Your number one stop for KIA repair in Atlanta talks about why keeping your oil changed matters so much! I know, sometimes you just have way too much going on in your day to day to keep up with everything.  Here’s something we all seem to let slip to the wayside, getting our car serviced. It may not seem like such a big deal now, but it can really hurt your car’s engine over time.

Why is getting your oil changed so important?

Well, oil is the essential lubricant in your engine. It allows the metal within the engine to touch without grinding. I’m sure you understand the basics of friction. Though, something you probably didn’t think about is that if there is no lubricant in your vehicle all those metal parts, like pistons in your cylinders, can actually get so overheated that they weld together!

Well, what about the filter? Does it need to be changed too?

Yes, absolutely. Let’s say that your engine has plenty of oil. Though, you haven’t changed it in months and months. That probably means the filter hasn’t been changed either. Dirt, yes dirt, can get into your engine. Now your filter will take care of some of that, at first, but if you never change it? Well, you get the point. The dirt will wear down all those precious metal parts making parts slip, metal grind, and in the worst case engine failure.

What’s my point? Stay friends with your car’s engine!

• Get your oil changed regularly, check the owner’s manual too see when you should be getting it changed. Each car is different!
• Change the filter each time you change your oil!
• Use oil made for high-mileage vehicles if your over 100,000 miles!

Car engines are amazing machines, but they do have to be taken care of. Make sure you take your vehicle to be serviced.  Alan Cox Automotive has tons of experience in service and repair. Don’t put it off any longer, stop by and get your car serviced today!

Your local Atlanta Toyota service center is trying to keep you away from the gas pump as often, starting with these awesome tips! The price of gas is high, and you still have to get to soccer practice or commute to work. Trying to maintain a budget isn’t as easy as we all need it to be. So while that’s out of our control, take charge of your car, and improve your gas mileage!

6 Easy Tips for Improving Gas Mileage:

1. Make sure to keep your car serviced regularly. Tune-ups can improve your fuel economy by at least one mile per gallon.
2. Keep your tires inflated properly. Tires that are low on air can decrease fuel economy by an average of one mile per gallon!
3. Maintain the speed-limit! Just remember, the faster you drive, the more money you’re spending.
4. Avoid putting ‘the pedal to the metal’! When the light turns green, or leaving a stop sign, accelerating quickly uses more gas.
5. Use the A/C sparingly. I understand if it’s blazing hot summer. However, constantly running your air conditioner can decrease fuel economy by 2 miles per gallon!
6. Avoid idling for more than a few minutes. This doesn’t mean you have to turn your car off waiting in line at the drive-thru. Use your judgment.

I know one to two miles per gallon here and there doesn’t seem like a lot, but take into consideration how much one or two gallons of gas costs. So, in the name of keeping your engine healthy and your gas mileage at it’s peak, stop by to have your tires checked and your engine tuned at Alan Cox Automotive. They specialize in Atlanta Toyota service, as well as Mazda, KIA, Lexus, Honda and Acura! Come by and have them take a look under the hood today!

Alan Cox Automotive, a great place for Hyundai repair in Marietta, talks about the importance of getting your alignment checked before it becomes a problem. Everyone is generally aware of the importance of getting regular scheduled maintenance performed on their car. However, there is an often missed part of regular maintenance we forget to ask for when we’re getting our car serviced; wheel alignment. In the maintenance section in your owner’s manual it will tell you the intervals to get your alignment checked within your regular maintenance schedule. Just remember service centers may not include this in their regular maintenance packages, so be sure to ask for it!

Other than scheduled maintenance, you should get your alignment checked…

• If you’ve been in a fender-bender, hit a 
• curb, or if you encounter
  pot-holes often.
• If you noticed excessive and uneven wear on your tires. If you don’t get your alignment checked, and fixed, you will be purchasing new tires often!
• If you’ve noticed that while driving that your vehicle is “pulling” to the right or left.
• If you live or work on a dirt, or gravel paved road.
• When purchasing or selling a vehicle. It’s not always the most obvious thing to see, or notice. Unfortunately it can leave you in a bad spot down the road.

Getting your alignment checked can do a lot for your car, and your sanity! Not only can it be hard on your check book, it could lead to a dangerous situation. If there is excessive wear on the inside of your tire, you might not see it, and it could blow out causing an accident. Next time you get your car serviced, be sure to ask them to check the alignment. Alan Cox Automotive specializes in auto service and repair in Marietta GA. Stop by and have them check your alignment and tires to avoid what could be the making of a bad day!

Local Marietta Honda repair shops are waiting for this all-new 2012 Honda Ridgeline! This five-passenger, four door pickup has been upgraded in two very big ways: fuel economy — a phrase that appeals to everyone these days, and style. Both of which are incredibly important when choosing a vehicle, as mechanics in Marietta Honda repair shops know. Be sure to keep Alan Cox in mind when purchasing a new Honda or purchasing the new 2012 Ridgeline Sport model. The mechanics at Alan Cox are efficient and know what they’re doing, even when it comes to the fancy upgrades or just basics for your Marietta Honda repairs. Coming with the Ridgeline upgrades is a hoard of additional features that is bound to please anyone. To start with, there are four models to choose from, and we do love choices. Not to mention, all models can be upgraded.

These upgrade options for all Ridgeline Sport Models include:

• Aerodynamic Upgrades
• Revitalized Grille Design
• EPA fuel rating of 15 mpg city driving, 21 mpg highway driving: that’s a combined 17mpg
• Friction Reduction in Engine
• 18 inch aluminum alloy wheels
• auxiliary input jack
• rear privacy glass

The overall design of the Ridgeline Sport Model impresses even the mechanics at Marietta Honda repair shops by having strength and durability at the heart of its frame and overall construction. This pickup not only looks good but is also a functional working truck that also provides the creature comforts and driving pleasure any vehicle owner deserves. The large trunk bed will be pleasing for those who are looking for a work truck such as this, and again the better the overall design the less you’ll find yourself paying in routine maintenance and Marietta Honda repair. Give Alan Cox a call for any and all Marietta Honda repair and maintenance you need, now and in the future. Their mechanics have all the experience needed at an affordable price to get the job done right.

A local Marietta Toyota repair shop gives you the run down on the arrival of the all-new 2012 Camery hybrid.  As the new 2012 Camry Hybrid pulls into lots all over Atlanta, you’ll be sure to want to be around to give it a test drive and see for yourself the new features and enhanced old features that this snazzy little car is offering.

Lets take a look at what this new beauty has to offer:

•  Brand new in design, 2.5 liter four cylinder engine with improvements to the electric voltage control.
• Optimized regenerative braking.
• Reduced vehicle weight upping the ante on aerodynamics.
• 43 mpg city driving / 39 mpg highway: combined 41 mpg!
•  Solid, strong body structure due to enhanced steering, handling and occupant safety.
• Collision impact absorption with car frame reinforcement using high quality steel, which will also minimize body damage to the vehicle should an accident occur.
• Blind spot monitors with sub-millimeter wave radar. If your turn signal is on and there’s a car in your blind spot, this smart car will alert you.
•  Star Safety System™

Your local Marietta Hyundai repair shops is raving about this new Genesis Coupe. Let’s cut to the chase and start with the features of this model, as any mechanic at any Marietta Hyundai repair shop would do. The features and design, after all, are what every car enthusiasts wants to talk about anyway.

1. Sound Suspension:

• Dual Pivot Front struts for precision steering
• Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbency
• 5-Link Rear Suspension for Ultimate Road Grip

2. Track and R-Spec Models also come with:

• damper, track-tuned spring, and stabilizer bar settings
• high performance BREMBO brakes
• Staggered performance tires on 19 inch gunmetal finished alloy wheels
• TORSEN limited slip differential for optimum acceleration and navigating those tight corners

3. Strong Fundamentals:

• Steel Chassis
• UNIBODY Construction

5. Features with Power:

• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing Balances
• Low RPM torque
• Turbocharged inter-cooled 2.0 liter engine
• Regular unleaded fuel powered
• 306 hp, 3.8 liter V6 high performance and exhaust system if you’re looking for more speed, without the need for premium gas.

6. Safety:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Whiplash Protection Feature

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Gensis Coupe is a marvel, as it revolutionizes both the traditional coupe to make this vehicle more accessible to people from various walks of life with upgrades on general drivability and headspace. Your friends down at Alan Cox, your local Marietta Hyundai repair shop will be dying to get their hands on this sleek car even if you’re not in need of repairs or maintenance. The innovative design features and upgrades will make you fall in love with this vehicle, and maintenance and Marietta Hyundai repair is a key component of owning any vehicle, especially one as beautiful as this. Give Alan Cox a call for your Marietta Hyundai repairs today. The expert and efficient mechanics can get the job done at the right price and you back in your car and on the road in record time.

Your local Atlanta Toyota repair shop talks about the new Toyota Prius plug in! While we’ve already seen improvements in vehicles that have a green impact on the environment, such as with fuel economy, the green movement is working its way further into the designs vehicles and hearts of car lovers everywhere, as Atlanta Toyota repair shops are starting to see more and more green-improved and environmentally friendly vehicles. Alan Cox, your Atlanta Toyota repair shop, has all the knowledge and expertise to deal with these new innovations so keep them in mind for any maintenance and repair your Toyota may need.

Currently, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in is boasting 15 miles of completely electrically powered driving, a sure-to-please city dwellers, as well as an EPA of 49 miles per gallon that will please everyone else. In fact, it has even won Urban Green Vehicle of the Year, and is Atlanta Toyota repair shop mechanics are itching to help you maintain these intriguing rides simply to get a look under the hood and have a first-hand look at the revolution happening.

And just because it is earth friendly doesn’t mean it cuts any corners insofar as design, features and overall drivability. You get everything you want out of a hybrid with enhancements of more fuel economy and savvy electric-power to save you money as well as do your own bit of good with pleasure. Just be sure to take it in for routine maintenance at Atlanta Toyota repair shop of your choice, and you’ll have a car that will keep giving and giving.

Just as the name states, all you have to do is plug the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in in, and you’ll have a fully charged vehicle in under 3 hours. You can drive on electric power for a substantial amount of miles too, making the perks of this vehicle both for you and the environment, too good to pass up. Atlanta Toyota repair mechanics are keeping up on these new innovations as well, and will be able to assist you when the time comes for routine maintenance or any Atlanta Toyota repairs you may need. Give Alan Cox a call for affordable and quick Atlanta Toyota repairs.

Your local Atlanta Kia repair shop talks about the all-new 2012 KIA Rio. While fuel economy is a high priority on many auto buyers list of necessities when looking at the many different vehicles on the market today, they obviously tend to think in the here and now and how their car will benefit them. Atlanta Kia repair shops such as Alan Cox who address any and all tune up or repair issues can tell you that while many people may pay attention to the state of their vehicle while its in their possession, they don’t think much about what will happen to it once it’s no longer usable.

Enter the 2012 Kia Rio, a new revolution in the green movement that Atlanta Kia repair shops change many other vehicles over the last few years. This car fascinates everyone from buyers and dealers, to the folks who do Atlanta Kia repair and maintenance. The new Kia Rio has only one battery — the one to get it started, and an great fuel economy of 30 mpg / 40 mpg of city and highway driving, respectively. While that doesn’t sound much greener than many other makes have gone, Atlanta Kia repair shops have noted an incredible feature that has the Kia Rio turning heads and minds everywhere. The body of the Kia Rio is 85% recyclable. Much of the vehicle is also made from recycled material. Not many vehicles out there can say that!

This means that once the Kia Rio is beyond the talent of mechanics at Atlanta Kia repair shops, it can be recycled and reclaimed. This quirky little car also doesn’t sacrifice drivability or come across as a tin can on wheels. The Kia Rio stands up in durability while maintaining its very merry greenness. There are the usual features, some added ones, and even unusual ones, but is otherwise a good, well designed vehicle that isn’t cramped and makes you feel safe and secure.

And all that aside, the 2012 Kia Rio has one thing that many cars Atlanta Kia repair shops don’t see as often as they should: Character. So get out there and test drive the 2012 Kia Rio as soon as you can, and remember that the folks over at Alan Cox are highly affordable and very prompt on all Atlanta Kia repairs.

Your local Atlanta Hyundai Repair shop reviews the all new 2012 Hyundai Veloster.  The all-new Veloster is innovative, but obscure to say the least. With its 3-door design this new Hyundai is sure to turn heads and get people talking. The vehicles design features one driver’s side door, and features two doors on the passenger’s side, with a hatchback-like rear door. The passenger’s side “stealth door” is without a doubt a convenience for passengers to enter the back seat. However, this design does make for a very interesting looking exterior. The interior is very unique as well; it features a futuristic design unlike one we’ve seen thus far. Hyundai said that the interior design was sport-bike inspired, it’s very angular and sleek.

This new Hyundai Veloster has many innovative features that not many recent car models can deliver. The Veloster is equipped with Blue Link technology that gives you the capability to share your location via GPS, and other features like voice text messaging and advanced voice recognition for music search.  With a 7 inch display you have a rear view camera, or can play video games and watch movies when the vehicle is parked. Other features include remote vehicle start, Pandora internet radio, voice-activated navigation, and a 400 watt Dimension audio system. It was named “Best-in-Class” for total interior volume and I can see why.  This car has gone above and beyond any vehicle that has recently hit showroom floors. However, many people are still getting used to its very different style and design.

The Veloster has a 1.6 liter engine, and gets an estimated 40 mpg highway. In today’s economy, you can’t really argue with that. The Veloster also offers a choice of a 6 speed manual transmission, or an ECO SHIFT dual clutch transmission with paddle shifts.  The Veloster also offers a plethora of safety features that are hard to beat. In the event if a collision the Blue Link will notify Emergency services immediately, or you can call for assistance with the S.O.S button in the event of any other road-side emergency.  What’s more, with the integrated GPS, your location is automatically transferred to emergency services.

In conclusion, the all-new Veloster’s concept-car like design might be something we will have to learn to like. Although I think that with all of the advanced features, the all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster is one of Hyundai’s neatest and most innovative vehicles yet. Visit your local Atlanta Hyundai repair shop to hear more about the all-new Hyundai Veloster.

Your local Marietta Toyota repair shop talks about the new upgrades that have been added to the all-new 2012 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is a SUV that Toyota can be proud of, it was named “Most dependable SUV” by J.D. Power & Associates in 2011, and as you will see this year’s rendition has gotten even better.

Toyota has added major upgrades in audio and connectivity. It’s equipped with SIRUSXM Satellite Radio, an iPod UBS connectivity port, and hands-free Bluetooth technology that comes standard in all 2012 models. Toyota also offers optional ‘TOYOTA Entune’ navigation systems, with convenient 7 inch in-dash displays. Entune also offers downloadable apps right from your dashboard.

The 2012 4Runner’s versatility pushes on further with three different body styles; the SR5, Limited, and Trail Grade (for off-road capability). Third-row seating is also available, for up to a seven-person capacity. The 2012 Toyota 4Runner runs on a 4.0 liter, V-6 engine. With it’s 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, this 4Runner will get you anywhere you want to go. Surprisingly the fuel economy has been upgraded as well, with 23 mpg highway; you’re putting money back in your pocket with this off-road ride.

As if all of this wasn’t enough to make you want one of these rugged vehicles, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner offers keyless entry, and the safety ratings are outstanding. This vehicle packs in the Toyota Star Safety System, Traction control, and a system of eight airbags. You’re safety will be no issue with the 4Runner. In addition, in the case of airbag deployment or severe collision, an Automatic Collision System calls an Emergency response center. There is also an S.O.S button located in the vehicle. The S.O.S can call for Roadside assistance in any emergency situation.

This affordable off-road vehicle is one that has made Toyota proud. With great new features in entertainment and safety, who wouldn’t be sold? Be sure to visit your Marietta Toyota Repair shop to hear more about one of Toyota’s greatest off-road rides.