Car Maintenance Archives - The Car Doctor Auto Repair

Getting the Most Out of Your Car When Times are Tight

Trying to save money wherever you can? The good news is that there are many great ways to easily cut back on spending funds on your car care when times are tight.

Here are some of our top suggestions for getting the most out of your car when you are trying to spend less.

1. Drive Carefully

The first thing you should do is check your driving and make sure you are being as careful as possible. While you should do this anyway, it’s a great way to save you some money. Here are some ways that watching your driving can save you money:

Lowering Your Car Insurance

Having a clean driving record, meaning one that is free of speeding tickets, accidents, etc. can actually dramatically reduce the amount you pay your auto insurer every month.

If you are an incredibly safe driver, you can actually be rewarded by your auto insurer as well.

Saving Gas

While it may not seem like driving carefully and adhering to the speed limit could save you a lot, but it’s a great way to cut back on spending.

Aggressive driving that includes slamming on your car brakes, speeding, and rapid acceleration can actually lower the gas mileage of your car by up to 30% on the highway and between 10% to 40% in stop and go traffic.

By adhering to the speed limit and braking/accelerating gently, you can save up to 10% per gallon in your fuel costs. Your car brakes will also thank you, as there will be decreased wear the less aggressive you are with them.

2. Stop Idling Your Car

Another great way to save some money is by avoiding idling your car. If you are in a situation where you are stuck parked in your car and waiting for someone/something, just turn the engine off until you are ready to move again.

Idling can use up to a 1/7 to 1/5 of your fuel tank per hour. However, restarting your vehicle only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel.

3. Avoid Car A/C and Heating

Depending on where you live, this step may be easier for some over others.

Running your air conditioning can actually reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy by over 25%. If you can, either set the temperature a little higher or even turn it off altogether.

For situations where it is plausible, consider driving with your windows open before turning on your A/C to let out hot air first, and only using A/C at high speeds.

4. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Last but not least, make sure you are checking your tire pressure regularly. Also, and just as important, make sure the tires on your car are set to their optimum air pressure.

Not sure what the pressure in your tires should be? It should be listed both in the driver’s door frame and your owner’s manual.

Ideally, you should check on your tire pressure once a month. Doing this can help prevent emergencies and spending more money on new tires. By preparing and checking up on this aspect of your car regularly, you’ll find that your wheels will wear down less and need to be replaced less frequently.

Getting Additional Help from Your Local Auto Repair Shop

While there’s a lot you can handle on your own when it comes to getting the most out of your car care when times are tight, don’t be afraid to contact a local, trusted auto repair shop for additional help if needed. Whether you have questions about a certain issue or you have preventative services that need to be completed, a professional is the best option.

For those of you in Old Hickory, Tennessee, contact The Car Doctor today for your car maintenance needs!

How to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly at 150k Miles and Beyond

Your car should be in it for the long haul, and it can be with a little help from you! No matter your car mileage, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that keeps your car running smoothly.

Seeing your miles creep closer to 150k and getting nervous? There’s absolutely no need to be if you follow these tips.

Tips for Keeping Your Car Running Smoothly with High Mileage

Here are our top suggestions for keeping your car running smoothly with high mileage.

1. Follow Your Owner’s Manual Maintenance Schedule

You should always make sure to double-check your owner’s manual to see when certain items need to be replaced and when regular maintenance needs to be done. Some things are based on mileage, and others are based on time, so it’s important to stay on top of your regular car maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire pressure/tread depth, lights, tire rotations, etc.

While regular car service may not always be as convenient, it’s vitally important. Replacing items and checking aspects of the car before they become a problem will keep your car going for years to come.

2. Save Money for Repairs

It is also important to note, however, that even with regular car service, your car will need repairs at some point. These won’t usually be cheap, so it’s vital that you put some money aside for when the time comes.

Save as much as you can, even if it’s not much. Trust us, you will thank yourself when your car breaks down and must go into an auto repair shop.

3. Fix Problems as Soon as They Happen

Make sure to listen for any odd sounds coming from your car, and look out for any electrical glitches, tears, and/or breaks in the vehicle. Whether it’s a really small problem or something more serious, it’s best to just fix it right away to ensure your car keeps running smoothly.

Following tip #2 and saving up your extra dollars and cents will really make a difference in making sure problems can be fixed as soon as possible!

4. Use High-Quality Replacement Parts

If you decide on fixing an issue with the car yourself, make sure that you choose high-quality replacement parts. The cheapest option is not going to be the one that keeps your car running smoothly. You can also look at used part options as well – this may be a great way to find something of higher quality without paying that higher price.

For those not sure what parts to go for, discuss the viable options with a part store or local mechanic/auto technician at an auto repair shop.

5. Avoid Rust

Lastly, for those of you living somewhere with snow in the winter, make sure that you are washing your car regularly if the temperature is above freezing. When the roads are covered in salt to keep you safe while you drive, it tends to stick to your car and can turn to rust if it isn’t removed quickly.

If you don’t typically deal with snow, it’s still a good idea to wash your car regularly to prevent damage, promote safety, and remove things like bugs, dirt, and debris.

Getting Started with Regular Car Service

One of the most important things to do is to regularly have your car serviced to ensure that your car continues to run smoothly.

For excellent service at a local auto repair shop in Old Hickory, Tennessee, reach out to the Car Doctor today to get started!

Factory Recommended Services

New vehicles come with factory recommended services that ensure your car’s warranty. The recommended services covered vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they are all “written promises by the manufacturer or a third-party to repair or replace defects with the vehicle it sells to you”.

In many cases, warranties don’t actually cover everything the owner assumes. It’s important to review your warranty to be certain on exactly what is covered, and in what circumstances, that way you will know what to expect ahead of time. Regardless of your specific warranty, it can come in handy because it will offset the cost of care for your vehicle.

Types of Factory Warranties

Factory, or manufacturer, warranties are backed by the manufacturer of your automotive vehicle. The manufacturer deal with the cost of parts and services for the repairs covered in their warranty.

Standard warranties are typically based on set time or distance, whichever comes first. They tend to cover mechanical defects and items related to the safety of the vehicle.

Service warranties typically apply to new vehicles, though some pre-owned programs may include similar coverage. Some younger used vehicles may also have remaining coverage. This covers things from brake pads to oil changes.

Extended warranties are often sold as up-sells on new vehicles and may be transferable; they extend the warranty coverage beyond the original term. The extension could be anywhere from 3-5 years.

Your Responsibilities

Just as with any other contract, you will have some responsibilities in regard to maintaining the validity of your warranty. As always, the requirements will vary from warranty to warranty, but some common examples include requiring maintenance to be performed by certified mechanics and you to keep proof of this. There are often also clauses around the circumstances under which a warranty may be transferred to a new owner.

If you will be adding in any special features or parts, we recommend checking your warranty in order to confirm whether or not it may void your warranty. It’s also important to take note of when buying a used vehicle from an individual.

Manufacturer Recommended Service

There’s a lot of conflicting information as to whether or not you should follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules. If you have any doubts, be sure to swing by and see us so we can outline how to get the most out of your vehicle, while staying safe and allowing it to last.

General Guidelines

To keep things simple, the Care Car Council has created a Service Interval Schedule to track your maintenance, which you can find here.

We also advise reviewing your Owner’s Manual in its entirety in order to understand exactly what your vehicle needs. This is where the manufacturer will detail any vehicle-specific maintenance requirements that differ from the standard.

No matter the make or model of your vehicle, you should be frequently checking the following:

Dashboard Indicator Lights
Lights
Tire Pressure and condition
Fluids
Engine Oil Level

Other parts should be checked at regular intervals from 3,000 miles/3 months to 12 months/12 miles to see if they need maintenance. The Care Care Guide lists all of these, but again, your Owner’s Manual will refer to the exact maintenance your model needs.

Our Recommendations and Service

At The Car Doctor, we recommend also recommend service checkups at every 30,000 miles in order to ensure that everything is running smoothly and assess your vehicle’s needs. Our checks typically include the following:

Oil Change
Inspect and replace filters (air, cabin, fuel, etc)
Replace fluids (cooling system, brakes, steering, etc.)
Tire rotation and balance, check and adjust tire pressure
Visual inspection of parts & systems: tires, wheels, brakes, lights, belts, hoses, drive train, fuel system, etc.
At higher mileage, spark plugs, timing belts, etc. may need replacement
Vehicle road test

Service Lights

Many newer vehicles have service lights that indicate services required at certain mileage intervals. Some vehicles also have a maintenance light that indicates when service is required. This is based on information from a sensor in your engine. For specific details on your vehicle, please refer to your Owner’s Manual.

Factory recommended services and vehicle warranties can be confusing but they don’t have to be timely or expensive! Call The Car Doctor Auto Repair today to book your check-up or service or to simply ask us what’s best for your vehicle. We are the auto repair shop people have come to rely on and trust in Old Hickory, Hermitage, and Nashville, TN.

Winterize Your Car for the Holidays and Cold Weather

Off to Grandma’s house! Let The Car Doctor Auto Repair ease your mind and help keep you running and safe on the road this holiday season and all winter long with our car winterization service.

Here’s a smart checklist to keep you winter-ready:

Check your coolant

Check your coolant level before winter sets in to be sure your coolant hasn’t become contaminated with water or other external substances. Maintenance is highly recommended to keep your vehicle running at optimum performance.

Battery check

Don’t get stranded. To avoid a stalled car on a cold morning, we will run a battery load test to see if the battery has enough juice. As well, we check cables and terminals for cracks, and make sure the fluid is filled to the top.

Windshield wiper fluid

Keep your windshield clean and visibility clear by removing snow, salt, dirt, and ice during the winter. Don’t run out of wiper fluid and be sure that freeze-resistant fluid is used. Winter driving can be tough – it can be tougher with reduced visibility.

Windshield blade replacement

Make sure your wiper blades are up to the task during tough winter weather. The average wiper blades are only good for six months to a year, so it’s good to have new ones as the weather changes.

Tire pressure check

Old or new, tires should be checked to be sure they are properly inflated for winter conditions. Cold weather causes the air pressure in your tires to drop, so checking tire pressure regularly ensures the tire levels remain at what is the manufacturer recommends. Ah, and be sure not to forget to check your spare!

Check tire treads and have all-weather tires for winter weather

Tire tread check

It’s a priority to check, and if necessary, replace your tires. Worn treads are a major hazard in winter conditions. For Middle Tennessee winter weather, it’s best to have all-season tires. Be sure tire tread is at least 5/32” for the best winter traction. If your tread is less than 2/32”, your tires will offer virtually zero traction in snow and ice, and be prone to hydroplaning in rain – they need to be replaced.

*An easy way to test your tire tread: insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If no part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tires need to be replaced. Flip the penny over and do the same test with the Lincoln Memorial facing down. If any part of the building is covered, your tires are winter weather ready.

Check your oil

Get the proper oil in your vehicle for cold weather

Make sure you have new, fresh oil to keep things running properly during the unpredictable winter months. An engine needs lubrication to run and cold weather thickens the oil and can reduce the ability to run smoothly. The mechanics at The Car Doctor Auto Repair will tell you what the best oil is for your car – does it need a thinner oil, etc., so you don’t have to worry about oil issues.

Belts and hoses

We prepare your car for winter by checking all belts and hoses for cracks or signs of wear and tear, and replacing them if necessary. Cold weather can affect belts and hoses and can weaken them – let us make sure they are in good order.

Don’t forget to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

Despite excellent planning, winter weather can sneak up on you and put you and your family at risk. Be ready for by equipping your car with emergency supplies including blankets, flares, first-aid kit, a jack, flashlight, shovel, food, and sand or kitty litter for traction if you do get stuck.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your car winterized – call The Car Doctor Auto Repair today. Our schedule fills up fast, especially this time of year. Get your appointment today, so you can have holiday and winter peace of mind tomorrow.