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Auto Repair and Brake Service in Redmond, WA for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and other Import Autos

7 Car Maintenance Issues Teens Need to Learn

by Fame Automotive on September 6, 2012

September Means Back to School Driving
7 Car Maintenance Signs Your Teen Needs to Know for a Better, Safer Car

SIGN #1 – Car Alignment
Potholes.
There are many things that can cause car misalignment. One of these causes is constantly hitting potholes. We all hit them, but if your teen just got access to a car and the car was perfect beforehand, then he/she might need to be told about avoiding potholes.

Hitting Curbs.
There are also alignment issues from hitting curbs. There aren’t many reasons why your teen should be hitting the curb. Perhaps your teen is in need of some more parking lessons.

Speed bumps/Railroad Tracks.
Another cause of misalignment is going over speed bumps and railroad tracks too fast. Even after many years of being on the road, adults also tend to forget there’s a speed bump until it’s too late to slow down. You might let that one slip a little except driving too fast is dangerous. Your teen can lose complete control of the car. This car maintenance sign might save your teen’s car, but most importantly, your teen’s life.

SIGN #2 – Tires
Wear and Tear.
Another sign often seen in teen cars due to lack of car maintenance is over worn tires. Going too fast on the road and then having to brake will cause a lot of damage to the front tires.

Air Pressure.
Tires should have enough air pressure. If you teen isn’t checking his/her tires’ air, then it’s likely he/she isn’t checking other less obvious areas that need car maintenance. An overinflated tire can pop on the road if the temperature is too high. One way to check for an overinflated tire is by checking if the wear is across the center of the tread. An under-inflated tire will wear on both outer edges of the tire.

SIGN #3 – Fluids
Engine Oil.
Check the engine oil. Black oil tends to indicate bad maintenance.

Coolant Levels.
Yet another sign is the coolant levels. If they are below the necessary level, then your teen may need to learn this car maintenance tip. The car can easily overheat without enough antifreeze and/or water.

(FYI #1: Brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in the car. You need it for safe driving. Therefore, it’s better to have a professional car center change it for you. Of course, we can do this for you at FAME Automotive).

SIGN #4 – Air Filter
Staining.
Staining on the air filter can be an indication of engine wear.
(FYI #2: Changing the air filter will improve gas mileage.)

SIGN #5 – Brakes
Squeaking.
Squeaking brakes can also indicate bad car maintenance. Brake pads are made with a warning tab, which measures how much surface you have left on your brake pad. When it produces a squeal it means it’s become worn. Ask your teen how long the squeaking has been going on. If it’s been a while and he/she hasn’t mentioned it, then he/she most likely hasn’t mentioned other car maintenance issues, or may not know about them.

SIGN #6 – Battery
Battery Light.
Check if the battery light is on. Always an indication of a problem

Voltage Meter.
You can also check the voltage meter. This should be located near the temperature dial. The volt reading should be on or around 14 volts when the car is on. When the car is off, the volt reading should be on or around 12. Anything significantly off indicates a battery problem. A bad battery might be caused by leaving the car lights or radio on too long without restarting the car. A common issue among teens.

SIGN #7 – Engine Noises
Ticks/Tapping.
Any noise is a bad noise when it comes from a car. It can indicate many bad car maintenance issues, especially if it’s coming from the engine. If your teen’s car engine is making a noise it could be caused by revving the engine too hard.

Pings/Knocks.
If you hear noises when accelerating, it could be due to engine overheating from not refilling the coolant fluids.

Rapping/Knocking.
Deep rapping or knocking sounds coming from the engine could mean a neglected oil change.

As parents, we know teen car maintenance is a serious matter. It can be lifesaving to our kids and everyone else on the road. Make sure you student drivers are prepared for Back to School Driving.

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Fact or Fiction? 8 gas-saving myths

by Fame Automotive on May 15, 2012

Find the lowest rates at Gas Stations!

As gas prices skyrocket, let’s examine some commonly held beliefs about how to get the best gas mileage from your vehicle.

FACT: Driving slower saves you gas. Like millions of Americans, we listen to the “Car Talk” guys on National Public Radio mostly because they make us laugh. But they also dispense great auto advice, and they stress that slowing down makes a big difference:

For every 1,000 miles you drive (figuring gas at $2.50 a gallon and 25 mpg fuel efficiency), you’ll save as much as $15 driving 10 mph slower. Of course, if gas is nearly double that price, the savings should double as well. Something to think about if you’re a speed demon.

FICTION: Replacing the air filter on your car improves mileage. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that an air filter change will mostly help your acceleration, not your mileage — though if you drive an older car with a carbureted engine, it may improve fuel economy 2% to 6%.

FACT: Stepping on the brakes wastes gas. Every time you use the brakes, you’re wasting the ‘acceleration’ you’ve already used. Instead of moving your car, that energy is being transformed into steaming hot brake pads. Instead, learn to anticipate stops, and gently accelerate your car from a standing stop.

FICTION: Gas-saving additives can improve fuel economy by 20% or more. What’s the difference between motor oil and snake oil? Not much, if you’re weighing the claims of slick entrepreneurs who know the timing’s right for selling you magical gas-saving potions. To be sure, some long-standing products with modest claims (such as STP Gas Treatment) have vigorous supporters, but they only claim to boost mileage about 10%.

But as the Federal Trade Commission warns, “The Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some ‘gas-saving’ products may damage a car’s engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions.”

FICTION: New “low-resistance” tires significantly improve gas mileage. Unless you’re driving bald or severely underinflated tires, the hype about low-rolling resistance tires adds up to minimal gas savings. As this story by USA Today reports, various brands of these newfangled tires create gas savings of only 1% to 3%, even if rolling resistance is cut by 25% or more. Whether that saves wear and tear on your car is another story, but the mileage improvements won’t even pay for a spare tire over the course of 10 tanks of gas.

FACT: You can realize dramatic mileage improvement by replacing your oxygen sensor. This falls under the category of tuning up your car, always a good idea if you want to see gas mileage gains in the 4% range. As a function of any proper tuneup, ask your Rolf’s mechanic to look at the oxygen sensor; if it’s not working properly, a simple repair to this part could boost your mileage by as much as 40%, the U.S. Department of Energy states.

Note that if you make this fix, it may take a few weeks for you to realize the improved mileage as your engine’s fuel-air ratio adjusts.

FICTION: Topping off the gas tank is a good idea. We know, We know: You’ve finally found the one pump between here and Logansport, Ind., that has affordable gas, so why not squeeze every last drop into your tank? While that sounds sensible at first blush, here’s the problem: Gas expands in warmer weather, which means topped off gas will likely wind up spilling out your tank.

As if you needed more incentive, check out this warning from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “Topping off the gas tank can result in your paying for gasoline that is fed back into the station’s tanks because your gas tank is full.” So unless you’re in the mood to pay the folks at Exxon or BP a little more for your fuel, stop topping off your tank.

FICTION: High-octane gasoline improves your mileage. We’re amazed to see that countless drivers still fall for this marketing gimmick, despite abundant evidence that high-octane gas is a waste of money. Props to the folks at Bankrate.com for pointing this out, along with other gas-saving tips you can read here. Bottom line: Unless your car specifically requires premium, skip it and go for low-octane fuel.

*From MSN Money, April 2012

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How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again

by Fame Automotive on February 14, 2012

image flowerHeartsHood How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again With Valentine’s Day this month, you go all out and lavish your special someone with flowers and chocolates. But don’t let the focus completely slip away from your non-human companions. That’s right-cars need love too, and unlike humans, they’ll never tell you that they’re just not that into you.

Here, then, are four heartfelt ways to renew your bond with your vehicle and show it how much you care.

Buy New Tires
image 4tires How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again Spring isn’t far away, which means a tire swap could be in order. It’s time to think about changing out snow tires, switching to a good all-season tire or maybe adding a high-performance tire to a sporty car. Or maybe the tread on your current set has worn away. New tires can dramatically improve everything from ride comfort and handling to ambient noise on the highway, and they’re much more resistant to blowouts than the aging rubber that we too often see on the road. There’s a tire to fit virtually any budget these days, so why not do some research and price out a new set? Cars love new tires, and that’s what the Valentine’s Day spirit is all about.

Clean It Up!
image wash How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again You’ve already seen a few winter months pass by, and that layer of grime on your car has probably gotten pretty thick. Here’s a thought: don’t just take your car through the mechanical car wash for eight bucks, as this can scratch your paint and leave filth untouched in some areas. If you don’t want to get the sponge out yourself, we recommend anteing up for a professional hand wash. It’s like a spa treatment for your car; you’ll be amazed at how refreshed it looks afterwards. If you’ve suffered through a particularly nasty winter, however, you may want to spring for a full detailing job, which is akin to a full-body rejuvenation. Is your car worth it? Of course it is; it’s your valentine!

Take a Road Trip
image roadtrip How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again If you’re like most American drivers, you might feel like you’ve been stuck in a chilly commuting rut all winter. So how about hitting the road for a weekend getaway? It’ll be good for you, of course, but your car will appreciate it too, and here’s why. You know how used-car classifieds will claim a vehicle has driven “mostly highway miles”? Well, that’s because a steady cruise on the highway is just about the least stressful experience a car can have. Cold starts are a killer for engine components; ditto short trips, prolonged idling and stop-and-go traffic. Chances are you’ve been doing that stuff all winter. So don’t keep abusing your car with the usual routine; take it out on the open road and get its heart singing again.

Install a USB-Compatible Stereo
image sterio How to Fall in Love with Your Car Again Are you still listening to CDs in the car? Or maybe an iPod with a shaky connection? Well, check it out: there’s been a digital-music revolution over the past couple years, and a growing number of head units are being now equipped with an honest-to-goodness USB port-just like a new car’s stereo. Having a USB port is great because you can play your iPod/mp3 player through it with superior fidelity (compared to an auxiliary input jack), or you can insert a flash drive with a bunch of mp3s on it and enjoy an exceptionally portable jukebox full of your favorite songs. It’s a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you’re already accustomed to using mp3s in other contexts. And, having received a new technological lease on life, your car will likely be your loyal valentine for years to come. Flowers and chocolates not required.

February 2012 by DriverSide

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Planning 2012 Vehicle Care

by Fame Automotive on January 15, 2012

If you don’t control your money, your money will control you. Today let’s focus on getting control over the cost of auto repair and maintenance.

The Cost of Owning a Car

Here’s a look at all the budget categories you may want consider when attempting to nail down your auto expenses:

Purchase price – payment (cash and/or financing and interest) to acquire the vehicle
Taxes - paid when you buy or sell the vehicle
Fuel - the gasoline/fuel you need to make the vehicle run
Insurance – all levels auto insurance including personal liability, collision, comprehensive, roadside assistance, etc.
Tags and registration – state vehicle registration, license plates, and renewal tags
Repair and maintenance - tires, oil changes, and all other repairs and maintenance necessary to keep your vehicle operational

Benefits of Controlling These Costs

Many of the benefits of controlling your auto maintenance costs are similar to those you experience when gaining control over any area of your money, so let’s focus on those that are specific to the topic. Proper budgeting for auto repair and maintenance will allow you to:

Have a better relationship and better communication with your auto mechanic
Prepare/plan better so you don’t have to race to get oil changes before your next trip
Reduce your maintenance expenses going forward
Relax in the knowledge that you’re prepared

You can achieve all of these things simply by setting aside enough money to cover your expenses. That way you won’t have to stress or worry about where the money is coming from – if it can be found at all.

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The Benefits of a Proper Oil Change

by Fame Automotive on August 22, 2011

image oilpour The Benefits of a Proper Oil Change Regular oil changes are necessary to ensure the proper performance of a car’s engine. An oil change, which involves installing a new engine oil filter and draining old engine oil and replacing it with fresh, clean oil, offers a myriad of benefits.

Cleaner Engine
Oil changes help to keep car engines clean and running smoothly. As an engine operates, microscopic wear and debris particles flake off from various internal engine parts and enter a car’s oil. Regularly changing a car’s oil eliminates these particles and ensures that an engine is bathed and lubricated with clean, quality motor oil.

Longer Engine Life
Wear and friction are the two leading causes of engine wear and failure; regular oil changes reduce engine wear and result in a longer lasting car engine.

Lower Vehicle Emissions
Clean oil enables an engine to run cleaner, and a cleaner running engine emits less exhaust than a dirty engine. An oil change replaces old, dirty engine oil with fresh, clean engine oil, oil that is better able to absorb harmful engine particles and engine by-product emissions.

Better Gas Mileage
An oil change infuses an engine with clean, quality engine oil that provides better lubrication and friction-reducing capabilities than old, dirty engine oil. Increased engine lubrication results in less engine friction, which enables an engine to run easier and smoother and leads to increased gas mileage.

Better Engine Performance
Clean engine oil allows an engine’s internal parts to operate easier and smoother, enabling an engine to maximize its mechanical output. This leads to not only an increase in gas mileage, but also an increase in engine performance.

Schedule your Oil Service Appointment today!

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Get Ready for Summer!

by Fame Automotive on June 24, 2011

image summerRoad Get Ready for Summer! Here are a few things to consider regarding your car, truck or SUV!

During the upcoming summer months, the weather can get hot. You’ll want to take a few things into consideration regarding your car, truck or SUV. It’s important to remember that hot weather can be tough on mechanical components. While there are many similarities between getting your vehicle ready for summer and getting it ready for winter, a couple of differences do exist.

Here’s a list of what needs to be done to get your vehicle ready for summer:

Change the engine oil and adjust the viscosity grade.
Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is important at all times. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, as this assures the best possible contact between the tire and the road.
Inspect tire condition for abnormal wear patterns.
Check coolant/antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of coolant and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot-weather performance (and cold) can be compromised.
Get an A/C performance inspection & service.
Inspect the belts and hoses. Before summer begins, have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle. And if you’re not sure when they were last replaced, consider having them changed, especially before commencing a long road trip.
Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are dried out and not making full contact with the windshield, replace them.
Check the battery. A battery gives little warning before it goes dead. Hot weather can put additional strain on a battery similar to what is experienced in cold weather.
Carry an emergency kit inside your car. Things you might consider carrying include the following:

A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit
Jumper cables
Extra clothes and gloves
Paper towels
Extra washer fluid
Food and water
Basic tools like wrenches, a ratchet and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers or Vise-Grips

Drive safe this summer!

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Car Air Conditioner Tips

by Fame Automotive on May 11, 2011

Air Conditioning, which was once considered a luxury, is now a common feature on most cars and vehicles today.

While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your A/C system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by bacterial build-ups in the A/C system.

As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator causing some very unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to as “sick car syndrome.”

This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling fresh again.

2. If your automobile does NOT feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system.

If you feel that your car doesn’t feel as cold as your friend’s car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. This leakage can be caused when the system is not used during the winter months. Thus allowing the small “O” ring seals to dry out resulting in a gradual deterioration in system performance. If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be put right fairly easily by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the automobile A/C system.

If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking which can lead to leaks.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be attended to immediately.

If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist to have a look at it. Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump). The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve – quite a hefty bill.

5. Don’t worry too much about a pool of water forming under your automobile after using the A/C.

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area don’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily.

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems.

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a regular basis, the same is true for the air conditioning system. The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked, then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

image acvent Car Air Conditioner Tips An annual servicing of your car’s air conditioning system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.