Brake fluid, Unicorns, and Other Myths

The brake fluid is low… so just add some more, right?  We get that a lot at U.S. Automotive, but unfortunately brake fluid isn’t the same as coolant or even your oil.  If your brake fluid is low, something might be wrong. 

 

Topping off your Brake Fluid could mask larger issues

Here’s what’s going on:  As your brakes start to wear down, more fluid is needed to fill the caliper space.  You don’t need to know all those details, but you do need to know that just “topping off” the brake fluid could end up masking something important.

Brake fluid is actually helping the hydraulics in your system apply pressure to the brakes.  It’s a good idea to flush and change the brake fluid every couple of years, but it’s not always a good idea to just add some extra just so your little light goes off. 

If you do add some, it’s always important to release the old stuff when you have any work done on your brakes.  It’s the kind of thing that could make the difference between a nice parking job, and driving through the window of the flower shop.  As always, if you think something just doesn’t seem right, bring it on in and we’ll be happyto take a look.

Here’s to safe driving!

5 Car Buying Tips for Teens

It's the time all parents dread - your teen gets the license and is now begging for a car. Before you say "No", consider some of these tips to buying. And, remember, after they buy it, they'll need a good auto mechanic!

 

1.                  Start on the used lot! 

It’s often easier to finance a used car, and you’ll likely get much more car for the same money as used.  Some manufactures are offering warranties that last as long as 10 years and 100,000 miles and you can often find a used car that is still under warranty

2.                  Safety first!

SafeCar.gov has a handy tool that will show you the crash test ratings for cars going all the way back to 1990.  Check the list before you buy.  Also, consider a device that keeps an eye on your teen’s driving habits.  Phone apps exist such as the Android based “Speedbump,” and insurance companies like Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm offer lower rates when their monitoring devices are installed.

3.                  Credit issues

It can be tough getting your first car when you haven’t established credit, however many dealerships have in-house financing that can help establish credit, and work with people in unique situations.  If this still doesn’t work, consider a cosigner.

4.                  Share the cost

Sometimes having a little “skin in the game” helps young buyers appreciate the value of a dollar.  While getting in over their heads is not advisable, perhaps come up with an agreement for them to pay the fuel or insurance costs.  Also, some insurance companies will offer a discount if kids keep their grades at a certain level.

5.                  Be realistic!

Now is the best time to learn that you don’t need the flashiest car on the lot.  Pick one that will keep them safe, hold up on the road, and get good gas mileage.  You’ll help your teen build great financial habits now that will stay with them for many years to come.

They Aren’t Just Pretty Lights!

There’s a reason car manufacturers put those pretty pictogram lights on the dashboard. Well, two reasons: one a diagram is easier to read and two, you will notice a bright picture and know something wrong.

The problem is this: who actually reads their Owner’s Manual? A light comes on and it looks like a deformed snake or an upside down beetle with a mustache and you think, “What the heck? My engine’s beetle is sad?” Or, there are so many different symbols, you have no idea what means what and the last car you drove had a symbol for engine that is different than this car…I could go on!

There are a few lights you need to be wary of right away when they light up – Oil Pressure, Check Engine, Brake System, ABS Fault and Air Bag Fault. We suggest contacting us right away when you see these lights turn on. If you don’t know what they are on your car, once you pull over, grab your Owner’s Manual and look.

While you might hit a pothole and the pesky warning light shuts off, it doesn’t mean the problem is fixed. That’s why we are here!

Making it Easy to Get Your Car Serviced

We are all busy. We get it! Sometimes, it’s easier to do something via computer rather than calling, waiting on hold or leaving a message. That’s why we have made it very easy to schedule auto services for your car or truck with all four of our locations on-line. You might not have noticed it since you are so busy.

Front End Alignment - Just one of our many services!

Here’s the link to the Nixa shop.

Here’s the link to West Springfield.

Here’s the link to North Springfield.

Here’s the link to Ozark.

Remember, we are here for you for all repair and service needs as well as regular maintenance. This is where the online appointment forms come in handy! Oil changes, brakes, tires and wheels plus alignments and nearly every other auto service your car might need routinely. We are here to help you with all these issues that, if not taken care of quickly, can compound and cost you even more!

Don’t forget, we offer free Wi-Fi if you are waiting and free shuttle if you want us to take you back to work or home.

Dirty Engine, Clean Oil - Sounds Wrong

And, it is wrong. Why would you put clean oil into your dirty engine? But you do it each time you change your oil or get an oil change.

Change your oil, but clean the engine before!

 Have you ever considered an oil system cleaner to get all the grime and build up in various parts of the engine? It's a simple process and can be done with an oil change. The cleaner is added to your motor oil before it gets changed and then the engine runs for about five minutes. The cleaner helps push the traces of carbon that gasoline leaves behind from your engine and then when the oil is drained, the cleaner comes out with it.

Your owner's manual might warn against adding anything to your oil, but remember, this is a cleaning agent and will be completely drained once it does it's job and comes out with the oil change. Not only will you clean out the deposits left by gasoline that hasn't fully combusted, you will help keep your vehicles' engine a live longer!

Your Car Could Soon Be a Plane

The Event Data Recorder or Little Black Box for the car

OK…not really. We aren’t talking about the flying car…but that would certainly be cool. All planes have an instrument that allows crash investigators to figure out what brought a plane down or caused an accident.  The little black box could soon be in the next car you buy!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been pushing to get black boxes in all new cars for many years. Some newer cars already have them installed. The new regulations will make sure that all new automobiles (lighter cars) have them installed. Late last week, the White House signed off on the proposal and that means the NHTSA can put together the last portion needed to make car manufacturers add this to the vehicles.

The EDR’s (event data recorders) will gather information that will include how quickly the car slowed down before a crash. Of course, the biggest issue is already privacy. Right now, automakers wouldn’t be able to access the data unless the car owner gives it. The information, though, would be very useful in regards to insurance claims in an accident as well as for crash investigators if the accident resulted in death or serious injury.