Just Ask!

We get it…we love our trucks and cars just like you do! If you didn’t, you wouldn’t bother caring for them or getting minor issues fixed when needed. We are here to take care of all issues from maintenance to “motor-meltdown!” There are several things you should be asking us or your technician when getting service for your car.

How’s the Exhaust System? When is the last time you got under your car and checked out your exhaust? That’s what we thought. Make sure to get this looked at, if your technician doesn’t normally. A bent pipe or leak could cause even worse problems down the road.

Is My Battery OK? With the cold weather already creeping in, it’s a good time to get the health of the battery checked. Most service facilities have battery testers.

Are My Tires Worn and How’s the Pressure? If your tires are worn, that could mean even more problems for the car. It could affect alignment and steering. This is a simple check; same with tire pressure. Ask to get it checked at the start of the service and again at the end to see if there’s a possible leak.

What is that Noise? Trying to pinpoint the cause of a strange noise in your car can make anyone go crazy! If you hear something, ask the tech to drive the car to hear for it. Describing the sound is great...but they do need to hear it to guess where it’s coming from.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A minor problem today could become major very quickly.

Why Other Drivers Annoy us

We know. You are the best driver out there and everyone else needs to learn how to do it right! Instead of flying into road rage when a driver forgets to turn on their blinker to turn right into the area you are trying to leave, take a look at what other drivers think of you. It goes both ways! Here are some of the most annoying things WE do when driving.

1.       Talking on a cell phone – One hand on the wheel, the other holding the phone, the other changes the station, the other grabs the drink. Oh…wait… 4 hands? Are we drunk? Actually, statistics show you are as likely to cause an accident while on the cell phone as when you are drunk. Distracted driving is a huge issue. Use a Bluetooth or, even better, don’t talk on the phone.

2.       Staying in the left lane on the highway – The left lane is for passing. Period. If you stay in the left lane, you force other drivers to do something unsafe – pass on the right. Drivers in some states are notorious for staying in the left lane (Wisconsin). Just use it to pass, and then move back.

3.       Leaving the “brights” on – This is more dangerous than annoying. The high beams hitting your eyes can blind you for a split second. Check for the high beams when you turn the lights on.

4.       Double parking – OK…this isn’t driving, but…really…why do people take up two parking spaces in parking lots?

5.       No signaling properly – It’s a common courtesy. We can’t figure out what another driver is going to do and then end up calling insurance. Going to switch lanes, hit the blinker. Going to turn, hit the blinker.

Let’s all try to be courteous out there. It makes for a much easier commute.

No Way to Avoid It: Winter is Coming!

You are already bundling up with some of the cold temperatures we are getting…mostly in the evening. Have you gotten your car ready for the impending snow? We can help with preventative maintenance!

Here are a few common tips to make sure you and your car beat Old Man Winter!

1.       Easiest – the Winter Emergency Kit. Get the kit in you trunk with boots, gloves, clothes, water, a shovel, flashlight and extra windshield wiper fluid. How many times has the snowstorm hit and you hit the wiper to wash and there is nothing there? Make sure you have jumper cables and, if you are traveling where the snow gets bad, sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter to help with traction.

2.       Change your oil/Check fluids. If you read our last blog, we talked about all the fluids. So, technically, you should check all fluids but go ahead and change your oil now if it was supposed to be in November, December, January or February. Make sure your antifreeze is ok.

3.       Get your battery checked. We will do it for you! It’s better to get this taken care of now then when you are in the parking lot doing Christmas shopping and the car won’t start.

4.       Replace the Wipers. Just like the wiper fluid being dry, the windshield wipers are always the last thing we check and when we know they are done, it’s too late. The cold can worsen already old wipers.

5.       Keep your car washed. You might think this is somewhat ridiculous since the snow and slush will just make it really dirty. But, the salt, sand or other corrosives used by the street departments to clear the roads can wreak havoc on your car. 

Need a few more tips? Check out what the guys at Car Talk are saying.

Forgetting the “Other Fluids”

It’s a simple, yet costly, mistake for any car owner – forgetting the other fluids that keep your car running. Sure, we all see the sticker on our windshield that reminds us to get the oil changed every 3-5 months or 3,000-5,000 miles. But, what about checking you coolant? How about the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)? What do you think helps your brakes?

Checking ALL Fluids is a must!

Antifreeze is what absorbs the heat from the engine and radiates it out of the car. It’s either happened to us or we see someone on the side of the road, hood up, smoke pouring out. The number one cause of all roadside failures has to do with the coolant. Coolant needs to be replaced because, over time, the additives in the coolant break down and cause corrosion. We recommend flushing the cooling system every two years or at 30,000 miles. You can always ask one of our technicians to check to make sure everything is OK with the system.

Automatic Transmission fluid is a tricky thing. Similar to oil, it cleans and holds contaminates while also lubricating the transmission. It also has to handle high amounts of heat or extreme cold. Most ATF can handle upwards of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. But, some parts of the transmission can go beyond 800 degrees! The trick with ATF is to know what your car needs. Car makers use different types of ATF depending on the type of car and how the transmission is supposed to handle. Look at your owner’s manual, or ask us to take a look. 

Your brakes, by far, are the most important part of the car. We don’t need to tell you that. Half of all drivers in the US surveyed recently said their brakes failing is something they think about at least once when driving in the car daily. While there is some debate about brake fluid flushes, it is important to consider having it done. If you drive 10,000 miles a year, you will, on average, use your brakes about 75,000 times. Water can accumulate in the fluid which causes heating issues. Too much water means the fluid cannot handle the high temperature brakes cause. Water can also cause vapor issues. If you ever put your foot all the way down to the floor and the brakes are having a hard time taking hold, you have vapor issues with the fluid and need to get it flushed immediately.

We are all very busy. We forget to return phone calls, emails, to pick up groceries, etc. But, when it comes to safety, changing the fluids on your car shouldn’t be forgotten or put off!

New Fleet Manager Joins U.S. Automotive!

Carla Keiser, former co-owner of Keiser Equipment Company, has joined U.S. Automotive, Inc. as Fleet Accounts Manager. Keiser will serve as a liaison between area fleet managers and the ASA-trained expert technicians at three Springfield and Nixa U.S. Automotive locations. 

“I chose U.S. Automotive because I’m so very impressed by how dedicated the whole team is about protecting our customers’ valuable assets,” Keiser said. “Our owner Terry Hyden is truly passionate about his business and the entire automotive repair industry. Our technicians receive more than ninety hours of professional training every year, and that just doesn’t happen at most shops. It’s the reason we can offer a fleet repair warranty of two years or 24,000 miles when most shops offer no warranty at all.”

U.S. Automotive serves fleets of all sizes, including the outside sales professional’s single company vehicle. Their service includes accessible hours, convenient locations, shuttle service, customized service plans, vehicle history maintenance, overnight indoor secure storage and 24-hour towing. U.S. Automotive is currently authorized by the following national plans:

ARI Automotive Resources International
Enterprise Fleet Maintenance
LeasePlan
Voyager Fleet Systems
Donlen Corporation
Wright Express
PHH Arzal
Wheels/Map
GE Capital Fleet Services

“I’m particularly excited about meeting all the north Springfield business owners,” Keiser said, “as our newly opened East Kearney location gives them a choice in quality fleet maintenance which they didn’t have before. We have the same state-of-the-art equipment north side as we have in our other stores, and are totally committed to our fleet customers at all locations.” 

U.S. Automotive is located in Springfield at 330 E. Kearney St. and 1753 S. West Bypass and in Nixa at 1842 N. Deffer Drive. Fleet managers may contact Carla Keiser at 417-865-9511 or Carla@usautomotiveinc.com.

Deep Freeze Is Coming

Ready for the weekend deep freeze? The weatherman says the lows are headed for the teens, with ice and snow coming Monday.  Don't forget to keep your wiper blades in good condition by giving your car time to warm up and removing all windshield ice with a scraper before using the wipers.

Drive safe this weekend and stay warm!

Remote Today!

It's your last chance to register for a U.S. Automotive maintenance package valued at over $500!  Join us today 11a-1p at U.S. Automotive Northside for a KTTS remote, free pizza and cokes, and your chance to register for that maintenance package.  Registration ends Saturday noon!

It's also your last chance to become a Facebook fan of our Northside store and earn $2 for the North Springfield Betterment Association's Elementary School Attendance Program.  Click this link to find us on Facebook. 

See you at the remote!