Summer Car Maintenance

Posted on June 9, 2011 by admin

Taking simple precautions to enhance your summer driving experience will keep you off the side of the road on your vacation or while running the kids around town. Your Dallas car care specialists can help you get your summer car maintenance in order.

Before driving around in the summer heat, always check your automobile’s air conditioning system. If you’re A/C unit is having trouble sustaining cooler temperatures, your car may be leaking a low level refrigerant. Checking for leaks is best handled by your Dallas air conditioning repair experts, Import Car Center.

Summer heat can overcharge and evaporate internal battery fluid. Cleaning your car battery can prolong its life and keep it reliable. Detach and wipe down your battery cables and terminal heads on the car battery.

Do a quick check of the coolant and radiator fluid levels. The summer months will inevitably raise the normal temperature of your vehicle and put pressure on your cars cooling system to perform.  Schedule an appointment with your Dallas TX oil change specialist to make sure your fluid levels are high.

Other scheduled maintenance action items for the summer include checking your hoses, belts, brakes, air filter, windshield wipers and tires. For all your summer car care needs, schedule an appointment with Import Car Center, your Dallas TX car service specialists.

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Proper Tire Care for your SUV

Posted on April 29, 2011 by admin

SUV TireMany who own a sport utility vehicle (SUV) will admit to having a fun time behind the wheel.  SUVs, with proper care, can be tons of fun, whether driving on a highway or on bumpy terrain. Our Grapevine TX mechanics are aware that even a luxury import SUV can turn into the classic fun toy that can get dirty in the mud.

In order for SUV owners to enjoy maximum capacity, they must be sure they are riding on the proper tires. Selecting the correct tires all boils down to how you use your SUV. If you use it as a get-to-work-and-back vehicle, you’ll need highway rib tires. If you’re someone who likes to get your ride dirty with off-road trips, your best bet is to go for all-terrain tires.

If you are even more extreme with your adventures (lots of mud, tons of rocks and hills, etc.), it is strongly suggested to purchase maximum-traction tires. For those who receive a lot of snow, make your life simple and buy snow tires.

Your SUV deserves the proper treatment, and that treatment includes the tread that it drives on. Tires, particularly on an SUV, need to be treated like the engine and the oil. Make sure you’re checking them periodically. Rotate the tires every other oil change. Make sure the tire pressure is checked regularly. Align the tires. Check the tread for wear and tear, especially if you are the consummate off-road driver.

Take care of your tires, and they will help take care of your SUV. For more information on SUVs and proper tire care, contact our Grapevine auto care company, or visit us online today.

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Maintaining Your Timing Belt

Posted on April 15, 2011 by admin

Timing BeltOur Grapevine TX auto care specialists at Import Car Center are committed to keeping your car in excellent shape for as long as possible. We know that it’s imperative to make sure your timing belt receives all necessary maintenance and attention in order to maintain your automobile’s face value.

The timing belt, often called the cam belt, connects your car’s crankshaft to its camshaft, which operates how your engine valves function. Failure of the timing belt usually involves either an unraveling of the fiber cores or a case where the belt has “stripped teeth,” where a smooth spot is left on the belt where the drive cog slips.

Timing belts, to the naked eye, are tough to inspect, and replacement is recommended by the manufacturer. Failure of the belt, in addition to costing hundreds of dollars in repair fees, can lead to engine failure.

Our Grapevine mechanics are well-trained and specialize in replacement, maintenance and proper performance of your timing belt. For more information, or to schedule a routine service checkup, contact your Grapevine automobile shop today, or visit us online.

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Detecting Transmission Problems

Posted on March 31, 2011 by admin

Import Automobile TransmissionYour car’s transmission, next to the engine, may be the most important thing to maintain. A failed transmission not only could mean the demise of your car but also a major hit in your pocketbook in dealing with repairs.

A car’s transmission should be treated with care, and a driver should know how to detect the early warning signs of a failing transmission. One of the first signs of failure is gear slippage. If your car accelerates, particularly from a normal stop, and it continues to slip out of gear and increase its rpm, you may have a transmission issue. Also, if your car has problems shifting from gear to gear or has problems shifting from park to reverse or reverse to drive, that may be a sign of potential failure.

Keep an eye on leaks. Transmission leaks have a reddish tint, and these leaks could mean the end of your car and its peak performance. Also, be on the lookout for a howling noise from under the floorboards, as well as overheating.

If you are having any of these troubles, visit one of our Grapevine TX mechanics immediately. They may be able to salvage what could be a detrimental time in your car’s life, as well as your bank account’s life. Call our Grapevine import auto care company today, or visit us online for more information.

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What is a Dynamometer?

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

DynamometerOur Grapevine TX mechanics take pride in benefiting all customers with the use of our chassis dynamometer. Some of you are appreciative, but many ask the same question.

Exactly what is a dynamometer?

A dynamometer (also called a dyno for short) is a device that measures the force, speed and power of an automobile. It is a treadmill, of sorts, for automobiles that enable mechanics to diagnose problems accurately. A dynamometer, in addition, can be used to verify the necessary torque required to operate a driven machine, such as a pump.

Dynamometers allow mechanics to reproduce a desired speed for a test under a controlled condition. Our Grapevine TX auto company uses the Dyno Dymanics dynamometer, which has a built-in wide band oxygen sensor for measuring air and fuel ratio accurately. Most engine management systems can be tuned with this device and affordable rates.

A dynamometer run will be performed with all intake, exhaust and flash programs at Import Car Center. We also have specials on computer chips with dynamometer runs before and after. Contact our Grapevine TX car care specialists for more information. Call us today, or visit us online for all of your automobile needs.

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Maintain Your Fuel Injector System

Posted on March 3, 2011 by admin

Fuel Injector SystemIn order to ensure your automobile is running at optimal performance, it is recommended that you treat your car to a professional fuel injector system cleaning on a periodic basis. Check with your mechanic or your owner’s manual to determine when scheduled services need to take place.

A fuel system starts with your air filter and works with the engine. As parts of the fuel injector get dirty over driving time, your performance can decrease, as well as fuel economy.

A clean fuel injector system will help improve overall running ability as well as gas mileage, a plus as gas prices have make an unwanted increase. It also will prevent the hard starts, stuttering and hesitating that could make life frustrating for you and your ride.

Most cars on the road now have fuel injectors. Older-model cars use carburetors, but it is rare to not find a car with a fuel injector. These systems have fewer problems with carburetors, requiring less maintenance and adjustment. Nevertheless, fuel injector systems are still very important in regards to upkeep.

Some individuals believe that store-bought fuel system cleaners – the ones that go directly into your gas tank – will suffice. These will help relatively clean fuel injectors, but they are no help to the fuel injectors that need a more efficient cleaning. Major removal of particles and gunk that can effect a fuel injector will need to be the job of a professional.

Let our Grapevine TX mechanics handle your next fuel injector system cleaning, and notice more power and better gas mileage with your automobile. Call us today, or contact us online for more information.

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Maintaining Your Brake System

Posted on February 20, 2011 by admin

Brakes and ABSWhere you’re riding around in a Porsche, Lexus, BMW or Mercedes, it’s crucial to know your brakes and the overall condition of your brake system. After all, this is your safety system.

Your import automobile is one of your biggest investments, and it should be treated with the utmost care from bumper to bumper. Having a reliable brake system assists in keeping your investment in pristine shape. Our Grapevine TX mechanics suggest frequent brake inspections for peak performance.

If you hear squeaky noises when you step on your brake pedal, or if your car doesn’t stop on a dime, you may have brake issues that deserve immediate attention. In addition to inspecting brakes, our mechanics also repair anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which prevent your wheels from locking as you brake.

Let our Grapevine TX auto experts offer assistance in the maintenance of your brake system. Contact us today, or visit us online for details.

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Emergency Car Kits are Critical

Posted on February 10, 2011 by admin

Emergency Car KitThe weather in Texas, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is ever-changing. While the area is expected to see improving temperatures, the freezing temperatures that have haunted most of the state can come back at any given time.

Our Grapevine TX car care experts want to make sure you’re prepared for the next big freeze. In case you are driving in these chilly conditions, it’s best to have an emergency car kit ready in case you have car trouble away from your home. Take a glance at some of the items we suggest you have at all times, especially if you’re stranded in freezing temperatures. It’s more than just keeping a flashlight handy.

  • Stay warm: Keep gloves, extra blankets, jackets and winter gear for your head (scull caps, beanies, earmuffs, etc.)  in your storage areas. You’ll never know how long you’ll be stranded, and you’ll never know how far the temperature will drop.
  • Treats and eats: If your car stalls, it could take minutes or hours for help to arrive. Keep non-perishable snacks stored in your trunk for these occasions. Nutrition bars are good, healthy choices for those who get stranded for an extended period of time.
  • Power up: A power pack can be a great investment for you, particularly for all winter conditions. Power packs can charge something as large as your battery when it dies. It also can charge something as small as your cell phone, which will serve extremely beneficial.
  • Jump to it: Jumper cables should be in every car, whether the temperature is below freezing or triple digits. Your car battery is reliable, but like anything else, it can stop working at any given time.
  • Rock salt and de-icer: If you live in an area that consistently freezes, it’s a good idea to have both rock salt and de-icer in your  trunk. The rock salt helps to melt snow that can hinder your tires. You never know when you will be stuck in it. The de-icer does the same for your windshield and windows, and it also works when your keyhole is frozen.

We hope that these tips will help you during the next freeze. For more information, call our Grapevine TX automotive specialists, or visit us online today.

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Driving in Icy Weather Conditions

Posted on February 1, 2011 by admin

Driving On IceWhen it comes to driving conditions, there are cold temperatures, there’s snow, and there’s ice. Your automobile’s tires are made for the chilly winds, the below-freezing temperatures and even snow to a capacity.

What your import automobile, however, will struggle with is the ice that could come with the excess cold. Making ways through icy roads is one of the most difficult things a driver can achieve. Snow, rain and ice all found its way into the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and the mixture has turned our highways into giant proverbial ice skating rinks.

The following driving tips may help you get to your destinations safely and not be a traffic accident statistic because of the weather conditions:

  • Stay at home: Ice in Texas almost is treated like something quarantined. Many buildings ar closed, and families are asked to stay home. If you don’t have to get on the roads when they are icy, it’s a good idea to stay home.
  • Drive slow, be cautious: If you must drive during icy conditions, understand that it’s best to go slow and not rush anything. The 70-mph driving opportunities should be reduced significantly. Also, keep in mind that you are driving with other individuals on the road who may not be as careful as you.
  • Do not confuse: It should be noted that many north Texans like to make ice and snow the same type of road issue. Your car can gain traction in the snow. Your car is nowhere near as fleet with ice. When it comes to driving – and even walking – icy roads are extremely dangerous.
  • Look for black ice: In an ice storm, nothing is more dangerous than black ice, the nonvisible ice consisting of moisture that has been frozen. Black ice often is seen on bridges and overpasses, and it can make life miserable for one car or 20 all at once. The combination of black ice and an early-morning commute can be extremely scary.

Our Grapevine TX import car care specialists are to here to answer all of your questions regarding driving in icy conditions. Call our Grapevine import automobile company today, or contact us online.

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Best Tire Maintenance Strategy: T.I.R.E.

Posted on January 27, 2011 by admin

Tire MaintenanceWhen it comes to your automobile, tire maintenance is key. A bad set of tires can lead to all kinds of unwanted misfortunes.

Proper tire safety and performance, however, can be explained with a simple acronym: T.I.R.E., which stands for treading, inflation, rotation and evaluation.

  • Treading: All tires must have proper tread depth, as it not only is unsafe but also illegal to drive with low tire treading.
  • Inflation: Tire pressure should be checked periodically (some experts suggest twice a month) and should be kept at the recommended pressure number of the respective automobile manufacturer.
  • Rotation: Tires should be rotated every other oil change. Some may even say tires should be rotated every 5,000-6,000 miles.
  • Evaluation: Keep an eye out for tire bubbles or under-inflated tires, and listen for leaks that may be caused by nails or sharp debris.

Our Dallas TX import automobile experts want to make sure your tires are at full capacity and helping your car run as smoothly as possible. Call our Dallas car care specialists today, or contact us online for your tire maintenance questions.

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