Frequent inspection: of under the hood components and fluid levels is vital to your car’s protection. Inspections permit you to detect problems while they are small and can ultimately save you many dollars in major repair bills. It is important that your vehicles’ oil and fluids are checked regularly. If you do not wish to check your oil please stop by our shop and we will be happy to check it for you.

Jump starting: a newer vehicle is no longer recommended due to the extensive electronic components on your vehicle. Jump starting causes a voltage surge that will destroy computers and electronic sensors. If the battery is dead it must be charged using a battery charger of the proper amperage and for the proper amount of time before the vehicle is started.

All of the air you breathe: while driving comes through the evaporator of your heating and cooling system. The evaporator needs to be cleaned out yearly to reduce allergy problems and increase the air flow volume by clearing out any bacteria, mold, nicotine oils, fungus and spores, odor causing agents and road construction dust and oils.

To reduce wind resistance: store luggage inside the vehicle whenever possible, not on the roof or deck lid.

When driving at highway speeds: drive with the windows up and the air conditioner on. This is more efficient that driving with them down due to the wind resistance.

On long trips: start early in the day so you’ll minimize the need to use the air conditioner. Plan your meals stops to coincide with the peak traffic times.

Buckle your seat belts: and make sure all passengers are belted in securely. Adjust all mirrors, audio system and seat before driving the car. BE SAFE AND SECURE.

To conserve fuel and excessive brake wear: keep enough space in front of you so you can adjust your speeds accordingly. When you stop, release the accelerator early and brake gently to close the gap gradually between your car and the one in front of you.

Avoid extended engine warm up time: AN engine warms up quickest while it is being driven. As soon as your car is drivable, drive it away slowly and continue to drive moderately until it is fully warmed up. This reduces fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.

When you approach a hill: build up speed early. With a manual transmission, shift to a lower gear early. With an automatic transmission, shift out of overdrive to avoid lugging the engine and causing excessive wear on the transmission from the constant up-shifts and downshifts.

Never Rush a repair!: Like a doctor or other service professional, we need to be able to fully evaluate and diagnose your problem by performing all of the needed tests. There is no one machine that will tell you what is wrong with your vehicle. All tests must be performed and evaluated by a qualified technician to properly repair your vehicle.

In addition to these tips, there are many videos that explain driving your vehicle, how your vehicle works and how to maintain your vehicle. You can see these on our website under car repairs and then click on informational videos and by going to the customer education center on our website.

Winter Driving tip: Check the road conditions and weather forecasts. Allow extra time. Don’t travel alone and always tell someone where you are going and what route you are taking. Report your safe arrival. Keep all windows clear and clean, get plenty of rest, fasten seat belts and turn on your lights when it’s dusk or dark and in snow, fog, or rain. Keep gas tank above ½ at all times in case you are stranded.

When driving on slick roads: if skidding in a rear wheel drive vehicle, Let up on the gas, steer in the same direction the rear is sliding, straighten out and brake slightly. If skidding in a front wheel drive vehicle, accelerate slightly, steer in the same direction the rear is sliding, straighten out and let up on the gas or brake slightly.

Anti-Lock Brake systems: ABS brake systems can drastically reduce accidents, but only if used correctly. YOU MUST NOT PUMP YOUR BRAKE PEDAL. If you pump the brake pedal you will increase your stopping distance. For a safe stop with ABS brakes, apply firm and continuous pressure to the pedal and continue to steer normally. Have the system checked for moisture during each service to avoid causing major ABS damage.

Increasing Fuel Mileage: Changing your oxygen sensor every 30,000 miles will increase fuel mileage 1-3 mpg. If engine temperature does not stay above 195 degrees you can lose 3-5 mpg. Under-inflated tires can cause as much as a 10% drop in fuel mileage. Dirty air and fuel filters can cause significant fuel mileage drop and damage to your engine and fuel systems. REGULAR MAINTENANCE WILL CHECK THESE ITEMS.

Warning Lights: If a warning light comes on check the back of our Maintenance is a Must book that you can pick up for FREE at Town and Country Auto Repair. The back of the book has diagrams of many different warning light signals and explains why they are coming on. Warning lights come on near the end of a particular problem and must be heeded immediately.

Vehicle Emergency Kit: Every vehicle should have the following items in the trunk for emergencies due to road conditions or vehicle breakdown.

______ Blanket ______First Aid Kit ______2 Liters of Water
______Spare Tire ______Duct Tape ______Working Jack
______Matches ______Jacket ______Gloves
______Flashlight ______Candle ______Jumper Cables
______Spare Key in wallet or hidden in vehicle ______Comfortable pair of shoes
______Wire Clothes hanger ______Emergency flasher triangle with batteries to signal help is needed
______Cell phone and charger ______Packaged snack for extended stay in vehicle