by Admin | Nov 20, 2025 | Car Blog, Oil Changes
Vehicle maintenance involves several things you can safely perform yourself by using basic mechanical tools and a little knowledge. While complex repairs require professional expertise, routine maintenance items can be handled at home. It helps you stay connected to you vehicle’s condition and potentially saves on maintenance costs.
Here are Some DIY Maintenance Ideas
Coolant level monitoring should be high on your self-maintenance list. Be sure the engine is completely cool. Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. It’s typically a translucent plastic container marked with minimum and maximum fill lines. The coolant should remain within the specified range that is marked on that container. It’s always best to use purchased coolant for all weather, then you’re covered for when it gets frosty outside.
Brake pad inspection provides valuable information about your vehicle’s safety systems. Visual inspection through the wheel spokes allows owners to assess brake pad thickness without removing wheels. The brake pad material should measure at least one-quarter inch thick. When pad material appears thin or metal backing plates become visible, or you’re hearing a loud grinding, bring it in for us to check.
Air filter replacement for the interior improves interior air quality and heating/ac efficiency. Most cabin air filters are located behind the glove compartment and can be replaced in approximately ten minutes. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the heating and air conditioning systems to work harder, reducing efficiency and comfort.
Engine air filter maintenance directly affects engine performance and fuel efficiency. The air filter housing, typically a rectangular or round plastic assembly near the engine’s top, contains the filter element. A clean filter appears light in color, while a dirty filter looks dark gray or black and requires replacement.
Oil changes are best left to the mechanic. We have the correct quality parts, tools and experience to get the job done quickly without damaging anything. We can also recycle the old, dirty oil. This is an affordable service that is really worth the price.
While these basic maintenance tasks are manageable for most car owners, professional diagnosis becomes necessary when unusual symptoms develop. Strange noises, warning lights, or other concerning signs warrant immediate professional attention. A1 Performance Auto Repair provides comprehensive vehicle inspections to identify and address issues before they result in costly failures or safety concerns. Give us a call for an appointment.
by Admin | Sep 20, 2025 | Auto Care Blog, Car Blog, Oil Changes
Every oil change tells a story. Every drain plug removal is a diagnostic opportunity.
Natural vs. Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil comes straight from crude petroleum. It’s refined but maintains its natural molecular structure. Synthetic oil is engineered from chemical compounds, creating uniform molecules that flow better in extreme temperatures. And it lasts longer between changes. While conventional oil breaks down around 3,000-5,000 miles, quality synthetic can safely go 7,500-10,000 miles.
Both oil types require identical disposal methods. We drain used oil into certified collection tanks, then transfer it to licensed recycling facilities. The oil gets re-refined into new lubricants or processed into other petroleum products. Responsible shops never dump oil down drains or onto soil – it’s illegal and environmentally devastating.
Choosing Independent Mechanics over Franchise Oil Change Places
Franchise oil shops focus on speed and upselling. They’re trained to get cars in and out quickly. And in the process, they miss crucial warning signs. Independent mechanics like me take time to actually inspect your vehicle. We check fluid levels, examine belts, scan for leaks, and listen to your engine’s unique sounds. All these things help catch problems that are starting.
Every oil change reveals your car’s secrets. Metal particles in old oil suggest engine wear. Coolant contamination indicates head gasket problems. Unusual oil colors tell stories about combustion issues or contamination. We examine drain plug threads, inspect filters for debris, and note oil consumption patterns.
Last month, a regular customer brought her Honda in for her oil change. I noticed a slight knocking sound when she drove up. While draining her oil, I saw excessive metal shavings. Further inspection revealed worn connecting rod bearings – caught just before catastrophic engine failure. That timely oil change saved her $8,000 in engine replacement costs.
An Unexpected Passenger
Speaking of surprises, I once lifted a customer’s hood to find a family of field mice had built an elaborate nest atop the air filter housing, complete with acorn storage. The customer wondered why her car had been running rough – turns out mice don’t make great air filters! We relocated the furry tenants safely and installed a new filter.
Regular oil changes with a trusted mechanic aren’t just maintenance – they’re preventive healthcare for your vehicle’s heart.
by Admin | Sep 5, 2025 | Car Blog, Tires
After thirty years working under the hood, I’ve learned that choosing the right tires for your SUV doesn’t have to break the bank – but understanding your options makes all the difference. Let me walk you through three solid choices that I regularly recommend to customers, each serving different needs and budgets.
Budget-Friendly Choice: General Altimax RT45
For those watching their wallet, the General Altimax RT45 delivers impressive value. These tires typically run $80-$120 per tire and offer decent traction in dry and wet conditions. The rubber compound provides a comfortable, quiet ride that most SUV owners appreciate for daily commuting.
However, don’t expect miracles in snow or off-road conditions. The tread pattern isn’t aggressive enough for serious winter driving, and the sidewall construction, while adequate, won’t handle heavy loads as confidently as pricier options. You’ll also see faster wear if you frequently carry cargo or tow trailers.
Mid-Range Champion: Michelin CrossClimate 2
Stepping up to the $150-$200 range, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 represents the sweet spot for most SUV owners. These all-season tires excel in versatility, handling everything from summer heat to light snow with confidence. The advanced tread design provides excellent wet-weather grip, while the reinforced construction delivers solid durability.
The main drawback? They’re not specialists. While good at everything, they won’t match dedicated summer tires for performance or winter tires for serious snow conditions.
Premium Performance: Continental TerrainContact A/T
For $200-$300 per tire, the Continental TerrainContact A/T is my go-to recommendation for SUV owners who need maximum capability. These tires handle highway driving beautifully while maintaining serious off-road credentials. The robust sidewall construction resists punctures, and the aggressive tread pattern provides excellent traction on varied terrain.
The trade-offs include higher road noise and slightly reduced fuel economy compared to highway-focused tires. They’re also overkill if you never leave paved roads.
Remember, the “best” tire depends entirely on how you use your SUV. Consider your driving habits, local weather conditions, and budget – then we can find the perfect match for your needs.
by Admin | Aug 5, 2025 | Car Blog
Is repairing your vehicle yourself the best choice? Or should you always take it to the mechanic? Which way is the best for you and your car? Let’s look at some of the benefits of DIY car repair and maintenance.
Safety and Liability
Would you trust a repair person to replace your brakes if they did this job only once every four years?
You’re going to put your life and the life of your family at risk for saving a $100? That’s not such a good idea. Whenever the repair is safety related, absolutely have the mechanic do it. That mechanic replaces these things every day. Put your trust in the expert and stay safe.
Where You Can Save Money
Some maintenance jobs are super simple. For jobs like an oil change or changing a sparkplug, there isn’t much that can go wrong. Although, if you don’t put the oil pan back on correctly and that nut is put on cockeyed, you’re probably going to create an expensive problem that needs to be handled before the next oil change. How much are you saving, $20? Leave it to the mechanic.
Things like adding air to the tire and checking your fluid levels can and should be done all the time by the vehicle owner. When you find you’re needing air in a tire more than once between oil changes you’ll need a mechanic to inspect the tire and patch the leak.
When You Need a Mechanic
You need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for any repair, maintenance or upgrade task. The mechanic will get it done right, has the equipment to do it quickly and can dispose of fluids and parts legally.
Sure, maybe you know how to change the oil. But when you can spend $80 and your mechanic gets it done fast, why spend your Saturday afternoon doing it? You still need to legally dispose of the oil, which is expensive. And you run the risk of putting a bolt on wrong or worse. Additionally, you get oil all over yourself and your driveway.
Leave It To the Pro
You aren’t saving enough money to pay for your time. It is better to do something fun with your family while your mechanic does the repair. Your mechanic will also spot big problems on the horizon and fix them before you risk injury. It’s always more practical to take your vehicle to a good mechanic, like A1 Performance Auto Repair.
by Admin | May 5, 2025 | Car Blog
Hundreds of customers were falsely accused of stealing the vehicle they rented by the rental car giant Hertz. Innocent customers were sometimes arrested and imprisoned on these bogus charges. This continued for three years.
The Unimaginable – Erroneous Car Theft Charges
How does this happen? Surely, Hertz doesn’t intentionally target their own customers randomly just for fun. But to the victims, it probably seemed that way.
The fact of the matter is that Hertz did report more than 364 cars stolen that their customers legally rented at one of their car rental businesses or kiosks. These were uneventful rental contracts.
However, there were numerous flaws in the recordkeeping at the company.
- Failure to record rental contract time extensions.
- Falsely claiming that customers had not paid.
- Failed to track their own vehicle inventory.
- Failed to admit and correct the false reports to police.
How It Went Down for Customers
It went well-beyond just being pulled over, showing their rental contract and being sent on their way. Some customers were held at gunpoint – police thought they had a car thief in custody! Some car theives work in auto rings that have a chop shop to sell parts on the black market.
Other Hertz customers were not so lucky. They did time in jail or prison due to the company’s sloppy recordkeeping and almost criminal lack of regard for them when they falsely reported the vehicles as stolen.
Imagine dropping off your car at the appointment drop off point on time as instructed, only to be pulled over months later. You’re thrown on the hood of your car and held at gun point. You’re booked at the local jail and later tried and convicted for vehicle theft. You spend time in prison until your lawyer can figure out a way to prove your innocence.
How It Ended
You can bet people sued!
In one lawsuit in 2022, Hertz settled with 364 randomly accused customers for $168 million. There were other lawsuits, as well.
The lesson learned is this: Be sure to choose your car rental company very wisely!
by Admin | Oct 5, 2024 | Auto Care Blog, Car Blog
The recent warnings from Ford and Mazda about dangerous Takata airbag inflators in older vehicles have understandably caused concern among many car owners. And rightly so.
While the issue is serious, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should rush to trade in your trusty old car for a shiny new model.
Not All Old Cars are Affected
First, it’s important to understand that the Takata airbag recall, while extensive, affects specific makes and models. If your vehicle isn’t on the list, there’s no need to panic. Even if it is, the solution isn’t necessarily to buy a new car – it’s to get the necessary repairs done.
We’ve always told our customers that regular maintenance is the unsung hero of vehicle longevity and safety.
By keeping up with scheduled services and addressing issues promptly, you can often extend the life of your car well beyond what you might expect. This not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures your vehicle remains safe to drive.
Consider this: A well-maintained older car can often be safer and more reliable than a newer car that’s been neglected. The key is staying on top of recalls, service schedules, and any emerging issues. This proactive approach allows you to address potential problems before they become dangerous or expensive.
Staying On Top Of Recalls
The Takata airbag recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of staying informed about your vehicle’s status.
Regularly check for recalls using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. If your car is affected, don’t ignore it – schedule the necessary repairs immediately.
Remember, car manufacturers are required to provide these recall repairs free of charge. In the case of the Takata recall, many companies are even offering additional services like free towing or loaner vehicles to make the process as convenient as possible for owners.
With proper care and attention, your older car can continue to serve you safely and reliably for years to come.
After all, the best car is often the one you already own – especially when it’s well-maintained. We at A1 Performance Auto Repair will help you keep it well maintained.
