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When it comes to car maintenance, early detection and preventative care can be key to preventing costly repairs. For example, do follow the factory-suggested timelines for service. Don’t ignore minor issues or changes to your driving comfort, stability, or steering. Be sure to add tire balancing to your car maintenance routine to prevent vehicle safety concerns arising from unbalanced wheels. Let’s look more closely into...

For such a small, seemingly insignificant part, a failing water pump can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle's engine. You can think of it this way: the pump acts like a beating heart, pumping necessary fluid through a vital system to keep your engine alive. If it fails, your car can quite literally stop in its tracks. So, if your car has an overheating engine...

I know, I know… winter isn't generally the time of year when most motorists think of servicing their vehicle's engine coolant. But it's actually an ideal time to perform winter auto maintenance on your cooling system by checking antifreeze levels and looking for coolant leaks. Keep reading for more information on the many cold weather benefits of new antifreeze. Winter Auto Maintenance Winter driving can create unique...

Sometimes, routine auto maintenance can get overlooked in our busy lifestyles. I find it easier to stay on track if I make a schedule, checking my tire pressure every time I fill my gas tank. I check my oil levels once a month. And, my #1 auto maintenance tip is to replace your car’s air filters every fall (usually when the leaves change colors in...

Sometimes, finding a reliable local auto repair and service center can be hard. The last thing I want to do is trust my car to just any old auto shop. That's why I trust AAA's Approved Auto Repair program, which only picks the best-of-the-best auto shops in my area. Plymouth Auto & Tire Center is on that list. So, if it's time for your transmission...

Most motorists don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their vehicle’s exhaust system. Unless you’re into racing or own a high-maintenance, high-performance sports car, you probably only have the exhaust system serviced once a year or when a problem crops up. However, you don’t have to be a gear-head to learn a few facts about how your vehicle works. Plus, it’s beneficial to know...

Most of us are familiar with the term Self-Care. Over the last several years, self-care gurus, books, and support groups have cropped up everywhere, catering to every walk of life. Once we started talking about it, many of us realized that burning the candle at both ends isn't healthy or fun. Do you know that June 24th marks the start of Self-Care Month, which ends...

At this time of year, I occasionally see cars on the side of the road with the hood up and smoke billowing out of the engine compartment. Yikes - I wonder how long it has been since they checked the fluid levels in their cooling system, performed radiator maintenance, or scheduled a coolant flush. If you want to avoid being stranded with an overheating car,...

The longer you own your car, the more debris, varnish, and carbon deposits form on the fuel system components. These build-ups can lower your vehicle's performance and affect fuel efficiency. Performing routine maintenance can help prevent fuel system issues like a clogged fuel filter, dirty fuel injectors, and a faulty fuel pump. Let's review how the fuel system works so you can better understand why...

Almost overnight, it seems like spring has arrived. This time of year brings to mind a few car maintenance tasks for many motorists in cold climates. Knowing when to swap your tires depends on a few factors. Seasonal temperatures can be unpredictable, so the time of year may change slightly. Let's review how winter tires differ from all-weather tires, not just in tire tread but...