Category Archives: Maintenance

The Power of Proper Tire Pressure…

0 By
Posted in Car Care, DIY, fuel, Maintenance, Safety, Service, tips
 
We’ve all been there. You’re cruising down the road, the wind in your hair, music blasting, when suddenly that dreaded “low tire pressure” light pops up on your dashboard. You might roll your eyes, groan, and think, *”I’ll take care of it later.”* But, trust me, that little light is not just a nuisance – it’s a friendly reminder that your tires need some attention. And while you’re probably aware that tire pressure affects your car’s performance, there’s a lot more to it than you might realize. Let’s break down why keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the easiest (and most essential) ways to ensure your car stays in tip-top shape.

 

Why Tire Pressure Matters
Tire pressure isn’t just about comfort – it’s about safety, efficiency, and longevity. Maintaining the correct tire pressure has several important benefits:

1. Safety First: Underinflated tires can cause your car to handle poorly, especially during wet or icy conditions. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, can make your ride harsh and increase the risk of a blowout. Properly inflated tires improve your car’s stability, giving you better control on the road.

2. Fuel Efficiency: When your tires are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance, meaning your car has to work harder to move. This uses more fuel. By maintaining the correct pressure, you can improve your gas mileage and save money at the pump.

3. Tire Longevity: Tires with the correct pressure wear more evenly and last longer. Over time, driving on improperly inflated tires can lead to premature wear, which means you’ll need to replace them sooner than necessary.

How to Check Tire Pressure
Checking your tire pressure is easy and should be done at least once a month. Here’s how:

1. Get a Tire Pressure Gauge: You can pick one up at any auto parts store, and there are both digital and manual versions. Some newer cars even have built-in tire pressure monitors, but it’s always good to double-check.

2. Check When Tires Are Cold: Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature, so it’s best to check your tire pressure when the tires haven’t been driven on for at least 3 hours. This gives you the most accurate reading.

3. Know the Correct PSI: Your car’s recommended tire pressure (measured in PSI – pounds per square inch) is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in your vehicle’s manual. Don’t rely on the pressure that’s printed on the side of the tire itself, as that number is often the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the optimal pressure.

4. Measure and Adjust: Simply press the gauge onto the valve stem of the tire to get a reading. If the pressure is too high, release air until it reaches the right level. If it’s too low, add air until it matches the recommended PSI.

How to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

1.Monitor Regularly: As mentioned earlier, checking your tire pressure once a month is a good rule of thumb. However, if you’re planning a long road trip, it’s a great idea to check right before you hit the road.

2. Keep an Eye on Temperature Change: Tire pressure can drop in cold weather and rise in hot weather. If the temperature fluctuates dramatically, give your tires a quick check to make sure they’re still in the right range.

3. Don’t Overinflate: While underinflation is a big problem, overinflation can also cause issues. If the tire pressure is too high, it can lead to reduced traction and a rougher ride. It’s important to stay within the recommended range.

The importance of maintaining the correct tire pressure can’t be overstated. It’s an easy, inexpensive task that can improve your car’s safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Plus, it’ll save you from costly repairs down the road. So, next time that tire pressure light flickers on, don’t ignore it. A little air might just be all your car needs to keep rolling smoothly for miles to come.

Summer road trip maintenance checklist

0 By
Posted in Car Care, Maintenance, Parts, Safety, Service, tips
 
The sun is up, the sky is blue, and the open road lies straight ahead of you. As you and the three kids head down the highway you notice a car with steam coming out of the hood. You see a man walking with a gas can and one car jumping another. I guess they didn’t read Folsom Auto Mall’s summer road trip maintenance checklist. It’s a comprehensive guide to ensure that your summer road trip is free from those annoying dashboard warning lights. So pay attention, take notes, or hit file print and follow this summer road trip maintenance checklist.

 

Replace wiper blades
Rubber wiper blades go bad over time. That’s just life. So if you see streaks or water that isn’t getting pushed away, replace the blades. You don’t want to be in the middle of a summer storm trying to clear the windshield with last decade’s wipers.

Top off the windshield wiper fluid
It’s the light that so many of us fail to turn off until it’s too late. Fill the windshield washer reservoir before your trip. It helps remove insects and other debris so you can see clearly. It’s like Visine for your car.

Test and tighten the battery
Over time a battery can come loose and lose some juice. Take the time to tighten the connectors and get your battery tested. This should keep you fully charged so you can charge ahead with your trip.

Restock the emergency kit
Flashlight. Batteries. First-aid kit. Drinking water. Non-perishable snacks. Jumper cables. Emergency flares. Basic tool kit. Duct tape. Extra cellphone battery. Always be prepared.

Charge the AC
Take your car down to any of The Folsom Auto Mall’s dealerships and have the A/C tested and charged. We’ll also check the cabin air filter. The first step towards a cool and comfortable trip is a cool and comfortable car.

Check belts and hoses
Rubber drive belts power a lot of important things like the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. You have to make sure you replace any that are cracked, or going bad. In many vehicles, you have to replace drive belts every 60,000 miles. Inspect and replace worn, brittle, or excessively soft hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

Top off engine oil and other fluids
Check that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid are all at the correct levels for safe operation. When you add fluids, it’s important to use products that meet the specifications recommended by the owner’s manual.

Check tires and tire pressure
In addition to checking the air pressure in each tire, take a good look and inspect them for damage. Finding a nail or a screw in your tire now is way better than finding one ”down the road.” Put a penny upside down into the grooves to check the tire tread. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, it might be time to buy some new tires. And always make sure you inflate the tires to the suggested PSI found in the owner’s manual.

Check the brakes
Let’s not take chances here and just bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection. If you want to do a little pre-investigating on your own, listen for grinding sounds or vibrations when applying the brakes. If you hear any of that, come see us right away. We’ll check the brake system for fluid leaks; we’ll also check for wear or damage to the brake pads, brake rotors, brake shoes and brake drums.

Remember our service team is here to help with any maintenance issue you need fixed before you embark on your big summer road trip. So go ahead, see the Grand Canyon, go visit your Great Aunt Betty or the nation’s biggest ball of yarn. Just make sure you follow our summer road trip maintenance checklist, and you’ll have a great time.

Oh, if you’re thinking maybe this trip would deserve a new or used car, The Folsom Auto Mall has plenty of Buicks, GMCs, Dodges, Chryslers, Jeeps, Rams, Chevys, Toyotas, Hyundais, Kias, Nissans and Fords to choose from.

How to Get the Most Value When You Sell Your Vehicle…

0 By
Posted in Car Care, Maintenance, tips
 
When it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle, there are only positives. You get cash or a new car and someone else gets to make new memories in yours. When you trade in your car it can act as the down payment for your new ride. Whether you’re trading or simply selling, you want to get the most value for your previously used car, truck, van or SUV! Here are some tips to make sure you get the most for your vehicle:
 
1. Find out what your car is worth
The first step in negotiating the sale of your vehicle is to have a good idea of what your car’s value really is. There are a few sites available to help you get a realistic idea of what your vehicle is worth, but the two most often used are Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) and Edmunds.com. Comparing values on multiple sites will give you a great starting point.
 
2. Fix any issues
All cars have little dings and mechanical issues that could use a little TLC; you’re going to see more value for your vehicle if you address them before selling it. It’s also a good idea to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database to see if there are any recalls affecting your car. Recalled parts can be fixed free of charge, and the extra effort may up your vehicle’s value. Even repairing small cosmetic dings can make your vehicle worth more.
 
Kind of an old-school trick, but a good one, is to keep receipts for repairs, oil changes and maintenance. These can prove to the dealer or buyer that you took really good care of your vehicle. 
 
3. Shine it up good (inside and out)
Get your car detailed. The nicer it looks, the more money it will appraise for. Think of detailing your car like staging a home before you sell it. Curb appeal applies to cars too. And don’t forget to remove all your personal items from the interior and the trunk. You want the potential buyer to take one look at your vehicle and see that it’s ready to go – no additional investment needed.
 
4. Find the spare key (and any other accessories)
We know it may sound small, but every penny counts and many buyers are willing to pay a little extra if you have the extra set of keys and all the owner’s manuals. So you might have to search around in that junk drawer, but finding that extra set of keys could pay off. Do you have Weather Tech floor mats?Headrests? A cargo net? First aid kit? Any other accessories you have will help raise the value of your vehicle. Every little bit counts.
 
5. Make an appointment
It sounds silly, but if you’re interested in getting an estimate at a dealership, making an appointment to have your vehicle appraised could net you some extra cash. By giving the dealership plenty of time to value your trade you are giving them time to find you more cash.
 
So if you’re ready to sell your previously loved vehicle, consider a free vehicle appraisal at the Folsom Auto Mall. Get your car appraised for free and browse our new or pre-owned vehicles including: Ford, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Nissan.