Archive | Automotive Maintenance

Most of us are pretty good at doing regular maintenance on our vehicles but when it comes to the horse trailers, or other trailers we use, the story gets to be little different.

Just because there isn’t an engine to change the oil in doesn’t mean it doesn’t need regular attention.  Trailer brakes are not self-adjusting so to keep them effective they need to be adjusted and tested at least yearly.  Wheel bearings are usually lubed at that time  Because they sit so much the lights often get corroded from moisture, if allowed to go for too long the socket holding the bulb will fall apart making for a much more expensive repair.  Horse trailer floors get severe use, not just from the weight of the horses, but also from the “foreign objects” deposited by the horses.  Inspection of the floors is critical.  An overall inspection of doors, hinges and latches help to keep things where you put them.  We know how much you love your horses so let’s keep them riding in comfort and safety.

With winter, comes more time driving in the dark, or near dark.  Now is the time to check out your headlights to make sure you are being seen, and can see as good as possible.  If your headlights are foggy, the light coming from them is going to be dimmer than is recommended.  You won’t see nearly as well as you should, and you won’t be seen as well either.  We can solve this for you by simply buffing out your lenses.  Also…check their alignment pull up in front of your garage at night and turn you headlights on…do they shine straight ahead, or does one and not the other…again something that is quite simply for us to fix, buy doing an adjustment to the alignment of the headlights.  Do they both work???  You want to make sure that both headlights have bulbs that are actually working.  This is a safety issue, as well as an issue that can result in a pesky traffic citation, this is also something that most of the time is a simple fix…some cars are a little more time consuming..but we can let you know how long it will take when we see you!!  Enjoy the winter…and be safe!!

It’s the first Monday of 2016!!  Have you set some goals for 2016, either personal or professional? Here at Long’s Car Care Center, we are off to a great start this year.  One of our business goals is to add at least one new maintenance technician, and one specialty technician.  We are hoping for a Diesel technician, so that we can provide service for all of your Diesel powered vehicles.   We look forward to seeing you in the coming year!!

Here in Washington State we are experiencing record snow falls.  If you are headed over any of the passes be sure to be prepared.  Make sure to have chains, an emergency road kit, with jumper cables, flares, etc.  For your comfort and safety, bring extra water, blankets, boots, gloves and a heavy jacket.  The passes are closing at unexpected times, so be sure to be prepared for longer than normal trips…make sure you have plenty of fuel, try not to let you tank get under 1/2 full.  Sometime these backups can last a long time, and turn a 2 hour trip into 5 hours or more.  Be safe, enjoy the snow and the beauty of it all…but also be prepared.

#snoqualmiepass  #wintertravel #beprepared

Automatic Transmissions:

Nearly 9 out of 10 transmission failures are due to overheating and fluid contamination.  The customers we see the most with transmission problems are not who you might think.  It is more than likely to be the owner of a mini-van or station wagon instead of someone pulling a boat or camper.  Why?  Because today’s transmissions are computer controlled and have far more intricate parts in smaller housings  Cooling of the transmission’s fluid is also downsized all of which leads to more stress placed on the transmission fluid.  Hauling the kids to sports and all of the other things we do with our vehicles actually works the transmission harder than you realize.  With transmission repairs often running over $5,000.00 it makes good sense to maintain your vehicles transmission.  Servicing and flushing the fluids every 30,000 miles will greatly extend the life of you transmission at a fraction of the cost of rebuilding it.

#tuesdaycarcaretip  #woodinvilleautorepair #transmissionrepair

Most cars and light trucks produced after the late 1980’s use fuel injectors instead of carburetors.  Injectors are sued because they are more efficient.  Unfortunately their location in the engine puts them in the path of contaminates which build up on the injection and can drastically reduce their effectiveness.  This can cause the engine to run poorly and reduce fuel economy.

Carbon cleaning service are designed  specifically to eliminate the build of of contaminates.  This works not only on the injectors but also cleans the intake plenum, intake valve stems, combustion change and even contaminated exhaust systems.  In many cases you will experience a dramatic improvement in how your engine runs and as a side benefit know that your vehicle is producing far less harmful pollutants.

We want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!!  We are closing for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, so that we can all spend time with our family and friends.  We hope that the holiday finds you filled with peace and joy!!

#merrychristmas #happyholidays #longscarcarecenter

Timing Belts:

Most cars and light trucks have timing belts in the engine.  This belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft.  This synchronization is critical, especially if you have an “interference” engine.  In interference engines if the belt breaks when the engine is running serious/expensive damage can occur to the engine.  Like all belts, timing belts do wear out.  Manufacturers recommend replacement…depending on the make and model of you vehicle it is somewhere between 60,ooo miles and 120,000 miles.  This recommendation is listed in your owners manual.

If you don’t know whether or not your engine utilizes a timing belt, or when it is due for replacement, call us and we will provide you with the needed information.

Friday’s are Classic Car Days!!  We have this awesome 1949 Ford sitting in our show room right now!!  It belongs to a wonderful, long time customer that has asked us to help him sell it.  This vehicle is in perfect shape…stock color, interior is immaculate.  Great Buy for $15,000.  Stop on by the shop anytime and take a look!!

#classiccarfriday #1949ford #woodinvilleclassiccarrestoration