Author Archive | Michelle Long

From the first time your engine is started, dirt, carbon deposits and varnishes are forming in your vehicle’s fuel systems, on the intake valves, and in the combustion chamber areas. To prevent buildup in your fuel system, have your fuel system cleaned. Here are some symptoms that are caused by carbon buildup:

“Engine pinging”.
“Poor acceleration”.
“Hesitation or lurching”.
“Lack of or poor performance”.
“Repeated stalling”.
“Rough idle”.
“Poor fuel mileage”.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, give us a call so that we can get you in and get your vehicle running right again.

Do you have a Classic Mustang that needs some TLC?  We would love to help you with that.  We just had a 1968 Mustang check into our Classic spot.  It is a beautiful car, that we are very proud to be working on.  Give us a call, come on into the shop and check out our Classic spot…you will see that we care about your Mustang just as much as you do!!

Why do I need to change my power steering fluid?
In power rack-and-pinion steering, fluid pressurized by the pump pushes on either side of a piston mounted to the rack, helping you turn the wheels. Simply put, power-steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in power steering.
What color should power steering fluid be?
Good power-steering fluid should be clear, amber or pinkish in color. If the power-steering fluid is brown or black, it has been contaminated with bits of rubber from connecting hoses, seals or O-rings.
So it may not be something we think about changing, but power steering fluid is extremely important, that is why we check it every time you come in for an oil change, just like we do all of your fluids.

“How long do brakes last”?  Is a question we hear almost daily.   Brake pad wear and life is different for every driver and every car. Local stop and go driving is far more harsh on brake pad life as opposed to highway traveling. Some heavy commercial use vehicles may only get 20,000 miles whereas highway use vehicles may get upwards of 50,000 miles. A typical suburban driver in our area with a mix of local and distance driving will average approximately 30,000 miles on their brakes before service is required.  This is also the reason we do a free brake inspection before we will give you a quote.  There are so many different variables with brakes, that it almost impossible to give an accurate quote with doing the inspection.

Are you looking for someone local to work on your Honda?  We would like to be the shop you take your Honda to for maintenance and any needed repair.  We have a lot of experience working on them, and have the tools and the know how to do it right.

Nothing is worse than getting in your vehicle on a hot, sunny day, turning on your A/C expecting to feel that nice cool breeze, but no it’s blowing warm air in your face.  YUK!!!  If this has happened to you, get into the shop ASAP!!  We can replace that warm air with a nice cool breeze.  Usually you A/C system just needs to be serviced.  Sometimes, there is a component that may have worn out, or the system may have a leak.  In any case we will figure out the problem, and get you on your way in no time!!

How can an automotive repair shop be saving trees?  By going paperless, which is what we are doing here at Long’s Car Care Center.  All of our technicians now use tablets to do diagnostics, inspections, and get repair information.  These tablets are connected to our Service Writers computer, so all of the information goes directly to him.  No fuss, No Muss.  This is a huge time, and paper saver.  If you want to see how this system works, just ask next time you are in and we will be happy to show you.

How do I know if my motor mounts are bad?  If they are worn out or worse yet broken, you will be able to feel you motor shift/move around.  You may even hear a clunking noise, especially if more than one of them is broken.  If you are feeling or hearing any new noises it is best to bring it into the shop so that we can check and make sure all is well.  Having broken motor mount can cause more damage, replacing them is the thing to do.

My battery light is on, what do I do?  If your Battery sign appears on dash board it could mean several things are faulty in your electrical system. You could have a bad battery or the cause could be a faulty alternator or loose cables. Bring your vehicle to us so we can check out your charging system before your car leaves you stranded.

Why is my car overheating?
A number of systems in your vehicle, when not operating properly, can cause your vehicle to overheat. Low coolant, broken water pump or a missing serpentine belt to name just a few.  If your vehicle is overheating, we recommend that you have it towed in so as not to cause any further damage.  Once you get it here, our Technicians will diagnose it, so that we can repair it and have you on your way in no time.