Car Talk with PJ

Spring is in the air and now is the time to think about spring car care for your vehicle. Spring brings with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, making it the ideal season to pamper your car and ensure…

Do you need help identifying a whistling noise in your car?  Here are some of the most common things to look for when you hear a whistling noise in your car.  Some whistling noises you'll only hear when your car…

You have noticed that your passenger floor is wet. Here are 5 things you can check to help you determine the source of the water. 1. Bad Heater Core If you smell antifreeze leaking into the car (antifreeze will smell…

What Do Valve Caps Do? Have you ever looked at the valve caps on your vehicle's tires and wondered what do they really do?  Do they keep air from leaking out of your tire?  Do they protect the tire's valve,…

Here is a great way to clean your steering wheel safely and effectively: 1. Cleaning Solution to clean your steering wheel The solution you use depends on the material of the wheel. Check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure of…

Damage from hitting a pothole can result in a few problems you may notice with your vehicle.  Here are the top 4 things to look for after you have hit a pothole: 1. Wheel or Tire Damage Check for scuff…

Many folks wonder how to choose winter tires for their vehicle.  Here are 2 key factors to help you make a good decision. 1 - Buy tires with at least a 4⁄32-inch depth and replace them when their tread has worn…

It is very important to check your tires monthly to ensure the safety of your vehicle for those in it and others on the road.  Here is a list of things to keep in mind during your monthly check. 1.…

Have you ever wondered what that noise was coming from your car? In most cases it shouldn't be ignored because if left unchecked could lead to bigger more expensive problems with your vehicle. Here is a list of Sounds That…

Dying Battery? Don’t get stuck with a dying battery that is ready to be a dead battery anytime soon! Know the signs and get your’s checked! Here are some warning signs your battery could be on it's way out: 1…

Is your vehicle's air conditioner just not cutting it?  Many times you have no cold air or air that is slightly cool, but not cool enough to make a difference.  Here is a list of the 5 common car air…

Why should you perform a radiator flush on your vehicle?  Radiator fluid, better known as coolant or antifreeze, keeps your engine cool. Car engines run hot, especially in warm weather, and without something to dissipate the excessive heat generated by the…

Never Changing the Oil - The dirty oil in your engine can eventually lead to complete engine replacement ($5-8,000 or more). Generally, you’ll want to change the oil annually or by the mileage the manufacturer specifies whichever comes first.  See…

Every vehicle needs a regular oil change, and that means the price of oil is always a factor to consider in order to control your vehicle's operating cost. One of the best ways to do that is to use oil…

There is a an easy way to save money on car service specials and here it is – pick a shop you trust and do all of your business there. Why not shop around? There are a number of reasons…

The harmful effects of ethanol have been known and continue to grow. As the government continues to meddle in the free market of ethanol, unintended consequences pop up all over the place. Now we have the EPA, after much lobbying…

How Often Should I Change My Oil is a question that doesn't have a one answer fits all solution. But there really is no mystery to this most common of maintenance services. We know we need a periodic oil change, but…

Potholes. Sooner or later everybody hits one of these things. Trying to save getting a flat tire is a big deal for most car drivers. In the majority of cases even a deep pothole can be a non event. The…

Is your car leaking? Should you fix that minor oil seepage coming from the valve cover? If you spend a lot of time on the road, yes. If you use the car locally, maybe you can live with it. I…

Sometimes spending money on scheduled maintenance or preventative maintenance can really help. How does changing the fluids in a car really help? Well, it helps, but you have to consider your plan for how long you will keep those wheels…

Believe it or not engine noise problems are some of the most difficult problems to cure. It starts with the customer’s vague description of the situation which results in a lot of time being spent by the technician who sometimes…

A couple of months ago we recommended a timing belt to one of our customers based on the age of the belt. We usually do this routine when someone has a scheduled appointment. It hadn’t reached the end of its…