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Looking
to get advice on diagnosing car troubles? Or perhaps looking for
a reputable repair shop and people you can trust?
This
section of our website is specifically designed to do just that.
In fact, we are working hard to make this your complete source of
information in Central New York. So be sure to bookmark this page
and check back often.
NEW!
- Helpful
Guidelines For Roadside Emergencies
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Try to move the car completely off the road;
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Never stand near the edge of the highway while checking the car;
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At night, turn on flashers to signal your need for help. During
the day, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna or
door handle;
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Set out flares;
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While you wait for help to arrive, stay inside your car with the
windows up and the doors locked. Never accept a ride home from a
passing motorist; and
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Carry a cellular phone or carry a cardboard sign for your windshield.
Preprinted signs that say "Call Police for Help" are available
at auto parts stores.
NEW!
- To
keep your vehicle running like new, be sure to follow list of checks
below:
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VEHICLE
SYSTEM OR PART
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CHECK
WEEKLY
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CHECK
MONTHLY
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CHECK
EVERY 2 MONTHS
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SPECIAL
NOTES
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Air
Filter
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X
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Check
the air filter every other month. Replace it when it's dirty
or as part of a tune-up. It is easy to reach, right under the
big metal "lid", in a carbureted engine; or in a rectangular
box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.
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Antifreeze
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X
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Check
the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Some cars have transparent
reservoirs with level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50
solution of antifreeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the
pressure cap when engine is hot.
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Battery
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Use
extreme caution when handling a battery since it can produce
explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match
near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves.
Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be attached
securely and be free of corrosion. If battery has filler holes,
add only clear odorless drinking water.
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Belts
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X
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Inspect
belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts.
Tighten them when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed
between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners
require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses
and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or
too hard, it should be replaced.
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Brake
Fluid
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X
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Check
brake fluid monthly. First, wipe dirt from the brake master
cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove
the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on which type your
vehicle has. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check
for possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir.
Caution: Do Not Overfill.
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Engine
Oil
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Check
oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean.
insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low, add oil.
To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or
3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every
oil change.
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Exhaust
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Look
underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports.
Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damaged
parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for compliance
with local laws.
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Hoses
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X
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Inspect
belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts.
Tighten them when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed
between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners
require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses
and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or
too hard, it should be replaced.
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Lights
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Be
sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake
lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs
and fuses in your vehicle.
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Oil
Filter
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To
maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3
months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every
oil change.
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Power
Steering Fluid
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X
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Check
power steering fluid level once per month. Simply remove the
reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect
the pump and hoses for leaks.
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Shock
Absorbers
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Look
for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers, test shock action
by bouncing the car up and down. The car should stop bouncing
when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should be replaced.
Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.
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Tires
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X
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Keep
tires inflated to recommended pressure (it helps to own your
own gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear.
Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance.
Keep a record of tire rotation. Rotate at the first 5,000 miles
and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
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Transmission
Fluid
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X
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Check
transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and
parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick,
wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type
fluid, if needed. Caution: Do Not Overfill!
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Washer
Fluid
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Keep
windshield washer fluid reservoir full. When topping off, use
some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper
blades. In the winter months, pay attention to the freezing
point of the washer fluid.
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Wiper
Blades
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Inspect
windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield.
Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them.
Wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year, and
more often if smearing or chattering occurs.
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Consumer Section
