It’s almost time to shake off your cabin fever and hit the road for some fun in the sun. But before you head out on your first road trip, it’s a good idea to do some necessary maintenance on your car.  The following 6 points illustrate a few of the more important tasks. Keep in mind that if you don’t have the time or inclination to follow through with it then you should let your local Marietta GA Car Service do it for you.When

When Warm Weather is just Around the Corner You should:

1. Rotate and check your tires – Tire pressure can fluctuate along with the temperature so you need to ensure yours are properly inflated. Your car will handle better and the tires will last longer. If you find any damage or foreign objects then you should take it to a Marietta GA Car Service for replacement

2. Inspect wiper blades – Cold weather can really damage a wiper blade and they are vital for driving safely in the spring. Check the blades to make sure they are flexible and not scraping your windshield.

3. Remove road salt – Road salt will eat right through your undercarriage so you need to pressure wash it off as soon as possible.

4. Check oil – As the temperature goes up, your car will be running hotter as well. Fresh oil and a new filter will help keep your car in the safe zone.

5. Change the air filter – Dirt, mold and other materials can accumulate in your air filter and vents over the course of the winter. It’s advisable to have a Marietta GA Car Service check them to prevent avoidable health problems.

6. Check your caps – Once you have finished your maintenance, be sure to check your radiator cap, oil cap and any others you might have opened to ensure they are all securely back in place.

When it’s time for your seasonal tune up make sure you call the best in Marietta GA car maintenance, Alan Cox Automotive, today.

Proper alignment is something most people don’t notice until it is gone. When your tires are properly aligned, you will enjoy:

• Better handling
• Less wear and tear on the steering column
• Less wear and tear on the tires
• Improved gas mileage

Many drivers only realize they need to take their car to a Marietta GA Tire Center after hitting a pothole or curb so hard that the problem is obvious. But, your car can lose its alignment gradually over time as well.

If you think that it may be time to visit a Marietta GA Tire Center for realignment but you’re not quite sure, look for the following warning signs:

1. An off center steering wheel – If you are driving in a straight line but your steering wheel is crooked then you will need realignment.

2. Obvious vibration – When your wheels are out of line they will start to pull against each other, this causes noticeable vibration.

3. Your car drifts – When you are driving down a straight road and you take your hands off the wheel, does your car list to the left or right? If so, you probably have a minor alignment problem. It might not be problematic immediately but you should keep an eye on it. If it gets worse then you will need to have your local Marietta GA Tire Center check it out for you.

4. Pulling to the left or right – If your car actively pulls against you when you are driving then you have a serious alignment problem that must be addressed immediately.

5. Tires wearing unevenly – Front left and front right tires should wear in the same ways. The same goes for the back. If one side is wearing differently than the other, it is a sure sign of an alignment problem.

Fuel economy has always been important and as the price of gas has risen, it has gained an all new focus. Some consumers have even approached it like a game to see exactly how many MPG they can wring out of their cars. But with so many people experimenting with different tactics, it is easy to become misinformed about what works and what doesn’t  Some may say fuel additives are the best, while others swear by Marietta GA Car Maintenance as the deciding factor.

When you want to spend less at the pump, you can count on these eight tips:

1. Skip the snake oil – There are a lot of gasoline additives for sale claiming to enhance your fuel economy. According to the Federal Trade Commission the overwhelming majority are fake.

2. Tire pressure is key – Proper tire inflation should be a part of any serious Marietta GA Car Maintenance checklist. Under-inflated tires will hinder your fuel efficiency and over inflation can cause a blowout. Balance is essential.

3. Maintain your car – It just makes sense. A car that receives proper Marietta GA Car Maintenance will run more efficiently than one that has been neglected.

4. Buy wholesale – Like any other product, you can save on gas by buying it at discount clubs like Sam’s.

5. Lose excess weight – Don’t carry things you won’t use because every extra pound will cost you in fuel efficiency.

6. Don’t chase a bargain – Never spend 5 dollars in gas to drive across town where it is 3 cents cheaper per gallon.

7. Get the cool gas – If you buy your gas during the cool part of the day it will be denser than at other times.

8. Use cruise – Cruise control will keep your car at a consistent speed which burns less gas than stop and go driving.

You can learn a lot about car maintenance by asking your car enthusiast friends or doing a little internet research. It is a great way to get information but some of it will be wrong. If you can separate the fact from fiction then you may save yourself a trip to a Marietta, GA Car Service Center.

When dealing with your car’s oil there are five common myths you should be aware of:

• If the oil is black then it’s time to change. Long ago, when oil was not as advanced, this held true but today black oil still has some life left in it.
• Synthetic oil is better for your car. Wrong. Synthetic oil is a little better as a lubricant but generally not worth the extra cost.
• You should observe a “Severe” maintenance schedule. Another myth advocated by places like Jiffy Lube because it causes more frequent visits. Severe schedules should be used by automobiles that haul heavy loads or are in constant use like emergency or police vehicles. Experts at a Marietta, GA Car Service Centers tend to recommend a less rigorous schedule for standard drivers with normal driving habits
• Change your oil before any long trips. You should always check over your car before a trip but if the oil looks fine, there is no reason to change it.
• Change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. This is probably the most well known myth on the list and it is simply untrue. Quickie oil places advocate this myth because it means more trips to their company and money in their pocket. Any expert at a Marietta, GA Car Service Center will tell you to follow the guidelines set in your owner’s manual but most newer cars can go around 8,000 miles before needing a change.

Most people use their car all the time for work and recreation. So, your tire tread will probably wear out long before your tires can age. However, if you do not drive often or you have a car in storage then your tires may be getting too dangerous to drive on. Before you take it back on the road, it’s a good idea to take it by a Marietta, GA Tire Center for service.

What kind of damage should I look for on my tire?

You need to check for cracks in the rubber. As your tire ages it starts to lose its elasticity and the rubber will begin to crack and separate. Even if you do not see cracks on the outside, they may be forming on the inside but an expert at a Marietta, GA Tire Center can tell you for sure.

Can I do anything to extend the life of a tire?

You can make your tires last a lot longer by controlling three factors:

• How they are used – Proper maintenance is crucial when dealing with tires. Always check your tire pressure and avoid running over road debris. If your tire has been repaired or patched then its lifespan will be greatly reduced.
• How they are stored -If your tire has been mounted and fully inflated then it is technically “in use”. The air pressure will put stress on the rubber and cause it to age quicker. Always store your tires in an unmounted state for maximum lifespan. You should periodically get your spare checked by a Marietta, GA Tire Center because it is exposed to shocks and extreme heat in your car.
• How hot they get – Whether you are using the tire on your car or storing it, heat is its number one enemy. The hotter your tire gets, the faster it will have to be replaced.

Winter Car Maintenance in Georgia used to consist of checking your antifreeze and possibly your tire pressure. We don’t usually suffer from the extended bouts of winter weather that other states have to endure but the last few years have been different. Since we don’t see snow and ice as often, our cars are usually unprepared for driving in it.

Prevent dead batteries and breakdowns by getting your Winter Car Maintenance in Georgia off on the right foot:

1. Keep your battery in top condition! Think of your battery as the heart of your car. If it has a problem then you aren’t going anywhere. Take it to a professional to have it checked out every 6 months and replace it if necessary. Keep it fully charged to help prevent it from freezing in cold weather. Clean the cables, fasteners and leads to prevent corrosion.
2. Check your fluids before cold weather hits. Your antifreeze levels are the most crucial fluid to check but don’t forget your washer fluid. Both should be around a 50/50 mix of water and fluid. If you are not comfortable flushing and refilling your cooling system then you should take it to a dependable auto tech.
3. Inflate your tires to the proper levels. Many people don’t realize that the colder it gets the less pressure they have in their tires. So, if you start off with under-inflated tires then you could be at risk of a flat in a winter storm.
4. Check your oil frequently. If your oil looks black, sludgy or smells burnt then it is definitely time to change it. Don’t forget to change your oil filter as well.

These are the most important points to hit for Winter Car Maintenance in Georgia but it’s always recommended to have a complete checkup by a qualified mechanic in your area.

Searching for quality Canton GA Auto Repair can be a trying process especially if you do not know much about cars. All repair shops look similar from the outside but you will have to trust one of them to fix your car and treat you fairly in the deal.

When you go on your search for dependable Canton Auto Repair, the following tips will help to guide your way:

1. Always ask questions – It serves multiple purposes. You will not only begin familiarizing yourself with the subject of automobile repair but you can get a feel for your car tech. If he won’t answer your questions or is rude then it is an early warning sign.
2. Request O.E.M parts – Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are always better quality than a generic part. They are a little pricier but they last a lot longer and you know they were specifically designed for your make and model of car.
3. Find out if your tech has A.S.E certification – It is a yearly certification offered to car techs. If they pass, it is proof that they are highly competent and at the higher end of their profession.
4. Ask if your tech has training on your model car – All cars are not created equal. So, you need to find out how many times your tech has worked on your specific model.
5. Keep records and bring them – Your automobile records are as important to a Canton Auto Repair tech as your medical history is to your doctor. They can be key in diagnosing your current problem.
6. Read your owner’s manual – There are times you can avoid a trip to a Canton GA Auto Repair shop by simply reading your owner’s manual. It is the car’s bible and it is filled with vital information that you should be familiar with.

A drop in temperature may not seem like a big deal to some people but winter driving can be dangerous unless you take steps to maintain your car. In a best case scenario, everyone would bring their car to a Marietta GA Car Service center for a thorough inspection but not everyone has the time.

If you decide to take your car maintenance into your own hands then you should keep these three things in mind:

1. Cranking your car
2. Controlling your car
3. Staying safe in an emergency

The following tips will address each of these in turn and prepare your automobile for the rigors of winter driving:

1. Check your battery – The only thing worse than driving during a blizzard is walking through one so you need to make sure your car will crank when you need it. You can check and replace your battery on your own but if you are uncomfortable with the idea then you should take it to a dependable Marietta GA Car Service.
2. Check your fluids – Having the right level of antifreeze is paramount to keeping your engine running in low temperatures
3. Check your tires – No tire can drive well on ice but a good Marietta GA Car Service can recommend a brand that will come close. Be diligent about checking tire pressure during the winter months because you can lose up to a pound of tire pressure for every ten degrees the temperature drops.
4. Change your wipers – You should buy new wipers every winter and when you park the car, turn them outward. This will prevent them from freezing to the windshield and damaging the wiper motor.
5. Pack an emergency kit – Even with proper maintenance a car will sometimes break down and you need to have items on hand to stay warm and call for assistance.

Before heading out this winter make sure you’re prepared.  Call Alan Cox Automotive, your Marietta GA car service center, today to schedule a winter maintenance tune up.

Synthetic oil is a little more expensive than conventional motor oil, but is that really worth it? When you use synthetic oil your oil changes are less frequent, which can offset that cost. It’s also known to withstand higher temperatures, which will ultimately reduce engine wear and tear.

So, which is better? Synthetic oil or conventional oil?

• Synthetic oil has reign over conventional oil when it comes to functionality.  Synthetic oils last longer than conventional, and they are able to withstand high temperatures well beyond conventional motor oil.
• Conventional oil has one thing over synthetic though, cost.  The technology of synthetic oil doesn’t come without a price.  You will often find that you will be paying almost double the cost of conventional.

Okay, but is synthetic oil worth the cost?

There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration.  There really isn’t a “Yes” or “No” answer here.

• Both types of motor oil leave an impact on our environment, though experts do agree that synthetic oil leaves a smaller footprint. However the chemical s that are used to create synthetic motor oil are no less harmful. The only difference is that synthetic can last almost 3 times as long as conventional, there for we’re dumping less oil.
• When it comes to cost, conventional is best. There are mixed reports based around letting your car run longer (over recommended schedule for an oil change) on synthetic oil. There is no real proof that you should allow your car to run longer than recommended maintenance schedules just because you use synthetic. So, if you’re getting your oil changed every 3,000-5,000-7,000 miles, is there really a perk?
• Synthetic oils have been shown to cause less strain on your engine though.  Therefor you’re getting more longevity from your car, and better horsepower.  The added horsepower means that while your engine is performing the same, you will be using a little less gas.

So, it’s really a choice for you to make. Synthetics are probably better for high performance vehicles to minimize heat damage to an engine. While conventional cars, can use conventional oil. Just ensure that you’re getting your oil changed when it’s time. There are plenty of ways to tell.  When it’s time for an oil change, call Alan Cox Automotive in Marietta, GA to schedule your appointment today.

Alan Cox Automotive is now an AAA certified auto repair facility.  AAA is very selective when it comes to their approved facilities and they are proud to be included in the directory.  Alan Cox Automotive has always provided great services to its clients, but now AAA members can be assured that they are at the right place when looking for auto repairs.

How does a shop become an AAA certified Auto Repair Facility?

AAA thoroughly screens its shops annually, and bases their decision on these focus points:

• Reliability
• Honesty
• Customer Satisfaction
• Fair Pricing
• Cleanliness
• Staff Training
• Warranty and Guarantees of Service or Repairs Performed

Another factor in choosing a repair shop to be listed as an AAA certified Auto Repair facility is the mechanics themselves. They must be ASE or manufacturer certified technicians, and all of the mechanics at Alan Cox Automotive have been certified since their opening in 1983.

Alan Cox Auto specializes in Asian import vehicles such as Honda, Acura, KIA, Hyundai and many more. So when you bring your car in you know that your car is receiving specialized attention because the mechanics are so familiar with these makes.

In a recent press release announcing the new the owner of Alan Cox Automotive had this to say , “We have always been dedicated to making sure our customers get the best from us. Our technicians have always been ASE and manufacture certified and we have always strived to provide excellent and speedy customer service. We are proud to be recognized as an Approved Auto Repair shop by the AAA and will continue to provide the very best in service and repairs to our customers.”

Alan Cox Automotive is not only a repair shop, they offer routine scheduled maintenance packages and have a great tire center. Call them today to schedule an appointment.