It’s Fall Car Care Month: Is Your Car Trying to Tell You Something?

And now the monthly Car Care Tip courtesy of Tommy Tuneup!
It’s Fall Car Care Month: Is Your Car Trying to Tell You Something?

While talking cars only appear in the movies, your vehicle can still communicate using its own language. Sounds like squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding are all signs that your vehicle may be trying to tell you something, says the Car Care Council.

“It’s important for car owners to listen and act accordingly when their vehicle speaks up,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By checking out what your vehicle is saying, you can take care of the problem now and avoid a breakdown or more costly repairs later.”

Many motorists are familiar with noises their vehicles make on a daily basis. However, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. For example, a high-pitched squeal that stops when pressing on the brake pedal is a sign that a vehicle’s brakes should be inspected. The same goes for grinding that could be the result of worn brake pads that should be replaced.

Gasoline 101

With gas prices reaching for the clouds, you may be tempted to go for the lower grade when it’s time to top off the tank. For most of the motoring world, that’s not a problem, but what about the rest of the cars out there whose owner’s manuals call for mid grade or high test? While you may see an immediate savings at the pump, running your engine off of a fuel other than what the manufacturer recommends will end up hurting you in the long run.

Don’t Ignore Vehicle Maintenance Basics…

Schedule your next oil change now! Tysons Auto Specialties is at your service – ready to provide you with their premium BG Oil Change Service at a special price.

You can end up spending more money in the long run by cutting back on such services as an oil and filter change.

We’re now in the height of the summer travel season. This is a good time to check your oil change sticker and see if your car is due.

April is National Car Care Month: Spring into Action

And now our monthly Car Care Tip courtesy of Tommy Tuneup!

April is National Car Care Month and the Car Care Council reminds motorists to spring into action and follow 10 basic maintenance procedures to make sure their vehicles are running at peak performance for the summer driving season.

The Weather is Getting Warmer!

Be sure your care is ready with our BG Climate Control Service.

Do you know that foul musty smell when you first turn on your air conditioning system? It’s caused by bacterial growth in the evaporator. This air is unhealthy to breathe, especially for children or those with allergies.

Car Care Tip: Here are seven ways you can increase your gas mileage

Better gas mileage can come from making just a few important adjustments in your driving habits. While we still may have to say “your results may vary,” these common sense practices can make a difference in the hot days soon to come upon us in Northern Virginia.

Extreme Summer Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries

Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.

Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

“When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.”

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:

A Simple Vehicle Inspection Can Keep Your Summer Travels Pleasant Not Perplexing!

Tom’s Automotive Tip of the Month:
A Simple Vehicle Inspection Can Keep Your Summer Travels Pleasant Not Perplexing!

A simple vehicle inspection before a family vacation can help avoid the short fuses, inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home, says the Car Care Council.

“It’s easy to keep the sparks from flying from car trouble on a road trip,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A quick vehicle check can give motorists peace of mind and save them from the hassle of a roadside breakdown. In just 10 minutes, drivers can make sure their car is ready for travel and then take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out for vacation.”