| HELPFUL TIPS |
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ACE AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTANT EXPERTS
Your Trusted Friend in the Business!
| PHONE: 941.201.2119 FAX: 941.748.1981 EMAIL: service@myaceauto.com LOCATION: 2709 Lorraine Road Bradenton, FL 34211 (In the Lakewood Storage Center) |
Bob's Top Ten Car Care Tips 1. CHANGE YOUR OIL REGULARLY Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is optimal. This one item will save you time, money, and add years of life to your vehicle. 2. CHECK TIRE INFLATION REGULARLY Keep tires inflated to manufacturer's specifications. This will increase fuel efficiency, as well as keep tires from wearing unevenly. This will increase the life of the tires and lessen the need for alignments. 3. MAINTAIN PROPER FLUID LEVELS Have all fluids checked regularly, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, and antifreeze. Fluids help to neutralize internal corrosion, remove debris that may have accumulated and keep the vehicle's temperature within normal range. 4. KEEP YOUR ENGINE TUNED Worn spark plugs, old wires, or a restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. 5. INSPECT ENGINE BELTS REGULARLY A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50 percent. Also, frayed belts can indicate incipient failure, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road. 6. CHECK BATTERY CABLES AND POSTS Inspect battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries. 7. CHECK THE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine and extend engine life. 8. CHECK WINDSHIELD WASHER BLADES Examine blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins. 9. WASH YOUR CAR REGULARLY Keeping you car clean inside and out will prevent gunk buildup on wheels, headlights, undercarriage, etc. 10. FIND A GREAT AUTO MECHANIC We know this is not as easy as it sounds. The best way to find a great mechanic and repair shop is to do it much the same way as you would to find a great doctor, dentist, or hairstylist. Ask around. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and other business owners. Personal referral is the most reliable way to find your car care specialist as you will be able to benefit from someone else's first hand experience. |
| WARNING SIGNS These symptoms almost always indicate a problem--get your car to your mechanic ASAP: 1. STEERING DIFFICULTY Is it hard to steer your vehicle? Do you have difficulty steering in a straight line? This might mean your front wheels are misaligned or you have worn steering parts. 2. UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS Any strange vibration or shimmy is cause to take your car to the repair shop. 3. BRAKING PROBLEMS If you put on your brakes, and your car pulls to one side, or if the brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained, get it to the shop. If you hear or feel scraping or grinding when you apply the brake, this indicates a problem that needs to be checked out. You need to get your car to a repair shop if the "brake" light on the instrument panel is lit. 4. ENGINE TROUBLE Engine trouble is on the menu if you find that your car is hard to start. Other indicators include the check engine light coming on, your car using more than one quart of oil between changes, the car engine running after you remove the key, if the car stalls or idles roughly, and if there’s poor acceleration. Also, getting fewer miles to the gallon could mean an engine problem, too. 5. TRANSMISSION TROUBLE You might have a problem with the transmission if there’s a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse, if your car doesn’t shift during regular acceleration, or if the engine speeds up, but the car doesn’t respond. A FINAL NOTE: Car problems rarely happen overnight. There are often several signs of trouble before something breaks down, requiring costly repairs. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for telltale warning signs, like squeaking breaks, leaking fluids, or drifting wheels, which can indicate a bigger problem under the hood. By identifying these warning signs early on, you stand a better chance of avoiding an outrageous repair bill after all, repairing a transmission fluid leak will cost you significantly less than replacing a transmission. |