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Used Car Pre-Purchase Checklist

posted on 8/5/2019 8:23:37 AM

If you’re considering buying a used car, your mind is probably whirling with all the possible unseen problems and damage you could be missing. Not to worry though! We’ve put together a quick checklist to help you ensure you don’t have any surprises pop up after the money has been spent. Follow these quick guidelines the next time you’re out buying a used car: Step 1 - Do Your Research! The first step in buying any car is the research before you ever go look at the vehicle in person....

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Why is My Auto AC Blowing Hot Air?

posted on 7/11/2019 7:39:19 AM

Picture this. It’s a typical hot summer day. You just got done winning an intense kickball game. You are hot and exhausted. All you want to do is cool down and head home to have a relaxing evening. When you get to your car, you blast the AC. You wait and wait, but it never gets cold. It’s actually blowing hot air! How could this be? Well, it could be a couple of different factors. The three most common issues it could be are a refrigerant leak, a worn-out compressor or problems with the elec...

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Summer Road Trip Tips

posted on 5/28/2019 1:05:31 PM

The days are getting longer, school is out, and summer is almost here! The rising temperatures have a lot of people itching to hop into their car and head to a body of water or hiking trail. Summer vacations are a time to unplug, relax and have fun with your family and friends. They do, however, require a bit of preparation beforehand. If you are foregoing the airport in favor of a road trip, it’s important to give your vehicle a little TLC before hitting the road to ensure a safe, smooth trip...

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How Do My Brakes Work?

posted on 4/24/2019 10:02:29 AM

It’s a sunny day and you’re driving down the road with your windows down and music turned up. All of a sudden, the car in front of you stops abruptly, causing you to slam on your brakes. Thank goodness your brakes worked perfectly, and you avoided a collision. Until this incident occurred you probably haven’t given your brake system much thought. Sure, you know your brakes should be inspected and serviced every once in a while… but how do they actually make your car stop with just a tap of ...

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Auto Maintenance for Winter

posted on 3/7/2019 5:28:33 PM

Before you know it, winter will be over, no more freezing temperatures, icy roads, or new potholes in the roads. We all look forward to avoiding that obstacle courses on the way to work! Spring is great news for all of us in Alexandria, Virginia. But before you start planning your spring road trips, we want to suggest a few post-winter auto maintenances for your vehicles. Winter is harsh, not just on us but on our vehicles. One item of your vehicle that takes the most abuse is your brakes. Thin...

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Why You Shouldn’t Drive on an Empty Gas Tank

posted on 2/6/2019 7:39:25 AM

You’ve probably been told at some point in your driving career to not drive your car while the gas tank is on empty, but did you know why that is? This recommendation is more than just an old wives’ tale—you can damage your car by ignoring that gas light for too long. First, you should understand what your fuel light indicator really means. When you hear the familiar “ding” that accompanies your fuel light, your fuel tank has reached “reserve” levels, or around 10-15% capacity. It is p...

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How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

posted on 2/6/2019 7:27:04 AM

Most of us have been taught to avoid potholes while driving. It was probably one of the very first things we learned behind the wheel! Although most us know driving over potholes is bad for our vehicles, very few know exactly why that is. These are the parts of your vehicle you should be worried about if you accidentally drive over a pothole: Steering System If you hit a pothole, you risk misaligning your steering system. If you have noticed your vehicle pulling to the left or right while y...

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Strange Traffic Laws from Around the World

posted on 1/10/2019 10:23:24 AM

If you’ve ever driven in a foreign country, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of strange traffic laws. Did you know you’ll be fined for driving a dirty car in Russia or for driving without a breathalyzer in your car in France? Some of these laws are hard to believe! 1. In Russia, you will be fined for driving a dirty vehicle. 2. In Germany, it is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn. 3. In Alabama it is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street, but only if yo...

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The Different Types of Engine Oil

posted on 10/11/2018 10:52:05 AM

If you’ve ever taken a car in to be serviced, you’ve probably been asked by the mechanic, “What type of oil are you getting?” If you’re like most people, you probably just say “Whatever it takes,” or “Whatever you recommend!” Depending on your vehicle, the mechanic may recommend one of four types of motor oil: full synthetic, synthetic blend, conventional, or high mileage. Each type of oil has a specific chemical makeup and purpose it is best suited for: Conventional Motor Oil: Conve...

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Something is Leaking: What Is It?

posted on 10/11/2018 10:23:59 AM

Finding that fluid which is leaking from your car can be alarming. It is possible fluid leaking from your car could be normal, but other times leaking fluids are a symptom of a bigger problem with your vehicle. Before you panic, there are two questions you need to ask: 1) “Where is the fluid coming from?” and 2) “What does the fluid look like?” When determining where the fluid is coming from, first find out for certain whether the fluid is even coming for your vehicle and not the vehicle ...

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News

Used Car Pre-Purchase Checklist

Why is My Auto AC Blowing Hot Air?

Summer Road Trip Tips

How Do My Brakes Work?

Auto Maintenance for Winter

Why You Shouldn’t Drive on an Empty Gas Tank

How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

Strange Traffic Laws from Around the World

The Different Types of Engine Oil

Something is Leaking: What Is It?

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