-tenth of 1 percent is currently used for transportation. It would seem that NGVs are almost starting from zero in the United States, but the numbers are currently increasing and are projected to continue upwards.
Probably the major driver in the NGVs’ recent growth curve is the price difference between gasoline and natural gas. According the federal Department of Energy Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Report (July 2012), the national average price for a gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) of compressed natural gas (CNG) is $2.05. This is quite attractive when compared to an average price of $3.52 for a gallon of gasoline, or $3.75 for a gallon of diesel. With the potential for significant fuel cost savings, fleet managers and consumers alike are taking a closer look at natural gas as a transportation fuel.
Advantages of Natural Gas
Natural gas is a fossil fuel, often produced simultaneously with crude oil. However, it is also common for natural gas to be produced by itself as “dry gas.” Natural gas is comprised mostly of methane (CH4), which is the simplest and lightest hydrocarbon. Natural gas has varying amounts of methane, but will also contain small amounts of ethane, propane, and butane along with numerous other gases. The rule of thumb is that there should be a minimum of 90 percent methane in the natural gas for it to be considered a high quality vehicle fuel.
Click here to read the complete article at Motor Age.
Source: Motor Age

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My friend is (technically) right about some things, but from a practical standpoint, a seasonal check up still makes sense.

Back when my dad was teaching me about how to take care of the family suv, most cars used a different weight of oil in the winter and in the summer. But most of today’s modern engines run the same oil year round. High-tech engines and high-tech motor oils are better able to handle the seasonal changes.

Your owner’s manual or FRAMINGHAM service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE can tell you the right oil to use.

Of course, you’re concerned about the coolant or antifreeze. You don’t want to overheat in the MA summer or freeze up in the winter. Your engine cooling system protects against both of these things. And modern coolant, or as it’s sometimes called; ‘antifreeze’, is up to doing both very well. It’s designed to last for more miles than most people drive in a year or two.

So how does a Spring and Fall check-up fit in? Let’s start with Spring. Summer is coming. That means heat, more miles driven and road trips. It just makes sense to check your fluid levels and do a visual inspection to see that everything is up to snuff.

You may not be scheduled to drain and replace the coolant for some time, but you need to make sure you have enough coolant, and that you don’t have any leaks or hoses that are about to fail.

That’s pretty practical; a check-up to see if there are any problems or emerging conditions that could later become a problem, like a cracked belt.

And the same principle applies for getting ready for winter. Cold weather means lots of failed batteries. It takes more power to crank up a cold engine, and cold also decreases the available cranking power the battery has available.

So a battery test in the Fall could tell you if you’ve got a battery that is running on its last legs. And of course, if you live where winter temperatures get below 45 degrees or you have ice and snow, you’ll want to consider changing to winter tires.

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Everyone in FRAMINGHAM MA eventually replaces their tires, whether it’s because they’re worn out or they’re just looking for something different. There are so many great tire choices in FRAMINGHAM MA, it can be difficult to sort them out. Let’s group the broad spectrum into several categories that will help in the selection process.

One category is often referred to as “summer tires”. Summer tires are designed to be driven on the road when temperatures are generally above 45 degrees. Their tread design is optimized for traction on dry roads in FRAMINGHAM MA and they’re also able to effectively displace water on rainy roads.

Now the rubber compound gets a little hard and stiff as temperatures drop below 45 degrees as it occasionally does here in FRAMINGHAM MA. And the tread which handles dry roads so well, can get packed with snow or mud – which provides very little traction in those conditions.

So if you live where its summer all year round, these tires will work well for you. If you like maximum performance in warm weather, but still live where it gets cold and snowy, you’ll want to change your summer tires for winter tires as the weather starts to change.

Summer tires can be purchased with an emphasis on handling performance, smooth ride or long life. Your FRAMINGHAM MA tire professional at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE can help you find the right tire for the way you drive.

As you can imagine, winter tires are designed to work very well in snow and ice. Their tread is designed with many channels and grooves that throw the snow out of the tread as the wheel turns. This means the tire is always be able to bite into the snow.

The rubber compound used in winter tires is specially formulated to be flexible at temperatures below 45 degrees. This maximizes cold weather traction. When it gets warmer, the softer rubber will wear faster on warm dry pavement than summer tires, so change them out once the weather has turned.

There’s a range of tires within the winter tire category. If you live where there’s a lot of snow and ice, look for the mountain and snowflake icon that signifies a severe snow rating. If you have milder winters and still want a performance component, they make a winter tire for you as well.

For many people, an all-season tire is the answer. You will give up some of the performance at the extreme ends of the summer tire/ winter tire spectrum, but you will find a long wearing tire that gives both good highway performance and winter traction on our FRAMINGHAM MA roads.

Within the all-season category, there are many choices that you tire advisor can help you evaluate.

ABSOLUTE CAR CARE
91A GRANT ST
FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
508-820-9323

Outside of these three main categories, some people in FRAMINGHAM with trucks and SUVs like a tire that is designed for both on-highway and off-highway use. They can handle the rocks and bumps off-road, but still work well on the street. Again, many options depending on the relative emphasis on on-road verses off-road.

You may want new wheels to go with your new tires – well, there are hundreds and hundreds of styles to choose from. That’s a matter of personal taste. If you want to change the size of your wheels and tires, do get some professional help.

The computers on your vehicle are programmed to the size of wheel and tire combination that comes from the factory. Tire size affects various computer controlled functions like anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls, speedometer and odometer. Of course, you want these systems to work properly. The computers can be re-programmed for different tire sizes.

And if you want to increase the size of your wheels and tires, you’ll want so help to make sure they’ll fit in the wheel wells of your vehicle without rubbing during turns or over bumps.

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Ever heard the sad tale of a staggering repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let’s take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt.

First, let’s review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine, over the cylinders is called the cylinder head. The head contains the valves. There’s at least one valve that lets the fresh air into the cylinder. This air, mixed with fuel, burns to create power. Then another valve or two open to allow the exhaust out of the engine. Each cylinder has 2 to 4 valves – that’s 12 to 24 valves for a V-6, up to 32 values on a V-8. The opening and closing of the valves is done by a camshaft. The timing belt uses the rotation of the engine to drive the camshaft which opens and close the valves. It’s called a timing belt because it has to be adjusted to rotate the camshaft to keep proper time with the engine so that everything’s in sync.

The timing belt is a toothed rubber belt . But some cars use a timing chain or timing gears instead of a belt. Timing chains and gears are much more durable, but manufacturers are using belts more because they are quieter – and cheaper. If you have a small or mid-sized passenger car, crossover or mini-van, chances are you have a timing belt.

Unfortunately, timing belts fail without any warning. That shuts you down right away. A technician can inspect your timing belt and look for cracks and looseness. But getting to the belt to take a look can be almost as much work as changing it on some cars. That’s why manufacturers recommend replacing the belt from time to time. For most vehicles it’s from 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 95,000 to a 145,000 kilometers. If your owners’ manual doesn’t specify an interval ask your service advisor.

One AutoNetTV producer has had two timing belts fail. The first was while he was waiting at a stop light – that repair cost several thousand dollars. The second was while driving on the highway – that one cost more than twice as much. Both had the cars out in the shop for three weeks. His cars had what we call “interference engines”, meaning that the valves and pistons are very close to each other. If the timing belt slips even one notch, the pistons will slam into the open valves. That’s why our friend’s highway failure was so much more expensive – his engine was traveling so fast that the valves were smashed and they chewed up the cylinder head.

A non-interference engine will just shut down if the timing belt breaks. You’re stranded, but the engine doesn’t suffer permanent damage. In both cases, our hapless friend was just a couple oil changes past the recommended interval for changing the timing belt. This is one of those things that you just cannot put off. Now replacing a timing belt is not cheap – but repairs for a broken belt can be many times as much.

Check your owners’ manual right away – especially if you have more than a 60,000 miles or 95,000 kilometers. You may need to get that belt replaced right away. And on many cars, the timing belt drives the water pump. So, it may be a good idea to replace the water pump while you’re at it because 90% of the work required for the new pump is already done with the belt change. Doing both at the same time saves you a lot of money because as they say, “timing’s everything”. Parts, Timing Belt

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ABSOLUTE CAR CARE
91A GRANT ST
FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
508-820-9323

Most of our suv in FRAMINGHAM have fuel injectors, rather than a carburetor. Fuel injection systems have fewer problems and require less adjustment. But they still need to be properly maintained. This is why your owner’s manual has a schedule for cleaning your fuel injectors and other parts of your fuel system.

Some people are interested in buying fuel system cleaners that you can pour into your gas tank. You can do that – and there are lots of great products available that can help maintain an already clean fuel system – but these products cannot do a major cleaning. For that, you need to see your service center at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE. ABSOLUTE CAR CARE has the professional tools and chemicals to really do a complete service.

Your service center at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE in FRAMINGHAM MA uses a process that gives your car a deep, professional fuel system cleaning. You need to remove particles, gum and varnish from your fuel system and get those injectors running cleanly and efficiently. After a professional fuel system cleaning, you’ll notice more power, better fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

The cleaners also help prevent rust and corrosion in your fuel system and lubricate vital engine parts.

Fuel system cleaning is just one of those recommended service items that helps keep your vehicle running strong. As with all maintenance, it can help avoid costly repairs that often result from not taking the right preventive steps. And you will notice the difference in how well your car runs. Check with your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE in FRAMINGHAM MA to see when your car is scheduled for a fuel system cleaning.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

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When it comes to their vehicles, some Boston people don’t have a maintenance mindset. They know they need to take care of their cars, but it just seems really hard to get them to remember to do it. Boston drivers generally accept that many things in life require regular maintenance, but just may have not applied it to their suvs.

For example: the lawn. You water it and mow it every week. And weed the flower beds and rake the leaves.  There are other things that Boston people are good about maintaining. Going to the dentist twice a year. Clothes to the dry cleaner. Flu shots. Taking the kids to your Boston doctor for a checkup before school starts.

So Boston people really are maintenance minded. They just have to learn to apply that mindset to cars. I mean, if you never brush your teeth or go to the dentist, you’ll become painfully aware of your neglect when you get a big cavity. Once the damage is done, we learn our lesson and start to take better care of things.

Unfortunately, Boston suv owners too often learn the hard automotive lesson when they bring their vehicle to ABSOLUTE CAR CARE on a tow truck. So many times a little routine maintenance would have prevented a breakdown.

So how can Boston drivers get into the habit of taking care of their suv? It’s so easy to forget. If you skip cutting the grass, you see it every time you pull in the driveway.

Here’s something that will help: The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change. Think about it – when you go in for a full-service oil change, your ABSOLUTE CAR CARE tech will check all your fluids. If one of them is low, he can look for the reason why. If your serpentine belt is cracked, he’ll see it and let you know. Corroded battery cable – they’ve got you covered. And at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE, we check to see if your suv manufacturer has recommended any services at your current mileage.

The oil change becomes kind of a focal point, a way to check in to see what needs to be done. The fact is that vehicle inspection surveys consistently reveal that over 80% of vehicles have one or more unperformed repair or maintenance service. Vehicles are generally very reliable and can take a lot of abuse and neglect. But, you’ve got to remember that suvs are complicated machines. There are parts and fluids that are critical to their function. Without them, the suv won’t run at all.

So when you come in to ABSOLUTE CAR CARE for an oil change, you get a visual inspection from your friendly service advisor and a reminder for recommended services so you can avoid a total failure. And remember that your ABSOLUTE CAR CARE service advisor can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe, and avoid expensive breakdowns.

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A clean fuel system saves money at the pump. We guess you could say, it all starts and ends at the pump. One of the most important things you can do to keep your fuel system clean is to buy good quality gas. Major brands have detergents that keep gum and varnish from rapidly building up in the fuel system.

So buying cheaper gas can actually cost you in the long run. Now, most cars on the road are more than five or six years old. That means they’ve had time for some dirt and rust to start accumulating in the fuel tank. This junk needs to be filtered out of the fuel before it hits your engine. That’s the fuel filter’s job.

When the fuel filter is clogged, the dirty fuel will bypass the filter and go on up to the engine where it can clog fuel injectors and get into the cylinders. That could do some damage. So you should have your fuel filter changed when recommended. Check your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor if your fuel filter is due for replacement.

The fuel then goes up into the throttle body. This is another area where varnish and gum can accumulate. A professional fuel system cleaning will use a combination of special cleaning chemicals and old fashioned swabbing to clean out the throttle body. Now, the fuel injectors are the last stop in the fuel delivery system.

It’s real important to keep those fuel injectors clean. The fuel injectors need to deliver a precise amount of fuel, at exactly the right time, in a particular spray pattern. They just can’t do that if they’re dirty. Dirty fuel injectors really rob power and waste fuel.

It is important for the fuel system proper, but there are a couple other things that will help keep your engine clean as well. Of course, air is mixed with the fuel before it’s burned. Dirty air means dirt gets into your engine, so you need to replace your engine air filter when it’s dirty.

The PCV value routes unburned fuel that escapes into the lower engine back up into the intake system to be burned. A sticky PCV valve needs to be replaced to make sure that system is working properly and the breather filter needs to be replaced if it’s dirty as well.

Do all these things and your engine’s air and fuel will be as clean as possible. You’ll get much better fuel economy and better power

.

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Even now, 2/3 of the personal vehicles on our local FRAMINGHAM, MA roads have over 75,000 miles on them. The average age of vehicles is over nine years. And most people in Boston can’t afford to be stranded or inconvenienced by a break down. So following a regular maintenance schedule, like our personal diet and exercise plans, is actually critical to preserving your investment.

Knowing what to do for a higher-mileage vehicle can be challenging because many owners’ manuals don’t publish service intervals after 60,000 miles. It just means that you need to be better at keeping records and planning your preventive maintenance.

You can start by figuring that services with a recommended interval should still be performed on that interval, even after you’re past the tables in your service manual. For example, a service might be recommended every 15,000 miles. Well, just keep doing it every 15,000 miles for as long as you have your car.

Now higher mileage engines operate under more stress. Some experts suggest that the severe service schedule is more appropriate and that routine service should be performed at shorter intervals. Check with your owners’ manual or service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE to see if the severe service schedule is right for your vehicle.

And keeping up with your full-service oil change schedule is important for a couple of reasons. First, older engines have had more time to build up oil sludge. Skipping an oil change here and there can really compound the problem for your suv.

The second benefit is that your other fluids are routinely checked and topped off. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid can be kept at optimal levels even though the older seals and gaskets are leaking more than when they were new.

And speaking of older seals and gaskets: they start to dry-out and become more brittle with age. You may want to consider using high mileage formulation oil and fluids. These products contain special additives to condition seals and gaskets to keep them from leaking. The high mileage formulations cost more than standard products, but they are well worth it in terms of preventing serious repair bills down the road.

Older vehicles in the FRAMINGHAM, MA area need repairs and replacements that newer ones don’t. Things like timing belts, radiator hoses, suspension work, anti-lock brakes, air bags, water pumps, alternators and batteries. That may seem like a lot of stuff to have done, but it works out to be cheaper than new car payments.

With a high-mileage vehicle, a couple of relationships will become pretty important. The first is with your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE. You need someone you trust to take care of your car and be mindful of your needs. Ask for help to develop a plan to keep your vehicle road-worthy that works within your budget, and for the FRAMINGHAM, MA area driving conditions.

The next relationship is with your vehicle itself. We’re not talking about naming your car or tucking it in at night. We just mean – pay attention and get to know your vehicle. Notice unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, etc. Then you can describe the changes to your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE and head off problems. We can’t do anything about the price of gas, but we can properly maintain Old Faithful to keep it safely and economically on the local FRAMINGHAM, MA roads.

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We find that a lot of FRAMINGHAM service and repair at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE are a little tentative when they talk with their automotive advisors. They want to ask questions, but don’t want to be embarrassed or to seem pushy. Cars are very complicated and there’s more to know about them than most of us have the time to learn. Maybe it’s because cars have become so much more reliable that the average person just doesn’t need to know as much to keep their vehicle on the road.

You know, your local hospital has a Patient’s Bill of Rights that they post throughout the hospital. We think our FRAMINGHAM automotive service customers also have a right to ask any question they need to understand what is wrong with their car and what it will take to fix it. They need to feel free to ask the cost and benefits of recommended services. And they certainly have a right to understand the financial end of the transaction.

It’s all about the communication. It’s a little harder when you’re trying to find the right service center in FRAMINGHAM. But once you’ve developed a relationship, the communication should come easier.

What are some of the barriers to communication? Well, let’s go back to the medical example. When your doctor’s explaining something to you, it’s something that she understands very well and is very familiar with. So she may use jargon you don’t understand or that you don’t have the education and training that’s foundational to understanding what she’s trying to explain.

So you fall behind and get frustrated.

It can be the same with your FRAMINGHAM automotive service advisors. Most of them are very busy trying to service and fix cars to get their customers back on the road. So, just ask when you feel you need more information.

Financial related issues seem to be most frustrating to customers. If you’re not sure, ask what the payment policies are. For example, there’s a big difference between giving your car a quick once over and doing a thorough inspection. Diagnosing a problem may take quite a while. Make sure you know what’s done as a courtesy and what has a fee. Remember, you still have to pay for the office visit even if the doctor says you only have a cold.

Communication is a two way street. If you have some real budget concerns, ask your FRAMINGHAM service advisor what he can do. He can give you priorities and options. He can tell you what needs to be taken care of right away for safety or financial reasons. Then you can work out a plan for when to get the rest done. He can also help you with options on the parts. The preference is to always use a high-quality part with a reputation for reliability. But if money is real tight, he might be able to find a rebuilt part or a used part. He should tell you the difference in the guarantee for the part so you can make a good decision.

Ask about warranties for parts and labor. Be sure to get all the paperwork you need to make a possible claim in the future. Your service center and its technicians stand behind their work and want you to understand precisely what that means.

Be sure to ask for and keep a detailed explanation of all the work that’s done on your vehicle. These records will help you keep track of service, warranties and document the good care your vehicle has received when the time comes to sell it.

Call ABSOLUTE CAR CARE to make an appointment.
91A GRANT ST
FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
508-820-9323

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Is the warranty important when buying tires?

When you choose new tires in FRAMINGHAM, what’s the most important factor for you?

Give us a call at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE at 508-820-9323 for tire recommendations.

You know, buying tires in FRAMINGHAM is a big deal. It’s a big ticket item so you know you’ll be spending a lot. You’re not only concerned about the price, but you want to know that it’ll be a long time before you need to buy new tires again.

And of course there’s the safety aspect as well. The tires do a lot of work – they carry the weight of the vehicle and you and your passengers. They need to be up to the task. You want to be sure they hold the road and provide good traction. If you carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, the tires need a high load rating to be up for the job.

As a tire professional, I think it’s important that people understand the effect of price on a tire’s performance and durability. When I was a kid, my dad had a saying. He said, “Pay twice as much and buy half as many”.

Dad applied that to a lot of things. He thought that one high quality suit would last longer and look better than two cheap suits. The saying really seems to hold true when it comes to shoes and boots, too.

I buy high-quality work shoes because I spend a lot of time on my feet. They’re more comfortable, have important safety features like steel toes and non-slip soles – and they last at least twice as long as cheap shoes. I feel I get very good value for my money.

I apply the same thinking to tires. The major tire brands that you’re familiar with are known as Tier 1 tires. These tires are well-engineered and very high quality. Comparable tires are usually in the same price range from brand to brand.

Stepping down in price you come to private label tires. Some large tire store chains carry tires with the chain’s own brand. It’s important to know that most private label tires are built by the same Tier 1 brands that you are familiar with – so they are a quality product. You can ask your tire professional who makes their private brand.

The lowest priced tires on the market are Tier 3 tires. These tend to be imported from China or South America. Since you get what you pay for, you can’t expect a Tier 3 tire to deliver the same performance and durability as the others.

So let’s say you need new tires. You’ve determined the features you need. So you have several options, including price options. Now, you’ve probably heard the term ‘it’s a 40 thousand mile tire’ or ‘it’s a 60 thousand mile tire’. Simply put, the manufacturer warrantees the tire for ‘X’ number of miles. If that’s important to you, look for the warranty.

What’s the difference in the tires with higher mileage warranties? It’s the rubber compounds and the amount of tread material. As you might expect, you’ll pay more for the longer-lasting tire.

Now the cheapest tires you can find won’t have a manufacturer’s mileage warranty or if it does, it’ll be relatively low. That brings us back to dad’s saying; if you buy the cheapest Tier 3 tire you can, you will likely go through two sets in the time it would take to wear out one set of good quality tires. And the good tires won’t cost twice as much, so you’ll end up paying more per mile driven with the cheap tires.

Hey, I realize that sometimes the budget will only allow for a Tier 3 tire. I make them available for my customers who need them because I would rather see them driving with safe, new tires than pushing their old tires beyond their safety limits. But I always counsel my customers to buy as much tire as they can afford, because it will be much less expensive in the long run.

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road. You’re only as safe as your tires are well built.

Buy value – not price.

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Today we’re talking about shocks and struts. They’re so easy to forget about because they last so long and wear out so slowly. But your shocks are really responsible for keeping your tires on the road – so they’re very important.

Without shocks, your wheels would be bouncing over bumps and lifting in corners. The shocks push the tire down to the road to maximize traction. Good shocks equal good ride quality and safe handling.

Visit ABSOLUTE CAR CARE to have your shocks and struts inspected by a professional. You can find us at 91A GRANT ST, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
Or give us a call at 508-820-9323 to make an appointment.

There’s a difference between shocks and springs. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, keeping it suspended up off the axles. The shocks moderate the rebound motion as wheels hit bumps. Now a strut combines a shock and a coil spring in one compact unit.

When your shocks are worn out you may notice degraded handling as you drive around our FRAMINGHAM streets. Your vehicle feels squirmy around corners and floaty over bumps.

You may notice the rear end squatting when you accelerate or the front end diving when you brake. Your car might even be sagging at one corner.

Uneven tire wear can also be a sign of worn shocks. Of course, if your shocks are leaking or have a big dent, they need to be replaced.

Your owner’s manual will have a recommendation for when to replace the shocks and struts on your vehicle. It’s usually between thirty and fifty thousand miles. Of course, if you tow a lot, regularly carry heavy loads or do a lot of driving on poor roads, your shocks might wear out faster.

If those driving conditions apply to you, you can get special shocks that are better suited to your driving.

The shocks that come from the factory are designed for the way most consumers are expected to drive that particular vehicle. If you have different needs for your driving around FRAMINGHAM MA, you can get premium shocks that improve performance handling, off-road abilities or towing comfort. Your FRAMINGHAM MA service consultant at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE can help you determine your needs and then give you some options.

It’s best to replace all four shocks at the same time. That way you’ll have even, predictable handling at all four corners. Anything less could be dangerous.

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Back when cars spent more time in the repair shop, Framingham drivers were more mindful of routine service. Now, it’s much easier to put it off.

Take tune-ups for example. In the days of mechanical ignition systems, an engine needed to be tuned-up every couple of years. The ignition points had to be replaced, spark plugs and coils replaced and the timing adjusted. If your engine was out of tune, you knew it. It ran poorly and got bad fuel economy.

Now, the ignition system in your suv is electronic and controlled by the engine management computer. Spark plugs rarely get fouled and will last for as much as a hundred thousand miles. So tune-ups used to force you in to ABSOLUTE CAR CARE for service and while you were there you just took care of whatever else was on the list.

Also, in recent years, a large percentage of new cars in Framingham have been leased. These folks plan on turning the car in after two or three years, so they haven’t focused on the maintenance that helps your car last longer.

Given all that, what’s the benefit to keeping up with factory scheduled maintenance? Well, your suv will perform better and return better fuel economy.

Those benefits pay for themselves as they go along. The big plus is that major repairs are prevented. And these aren’t just repairs that are a long ways off. Modern suv engines are far more sophisticated and have many parts that are in critical need of proper lubrication. Missing just one oil change can allow oil sludge to start forming. Sludge clogs small engine passages, robbing parts of the lubrication they need. An expensive failure could easily occur within two or three years.

And modern engines require more sophisticated fluids. Because of the different types of materials that are used to make auto parts, things like aluminum, plastics and steel, different types of additives are required to protect automotive components from corrosion. These additives deplete with time as well as with use.

For example, your suv engine coolant could actually become so corrosive that it eats holes in your radiator or other cooling system parts. Of course, that could lead to massive engine damage, all for the want of replacing the coolant on schedule.

Taking care of the little things now prevents big problems later. At ABSOLUTE CAR CARE, we have been taking care of all those little things for 18 years. Your suv still needs to be taken care of – it’s just that some of those points of care have changed with automotive advancements. The need for proper maintenance in Framingham did not go away.

The post Car’s Maintenance-Free Myth appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

Let’s look at a real life example of one of our AutoNetTV producers. He has one of those really big SUVs. Lots of kids and horses to haul around, you know. His family was planning a four day camping trip. Here’s what he did to cut his fuel costs:

First, he installed a new, high flow engine air filter. Then he had his service center change his oil, flush his cooling system and service his front and rear differentials along with the transfer case. He also had a fuel system cleaning, replaced his PCV value and breather element. He also made sure his tires were up to the recommended pressure.

Now this cost several hundred dollars. But keep in mind, it all needed to be done anyway – it was all scheduled, and some of the work was overdue.

So he headed out, loaded with nine people and pulling a ton of trailer with everything needed for four days of camping. When the trip was over, he had turned in the best fuel economy he had ever gotten on that vehicle. It had improved 25 percent. He saved $48.00 on that trip alone. And the savings keep on coming every day.

Here’s a quick summary of what you can do to save fuel in FRAMINGHAM MA. First get caught up on your routine maintenance. Nearly every scheduled service item can save you some fuel. If its time for a tune-up, git’er done. That’s a big item.

If your check engine light is on, have your FRAMINGHAM MA service center at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE figure out why and fix it. Check engine problems can be real gas wasters.

Proper tire pressure and wheel alignment can really help as well. Try not to carry around a bunch of stuff. An extra hundred pounds can cost a mile per gallon.

Now you may not want to hear this, but the single biggest fuel waster for most people is their right foot. Zooming away from stop lights and hot rod lane changes really waste fuel. Take it easy, don’t speed and plan ahead.

Finally, you may have noticed that we haven’t mentioned any magic pills or devices that will double your mileage. That’s because there aren’t any. Some may help a bit, but there are a lot are scams.

Do some research and check with your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE before spending your hard earned cash.

The post How Do You Save Gas in Framingham Ma appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

When you take your laptop into a Boston computer repair shop for a problem you’ll likely have to leave a deposit for diagnostics. When we visit our Framingham doctor for a medical problem, we’re paying him to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests that go along with it.

So receiving a diagnostic charge at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE for a tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise. In the Boston area, automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your suv brakes when you slow down in rush-hour traffic on a busy MA expressway, you pull off the next off-ramp and take a quick visual check. That is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you’re having an intermittent problem with your suv engine, ABSOLUTE CAR CARE diagnosis may be much more involved.

Much of the Boston public’s confusion comes when the problem involves the check engine light. The check engine light comes on when the engine management computer has sensed a problem.

There’s a common misconception among Framingham, Ashland, and Natick drivers that the trouble code tells the ABSOLUTE CAR CARE technician exactly what’s wrong. Why then is there a diagnostic charge, the scanner just gave the diagnosis?

Reality is more involved than that. The computer monitors many sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of these sensors has a reading that’s out of parameters, the computer will record a trouble code and turn on the check engine light.

The suv computer’s trouble code just tells the ABSOLUTE CAR CARE technician what engine parameter is out of range – not what’s causing it. The technician needs to determine the underlying problem that’s causing the symptom.

There are many problems that could cause a troublesome sensor reading for ABSOLUTE CAR CARE FRAMINGHAM customers. The ABSOLUTE CAR CARE technician makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem.

Boston service centers subscribe to databases that document possible causes for a given trouble code. They outline procedures for confirming a diagnosis and provide the documented fix. These databases are specific to each vehicle and engine combination.

Some diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved and difficult. Of course ABSOLUTE CAR CARE wants to figure out what’s wrong with your suv and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

The post On Board Diagnostics For Framingham Automobile Check Engine Light appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

We live such busy lives nowadays: work, social events, running the kids all over FRAMINGHAM. Some days it’s all we can do to keep track of everywhere we need to be. That’s why you’ve gotta be organized. Lists, PDA, calendar- we have to keep track of it all.

So let’s talk about schedules. Specifically, automotive service schedules. And particularly, the scheduled services that are sometimes forgotten.

We have a list of 10 service items that are often overlooked. They’re all very important and need appropriate attention. So here we go, in no particular order.

1. Power Steering Service
Be honest; have you ever thought of this on your own? Your power steering fluid gets dirty and builds-up moisture over time. Cleaning out your power steering system means that dirt and gum are removed and your power steering parts are protected from corrosion. Ask your service advisor if it’s time for a power steering check-up.

2. Wheel Alignment
When your wheels are out of alignment your car pulls to one side. It’s pretty annoying, but it’s also dangerous. And it causes your tires to wear out really fast; which is expensive! Most owners’ manuals suggest you get your alignment checked once or twice a year.

3. Differential Service
Okay, did you even know you had a differential? Well you do. One, two or three in fact. Differentials are often called gear boxes and they’re part of the drive-train that transfers power from the engine to your wheels. They don’t need service that often, but you can’t just ignore them. Check with your service advisor.

4. Cabin Air Filter
More and more FRAMINGHAM cars these days have cabin air filters to clean the air in the passenger area where we sit. They filter out dust and pollen. When they’re clogged up, they can get smelly. Change your cabin air filter on schedule to enjoy fresh, clean air, which can also help with allergies.

5. Timing Belt Replacement
Most cars and some vans and trucks around the FRAMINGHAM area have timing belts. Without going into a lot of detail, let’s just say that your car won’t run without it – period. And if it breaks while you’re driving it can do thousands of dollars worth of engine damage. Check your owners’ manual or with your service advisor. If you’re approaching 60,000 miles; absolutely look into it right away.

6. Transmission Service
Transmission service is very basic, but it’s often forgotten. Your transmission needs clean fluid from time to time to keep running efficiently and avoid costly repairs. And it can improve your fuel economy too.

7. Air Conditioning Service
Most of us don’t think about our air conditioning until it doesn’t work. Then if you’re lucky, you just need to add refrigerant. If you’re not, some of the components may have been ruined. Those components are not cheap. Regular air conditioning service adds clean refrigerant which cools and lubricates your air conditioner and conditions the seals.

8. Brake Service
No we’re not talking about squealing, grinding brakes here. We’re talking brake fluid. Over time the fluid gets a lot of water in it. Because water compresses differently than the brake fluid, your brakes won’t work as well. It may even get dangerous. The water can also rust out brake system components and then your brakes can fail altogether. Check with your service advisor for recommendations.

9. Coolant System
Another thing that’s so easy to forget about: When you don’t change your antifreeze on schedule it becomes corrosive. Fresh coolant contains additives that maintain the pH balance in the coolant. These additives wear out and the fluid in the radiator can actually eat holes in the radiator or hoses. Then you’re stranded.

10. Fuel System Cleaning
In times of high fuel prices, fuel system cleaning is so important. Fuel gums up a bunch of parts as it moves from the gas tank and through the engine. A thorough fuel system cleaning will keep clean gas flowing into the engine. Your fuel injectors get gunked up over time and need to be cleaned. Having your fuel system cleaned on schedule will really help your fuel economy.

And there we have it; 10 services that are often overlooked. Did you know that a recent survey showed that 90 percent of vehicles on the road have at least one scheduled maintenance service that hasn’t been performed? Based on our busy lives, we’re not surprised.

We know it takes some thought and effort to actually maintain your vehicle; but it not only saves money in the long run – it saves time too. And we can all use a little more time.

The post Auto Services Overlooked in Framingham appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

People near FRAMINGHAM MA often ask ABSOLUTE CAR CARE how often they should have a particular service done. It’s a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner’s manual, or have your FRAMINGHAM MA service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE look up your vehicle in a service database. What you find is often a surprise to people – there are actually two service schedules.

One is the regular schedule and the other is the severe service schedule. Service intervals are shorter on the severe service schedule. When asked, most folks in FRAMINGHAM MA will say that their driving is normal and that the ‘regular’ schedule probably applies to them. ‘Severe service’ sounds pretty extreme – ‘I don’t drive like that’.

Well, here is what the manufacturers say constitutes severe driving conditions; you can draw your own conclusions.

Most of your trips are less than four miles.
Most of your trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the time – not on the highway. You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
You regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads.
Drive with a car-top carrier.
Stop and go driving.
Driving in very hot or very cold weather.
If that’s severe driving, what constitutes regular driving? Well, it would look something like this: I live somewhere with moderate temperatures all year round – I’m thinking San Diego here. And I live close to a freeway on-ramp. Everywhere I need to go is right off the freeway, at least four miles from my home. I can drive at a steady 60 miles per hour when I’m on the freeway.

I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like my normal driving. It sounds more like ideal conditions. I live where it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I run short errands around FRAMINGHAM. Occasionally we load up for family trips.

For me, normal driving includes elements of severe service driving. So here’s what I tell people: think about how you drive, where you live, where you go and what you are expecting to with your vehicle in the near future.

Picture a line with ‘regular’ on one end and ‘severe’ on the other, and make a judgment on where you fall. If your regular oil change recommendation is 5,000 miles and the severe service recommendation is 3,000 – when should you change your oil? For me, it’s closer to 3,000 miles. For my wife, it’s closer to 5,000 miles. Your FRAMINGHAM MA auto service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE will be happy to have this discussion with you and help you sort it out.

Just a quick word on why severe service intervals are shorter. One has to do with heat. That can either be external heat from the weather or engine and transmission heat from stop and go driving or working extra hard moving heavy loads or towing. The heat causes the fluids like oil and transmission fluid to break down more quickly and then they aren’t as effective.

Another factor is water. Moisture naturally collects in fluids as they cool. In your motor oil, for example, if you don’t drive long enough for the oil to fully heat up, the water won’t evaporate. Water in the oil can lead to the buildup of damaging sludge.

If you live where the air is dusty or polluted, fluids will become contaminated and filters will get dirtier more quickly.

So make an honest evaluation of your driving conditions. You’ve made the commitment to take care of your vehicles, so it only makes sense to follow the right schedule.

The post Is your Framingham Driving Severe? appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

So, when are your tires actually worn out? This is a question a lot of us in FRAMINGHAM MA ask ourselves. For many, the answer is ‘when they no longer pass a safety inspection’. But waiting that long can have a serious impact on your safety.

The U.S. Federal government doesn’t have any laws for tread depth, but 42 of the states, and all of Canada, do have regulations. They consider two-thirty-seconds of an inch to be the minimum legal tread depth. Two other states, including California, consider one-thirty-second to be the minimum and six states have no standards at all. Call us at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE (just call 508-820-9323) to find out what your requirements are in the FRAMINGHAM MA area.

Since 1968, U.S. law has required that a raised bar be molded across all tires. When tires are worn enough that this bar becomes visible, there’s just 2/32” of tread left. But does that older standard give you enough safety?

Well, Consumer Reports issued a call to consider replacing tires when tread reaches 4/32”. And the recommendation is backed by some very compelling studies. Now before we go into the studies, you need to know that the big issue is braking on wet surfaces.

We tend to think of the brakes doing all the stopping, but you also need to have effective tires to actually stop the car. When it’s wet or snowy in FRAMINGHAM MA, the tread of the tire is critical to stopping power.

Picture this: you’re driving over a water-covered stretch of road. Your tires actually need to be in contact with the road in order to stop. That means the tire has to channel the water away so the tire is actually contacting the road and not floating on a thin film of water – a condition known as hydroplaning. When there’s not enough tread depth on a tire, it can’t move the water out of the way and you start to hydroplane.

This is where the studies come in. We think you’ll be surprised. A section of a test track was flooded with a thin layer of water. If you laid a dime flat on the track, the water would be deep enough to surround the coin, but not enough to cover it.

A car and a full-sized pick-up truck were brought up to 70 mph and then made a hard stop in the wet test area. Stopping distance and time were measured for three different tire depths. First, they tested new tires. Then tires worn to legal limits. And finally, tires with 4/32” of tread were tested – this is the depth suggested by Consumer Reports

When the car with the legally worn tires had braked for the distance required to stop the car with new tires, it was still going 55 mph. The stopping distance was nearly doubled. That means if you barely have room to stop with new tires, then you would hit the car in front of you at 55 mph with the worn tires.

Now with the partially worn tires – at the depth recommended by Consumer Reports – the car was still going at 45 mph at the point where new tires brought the car to a halt. That’s a big improvement – you can see why Consumer Reports and others are calling for a new standard.

Now without going into all the details, let us tell you that stopping the truck with worn tires needed almost 1/10 of a mile of clear road ahead to come to a safe stop. Obviously this is really a big safety issue.

The tests were conducted with the same vehicles, but with different sets of tires. The brakes were the same, so the only variable, was the tires.

So, how do you know when your tires are at 4/32”? Well, it’s pretty easy. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

Now you may remember doing that with pennies. But a penny gives you 2/32” of an inch to Abraham Lincoln’s head. The quarter is the new standard – 4/32”.

Tires are a big ticket item and most people in FRAMINGHAM MA want to get the most wear out of them that they can. But do you want that much more risk just to run your tires until they are legally worn out? For us, and we would guess for many, the answer is “no”.

Well, Mr. Washington, let’s go out and look at my tires.

The post Tire Tread Depth appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

A recent report stated that over 80 percent of the vehicles on our FRAMINGHAM MA roads have one or more service or repair that’s needed, but hasn’t been taken care of. Now that’s a lot of undone service. That translates into something over 160 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. Some of the neglected items are minor. Others are serious safety concerns.

There are several reasons why we hesitate to take care of recommended services; especially services that our FRAMINGHAM MA automotive advisor recommends when we’re in for something else, like an oil change.

The first issue boils down to comfort with car care. We don’t always feel we know enough to make good decisions. Some of that can be attributed to the fact that vehicles are so reliable these days. They almost become an appliance. Of course you love your family car, but if you don’t have to worry about it breaking down all the time, you’re not forced to think as much about preventive maintenance.

Perhaps your dad knew a lot about cars and always made sure they were taken care of. He was very comfortable dealing with his local FRAMINGHAM MA service advisor. People who don’t know as much about cars hesitate to ask questions because they don’t want to look ignorant.

It’s human nature. But, there’s so much to know in this world, we can’t all be experts in everything. So we specialize. It’s very important to ask questions of any specialist, whether it’s your doctor, financial advisor or your automotive technician in FRAMINGHAM, MA.

Your auto technician at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE wants your questions. We want you to understand the recommendation and why it needs to be done.

That brings us to the next issue; people say that they don’t always know if they really need the service or if they are just being sold something.

At the heart, it speaks to trust. Do you trust your FRAMINGHAM service center and your service advisor? Trust has to be earned and that takes time and experience. But you can shortcut the process when you realize that most of the recommendations are based on manufacturer’s maintenance schedules.

In other words, “you don’t have to trust me, you can trust your owner’s manual”.

Your FRAMINGHAM service center has computer databases that contain the manufacturer’s recommendations for almost all vehicles, so they don’t need to rummage through your glove box to look for your owner’s manual to know what to do.

Basically, the engineers who designed the car say “here’s when you need to have it serviced”. That’s who makes the recommendation, not the technician. He’s just reminding you.

Now you do need to trust your FRAMINGHAM technician’s experience and judgment from time to time. When he inspects your vehicle, he may find problems or concerns. He will explain things so that you can prioritize the concern and make a good decision about whether or not to have something done.

That brings us to the third issue; money. Often the concern is about spending the money to take care of a recommended service. Our money has many places it needs to go. And we have another list of places we want it to go. Auto maintenance isn’t usually on either of those lists.

Look, everyone who works at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE has a family budget, too. They can relate. Maybe a little look behind the scenes would be helpful.

Service centers like ABSOLUTE CAR CARE invest heavily in training, diagnostic equipment and tools so that they can make repairs and perform services as efficiently as possible. And like any other business, they have labor costs, insurance, rent, utilities, shop and office supplies, taxes and so on.

We work hard to make sure that we diagnose the problem correctly and fix it right the first time. That’s the only way we can maintain our reputation and remain in business. If we’re not satisfying our customers and providing a good value, you won’t come back and the service center won’t be around for long.

When there is a real budget concern, your FRAMINGHAM service center can help you prioritize the work that needs to be done and come up with a plan for taking care of it that works within your budget.

Let’s say you have a serious problem with your brakes. That’s a safety concern so a technician can’t ethically say, well, let’s put that off for a couple of months. What they can do is take care of the brakes now and address the cabin air filter or transmission service next month.

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Today we want to talk about timing belts. They’re something that many FRAMINGHAM drivers don’t know much about and yet your vehicle won’t run if it’s broken – and it could cause many thousands of dollars damage if it does break. A broken timing belt is usually a tale of woe. Even though timing belt replacement is scheduled in the owner’s manual, it’s not the kind of thing that most Westborough car owners remember because it’s not well understood.

Let’s review what a timing belt does. As you know, the engine’s power is generated in the cylinders. A piston rides up and down in the cylinder. During the first down stroke, an intake valve at the top of the cylinder opens and air and fuel is drawn into the cylinder. Then the piston returns to the top, compressing the fuel and air mix. At the top, the spark plug fires, igniting the fuel pushing the piston down in the power stroke. As the piston once again returns up in the final stroke of the cycle, an exhaust valve opens at the top of the cylinder and the exhaust is pushed out. The timing belt is what coordinates the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. It’s called a timing belt because the valves have to open and close at just the right time.

Now, not all Framingham and Ashland vehicles have timing belts. Some have timing chains. Like the name implies, they use a chain rather than a belt to perform the function. It used to be that most engines used timing chains, which are extremely durable. Manufacturers started using belts rather than chains to save money in the manufacturing process. So now we’re left with a component that can break. They sort of shifted the problem to us. There are two broad categories of engine design: interference and non-interference. If the timing belt on a non-interference engine breaks, the engine simply stops running. That could be very dangerous depending on where you are at the time, but it causes no internal engine damage.

Interference engines, on the other hand, will get real messed up when the timing belt breaks, because the valves will actually fall down into the path of the pistons. Things get chewed up when that happens and it’ll cost thousands to repair the engine.

So, what are the warning signs? Unfortunately, there really aren’t any. There aren’t tell-tale sounds. In some vehicles, a technician from ABSOLUTE CAR CARE may be able to see part of the belt for a visual inspection, but many have a cover that’s in the way. The reality is that if the belt slips even one notch, it might as well be broken for all the damage it’ll cause. There’s no middle ground.

So how can we avoid these problems? Simply replace the timing belt when your owner’s manual calls for it. It can be 60,000 miles; it might be 90,000 or 100,000 miles. The point is, if you have 60,000 or more miles, ask your ABSOLUTE CAR CARE service advisor right away if your manufacturer requires a timing belt replacement.

Contact ABSOLUTE CAR CARE to learn more about your car’s Timing Belt
You can find us at:
91A GRANT ST
FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
Or call us at 508-820-9323

Sometimes you can go quite a while without a failure, but we’ve seen them happen within a couple of oil changes of being due. It’s not worth the risk.

What does it cost to replace a timing belt in Ashland or Fayville? Well, that really depends on what kind of car you have. I can tell you that it’s usually not very easy to get to the timing belt – you often have to remove some accessories to get at it. It isn’t a cheap procedure, but it’s a fraction of what it could cost to repair the damage caused by a failure.

At ABSOLUTE CAR CARE we’re all about trying to prevent costly repairs, keeping you and your passengers safe and increasing your driving enjoyment. Thanks to AutoNetTV for their great auto video tips.

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Local Westborough roadside emergencies can range from a flat tire downtown to being stranded in a snowy ravine for three days. So you may want to consider a basic emergency kit to keep in the car at all times and a travel kit tailored to a specific trip.

Your close-to-home kit for around FRAMINGHAM would have some basic items to work on your car: everything you need to change a tire, gloves, a couple quarts of oil, some antifreeze and water. A can of tire inflator is a great temporary fix for minor flats. You’ll also want jumper cables or a booster box, flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools.

Now for your comfort and safety: a first aid kit, drinkable water, high calorie food (like energy bars), blankets, toilet paper, cell phone, towel, hat and boots. Keep some change for a pay phone, emergency cash and a credit card.

People who live in areas with frequent severe weather or earthquakes may want to carry provisions for longer emergencies.

For trips away from home, consider the weather and geography as you assemble your emergency supplies. You’ll need to have a source of light and heat and will want to provide protection against the elements as well as adequate food and water for everyone in the car.

Always tell people where you are going and have a plan for checking in at waypoints. Then if you run into trouble, you can be reported missing as soon as possible and rescuers will be able to narrow the search area.

The key to safe travel is to keep your vehicle properly maintained, plan ahead, and let others know your itinerary.

The post Emergency items For Your Family Car appeared first on Absolute Car Care.

Nothing in your engine workers harder than your oil. With hundreds of moving parts, and thousands of explosions every minute, it’s no wonder that engine oil needs to be changed frequently!

You’ve probably heard the old rule of thumb: Change your oil every 3,000 miles/ 5,000 kilometers or 3 months, whichever comes first. But some car manufacturers have introduced extended oil change intervals. They figure that a modern vehicle driven under the right conditions can go for 5,000 miles/8000 kilometers or more between an oil change.

The key phrase here is “under the right conditions”. If you look at your owner’s manual, you’ll see two different maintenance schedules: one for “normal” driving conditions and one for “Severe Service”. Severe service driving conditions include stop and go, short trips, towing, hauling, hot, cold, and dusty driving. That’s why at AutoNetTV we often refer you to the severe service schedule in your owners’ manual, because, for most of us MA car owners, that’s the way we use our vehicles in everyday life.

Recently, four of the largest auto manufacturers in the world have extended engine warranty coverage for engine damage caused by oil sludge resulting from longer oil change intervals. They found that real-world conditions require more frequent oil changes than the 7,500mi/12,000 km interval they were recommending. They subsequently recommended more frequent oil change intervals and proof of timely oil changes in order to qualify for the extended warranty.

Oil sludge is the culprit. Sludge is oil that has turned to a thick, jelly-like consistency. Sludge can block passages in the engine, preventing oil from lubricating vital engine parts. Parts wear more quickly and may fail prematurely.

Sludge is caused by several factors. The first one is simply – time. The engine oil is contaminated by exhaust gas that eventually leads to sludge. That is where the recommendation to change your oil at least every three months comes from. Sludge can also come from oil that gets contaminated by water from normal condensation. A few minutes of driving at MA freeway speeds allows the oil to heat up enough for the water to evaporate. The problem is we often run errands or take other short trips that don’t allow the engine to warm up enough for the water to evaporate. This is especially true in winter. Sludge also forms when the engine gets too hot, causing the oil to breakdown. Stop and go summer driving, towing and hauling are all prime conditions for creating harmful sludge. And every engine has hot spots that create sludge.

Given all of these factors, estimating when to change your oil is pretty complicated. A couple of manufacturers have computer programs built into their vehicles that record the number of cold starts, how many times the cylinders fire, engine temperature and other factors. From that, the computer estimates when you should change your oil and flashes a warning. But what if you do not have a vehicle with this feature? How do you know when to change your oil? We’re not sure you really can. Which is why it is better to be safe than sorry. 3,000 mi/5,000 km or three months – whichever comes first – talk with a service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE in FRAMINGHAM and see if that’s a good recommendation for the way you drive.

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Maintenance for High Mileage Vehicles In FRAMINGHAM MA

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Maintenance for High Mileage Vehicles In FRAMINGHAM MA Posted on May 11, 2012 by absolu715 Before the recession hit, the median age for cars in the FRAMINGHAM MA area (zip code: 01702) was over nine years. And two-thirds had over 75,000 miles. At ABSOLUTE CAR CARE we hear repor…

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Come see us at: 91A GRANT ST FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702

Wheel bearings are pretty simple parts. They’re made of high quality steel and are engineered to last 100,000 miles or more if properly cared for. The bearings do two very important jobs: First they allow the wheel to freely rotate with as little friction as possible. Second, they support the weight of the vehicle. For example, if your car weighs 3,600 pounds, each wheel has to support approximately 900 pounds. That’s a lot of heavy lifting over many, many thousands of miles.

Even though wheel bearings are relatively simple, they need to be in near perfect condition to do their job. The bearings are packed with heavy grease to lubricate and protect them. A seal keeps the grease in and water and dirt out. It’s when the seal starts to leak that problems begin. The grease can become contaminated; causing the wheel bearings to overheat and ultimately fail.

The first sign that your wheel bearings are in trouble is an unusual noise coming from a wheel. It could be a chirping, growling, rumbling or a cyclic sound. The noise could get louder or even disappear at certain speeds. Your technician at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE can inspect for bearing wear by lifting the vehicle and checking for play in the wheel.

Now some wheel bearing assemblies are factory sealed. That means that they cannot be serviced – they can only be replaced. Those that aren’t sealed can be serviced on schedule. The bearings are removed, cleaned and inspected. If the bearings are still good, they’re re-installed – if not, they’re replaced. They are then packed in grease and a new seal is installed.

If your vehicle has a factory sealed wheel bearing assembly, the entire assembly needs to be replaced when trouble arises. Unfortunately, the parts are pretty pricy – but they usually last about 150,000 miles as long as the seals hold up.

Now, even a good seal cannot keep out water that’s exerting pressure on the seal. So if you’ve driven through hub deep water your bearings should be cleaned and repacked if they’re serviceable. If you have factory sealed bearings, you just need to watch for signs of premature failure.

If your wheel bearings can be serviced, your owner’s manual will recommend an interval, usually around 30,000 miles.

Now, if you have any sort of trailer, don’t forget its wheel bearings. They probably need to be serviced even more frequently. This is especially true for boat trailers that are used to launch the boat by backing it into the water. These should be serviced every year, usually at the end of the season so that the bearings don’t have the opportunity to sit and rust all winter.

So what happens if wheel bearings fail? Well, the wheel can literally fall off the vehicle. I don’t need to tell you how bad that could be. So check with your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE and see if your vehicle’s wheel bearings can be serviced and when it’s recommended. Listen for warning signs. If you’ve been fording streams or puddle surfing after rainstorms, be especially vigilant.

Come by ABSOLUTE CAR CARE for a wheel bearing inspection, or for headlamp service. Call for an appointment at 508-820-9323

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By Brandy Schaffels, Senior Editor | TrueCar – Thu, Mar 29, 2012 4:12 PM EDT

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(Photo: Robert Couse-Baker/Flickr)
Do you change your oil every 3,000 miles? The majority of drivers on the road have been bombarded by advertising that recommends changing their car’s oil every 3,000 miles, but the truth is that interval is no longer really necessary. Yes, engine oil does get dirty, and when that happens, it can clog engine parts, but if you’re driving a car that’s less than five years old, you’re probably wasting money — and oil — if you change it as frequently as that. Yes, knowing when to change oil is not as simple as some ad campaigns would have you believe.
Changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles was necessary in the 1970s, when most cars used 10W-40 oil, which tended to wear out within about 3,000 miles. Thanks to improvements in high-quality lubricants and tighter tolerances in the assembly of automotive engines, the 3,000-mile baseline simply does not apply to many cars on the road today; in fact, automakers now recommend you change oil at 5,000, 7,000, 10,000 or even as high as 15,000 miles for newer models under ideal driving conditions. For example, Toyota recommends you change oil at 5,000 miles for a 2005 Tacoma pickup, Honda recommends 7,500 miles for its 2002 Odyssey, General Motors suggests 7,500 miles for its 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford recommends 10,000 miles for its 2011 Fiesta. A 2008 Porsche Boxster can go 12,000 miles between changes, and a 2010 BMW 3 Series can go up to 15,000 miles before you change oil under ideal conditions; with this kind of complexity, it’s easy for consumers to be confused.

Almost 15 million Californians change their motor oil every 3,000 miles or more often, using more than 150 million gallons of motor oil each year – enough oil to fill 255 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to a recent study by CalRecycle. CalRecycle spokesperson Jeff Danzinger says their studies indicate the state could reduce total motor oil consumption by as much as 10 million gallons per year if motorists were to change oil according to manufacturer recommendations. “If you’re changing your oil too soon, you’re needlessly creating waste oil and putting a strain on the system and supply,”
And that’s just California — wonder how much oil is being wasted across the entire United States by people who have fallen victim to advertising and don’t follow the intervals recommended in their owner’s manual? Across the country, reprocessors treat about 1.1 billion gallons of used oil yearly according to the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Unless you’re driving a car that’s more than ten years old, or under super extreme conditions, there’s really no reason to change your oil at 3000 miles anymore. Let’s put that amount into dollars: Changing motor oil according to manufacturer specifications would reduce motor oil demand in California by approximately 10 million gallons per year, and could halve the amount of money those drivers spend on oil changes, which average about $25 at quick-change facilities and can cost significantly more if your vehicle uses long-life synthetic oil. Under normal driving conditions, following the automaker’s recommended intervals will not affect your car’s engine, its performance, or your warranty.

What Is Considered Severe Use?

Severe use involves extensive idling or driving frequently in stop-and-go traffic; operating in cold temperatures below 10 degrees or extreme temperatures above 90 degrees; extreme humidity; repeated short-distance trips of less than five miles; towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials; or using E85 fuel more than 50 percent of the time. If you do drive in any one of these conditions in a typical week, you are driving in severe conditions, and may need to change oil more often.

What Happens if you Don’t Change Oil in Your Car?

As Alina Tugend of the New York Times says, “It just gets dirtier and dirtier. It’s like mopping the floor with a bucket of water and detergent. The water starts out clean, but the more you use it, the filthier it gets. Eventually, you’re making the floor dirtier if you don’t change the water.” Dirty oil no longer lubricates properly, increasing friction, operating temperature, and causing the engine to wear faster.

Do You Know When to Change Oil?

Your vehicle’s owners manual will tell you how often you need to change your oil. If you drive a newer model, the car may just tell you when you need to change your oil. Since 2003, General Motors has equipped nearly its entire North American lineup with the GM Oil Life System; in fact, since the 2010 model year, nearly half of American carmakers now offer Oil Life Monitoring Systems to tell drivers when their car actually needs its oil changed, including Acura, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Mini. These Oil Life Monitoring systems automatically monitor engine characteristics, driving habits, cold starts, short-distance trips, and the climate in which the vehicle is operated, and then notify the driver when it is time to get an engine oil change with an signal on the dash indicating it’s time for service.

If you are an extremely low-mileage driver you should change oil at least once a year. Otherwise, if your vehicle is equipped with an oil life monitoring system, you can trust the info/alert in your dashboard to tell you more accurately when you need a change. Don’t have an Oil Life Monitoring System? Consult your owner’s manual, your auto manufacturer’s official website, or authorized dealer for more information. Curious about your car right now but don’t have an owner’s manual handy? You can find suggested oil change intervals for many makes and models all the way back to the 2000 model year on the nifty widget at www.checkyournumber.org.

Tired Of Changing Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

Then trade in that beat-up 1970′s jalopy for something newer! Consider these new models that boast 10,000 to 15,000 oil change intervals:

All 2012 Audi models suggest you change oil at 10,000 miles
All 2012 BMW models suggest you change oil at 15,000 miles
2012 Ford Fiesta, Flex, Focus, and Mustang models suggest you change oil at 10,000 miles
All 2012 Jaguar models suggest you change oil at 10,000 miles
2012 Lincoln MKT and MKX models suggest you change oil at 10,000 miles
All 2012 Mercedes-Benz models suggest you change oil at 12,000 miles
All 2012 Mini Cooper models suggest you change oil at 12,000 miles
All 2012 Porsche models suggest you change oil at 10,000 miles, though some can go as far as 12,000 miles between oil changes
Nearly all 2012 Toyota models go 10,000 miles between oil changes
All Volkswagen models can go 10,000 miles between oil changes

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Sometimes it seems in FRAMINGHAM we live in such a disposable society. It’s amazing all the stuff we throw away.

New stuff comes out so fast, we just toss the old and move on. It seems like when we were kids in FRAMINGHAM, our parents were real sticklers about taking care of our stuff. You know, hang up your clothes, polish your shoes, put away your toys. If something got lost or ruined by neglect, tough, we had to do without.

We couldn’t afford new cars very often, so we tried to make them last as long as we could. It’s a good thing that cars are more reliable these days. They just don’t break down as often. And the good news for us FRAMINGHAM penny pinchers is that a modern car can easily go 200,000 miles with proper care. The engineering’s there and so is the manufacturing quality. The missing ingredient is us making sure we follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules.

Is it really that bad to get off schedule? Well, it all adds up. Every time you go a couple thousand extra miles between oil changes, you’ve created an opportunity for sludge to form and clog passages. Then some parts don’t get oiled and they start to wear out faster.

Skip a cooling system service, and the corrosion inhibitors become depleted, and the radiator starts being damaged – one step closer to a failure. The same thing is true for transmission service, power brakes, fuel system cleaning – really everything on your schedule.

It’s also even more important for older vehicles in the FRAMINGHAM area. Those engines and other systems have had more time to get dirty, so they’re a bit more stressed anyway. But it’s never too late to get back on track with your maintenance and to hold off further damage.

It’s just another example of our parents being right. (Surprising how often that happens.) And it really does start with the oil change, just like Dad said. When you get a full service oil change they top off all your fluids and check for other items that are on your maintenance schedule. That’s like your safety net; go in for oil changes on time, and let your service advisor at ABSOLUTE CAR CARE in FRAMINGHAM help you keep track of the rest.

Of course, some things are going to wear out along the way, stuff like alternators, water pumps and such. But that stuff is cheaper than a new car payment. And taking care of problems early means they have less time to cause other problems. It’s like having high cholesterol; you don’t want to wait for a heart attack before you address it.

ABSOLUTE CAR CARE
91A GRANT ST
FRAMINGHAM, MA 01702
508-820-9323

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Having a hard time getting your vehicle the proper service? Is it not fixed right the first time? Lets see if the Unlimited Service team can help. Between us we have 30+ years of automotive experience and know how. This page  is dedicated to helping you get your vehicle on the right track;

SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE

BENEFITS FOR KEEPING YOUR VEHICLE MAINTAINED WITH SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE:

Prolong the life of your vehicle
Increase Re-Sale value
Reduce the risk of breakdowns
Prevent frequent and costly repairs
Reduce gas consumption
Reduce emissions
Maintain your warranty
Keep your vehicle safe
Save money
Keep your vehicle in top running condition
In the old days when you went to the gas station to fill up your gas tank there was someone there who would “pop the hood” and check a few things for you such as oil level, inspect belts & hoses and tire pressure and other maintenance items.

Today, with self serve gas stations their isn’t a person pumping your gas and inspecting under the hood for you. And most people believe, due to misleading adds by the automobile manufactures, that they don’t need to “pop the hood” until they have 100,000 miles on the car. Because of this motorist are paying the price.

The price of breakdowns and high cost emergency repairs due to un-performed maintenance. Most breakdowns and high cost emergency repairs can be avoided. When you keep your vehicle properly maintained by a certified technician who is trained to look for potential problems you can avoid the breakdowns. If you are told the fan belt is cracked and needs replaced you are looking at about to repair it. If you don’t then one day as your driving down the road thinking all is well, guess what, the belt breaks, your car overheats and your stranded. I sure hope you have a car phone because now your looking at a tow bill, a possible overheated engine and the original belt that needed replaced, and what time were you supposed to pick up the kids?

The following suggested maintenance items and intervals are a basic guideline. You should read your vehicle’s owners manual for more specific details on keeping your vehicle properly maintained. Yes, your vehicle does have suggested maintenance items even if the salesman told you otherwise.

There may be other items depending on your vehicle-as always we suggest you refer to your vehicle’s owners manual for specific maintenance guidelines.

OIL CHANGES:

The single greatest factor extending engine life is regular oil changes. Most vehicle manufactures recommend having the oil and oil filter replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. There are two sources of oil contamination, external & internal. External contamination includes dirt that gets into the engine from many sources. Internal contamination is the by-product of combustion which includes soot, fuel vapors, and other solid & liquid contaminants made worse by heat.

Our oil change service includes replacing the oil & filter, lube chassis, inspect and top off all applicable fluids, and a 10 point safety/maintenance service.

COOLING SYSTEM:

The cooling system is one of the most important systems in a vehicle. Preventative maintenance includes periodic flushing of the cooling system, thermostat replacement, and new antifreeze/coolant in correct proportions every 3 years or 36,000 miles. Flushing the cooling system is necessary because antifreeze looses it’s ability to protect against freezing if it’s diluted. Additives prevent rust and corrosion breakdown and silicates form granules that can be abrasive to water pump seals and also clog the radiator and heater core.

BELTS & HOSES:

Belts & Hoses should be replace every 4 years or 40,000 miles. Over time belts get brittle and cracked and stretched. Belts never break while your car is sitting in the driveway, they break when you are driving which means you will be stranded. Hoses wear out from the inside out. If a hose burst you loose coolant and the engine will overheat causing major engine damage.

POWER STEERING:

The power steering system should have the fluid flushed every 30,000 miles. A powerful cleaner will dissolve and suspend the varnish and gums in your car’s power steering unit. Flushing the entire system will remove all old fluid and suspended debris. This will help keep the power steering pump and rack & pinion in good condition longer.

BRAKES:

The brake system should be inspected annually or every 12,000 miles and have the brake fluid flushed every 36,000 miles. Brake systems have become more sophisticated but they still need proper maintenance. Brake fluid absorbs water which deteriorates the electric solenoids in the ABS system and the wheel cylinders & calipers. When brake fluid gets hot the water in the system boils and creates air pockets which give you a low brake pedal and reduce braking. Today’s ABS brake systems are very sophisticated which makes them very expensive to replace. A little maintenance now will save you big bucks later. Not to mention your safety.

TRANSMISSION:

Automatic Transmission fluid flush & filter change should be replaced every 36 months or 36,000 miles. Clean transmission fluid is critical to an automatic transmission because the fluid serves three important functions, transmitting energy, cooling, and lubricating. Clean, cool lubricant is critical to prevent heat buildup that hardens seals and gaskets and causes valves to stick and metal parts to warp. Most of the contaminates in the transmission come from the inside due to normal wear of the band and clutch materials, all of which are made worse by heat. It is much less expensive to have your transmission fluid and filter changed than to replace your transmission.

FILTERS:

Your vehicle is under constant attack by dirt and other contaminants that can destroy your engine and transmission. Today’s high performance engines and transmissions are extremely precise, with clearances between moving parts measured in the thousands of an inch. Several filters in your automobile help to trap these contaminants from enter your engine and transmission and to filter out contaminants produced internally as well.

Oil filters should be changed with the oil every 3 months or 3,000. Air filters keep the air coming into your carburetor or fuel injection system clean. This allows your engine to get the air it needs with little resistance, while making sure the air is as clean as possible. Air filters should be inspected monthly and replaced 10,000-15,000 miles. Fuel Filters keep the fuel clean for your engine to run properly. Dirty fuel can lead to erratic engine performance and even a complete shutdown. Contaminants in the fuel can result in costly repairs, excessive engine wear or even a complete overhaul. The fuel filter should be replaced every 10,000 miles. Transmission Filters are the most neglected filter on most vehicles. Most of the contaminants in the transmission come from inside due to normal wear of the band and clutch materials. Transmission Filters should be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. See Transmission Service. PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) filters vent harmful contaminants like fuel and air vapors back into the engine where they can be burned as part of normal internal combustion instead of escaping into the environment. PCV filters should be inspected at every oil change and replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. When you replace your vehicles filters be sure to use those only recommended by your vehicles manufacturer. Get the best filter available. Two filters may appear to be the same, but there will be differences that can result in systems failure.

BATTERY/CHARGING SYSTEM:

Your battery needs routine care to keep it in top condition. In cold weather the battery looses half its strength while the demands on the battery increase. Oil is thicker so the engine doesn’t turn over as easily. All components of the charging system must be in good working order to ensure dependable starting performance. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. You should have your battery & charging system inspected annually or when you notice the “charge” light come on and you experience hard starting problems. Replace your battery before the end of its life so you don’t end up stranded with a dead battery.

EXHAUST SYSTEM:

Your vehicle’s exhaust system may have six or more components: the manifold, exhaust pipe, muffler, resonator, tail pipe, and catalytic converter. These items need regular inspections to make sure their are no problems developing like exhaust leaks, holes in the muffler, a plugged converter and so on. Allowing these problems to continue can cost you several hundred dollars in repairs if not taken care of early. Have your exhaust system inspected annually.

TUNE-UP:

Definition-An adjustment to bring an engine, motor or other device into proper operating condition.

Yesterday’s tune-up consisted of replacing the points, condenser, and sparkplugs, adjustment of the carburetor, ignition dwell, and timing. Today the points & condenser have been replaced by an electronic ignition system. Timing in most cases is now computer controlled along with almost all parameters of the engine’s operations, through sensors and actuators. Today’s tune-up is a combination of diagnosis and maintenance. Don’t expect a “Tune-up” with yesterday’s definition to fix your driveability problem. If your vehicle hesitates, is missing or doesn’t have the power it used to a new set of spark plugs probably won’t make it better. Your vehicle needs to be diagnosed by an expert diagnostician to find the cause of your vehicle’s driveability problem since malfunctions may be camouflaged by computers whose function is to keep the engine running as efficiently as possible. When the computers can no longer compensate for mechanical discrepancies, they may just fail and need replaced along with repairing the original cause. Periodic diagnostic services and maintenance can prevent this situation. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for replacing the spark plugs and other “tune-up” items. We recommend an annual comprehensive inspection of your vehicle if you don’t follow the maintenance schedule.

SHOCK ABSORBERS/STRUTS:

If shocks and struts were like air filters or tires you would immediately know when they had gone bad. But they’re not. Shocks and struts can wear out gradually over time from normal use. Shocks and struts primary purpose is to maintain constant contact between the tire and the road, as well as ride comfort. You should have your shocks and struts inspected after 25,000 miles for the original shocks and struts and every 6,000 miles thereafter. Shocks and struts cannot be repaired, they must be replaced. You should have them replaced if an inspection identifies the following symptoms: roll or sway on turning, front end dive when braking, rear end squat when accelerating, bounce or slide on a rough and winding road, bottoming out on bumps, fluid leakage from the shocks and struts, or any defect of the component. Keeping your shocks and struts in good working order can prevent costly and unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, steering linkage, ball joints, springs, and C.V. joints and could also prevent undercarriage damage to the oil and transmission pan, exhaust system and more.

TIRE ROTATION:

Your tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles or twice a year. This helps to avoid uneven wear on your tires making them last longer.

FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE:

It is important to have your fuel system serviced to help remove combustion and chamber deposits on internal components which reduce fuel economy and cause driveability problems such as missing, stalling, hesitating and so on not to mention saving you from having to replace expensive parts like fuel injectors. A Fuel Induction Service will clean the fuel injectors, clean the throttle body, clean plenum an air intake system and clean the intake valves of combustion and chamber deposits. You will see better performance and fuel economy almost immediately. You should have this service performed every 30,000 miles or annually.

AIR CONDITIONING:

You should have your vehicle’s air conditioning system serviced annually by a professional who is certified to do so. An annual service can help you save money by detecting problems early before major damage has occurred to the air conditioning system. It is normal for freon to escape the system very slowly causing the temperature of the air to slowly get warmer. That’s why when the warmer months get here and people start using the air conditioner again, they notice it is not as cool as they remember. There may be other causes of freon leakage such as loose fittings or cracked hoses, leaks at the evaporator and compressor. All these items should be inspected when it is serviced as well as using the original type of freon the vehicle was manufactured with. We strongly recommend avoiding so-called “Drop-In” refrigerants. Unapproved blends are dangerous and may cause costly damage to your vehicles air conditioning system or maybe even fires under the hood.

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1. Tire Checks – Make sure the treads on your tires are adequate for rainy weather or you could be in for a nasty surprise when that unexpected spring or summer storm hits.  You also should check your tire pressure as it will improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and ride.

2. Check Headlights – It’s easy to overlook a burned out headlight, or any of your other lights (brake lights, back-up lights, blinkers).  Enlist the help of another person to walk around your vehicle to physically look and see that all of your light bulbs are working and bright.

3. Replace Windshield Wipers – Make a habit of replacing windshield wipers at the beginning of each spring or summer.  You’ll be happy you did when those spring and summer rain storms come.

4. Make sure Brakes are working properly – Inspect your vehicle’s brakes twice a year to be sure you can stop on that proverbial dime.  Part of a normal brake inspection or car maintenance check should always be to make sure that brake fluids are clean and at the right levels.

5. Radiator Flush – Radiator coolant doesn’t last forever.  If the coolant becomes dirty, the radiator itself will begin to break down and corrode.  A once-a-year radiator flush is good car maintenance that will enhance your safety and all the features of your vehicle functioning properly.

6. Air Filter – Replace the air filter at least twice a year.  This is excellent preventive car maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly and quietly.

7. Battery Check – In the winter, corrosion can build up quickly in your car’s battery.  Each spring or summer, check the battery’s posts and cables so that your car will start quickly for you every time you use it.

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Enlarge This Image

Cheryl Gerber for The New York Times
Jeff Meckstroth of New Orleans with the 1999 Lexus RX 300 that led to the lawsuit.
Multimedia

Graphic
How Some Automakers Are Handling Complaints
Some best-selling models appear to have an increased risk of serious mechanical problems, particularly if scheduled oil changes were not made during the vehicle’s formative years. The threat is the buildup of sludge — gooey tarlike deposits — that reduces or shuts off oil circulation and can mean thousands of dollars to repair or replace an engine that has seized.

Sludge is a thickening and breakdown of the oil as it deteriorates, as moisture and contaminants build up. This causes the oil to gel, resulting in excess wear as friction increases or, in extreme cases, a stop-right-now failure.

Worse, experts warn that there is no foolproof way subsequent owners of a trouble-prone vehicle can protect themselves. And if there is a problem caused by sludge, an automaker may reject a warranty claim because the new owner may not be able to prove that previous owners made the required oil changes.

Dean Tomazic, director for performance and emissions at FEV Engine Technology, a consulting firm in Auburn Hills, Mich., said the owner of a used car could conscientiously change the oil every 3,000 miles and still have a problem if the previous owner neglected the maintenance. The engine may be so damaged from the past abuse, he said, it could “eternally cause sludge formation.”

Thousands of owners of vehicles of popular brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Audi and Saab have had sludge problems.

On Wednesday, a state judge in Louisiana is scheduled to give final approval to an out-of-court settlement of a class-action suit against Toyota covering 3.5 million vehicles. Under the settlement, Toyota will repair vehicles with sludge damage if owners can prove a reasonable effort at maintenance.

Chrysler has a serious sludge problem with the 2.7-liter V-6 engine used on some of its Concordes and Sebrings and also on some Dodge Intrepids and Stratus in the 1998-2002 model years, said Clarence M. Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. Mr. Ditlow said the center’s Web site (autosafety.org) had about 2,800 complaints of failures from sludge.

Sam Locricchio, a Chrysler spokesman, said the center was exaggerating the problem. He said the center received many duplicate complaints as well as cases in which it could not be shown that the vehicle had been properly maintained.

A lack of adequate oil changes is the explanation for damage given by Audi, Lexus, Saab, Toyota and VW. Yet unlike Chrysler and Dodge, those automakers have formal compensation programs for sludge damage, although in some cases consumers must provide detailed service records — and in the case of Saab, must have used oil filters sold only by the company.

Used-car owners are not alone in having sludge problems. The class-action suit brought against Toyota was started by Jeff Meckstroth of New Orleans.

Mr. Meckstroth was so impressed with the high marks earned by Lexus in quality studies by J. D. Power & Associates that he replaced a Mercedes-Benz with a new 1999 Lexus RX 300 sport wagon.

In October 2000, at about 42,000 miles, the engine failed because of a sludge problem. The RX 300 was still under warranty, and though Mr. Meckstroth had receipts showing he had made all the oil changes, Lexus refused to cover the $8,000 repair, asserting poor maintenance was to blame.

A Better Business Bureau arbitrator later ruled the car was properly maintained and that Lexus should repair it under warranty. But there were other expenses Lexus would not cover, and Mr. Meckstroth was angry about the way he was treated.

“Toyota knew they had a defect and didn’t want to admit it,” he said. “That’s when and why I sued.”

Toyota denied there was a problem with the engine. The company said the settlement was similar to a repair program it started in 2002 to fix engines damaged by sludge. But Gary G. Gambel, one of the New Orleans lawyers who brought the Toyota class-action suit, said the settlement went beyond the 2002 program by, among other things, reimbursing owners for the reduction in the vehicle’s value.

There is no national database on sludge. Still, problems seem to be increasing, said Mike Caruso, a technical specialist with the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association, a trade group in Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Mr. Caruso said he suspected that two factors were combining to gum up the internal-combustion works. He said that people might be more lax about changing oil and that oil changes had become very important as engines have become more sophisticated.

Yet, given the millions of engines in the United States, the number of sludge-related failures is microscopic, said Robert J. Last, vice president of operations at FEV.

Consumer Reports magazine has said “the problem rate as reflected in our reliability data is very low.”

That is little consolation to owners who suddenly find themselves with a bill of $5,000 or more to replace an engine on a vehicle with only 60,000 miles, Mr. Ditlow said. He said that if poor maintenance alone were to blame, virtually every engine from every automaker would have a serious sludge problem. He finds it impossible to believe that maintenance scofflaws are all attracted to certain engines. The logical explanation is that poor maintenance affects some engines more than others, he said.

If the Toyota case had gone to trial, said Joseph M. Bruno, another lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the Toyota suit, expert witnesses would have asserted that the problem was related to design changes made by Toyota to meet emissions standards.

Toyota has denied any design problem with its engines. The proposed settlement (posted at oilgelsettlement.com) notes that it does not mean that “Toyota or Lexus vehicles are predisposed to develop oil gel.”

It is difficult to say why some engines would be more vulnerable than others, although regular oil changes would be more important with turbocharged engines, Mr. Last said. Engines with turbochargers are more highly stressed.

VW and Audi officials have noted that proper maintenance is crucial with the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine used in the 1998-2004 VW Passat and 1997-2004 Audi A4. VW also said that the 1.8-liter engine used in the New Beetle, Jetta and Audi TT was not as likely to have a problem because that engine contained more oil.

Oil capacity may also be a factor with Chrysler’s 2.7-liter V-6. The automaker decided to use a smaller oil sump so consumers could save on oil, giving the engine a five-quart capacity instead of six, a Chrysler engineer, Burke Brown, said in a 2005 interview with The Plain Dealer newspaper of Cleveland.

“In retrospect, that took away the margin,” Mr. Brown told the paper. “If you don’t change the oil on schedule, they don’t tolerate a lot of abuse in that regard,” he said, referring to the 2.7-liter V-6 engine.

What all this means to consumers looking for a used car is that they need to get the vehicle’s record of oil changes and other maintenance. Then, they need to make sure those records match up with the automaker’s requirements as listed in the owner’s manual.

But the automakers’ extended sludge warranties are still good for only eight years after the vehicle was first sold. So some experts said the smartest thing for consumers was just to stay away from engines with sludge reputations.

“It is almost like clogged arteries,” said Mr. Caruso of the engine rebuilders association. “You look good on the outside, but you don’t know what is on the inside.”

I have pictures from car in our own shop contact me and I  will forward a copy

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The same Top Ten New Year resolutions crop up every year. Why? It’s obvious. Because they’re just so hard to keep!

I have trouble keeping my resolutions, but this time I’m determined to finally do better.

Success is not an accident, it begins with a well-conceived plan. You can and will achieve more in the next year than you have in the past ten with a disciplined plan of action. By investing your efforts into a New Years Resolution, you give yourself a launch pad for starting your new year and your new life.

My list includes many of the items listed below, but this Lens is not about my New Years Resolutions, but the Top Ten Resolutions.
The Top Ten Resolutions List
1. Stop Smoking
2. Get into a Habit of being Fit
3. Lose Weight – the Battle of the Bulge
4. Enjoy Life More.
5. Quit Drinking
6. Organise Yourself – this is one of the keys to reaching your goals
7. Learn Something New
8. Get out of Debt
9. Spend More Time With Family
10. Help People.
Make those Resolutions stick! Set your Goals

Have A safe and Prosperous 2012

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Auto mechanic
Automobile repair shop
Italian tuneup
Mechanical engineering

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The primary concern that our customers express is that they don’t want to get “stuck” in the snow (or in the ditch) during the winter.

While in cities like Atlantic City, Memphis and Seattle located at the extreme edges of the snow belt, relatively new All-Season tires will probably work just fine. But the odds change as you move further into the snow belt or the All-Season tires have a few years of wear on them. And who wants to gamble…especially when their collision deductible and future insurance premiums are on the table.

We all know that tires are a compromise. One tire can’t be the fastest on the track, most controllable in the snow, and longest wearing. The Ultra High Performance tire that grips the track with tread temperatures of 200° is incompetent as its tread compound becomes like “hard plastic” at below 32°. Today’s 80,000-mile tires require tread designs and compounds that maximize long, even wear… not winter traction. And while many of today’s all-season tires (Original Equipment, touring and performance) address some of these issues, they still emphasize longer wear, a quieter ride or greater performance…not winter traction.

Only winter tires are designed to excel in the colder temperatures, slush, snow and ice that many parts of the country experience for three or more months a year.

It’s also important to note that the recent advancements in electronic driver aids, such as ABS and traction control don’t provide more traction. They only help prevent drivers from over braking or overpowering the available traction of their tires. The only thing the driver can do to increase traction…to actually get more grip and control… is install better tires.

Read Why Electronic Driver’s Aids and Four-Wheel Drive Systems Aren’t Enough

Won’t All-Season Tires Work Just Fine?

By design, All-Season tires are a compromise intended to provide acceptable traits under a wide variety of conditions. However, that compromised goal prevents them from being a master of any one of them. The All-Season tire tread designs and compounds that are engineered to provide extended mileages and durability under the summer’s sun are less effective in winter’s freezing temperatures, and through snow and on ice. Specific winter tires deliver much better snow and ice performance than All-Season tires because their tread designs and tread compounds are engineered to master those conditions, while summer tires are engineered to deliver better handling in the rain and on dry roads. Why not have the best tires for each of the conditions you’ll encounter?

Why Four Winter Tires? I Thought I Would Only Need Two.

Today’s winter tires are better at providing ice and snow traction than ever before. The technology used to develop the tread designs and tread compounds has evolved beyond what you may have used previously. Every one of our tire manufacturers and 7 out of 10 vehicle manufacturers recommend four winter tires be used on rear wheel, front wheel or four wheel drive vehicles. This is because if you use two dissimilar types of tires on your vehicle, you’ll have a vehicle that has a “split” personality. One end of the vehicle won’t react and perform the same as the other in the dry, wet, slush and snow conditions you’ll encounter before the end of winter. Especially in emergency situations, you’ll find that your vehicle will probably understeer in one condition and oversteer in another. It is preferable to keep your vehicles handling as consistently as possible by “matching” all four tires. Our customers who have matched their tires tell us they’re glad they made the extra investment in four winter tires (and wheels) so they can accelerate, brake, handle and better control their vehicle through winter’s challenges.

What If My Car Has Traction Control?

While traction control will help keep you from overpowering your tires, it doesn’t actually improve your tire’s traction; it simply limits your car’s acceleration to the traction level of your tires. The only way to maximize your vehicle’s winter performance is to provide your traction control with more grip to work with by using tires specifically designed for your driving conditions.

What If My Car Has ABS Brakes?

While ABS brakes will help keep you from locking up your tires, it doesn’t actually improve your tire’s traction; it simply limits your cars braking to the traction level of your tires. The only way to maximize your vehicle’s winter performance is to provide your ABS brakes with more grip to work with by using tires specifically designed for your driving conditions.

What If My Car Has Front-Wheel Drive?

Front wheel drive is certainly an advantage…but its advantage can be multiplied by using winter tires designed for the road conditions you’ll encounter. Part of a front wheel drive car’s acceleration advantage is because it has 60% of its weight over the drive wheels. And while this helps you get started, it does nothing to help you stop. And a front wheel drive car’s weight distribution is not the best for handling and cornering. Many of the reasons that encouraged you to select a front wheel drive car are the same reasons that dedicated winter tires will make your winter driving more enjoyable and enhance your car’s braking, handling and cornering traits.

What If My Car Has All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive is certainly an advantage…but its advantage can be multiplied by using winter tires designed for the road conditions you’ll encounter. While more tires share the torque of your vehicle, think of the ice and snow performance that winter tires provide. All of the reasons that encouraged you to select an all-wheel drive car are the same reasons that dedicated winter tires will make your winter driving more enjoyable and enhance your car’s braking, handling and cornering traits.

Isn’t It Better To Stay Off the Roads If It’s Really Bad?

While it’s great to have the luxury of staying off the roads when it’s snowing, it’s even better to have the freedom of movement that winter tires provide. Because it is difficult to accurately predict winter storms just ask any weatherman if he’s willing to place a bet. How do you know where you will be when one hits…maybe at home…or at work…or out of town visiting relatives for the holidays. And who ever had an emergency that they could schedule around the weather?

Won’t It Help If I Just Drive Slowly and Carefully?

That very question verifies that you recognize the risk you feel when you don’t use winter tires. Why not take some of the tension out of your winter driving and provide yourself with a greater margin of control to avoid the unexpected…or dodge an accident. And if you aren’t able to keep up with the flow of traffic as you accelerate from a traffic light or up a hill, you pose a risk to yourself and all of the other vehicles around you.

Aren’t Winter Tires Expensive?

Winter tires and wheels may be one of the most economical purchases you can make.

We have excellent prices on tires, alloy wheels, steel wheels and complete Winter Tire & Wheel Packages. Using winter tires will extend the life of your summer tires. The summer tires won’t “wear out” sitting in the garage or basement while the winter tires and wheels are on the vehicle. Using winter wheels will protect Original Equipment or aftermarket alloy wheels from the harsh realities of winter…the salt, slush and grime that attack the alloy.

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Winter Tire

Studded winter tire

Snow tires (winter tires) are tires designed for use in winter conditions, such as snow and ice.^[1] They are an alternative to the use of snow chains.

Snow tires are usually tires with a different rubber composition from all-weather tires. Cold-weather tires include a greater percentage of natural rubber and silica so there is not as much hardening as found in synthetic rubber in cold conditions:^[2] they provide better traction at lower temperatures. Snow tires provide more small-tread areas, increasing traction on snow and, in wet conditions, allowing water to escape from under the tire more easily. This reduces the risk of hydroplaning. In much of Scandinavia, snow tires have metal studs to improve grip on packed snow or ice, but such tires are prohibited in most other countries for the damage they cause to the road surface.^[3] Snow tires do not eliminate skidding on ice and snow, but they greatly reduce the risk.

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Famously, the penny test (pictured) involves inserting a penny into the tread of a tire with President Lincoln’s head upside down. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, there’s at least 2/32 inch of tread depth left — the minimum legal amount required. The Tire Rack now recommends using a quarter instead. Inserted the same way, if any part of President Washington’s head is covered by tread, there’s at least 4/32 inch of tread depth left.

To test the effects of tread depth on wet stopping distances, The Tire Rack used a;2006 BMW 325i and a;2006 Ford F-150 Supercab 4×2;for a comparison at a wet-testing facility. Three sets of OEM tires were used for each vehicle: a brand-new set, a set shaved to 4/32 inch, and a set shaved to 2/32 inch. The;test area was then dampened to simulate moderate rain conditions. After multiple stops from 70 mph were conducted with both vehicles on all three sets of tires, average stopping distances were calculated and conclusions were drawn.

The;testing indicated that for both vehicles, braking distances from 70 mph to a standstill were nearly doubled with the 2/32-inch tire set over the brand-new set;– from 195.2 feet to 378.8 feet in the BMW sedan and from 255.9 feet to 499.5 feet in the Ford truck. With the 4/32-inch set, distances were nearly split between the previous two sets, resulting in a 290.0-foot stop in the BMW and a 377.8-foot stop in the Ford.

The Tire Rack concluded that with 2/32 inch of tread depth left, there’s simply not enough area for water to be evacuated by a tire, resulting in increased stopping length due to hydroplaning. Of course, any test conducted by a tire retailer recommending the accelerated replacement of a tire must be taken with a grain of salt; nevertheless, we can’t say we’re surprised by the results. In wet conditions, it’s fairly clear that the more tread depth available, the;easier it is for;the tire to do its job.

Would we recommend ditching the penny for the quarter? If you live in a area with frequent or heavy rainfall, we just might. Here in sunny Southern California, we’d suggest you have an adequate set on hand for the few wet days we have over the winter and spring.

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Because your engine is “water-cooled,” in other words it is cooled using water, this means there is water inside your engine and cooling system components, like the radiator. If it were not mixed with something to prevent it from freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this water could freeze and severely damage your engine. A chemical called ethylene glycol is the most widely used chemical in anti-freeze today.

Warning: Do not allow anti-freeze to contact your skin, or any painted surfaces on your vehicle. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water. Anti-freeze is highly poisonous if taken internally. Anti-freeze has a sweet odor, which attracts children and animals. Therefore, do not store anti-freeze in an open container or leave puddles on the floor of your work area. Most communities have anti-freeze collection centers where anti-freeze can be disposed of properly. Do not dump used anti-freeze down the drain or on the ground.

Anti-freeze not only protects your engine components from freezing (down to at least -20 F), it also helps inhibit corrosion and increases the coolant boiling point so that in even extremely hot conditions, your engine does not overheat.

Some engines today have aluminum cylinder heads. These engines require a specific type of anti-freeze. For various other reasons manufacturers will recommend a specific type of anti-freeze. Experts urge car, truck, van and SUV owners to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to the type of anti-freeze you use and to not mix different types.

You can purchase a hydrometer from an auto parts store to test whether or not the anti-freeze in your vehicle is still useable. For a few dollars, this simply-operated instrument is worth the investment.

Many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the anti-freeze every other year. Using anti-freeze longer than this can result in corrosion, and the formation of scale and rust in the cooling system. Drain, flush, and re-fill your cooling system every other year, following the instructions in your vehicle-specific repair manual or an online manual, before adding new anti-freeze.

The coolant in vehicles is actually a mixture of 50% water and 50% anti-freeze. Follow recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Do not use a mixture of more than 70% anti-freeze.

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A: Sort of. From the top: Air is 78 percent nitrogen, just under 21 percent oxygen, and the rest is water vapor, CO2 and small concentrations of noble gases such as neon and argon. We can ignore the other gases.

There are several compelling reasons to use pure nitrogen in tires.

First is that nitrogen is less likely to migrate through tire rubber than is oxygen, which means that your tire pressures will remain more stable over the long term. Racers figured out pretty quickly that tires filled with nitrogen rather than air also exhibit less pressure change with temperature swings. That means more consistent inflation pressures during a race as the tires heat up. And when you’re tweaking a race car’s handling with half-psi changes, that’s important.

Passenger cars can also benefit from the more stable pressures. But there’s more: Humidity (water) is a Bad Thing to have inside a tire. Water, present as a vapor or even as a liquid in a tire, causes more of a pressure change with temperature swings than dry air does. It also promotes corrosion of the steel or aluminum rim.

If I ever need to top off a tire when I’m out on the road, I’ll always briefly depress the tire chuck’s valve with my thumbnail and vent some air. If my thumb gets wet, there’s water in the line. Some gas stations don’t do a very good job of keeping the humidity out of their air system. I don’t even like to use a water-based tire-mounting lubricant unless I can let the tire bake in the sun for a couple of hours before I air it up and seat the bead. I’ve dismounted tires (not mine) that had several quarts of water inside—probably from a compressed-air hose that collected water and was never purged properly.

How is water relevant to a nitrogen discussion? Any system that delivers pure nitrogen is also going to deliver dry nitrogen. Filling tires with nitrogen involves filling and purging several times in succession, serially diluting the concentration of oxygen in the tire. This will also remove any water.

It’s certainly simple, although time-consuming, for a tire technician to fill and bleed tires. But most shops use a machine that not only generates almost pure nitrogen by straining the oxygen out of shop-compressed air, but will also automatically go through several purge cycles unattended. Some shops have been charging as much as $30 per tire for this service. I think that’s too much. If you’re buying a new tire, it should be far less. Still, the nitrogen generator, filling system and technician’s time aren’t free—the dealer is entitled to some return for that.

So, to answer your specific questions: With nitrogen, your tire pressures will remain more constant, saving you a small amount in fuel and tire-maintenance costs. There will be less moisture inside your tires, meaning less corrosion on your wheels. You will not be able to feel any difference in the ride or handling or braking, unless your tire pressures were seriously out of spec and changing to nitrogen brought them back to the proper numbers.

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Everyone tells you to have bottled water,It isrecommended to have 1 gallon per person per day;batteries and working flashlights,candles and matches. Make sure your gas tank and washer fluids are filled.

A few more things that most people forget: 1) have your cell phone,laptop,IPad,Kindle,Nooks and game boy’s fully charged. 2) A manually operated can opener and ice cubes in quantity to help keep freezer cold in case power goes out. 3) You should also have at least a three day supply of any medications you take, as well as your favorite canned and dry goods and don’t forget the first aid kit. 4)) don’t overlook your pets needs ie: food,treats and water.

Always keep in mind heavy rain and winds can cause power outages,downed wires and tree damage.

Stay indoors and be safe.

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But there are also substantial cost of equipment and technology. In order to work on today’s cars a shop must have state of the art scanners, diagnostic software, and lab scopes to analyze vehicular data streams in a effort to extract critical information for accurate vehicle repair. without such info , Techs cannot deliver accurate repairs. Other equipment such as vehicle lifts, floor jacks, lubrication equipment and the likes are necessary to operate a shop efficiently and effectively.

Good trained service personnel cost money, period. Usually techs are classified as “A”, “B”, “C”, techs, and the more high-grade techs in a shop, the more it cost to pay them. In order to attract a high-grade technician these days . shops must pay good hourly  rate or weekly salary. In addition Health Insurance and other benefits such as a company car often go into the package to attract the class “A” technician.

These Technicians have to go to school on a regular basis to keep up with automotive technology. Without this training, techs cannot repair vehicles in “book Time” allotted for a particular service operation ( not to mention the occasional headache job that comes along that every tech in town has had his/hers hands on without success.) A repair shop usually pays for this training.

As you can see, there’s a lot more that goes into auto repair pricing than parts and labor

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The type of parts used for auto repair directly affects the bottom-line price, Original Equipment (OEM) parts tend to be the highest priced, followed bu aftermarket parts. there are typically two th three tiers of aftermarket parts. Different tiers are defined by Quality, I use the top of the line (OEM) & aftermarket parts to raise the change of a longer lasting, effective auto repair.

Finally, used parts also vary in price depending on the mileage and/or demand of the part. A used part can render an effective repair, depending on its condition

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