Nick's Auto Advice Newsletter -  April 2009

Breaking News   In-depth coverage of the automotive industry.

Now that winter is just a memory, millions of Americans will take to the roads to enjoy the warmer weather. Spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.

Whether you're driving across the country or driving across town, we recommend checking the following vehicle components before embarking on your next trip:

Exterior:

* Wiper blades play an extremely important role in increasing visibility.
Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or
chattering.

* Check the tires. A simple test to check tire tread depth is to insert a
penny into the tread of the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head sticks
out, your tires are starting to show signs of wear and should be
replaced. Also check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven
wear, which could indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Also look for
bulges and bald spots.

* Give your car a good washing from top to bottom. Use a product
specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels
before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both.

* If you find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as
possible. For a quick fix until you can get some touchup supplies, dab a
little clear nail polish on the scratch.

* Spring is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the
finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make
sure there are no foreign particles on the paint.

Under the Hood:

* A good rule of thumb is that a change of season equals a change of oil.
Changing your car's oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles,
whichever comes first, will ensure that your car operates at peak
efficiency.

* Get a tune-up if necessary. As part of the 21st Century Tune-Up on
today's modern vehicles, the following systems should be inspected:
battery, charging and starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control
(including onboard diagnostic checks), fuel, ignition and emissions.

* Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention,
including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission
fluids, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. The
antifreeze/coolant should be refreshed every two years.

* Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical
system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling
system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old
hoses and clamps that appear to be in marginal condition may need to be
replaced.

Under the Vehicle:

* Spring is a good time to check the entire brake system, including brake
linings, rotors and drums.

* Check the shocks or struts for signs of physical damage, such as
leaking, rusting, or dents. Also be aware of the warning signs that you
may need them replaced: vehicle rolls or sways on turns, front end dives
when braking, rear end squats when accelerating, vehicle sits lower in
the front or rear, a loss of directional control during sudden stops,
and the vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding and rough road.

* If you notice any fluid puddles or stains under your vehicle, it is a
good idea to have it inspected. There are several fluids that can leak
from the vehicle including antifreeze/coolant, battery acid, brake
fluid, clear water, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, gear oil, power
steering fluid, shock and strut fluid, transmission fluid and windshield
washer fluid.

Call us at 366-4775 to book an appointment or click here to request an appointment online!

You can read past newsletters here                                                                                                                                                  Back to Top

Spring Service Special!!
After a long winter, it's important to get your car back in tip-top shape. We are offering a Spring Special that will really knock your socks off! Here's what you get:

►Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
►Clean and inspect oil filter and drain plug mating surfaces.
►Install new oil filter and reinstall oil drain plug.
►Check all fluid levels.
►Lubricate door locks, hinges and chassis as required.
►Reset maintenance light as required.
►Rotate four tires.
►Flush cooling system.
►Inspect all hoses and belts.
►Pressure test cooling system.
►Perform computerized electrical system check.
►Check battery, alternator and starter conditions.
►Check A/C & heater/ defrost operation.
►Road Test.

You would get all of these valuable services performed on your vehicle for only $169.99                                             Please click on coupon to print.

We hope you enjoyed this newsletter and found the tips helpful. Please call us with any questions or concerns about your vehicle
at 203-366-4775. You can email me directly at nick@nicksautomotive.com or request an appointment here.
If you have a billing question you can email Tara at tara@nicksautomotive.com We'll be waiting to hear from you!

Servicing Your Car Care Needs
Nick Gramigna                                                                                                                       Back to Top