Vehicle Conditions That You Can't Tolerate | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.

We would like to see you always respond to deficiencies in your vehicle. That's what we do- make those things right. However, we do understand that there is competition for your available funds and that sometimes auto repair and servicing must take a back seat to  a clogged sewer line or moving expenses. But sometimes you must push car problems to the top of the list or take it off the road.

So when do you have to make a choice between getting your car fixed and walking to work? Please understand that this is not an all-inclusive list, but rather some problems that you may experience and not realize their gravity.

• Fuel Leak- The odor of fuel must be tended to immediately. If it's under the hood there are numerous sources of ignition ranging from the heat of the engine to hundreds of electrical connections. If it's an exterior leak the ignition could be almost anything in the nearby environment.  
• Bald Tire- Driving on a badly compromised tire is like walking around with the pin pulled on a hand grenade. It's only a matter of time before something is going to happen and it can't be good. Bulges in tires, visible steel cord, ply separations and smooth tires should all trigger the same sense of concern.
• Flashing Check Engine Light- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp or Check Engine Light is designed to illuminate when a diagnostic trouble code is set in your vehicle's Powertrain Control module or computer. If the light is on constantly it's important to know the cause, but if it begins to blink you should pull over and get the car towed. The higher level of concern that is represented when the light begins to flash could mean that damage to the engine is imminent.
• Low Oil or High Temp Indicator- The low oil light is signified by an oil bottle. When it lights up, safely drive to the side of the road or to a service facility and check and add motor oil before resuming your trip. If the "Hot" light comes on or the temperature gauge goes up to "H" you must stop driving the vehicle and get it towed. The mechanical consequences of running a car while hot far exceed any inconvenience that might be incurred.

There are more instances when vehicles should not be driven, many of which are signaled by  noise or visible evidence such as a leaking fluid. The point is that care should be taken to be aware of what's going on with your vehicle and respond accordingly. 

Bald Tire with Cord Showing on Edges

             

The Importance of Voltage as in Your Vehicle's Battery | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.

We all are very familiar with the impact of low voltage on our cell phones. So take that chaos and multiply it by 30-100 which is the number of micro-processors that  a 2010 NY Times article estimated are in today's cars and trucks. This estimate precedes the onslaught of factory installed infotainment systems in cars, so I'm sure you get where I'm going. But then again maybe you don't.

What I'm proposing is a new way to look at replacing the battery in your vehicle. The old way is to milk every day that you possibly can out of the power supply that starts your vehicle and helps to run all its computers. Car batteries can be purchased with warranties of anywhere from 48 to 84 months, but the fact is that most batteries fail at about the 48 month mark depending on where you live. This reality is the reason that a well respected consumer publication recommends that in hot climates owners begin to test their batteries' condition every year beginning at 2 years old and in cold climates beginning at 4 years. Yes that's right, sweltering heat is harder on batteries than freezing cold.

The point of all this is that it may be penny wise and dollar foolish to squeeze an extra day or two out of your car's battery. Since a lack of available voltage could trigger a diagnostic trouble code and illuminate your check engine light, you should consider a marginal battery a threat to your vehicle's diagnostic system. Although the initial check of your vehicle's condition would include an evaluation of battery health, why not eliminate exposure to a misdiagnosis and all the angst that goes with it.

The cost of diagnosing an erratic code could exceed the money saved by extending the replacement time of your battery by a few weeks.

Have your battery tested as it ages
Copyright 2015 Joe & Tony's Service Inc.  

 

Reasons to Maintain Your Vehicle

J.D. Power's Automotion Blog forecasted that the average new vehicle transaction price for March 2015 would be $30,530, which would be a record for the month of March. Median income adjusted for inflation has been hovering around $52,000 in recent years. The math indicates that we are plunking down nearly 59% of a year's wages when we give the salesman the OK to place the happy tags on our new ride. This makes a case for maintaining a vehicle. Some of the other reasons are...

200,000 Miles is the New 100,000 Miles - Admittedly, we don't see an abundance of brand new cars since the the first 36 months and 36,000 miles are covered by the new car warranty. But the odometer readings we do see actually make a case for vigilant maintenance, since the best way to maximize your investment is to exploit the 200,000 mile potential your vehicle can achieve.

Longer Power Train Warranties- Hyundai broke new ground when, many years ago, it introduced the 100,000 Mile/10 Year power train warranty. Today the decision appears to have been prescient since the average age of the national fleet is 11 years. The stickler here is that you have to maintain the vehicle per the manufacturer's specifications to avail yourself of warranty coverage- no service history, no warranty.

Higher used car values - It is no secret that selling used cars is profitable - think CarMax
CarSense and Autotrader. So how could you use that knowledge to your advantage? Yes, by diligently maintaining your vehicle. Don't consider it a transportation device, instead think of it as an investment. Make deposits into it in the form of oil changes, inspections and scheduled maintenance and think of your technician as a vehicular adviser who is there to protect your nest egg.

The Golden Rule- If self interest doesn't motivate you to keep up on your car, consider this. I have always been struck by the democracy of the road. Find a vehicle, register it, insure it and you can enjoy the same rights as everyone else as long you follow the rules of the road. Your piece could be a Mazda 2 or a Hennessey Venom GT and you're equal on the roadway. But isn't there an inherent responsibility that comes with that freedom? Of course there is, and it's the regard you must have for yourself, your passengers and the guy in the other lane on I-95. That regard is shown when you seek regular and competent advice about your vehicle.

Rusted Rear Suspension Copyright 2015 Joe & Tony's Service Inc.