Author Archive | Michelle Long

Spark Plugs

When should I change my spark plugs? Do I need a tune up? Today’s Spark plugs are a longer lasting plug, somewhere between 60-100,000 miles. Though if you wait till the 100k mark you could have some other issues also. Replacing your spark plugs when it is recommended will help your vehicle last longer, get better mileage and be more efficient in the long run.

 

sparkplugs Long's Car Care Center

Father’s Day

Looking for something fun to do this Father’s Day Weekend?  We would like to suggest that you visit the Hot Rods & Hogs show in Maltby on Saturday!  We have been a proud sponsor for years.  It is a great show with lots to look at and do.  So grab your Dad, and take him out to look at some cool Hot Rods and Hogs!

 

carshow Longs Car Care center 98072

Brake Fluid Flush

 Why do I need to do a Brake Fluid Flush?
Because brake flush can be very effective and helpful in keeping your brakes running efficiently and safely. Although your brake fluid is contained in a sealed container it can over time still obtain moisture in your brake fluid. This moisture in the brake fluid can lead to corrosion of your brake lines and you brake master cylinder causing some costly repairs. Brake flushes can help keep your fluid clean and moisture free helping to prevent this corrosion. It is much cheaper to have a brake flush and maintain brake maintenance than it is to replace brake lines and brake master cylinders.
brakefluidflush  Long's Car Care 98072

Air Filter

Today our little bit of Wednesday Wisdom would be reasons why you should change your air filter:
1. “Increased fuel efficiency”
2. “Reduced Emissions”
3. “Prolongs Engine Life”
4. “Inexpensive and Quick Fix”
5. Easy to Keep Track Of

Your engine wants to breathe clear air too. So make sure to always check your air filter and replace when dirty.

 

 

cleanvsdirtyairfilter  Long's Car Care Center

New Car

Did you purchase a New Car or Truck this past year?  Do you think that you have to take it to the dealer for all of your services or your warranty will be voided?  Not true.  You can take it to any independant shop of your choice to have the recommended maintenance done, it’s the law.  (see image below)  The only time you HAVE to go back to the dealer is for warranty or recall work.

 

stopsign Long's Car Care Center 98072

 

Water Pump

Why do you want me to replace my Water Pump when you are replacing my Timing Belt?   If you look at the diagram your pump is driven by the timing belt. Usually if you change the water pump at the same time you only incur the additional cost of the pump. If you don’t do it at the same time, and your water pump fails you later, you will be paying that same labor cost again.  We want you to maintain your vehicle, for less money not more.
waterpumpreplacment Long's Car Care Center

Summer

Summer is almost here, well the hot weather is here already.  It’s time to prepare your vehicles for this hot summer weather.  Below is a chart that is filled with very useful information on how to do this.  If you have any concerns please give us a call and we will do whatever we can to help you, or answer any questions.

 

prepare for summer

Hot Air

Is your air conditioner blowing Hot Air when all you want is some nice cool air on these hot summer days?  If you haven’t had your A/C service in the last 4-5 years, that is probably all it needs.  You A/C system is a closed system, and over time condensation builds up which stops it from blowing cold air.  When we service it we removed all of the refrigerant, dry the system, pressurize (to check for any leaks) and if no leaks are detected we put the refrigerant back in, and you have nice cool air again.  If by some chance there is a leak, we will discuss this issue with you, give you an estimate for the repair…and still get you on your way with nice cool air.

 

a/c not working, hot air

a/c not working, hot air

Summer Car Kit

For our Tuesday Tip, we are suggesting a Summer Car Kit.  You never know when you may get stuck in traffic, or decide to take an impromptu road trip.  Having these items in your car will come in very handy during this hot summer weather we are having.

 

summercarkit Long's Car Care Center 98072

Maintenance

Maintenance is the most important thing you can do for you vehicle.  It will last a longer and perform great.  Here at Long’s Car Care Center we put together a Maintenance package for you specific to you vehicle.  It doesn’t matter how long you have owned it or how many miles it has on it.  We will show you how much per mile it will cost you to maintain your vehicle for the next five year.  We take into account any and all history that we have, or that you can supply to us, this gives us the knowledge to put this package together for you.  This way you can plan ahead, and there are no surprises.  We want our customers to know that we care about them as well as their vehicle.

 

Longs Car Care Center