Keller Bros Car Tips Blog http://www.kellerbros.com/car-tips.php Car Tips from your Friends at Keller Bros Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:04:00 -0700 en hourly 1 The Gift That Keeps On Giving Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller What it Does: Coolant (also called antifreeze) cools your engine down with a pump that moves water around the engine with the help of propellers.

Why It’s Important: If the coolant is ignored, these propellers will snap, break, and come apart due t...]]> What it Does: Coolant (also called antifreeze) cools your engine down with a pump that moves water around the engine with the help of propellers.

Why It’s Important: If the coolant is ignored, these propellers will snap, break, and come apart due to excessive heat in the engine.

This often results in your engine overheating, which could take up to 100,000 miles off the life of your engine!

Neglecting coolant will also affect your engine hoses, which become swollen and break apart inside if there isn’t enough coolant running through the system.

If coolant is left in a system for too long it will lose its ability to prevent corrosion. Your engine belts can also crack from the overheating of the engine. These belts not only cover your coolant system, but your steering system as well!

Disregarding your coolant will ultimately lead to rust and that eats away at your engine.

What Can I Do? What we’ve described above never has to happen. In fact, you never even have to look at these parts. All you have to do is have your coolant changed.

So come on by and our certified ASE technicians can change your coolant, as well as give your vehicle a thorough inspection, which can help you save $1000s of dollars over the life of your vehicle!


]]> The Benefits of Keeping Rust Away Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Why bother about rust? Rust not only detracts from the appearance of the vehicle, once it takes hold, it can weaken metal and expose additional portions of the automobile to the elements. Rust also detracts from the vehicle’s resale value, decreasing its worth and making it harder to sell. ...]]> Why bother about rust? Rust not only detracts from the appearance of the vehicle, once it takes hold, it can weaken metal and expose additional portions of the automobile to the elements. Rust also detracts from the vehicle’s resale value, decreasing its worth and making it harder to sell. After all, who wants a rusty car – or one with holes in the sides?

Fortunately, preventing rust is fairly easy. Just remember that water + salt and magnesium chloride = corrosion. That’s the recipe for rust. To prevent rust:

Fall and Winter

  •  Install heavy plastic mats on the floor of the vehicle to keep snow and slush carried inside from melting and damaging the floor.
  • Tap your feet against the doorframe to knock any snow, ice or salt from your shoes before entering the vehicle.
  • Each fall, get your vehicle professionally waxed. Wax offers another barrier between your vehicle and the elements.
  • During the winter, knock any snow or ice accumulation you can see from the sides, tire wells, or undercarriage of the vehicle.

Spring and Summer

  • Take your vehicle in for professional washes regularly in the spring and summer. Choose a car wash service that has a spray that reaches the undercarriage. If you don’t want to take your vehicle in for a professional wash, use a garden hose and spray the undercarriage and other areas that are in contact with a lot of magnesium chloride and salt with clean water to remove any residue.

Rust not only detracts from your vehicle’s appearance, it also decreases its value. Prevent rust from starting by keeping sand and magnesium chloride from remaining in contact with the metal on your vehicle, and take care to keep your vehicle clean. You’ll not only keep your vehicle looking beautiful but you’ll protect your investment, too.


]]> Auto Repair Littleton Tip: Warning Signs of Your Vehicle’s Braking System Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Your braking system is one of the most important parts of your vehicle when it comes to your safety, which is why it’s important to have it thoroughly inspected at least once a year by an ASE-Certified Technician at a professional Auto Repair Littleton facility.

The inspection should include:

  • Brake and dash warning lights
  • Condition of hoses and brake lines
  • Brake fluid level
  • Brake lining wear
  • Rotor thickness

Warning signs that something is wrong with your brakes include:

Vibrations. If your brake pedal is vibrating when you step on it, this could mean your rotors are warped.

 

Squealing. Squealing can be heard when your windows are down and the radio and AC unit is turned off. It is a warning sign that the brake pads might need to be replaced. If you only hear this sound when your car has just been washed or sitting in the rain, this is normal.

Grinding Noise. A grinding sound could indicate that your brake pads are worn beyond replacement.


Illuminated ABS light. Many vehicles now have an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light that will illuminate when excessive build-up of metal particles from the brake system is detected.


Low or hard pedal feel. If your brake pedal easily reaches to the ground, this could be a sign that you have little brake fluid or there is an air leak in the system.


Brake grabbing. If your vehicle tends to pull towards one side when you brake, this could mean brake linings are wearing unevenly or there is something in the brake fluid which could require a brake fluid flush.
Have your braking system inspected at our reliable Auto Repair Littleton facility shop today if you experience any of these warning signs or if you have not had your brakes inspected in over a year. You want to be confident about your brakes with each stop you make!


]]> Seeing is Believing: Littleton Car Repair Tips Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Few things are more important for safe spring driving than seeing clearly.  After a rough, long winter, the mud and dirt and grime ca...]]> Few things are more important for safe spring driving than seeing clearly.  After a rough, long winter, the mud and dirt and grime can really cloud your vision! Here are a few tips to keep your   windshield — and your vision — clean and clear this spring:

Windshield Wipers: So often overlooked, windshield wipers are an effective, inexpensive way to create better vision. Most wipers are only good for a year, at most. Any longer and they will crack, split, tear, and quickly become ineffective. Do your wipers streak when you clean your windshield? That’s a sign to have them replaced as soon as possible.

Headlights: Inevitably, headlights on a car will fade into a yellowish dim after a few years. It’s a good idea to bring them into a trusted automotive repair shop with ASE-Certified technicians at your trusted Littleton auto repair facility who can help you get the lights replaced. That will ensure you get the clearest, brightest shine from your headlights.

Glass Cleaner: What would be the purpose of replacing your wipers and replacing your headlights if your windshield is dirty? We recommend an aerosol glass cleaner to tackle the windows and mirrors in your car. Compared to a spray bottle, this glass cleaner will polish deeper, last longer and get your windows cleaner.

Bring your car in to our professional Littleton car repair shop and our ASE-Certified technicians will look over your vehicle to see what can be done to give you the clearest vision possible this spring!


]]> Castle Rock Auto Repair Tips: Miss that New Car feeling? Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller When we first purchase our vehicle, we make it a priority to keep it clean, inside and out. As time goes by and that new car smell fades, we let our vehicle’s cleanliness take a back seat. However, it is important to realize the number of benefits you receive as a result of keeping your vehicle...]]> When we first purchase our vehicle, we make it a priority to keep it clean, inside and out. As time goes by and that new car smell fades, we let our vehicle’s cleanliness take a back seat. However, it is important to realize the number of benefits you receive as a result of keeping your vehicle clean and staying on top of your Castle Rock Auto repair. Not only does a clean car keep you safely on the road, but it extends the life of your vehicle, so you get the most out of your car purchase.

Here is some advice to keep your vehicle running as long as possible and to help it retain value. At a glance, your car’s exterior is a telling sign of its age. If your car needs a wash be sure to dust it off beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll end up rubbing dirt and gravel into the exterior and damage the paint job. A Natural sponge or a premium wash mit work well and are safe for all finishes. Don’t forget the interior of your vehicle too. Your car seats shouldn’t be neglected. Invest in a leather product cleaner to prevent cracking and to keep them looking like new. If you have any spots on upholstery I recommend using Zep carpet cleaner because it will remove stains from cloth and microfiber and this will help maintain the car’s value. Duct cleaners are necessary when cleaning out AC and heating ducts and help to rid your vehicle of any unwanted, moldy smells.

Pressure Washing the Engine: The desire to have a clean engine is a very respectable one. It gets grungy under there and things just run better when they are clean, so it’s only natural that you would want to spray away the sludge. However, if you attempt to remove the grime with the high power pressure washer you could cause some seriously adverse reactions in your vehicle. Modern engines are a like a labyrinth, with its complex sensors, wiring harnesses and components. Feel free to use your regular garden hose, but please put down the pressure washer and back away from the engine. Ask your ASE Certified technician if their Auto Repair Englewood shop steam cleans parts as this would be the superior method to clean your engine.

Motor Vac Options: A Motor Vac service can do wonders for your car. The fuel cleaning Motor Vac service will help your vehicle run better by decreasing gas mileage and increasing horse power. It’s quite different from any additive you’ve used in the past. When you connect this machine to your car it actually takes the place of your fuel system and runs a solvent through the gas lines. It not only cleans your fuel injectors and catalytic converter, but your exhaust system as well. So, not only do your vehicle and wallet benefit, but so does the environment.

It’s extremely important to keep up with your vehicle’s hygiene. Even after the initial excitement of your auto purchase wears off. The best thing you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and help it retain value is to find a trusted Castle Rock Auto repair shop.


]]> Littleton Brakes…More Than Just Pads and Shoes Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller  

The most important system in the automobile for safety is the brake system.  You change your brake pads when they have outlived their useful life, right?  How about brake fluid?  Many people overlook that component of the brake system, even though it is an integral part.

I...]]>  

The most important system in the automobile for safety is the brake system.  You change your brake pads when they have outlived their useful life, right?  How about brake fluid?  Many people overlook that component of the brake system, even though it is an integral part.

It has been shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years.  This is important because with it being a hydraulic fluid, its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes.  As it becomes contaminated with moisture, the once non-compressible fluid now does compress, causing you to press harder on the brakes for the same amount of stopping power.  This means that in a panic stop scenario, the more contaminated the fluid becomes, the longer it will take for you to be able to stop your vehicle.

In modern vehicles with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), there is even more reason to flush the brake fluid regularly.  Dirty brake fluid can damage the sophisticated and expensive ABS control equipment.

To avoid reduced brake efficiency and component damage, have your trusted Auto Repair Parker facility do a system check on your brakes to see what the condition of your brake fluid is.  It is also a good idea to have some other overlooked items performed while they are doing that.  First have a full inspection of all the brake components performed to see not only how the pads and fluid are doing, but also the lines and hoses.  Next, if you have rear drum brakes, these will come out of adjustment so you should make sure to have that corrected too.  And lastly, make sure that the emergency brake is adjusted properly too.

Now that the system has been taken care of, make sure to continue flushing the brake fluid every two years.  In addition, make sure to have the other adjustments made at every brakes Littleton job.  This will ensure that the brake system will be there for you when you need it most and it will work at its peak efficiency.

 


]]> Avoid a Breakdown: The Importance of Preventative Denver Auto Maintenance Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Breakdowns happen. Knowing where you’re going to take your car when such incidences occur is half the battle. Even taking your vehicle to your local Centennial auto repair center for routine maintenance will significantly lower the chances of a breakdown. So don’t let an emergency be the cause of your visit to your local Centennial auto repair center—save the headache, money, and time by getting your car checked out today!

You’re on your way to an appointment. Maybe it’s that job interview you’ve been preparing for the last few weeks. Perhaps you’re on your way to the airport to pick up a friend or loved one for a much-anticipated visit. You could even be on your way to a routine check-up at your local physician. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. And just when you rely on your vehicle the most, the engine completely shuts off and smoke begins to seep out from under the hood. With nothing to do but pull off to the side of the road, you are forced to call a tow truck and spend valuable time and money on repairs. You miss the interview, your visitor has to take a cab, or in properly maintaining your body and keeping healthy, you neglect to do the same to your vehicle.

What could you have done?

You could have taken your car into your local Castle Rock auto repair center for preventative maintenance. Let’s be honest, there’s no getting around the normal wear and tear of a vehicle, regardless of how well you treat your car. That’s why it’s imperative to find a local mechanic you can trust that will take the proper time to ensure you stay on the road. By bringing it in to your professional Castle Rock auto repair center, small problems can be quickly and cheaply resolved before they cultivate into bigger issues.

There’s a multitude of options out there your vehicle. There are many shops that try to lure you in with flashy signs and great deals. But beware—many of these deals are misleading and can end up costing you much more that advertised. You need a mechanic that will take the time to get to know your car inside and out—even two people who have the exact same car have different needs for their vehicle. And when you to find that technician who knows exactly what your car needs, you won’t mind bringing it in for routine maintenance.

When searching for a trustworthy Aurora auto repair center, make sure they employ ASE certified mechanics. This means the technicians working on your vehicle are highly educated in the field of automotive repair. To remain certified, all mechanics at your local Aurora auto repair center must be re-tested every 5 years to ensure they are up on the latest and most effective auto repair skills.


]]> Do not Stall on Maintenance, or Your Car May Stall on You Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller How many times do you see a stalled out car on the side of the road? Once a month? Maybe more like once a week? Depending on how much you drive, you could very well see a different car stalled out every day! Are modern vehicles to blame? Some would say yes, but this is a problem that has been aro...]]> How many times do you see a stalled out car on the side of the road? Once a month? Maybe more like once a week? Depending on how much you drive, you could very well see a different car stalled out every day! Are modern vehicles to blame? Some would say yes, but this is a problem that has been around since the introduction of the automobile, and with the increased number of drivers it stands to reason that there are more break downs.

Some would say that it is just bad luck when your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road, but the more likely cause is the neglect of the vehicle’s owner. Rich White, a spokesperson for the National Car Care Council says, “Don’t blame your car. It can’t drive itself to the shop and ask for an oil change in Littleton or new spark plugs.” With how important transportation is to us nowadays, it is surprising to see how often minor maintenance is overlooked.

By simply having periodic check-ups on your car you do much more than just make sure you don’t break down. There is a ripple effect anytime a car stalls out on a roadway. The driver now has to wait for a tow truck, pay for the tow, pay for the repairs, deal with the stress of the whole situation, plus have his or her whole schedule turned upside down. In addition to that, all of the other drivers on that roadway are slowed down either by lane closers or “rubberneckers” trying to see what’s going on.

Keep your car in optimal condition and you will not only have less stress, but you will have a better guarantee of your safety, and the safety of those around you. Your trusted Englewood auto repair shop with ASE certified technicians will help you drive with confidence and give you and your passengers peace of mind wherever you go.


]]> Safety First: How to Prepare for Winter Driving Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Winter will bring in snowy and icy conditions on the road, so it is important to check the following items on your vehicle to make sure it is ready to get you safely through the next few cold months.

Battery: Avoid getting stranded in the parking lot when it’s below ...]]> Winter will bring in snowy and icy conditions on the road, so it is important to check the following items on your vehicle to make sure it is ready to get you safely through the next few cold months.

Battery: Avoid getting stranded in the parking lot when it’s below freezing by recharging or replacing weak batteries. Your professional Aurora auto repair shop can perform a battery load test to determine your battery’s strength.

Tires: Check for proper inflation and the condition of the tires. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease. Don’t know if you need to replace your tires? Look for “wear bars” that periodically run across the hollow of each tread. If the tread has been worn down to the same height as the wear bar, it’s time for new tires! Safe winter driving in Colorado requires proper tire care.

Engine Oil: Your vehicle may require a different oil weight for cold weather operation. Check oil levels and change them at the interval recommended in your owner’s manual.

Lights: When snow is blowing during the day or night, it’s important all your lights are working so other drivers are aware of your distance and driving direction and can avoid driving too close to you. Check for interior and exterior burned-out bulbs, malfunctioning switches, misdirected beams and clean lenses.

Windshield Wipers, Fluids and Defroster: Make sure your windshield wipers are effectively wiping your front and back windows. Remember to also stock up on no-freeze washer fluid because you don’t want to wait until you and the local stores are out or low on supply!

Heating and Cooling System: Test your heater and defroster so you know your vehicle can properly warm up inside and defrost any ice that develops on your windows. Check radiator hoses for leaks, bulges and cracks. Add antifreeze mixture if low and replenish if the liquid is discolored. Have your coolant checked with a hydrometer to be sure there is adequate cold weather protection, typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Driving Kit: Include an ice scraper with snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone with a car charger, extra set of warm clothes including gloves and boots, first aid kit, tire chains, blanket, jumper cables, non-clumping kitty litter for traction, flares or reflective triangles, a gallon jug of water, non-perishable food items, window washer solvent and shovel.

If you make sure to check the items listed above with your reliable Castle Rock auto repair shop, you will have some peace of mind for the rest of the winter. Remember, your safety is priceless!


]]> Clean Fuel Injectors Improve Your Fuel Efficiency Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 -0700 Terry Keller Did you know that fuel injectors are extremely critical components that keep your car running smoothly? They are important to keep clean so that your fuel ignites easier and burns more evenly and efficiently, which saves you money by improving your gas mileage and increasing horsepower.

Ve...]]> Did you know that fuel injectors are extremely critical components that keep your car running smoothly? They are important to keep clean so that your fuel ignites easier and burns more evenly and efficiently, which saves you money by improving your gas mileage and increasing horsepower.

Vehicle fuel systems are generally very clean nowadays because today’s gasoline is designed for fuel injection and there are filters in the system that trap a bulk of unwanted dirt. However, some dirt can get past the filters, especially in vehicles driven at low speed for long periods of time. A gummy residue can also form after a hot engine is turned off, which can then leave an uneven spray for its next use. Fixing these problems can save your fuel and increase your horsepower.

Symptoms that could indicate that you have dirty fuel injectors include:

· Hard starting

· Rough idle

· Poor overall performance

· Decreased gas mileage

These symptoms can be resolved with proper fuel injector maintenance! A trusted Englewood auto repair shop with ASE-Certified Technicians can see whether it needs a cleaning or a full fuel injector system service. It is generally recommended that injectors get cleaned at least every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Consider it a tune up for your fuel system because it can improve fuel efficiency and increase horsepower!

 


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