by Admin | Sep 2, 2017 | Auto Care Blog
Can you really do your BMW oil change every 15,000 miles? The experts finally agree on something and it isn’t the usual and standard answer.
BMW Oil Change
You might have heard that the BMW oil change is after 15,000 miles. Well, it was the manufacturer’s recommendation for a short time, but it isn’t the recommendation anymore.
The problem with 15,000 miles is that too many contaminates get into the oil and the longer they are in there the more damage they do. BMW found out that car engines were lasting only 150,000 miles instead of 300,000 when the oil was changed every 15,000 miles. So, the current recommendation is 10,000 miles for the average driver.
But Wait! That’s Not All!
The 10,000 mile recommendation is only for your average city driver. If you are in the country driving around on dirt roads and your car is sucking in a lot of dust and debris, there is a different set of rules. Dirt roads provide a lot of oil contaminates and you’re going to have to stay on top of removing them. Depending on your driving conditions, your recommended oil change time could be 3 months or 3,000 miles. Your auto mechanic will let you know which schedule will work best for your driving habits and road conditions.
The cleaner you keep your oil, the better your car will run. If your BMW’s engine is happy then your beloved Beemer will last about 300,000 miles. If you wait too long between oil changes, that life will be drastically shortened. Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair to find out how often you should be doing your BMW oil changes. We’ll know your car’s needs as soon as we see how dirty your oil and oil filter is. We want your car to last a good long time and will recommend changing the oil only as frequently as necessary.
by A1performance123 | Aug 17, 2017 | Auto Care Blog
So, what happens when you ignore a crack in the windshield? Replacing a windshield is very expensive and a lot of people think there is nothing they can do about it. So, it ends up looking a lot like their smartphone – all cracked. Hey, it still works! But seriously, what is the most cost effective solution to repairing that crack?
Crack in the Windshield
When you have a little chip or crack in the windshield, the best thing to do is to get it fixed. Yes, it is expensive to replace. They can run anywhere from $250 to over $1000, depending on where you live and the car’s make and model. But, it doesn’t have to be replaced in most cases.
When you’re driving down the road and a rock hits your windshield, you’ll get a little chip with maybe a little crack in it. The worst thing you can do is ignore it, especially in very cold weather. In cold weather your windshield is cold then you turn on the heat and defroster and that warms it up. This will cause the crack to spread. Even if you don’t turn on the heat, the sun will warm up the windshield. The bigger that crack gets, the better the chance you’ll have to replace the windshield instead of getting a quick repair.
There is usually a windshield glass company near you that will repair or replace your windshield wherever your car is parked. They will show up at your home or office and fix it while you’re busy doing other things. A repair is easy and quick. The technician will place a specialized patch on the chip or small crack in the windshield that will keep it from spreading. This is an inexpensive fix and your auto insurance policy usually pays for it!
by A1performance123 | Jul 26, 2017 | Auto Care Blog, Honda
Some of our customers will do a Honda brake pad replacement themselves or at another auto shop, because they are a little worn down. If this is done without machining or replacing the old rotors, it could make braking a little noisy. Here is what needs to be done to stop that noise.
Honda Brake Pad Replacement
When your Honda brake pads were initially installed the rotors were, too. These two items became worn together, so they “match.” Any imperfections, lumps and bumps on the brake pads wore a matching rut in the rotor. All was well with your quietly operating brakes. Then you came along and messed up their perfect universe with a Honda brake pad replacement.
Change the brake pads to brand new ones and they will no longer match all those little imperfections in the rotors. This will generate a little noise. It isn’t really loud, but you’ll hear it when braking and maybe even while driving. There is a cure.
If you hear this noise right after the pad replacement then you’ll probably start babying the brakes. Don’t do that. The cure for this noise is to break in those pads and rotors. So, have the car up to about 40mph and brake firmly to come to a stop. This will start to generate a little heat to get the break-in period going. Do this about three times in a row and you’ll likely have done enough to solve the noise problem.
If this doesn’t re-break-in your new Honda brake pads, bring the car into A1 Performance Auto Repair and we’ll take a look at the rotors and pads. We’ll make sure they weren’t installed backward when the brake pad replacement was done, a common problem! If the rotors need to be machined or replaced, we will do that for you.
by A1performance123 | Jun 16, 2017 | Auto Care Blog
Here are some car tips on heading off a break down or an accident. There are times you’ll notice a weird noise and can’t image what it might be or where it is coming from. Here are some common noises and what they usually mean.
Car Tips for Weird Noises
Of course, it is impossible to diagnose a noise without ever hearing it firsthand. But these tips will give you some indication on whether or not you can put off the visit to A1 Performance Auto Repair to have it checked out.
Pennies Repeatedly Hitting Metal
If it sounds like pennies are rolling around in a steel drum then you should stop right away. This could very well be a lug nut that has fallen off and it’s bouncing around inside your hubcap. If one fell off, likely there are more either loose or have fallen off. Pull over and check every lug nut on the car for tightness.
Clicking or Popping When You Turn
When you turn right or left you hear a weird clicking, popping or finger snapping sound and it goes away when you are driving straight, this might be a CV joint in your front axle. It might need replacing. Have it checked when convenient, but very soon.
Loud Rhythmic Tapping
Rhythmic tapping or banging coming from under the hood is a potentially serious situation with your car’s engine. Pull over and have A1 Performance Auto Repair tow it into the shop.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
We hope these car tips on weird noises and what they might mean help you diagnose the problem and the urgency of repair. May you never hear any of these noises and head off all problems before they start. Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair soon to get your regular maintenance done.
by A1performance123 | May 15, 2017 | Auto Care Blog
Your timing belt is part of an elaborate pulley system that cranks up your engine and keeps it going. When it breaks, it’ll leave you with a car idling and no power to move it. And that can be damned inconvenient. It is a better situation to catch a worn out timing belt and change it before it strands you in traffic or on the freeway. So, look for these signs of pending doom.
Timing Belt Signs of Trouble
The following can be signs that your timing belt has worn out and needs to be replaced right away. Sometimes, the sign could mean another problem, but you should heed the warning and see your mechanic right away for a final judgement.
Ticking Sounds
If you hear ticking sounds coming out of your engine, it probably isn’t a bomb, just a worn out timing belt. See your mechanic right away.
Engine Can’t Turn Over
If you are having a lot of difficulty getting your engine to turn over, the timing belt is probably broken or slipping badly. Have your mechanic tow it into the shop.
Misfiring
Misfiring along with oil leaking from the timing belt cover on the engine is a sure sign of timing belt trouble. All that leaking could cause overheating and that’ll eventually damage the belt to the point of breaking. See your auto mechanic as soon as possible to take an in depth look at the problem.
Signs of Wear
If you see cracks, frays or other sign that your belt is worn out, have it replaced. At least get the job scheduled. It isn’t going to heal up, it is going to get worse and put you in an unsafe position on the road.
Repairs
Give us a call at A1 Performance Auto Repair for an appointment to look at your timing belt. We’ll let you know if it is time.
by A1performance123 | May 8, 2017 | Auto Care Blog
There are a lot of different signs of bad rotors and really, the only way to know for sure is to have your wheels pulled off the car and your brakes inspected by an auto mechanic. But, that being said, who wants to take all that time to sit around an auto shop unnecessarily? So, here are a few hints that your car’s brakes need some repair. If one or more of these things are happening, it is time to get them checked out.
Signs of Bad Rotors
There are two things you’ll need to replace in your car’s braking system: pads and rotors. Actually, rotors don’t always need replacing. Most of the time they get a little maintenance work done and put back on the car. Only when rotors are left to grind away will you have to replace them. And that is expensive. So, see your mechanic at the first sign of trouble.
Squeaking When Your Brake
A lot of brakes squeak. Most of the time the source of the high pitched annoying squeak is a set of cheap brake pads. Sometimes this is of concern if your brakes haven’t been checked in years and suddenly they are squeaking when you brake to stop.
Pedal to the Metal
Your brake pedal should not be touching the floorboard or even close. If you notice that last year or the year before your brake pedal used to be a lot higher, it is time to see the mechanic about your brakes. A sudden pedal to the metal situation is a sign of a failing master cylinder and that could easily cause a crash.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
The next time you stop in to get an oil change or other car maintenance, let us take a look at your brakes to make sure those are not signs of bad rotors on your car. It is always less expensive to catch a problem early.
