ProAutoAdvice

Winter Driving Tips

2010-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Winter driving tips. After a blowing snow storm last night, many cars parked outside have wiper blades frozen to the windshield. A couple of suggestions: cover the windshield with a tarp or blanket, lift the wipers off the windshield. The most important thing to do, free the wiper blades and scrape the windshield.

For winter driving, consider "winter blades". They have a rubber shield around the metal workings of the wiper blade. this prevents the ice from forming in the area that lets the blade flex to maintain contact with the windshield.

There are many different types of wiper blades available today. Check with your dealer for suggestions for your needs.

Check your wiper blades and replace them before the next snow storm.

Jeep ride, poor handling

2010-11-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Owners of 2007-09 Jeep Compass and Patriot models built before 4/23/09 may experience a rough ride OR poor handling when driving over bumps or rough roads. One probable cause of the trouble, says Jeep, is a leaking front strut. The leakage can occur on one side or both of the vehicle. Replacing the struts along with the jounce bumper and dust shield is the obvious fix. Note that the jounce bumper and shield are now two separate pieces, replacing the inferior one piece design.

Replacing struts and shocks will make a significant change in the ride, handling and safety for you and your passengers.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

2010-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Winter driving tips, Winter is right around the corner and now is the time to put on the snow tires. Rear wheel drive vehicles will be the subject for this blog.

As a suggest for the use of snow tires on rear wheel drive vehicles. Using a good snow tire and put some sand bags in the trunk (or the bed of your truck) will help with traction on snow covered roads.

I have a small two wheel drive p/u. I use "Blizzak" snow tires. Using about 75 lbs. of "tube sand" in the back of the truck. This give me the traction I need, in almost all driving conditions.

Heater / Vent

2010-11-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

The use of the vent system in the winter will help reduce the amount of fog on the inside of the windows in your vehicle. When you turn the heater on, make sure the vent is set to outside air, not re-circulate air.

The use of the outside air, brings fresh air inside the vehicle and helps reduce the fog (vapor) on the inside of the windows. The outside air, does not delute the heated air coming out of the vents.

Most of the late model vehicles do this automatically but check your heater controls on the dash to see if you have the choice of outside air ( fresh air ) or if it is automatic.

Drive safe.

The Heater Core

2010-10-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Heater Core.

During the winter, you trust that when you turn heat knob to hot that you will feel warm air from the heat vents. You may not know that the warmth comes form the hot coolant that circulates through the engine and radiator. The heater core is inside your cash board. This is where the warmth comes from, that warms the interior of the car and defrosts the windshield.

The heater core is a small radiator just like the large one in front of the engine. A fan blows air around the heater core through the vents and defroster system.

There are signs that the heater core may need to be inspected or replaced.

* Reduced heat blowing through the vents

* A sweet odor inside the car, similar to maple syrup

* A mist appears on the inside of the windshield when the defroster is on

* A damp spot on the floor, under the dash on the right side of the car

Stay warm and safe this winter.

Preventing Brake Rotor Pulsation

2010-03-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

Brake Rotor pulsation is caused by brake rotor thickness variations, which is usually the result of lateral run-out or rotor corrosion... When the vehicle is driven any high spots are worn down resulting in a thin spot on the rotor and pulsation that is transferred to the brake pedal when the brakes are applied.

Rotor corrosion is another cause of thickness variation and pulsation. If the corrosion is cosmetic refinishing the rotor is unnecessary. But more extensive corrosion may be the result of excessive build-up caused by brake pad material build-up and heat. In that case, it may be necessary to refinish or replace the brake rotors..

For more info on brake pulsation issues or a free repair estimate please visit us at: http://www.parkerautomotiveinc.com/.

Safe Driving, Gary Hansen

ROCKY TOP CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET

2010-03-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

Register now to enter your Classic Car in the
ROCKY TOP SHOW & SWAP
sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Model A Ford Club -
a benefit for Elizabeth High School Technology Club.

Vintage & Classic Car show and Auto Parts Swap Meet,
Hot Rods and Muscle Cars
Motorcycles, Customs, Antique Tractors

Saturday May 15 10AM- 2PM
FREE General Admission & Parking
Breakfast & Lunch available

Casey Jones Park
Hwy 86 & CR 17

Elizabeth, CO

Entry Form at:

http://www.rockytopcarshow.com/

I'll see you there, Gary Hansen

Gas Mileage, Tips

2009-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

These are just reminders to help with gas mileage.

Tire pressure - increase pressure on most cars and light trucks to 34 to 36 lbs.

Avoid "jackrabbit " starts. Accelerate easy away from stops.

Reduce cruising speed - by reducing your speed from 72 mph to 65 you can gain at least 1 to 2 mpg.

more to come!

Engine coolant

2009-03-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

The coolant used in today's engines is different than coolant used in cars prior to 1990. GM uses a coolant named "long life". This is good for 5 years or 100 thousand miles, whichever comes first. So, the coolant or "anti-freeze" doesn't have to be changed as often as it use to be.

We still recommend a regular check of your coolant levels when you are having an oil change to make sure that your cooling system is still sealed and providing your engine with the proper protection.

Please visit our website at http://www.parkerautomotiveinc.com/ to let us know if you have any questions about today's coolants?

Safe driving, Gary Hansen

Welcome to the ProAutoAdvice Blog

2009-02-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Welcome to the ProAutoAdvice blog. I'm Gary Hansen your blogger. I am the Owner of Parker Automotive, Inc located in Parker, CO. My wife Karen and I opened Parker Automotive, Inc back in 1978.

The objective of the ProAutoAdvice blog is to share my 30+ years of experience running a highly trusted and respected complete auto repair service shop that prides itself on the motto: "We don't sell what you don't need". So, our goal here will be to help car, truck and SUV owners get more miles from their vehicles while also helping them select the best mechanics and auto service repair shops. Plus we'll also be posting a few blogs along the way to help fellow hot rod and classic car owners find resources and events that they may be interested in.

Please feel free to leave a comment about this blog or ask any auto service or repair related questions that you may have. We'll do our best to help answer your questions or point you to other helpful resources. Or email me at: GaryHansen@ParkerAutomotiveInc.com

Sincerely,

Gary Hansen, Owner
Parker Automotive, Inc.