The other day, a customer brought in a 1997 Lexus ES 300 (that he had just purchased) for an oil change and general checkup. The car was in very good condition - that was, until the mechanic took off the oil valve cover and it full of sludge. Having sludge rather than oil lubricating the engine's working parts can very quickly deteriorate moving parts. Instead of being lubricated by clean oil, sludge contaminates parts, makes them sticky and prone to costly damage.
Mike really gets into auto repair...*groan*
The previous owner followed the manufacturer’s guidelines to change the oil every five or six thousand miles - so then what was the problem? This may look good on paper, but in reality, this frequently is often just not enough. The detergents in the oil break down after a certain amount of time, which is what creates sludge. Unless a special high-grade synthetic oil were being used, regular oil changes and maintenance really should be preformed every three thousand miles for this type of vehicle. This Lexus has 167,000 miles on it, and if properly maintained intervals are kept, it should be good for another 500,000 miles and more.
We like to view our customers' cars as investments; in the long run, they prove a far more valuable investment when they're properly maintained. Each car model is different, so if you'd like to know what your vehicle's specific maintenance intervals should be, it's best to check with your favorite mechanic.
by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager
At Cars for Keeps, we believe in the the old adage “you get what you pay for”. We feel that not all car parts and fluids are created equal. So with that in mind, let's talk auto fluids...
When we talk about your vehicle's fluid systems, we're talking about transmission, power steering, brake, coolant and engine oil fluids. Each of these fluids services a very important automotive function, and as the fluids break down over time, they can cause damage to these systems if they are not flushed and maintained.
We've researched many automotive fluid products and believe we have found one of the best that is available. I am talking about BG Products. BG Products is a chemical company that makes top of the line automotive fluids and automotive maintenance service products. These include completely synthetic engine oils, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluids and grease and gear lube.
Most automotive fluid companies make their products with crude oil base. BG Products, on the other hand, are manufactured in a lab as fully synthetic chemicals. For humans, synthetic products are bad news, but for a vehicle, synthetic fluids are the best they come. These fluid are capable of handling the higher temps better and for longer, without breaking down. This means longer periods between fluid changes and more longevity for the life of you vehicle.
BG Fully synthetic motor oil even comes with a friction modifier added to it for even better protection of your vehicle's engine. They also offer cleaning products to flush and improve the performance of drive lines, fuel systems, batteries and climate control systems.
BG is so confident of their products that they put a 150,000 mile warranty on your vehicle's engine if you use BG Products according to the recommended schedule on vehicles before they reach 30,000 miles.
With this kind of value, it was a no brainer for us at Cars for Keeps to offer BG Product to our customers, and for BG Products to be our top selling automotive fluid brand.
If you're curious to learn more about BG, visit them online, or watch their video below:
Most drivers don’t give a second thought about air conditioning (AC or HVAC) when the weather is cooler than about 75°f. While once considered a luxury, often an expensive add-on to a new car purchase, air conditioning is now a common factory installed item running in concert with several other systems.
Two of the most frequent questions we receive are:
1. Should I run my AC in the winter?
Many vehicles now incorporate running the air conditioning system when the windshield defroster is selected. Automatic climate control systems in the higher end vehicles use it routinely unless you select the “Economy” mode. There are a few reasons it's a good idea to run your auto's AC in the winter.
First, running the air conditioning year round will help maintain the system. It will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak proof. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil and sealers that lubricate the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking, which can lead to leaks.
Air conditioning removes moisture. If you’ve driven in heavy rain or high humidity, you needed the humidity removed from the forced air blasting your windows. This is less noticeable in colder weather, however the moisture is still a factor in clearing that fog from your view. If you have a car with a separate A/C switch, try turning it on next time (even if the temp is set on hot). It will clear your windows quicker. 2. If my AC needs repair, why shouldn't I wait until warmer weather?
Because the systems are so integrated, waiting to repair the AC system can increase the costs dramatically. Items from simple hoses, connections, desiccant chambers (driers) to the complex compressor, evaporator and condenser depend on operating in a lubricated, moisture free environment. Electrical switch or sensor failure will leave the system inoperative, but the failure of a seal or hose can cause much more serious damage. Faulty hoses will leak refrigerant, allowing water to enter the internal AC system and cause corrosion and rust.
Cars for Keeps includes testing AC function in its routine inspection process to help you avoid surprises when the weather warms up.
The most important maintenance for your car can be summed up in one word: Regular!
For those of you who are very structured in your lives, this is not a problem. For the rest of us who have to put a sticky note on our steering wheels to remind us of our next oil change, this can be a little problem! Here's a few tips for keeping your car's maintenance on track.
Most of us have a calendar that we refer to, either hanging on the wall, on our desk, or on our computers or cell phones. Pick a certain date that is usually convenient for you every three months and jot down ‘LOF’ (which stands for Lube, Oil, Filter) to remind you to check the mileage on your car. Check that with the sticker on your windshield and if they are close, gives us a call and we will take care of everything for you.
At Cars For Keeps, regular maintenance always includes the oil change, a new oil filter, topping off the fluids in your car, a visual inspection under, around and in the engine compartment, a recommendation list that is prioritized of potential problems, and checking your tires for air pressure and wear or damage. The oil in each of your vehicles should be changed every 2,000 miles for regular oil, and every 6,000 miles for cars that use synthetic oil, according to our head mechanic. We recommend that you call ahead to make an appointment so we can hold a specific amount of time to give you and your car the time and attention that you deserve. One or two days ahead of time is usually sufficient.
At Cars for Keeps automotive repair shop, we combine preventive maintenance and customer education with the best service money can buy. ASE Master Mechanic and owner Rob Hopp and his small, dedicated team are veterans in making accurate recommendations and quick repairs. From Hondas to Mercedes, we make sure you and your car run happily for many miles, wherever the road may take you.
I wanted to thank you for the prompt, courteous, and friendly service provided to my wife and I last week. I didn't know quite what to expect when we pulled in to your shop with the outside pad missing from our right rear brake.
We were pleasantly surprised. You...somehow worked us in, ordered parts, and had us back on our way in less than 2 hours with a very reasonable bill.
What could have been a major disruption of our trip, was reduced to a minor glitch because the efforts of you and your staff.
Thanks again.
- Gary and Gayle(2002 CR-V) ---------
From rides home to personal touches...like being called by name when you walk in the door.
The honesty that comes when a price can't be beat, why would anyone leave and go down the street?
How many places stand behind their work 100% of the time, not ever giving excuses or saying "it's fine". [With Cars for Keeps,] it's more like, "I'm sorry, we¹ll fix it right now" and then get it done quick.
No slick sales tricks, just good honest work.
Gentle reminders of work that needs to be doneand warnings of little things that might eventually not run.
I cannot say that it is one single thing, but it is the whole package put together, built on honesty and trust. Backed by personality and good work.
Thanks Cars For Keeps! Paula D.
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I am no expert with cars.They could have easily called me up and told me that the car would need an extensive repair, and I would have had to pay it.
I think other shops would have tried to get some money out of me. However, the crew at Cars For Keeps did the honest thing, and did not take "advantage" of me when they easily could have.
My car has been running fine since that event several thousand miles ago.The staff at Cars For Keeps have always provided me with top-notch customer care and quality car repairs, and this is especially helpful for someone who knows so little about cars.
by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager
Mike really gets into auto repair...*groan*
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