Monroe Auto Repair

You know that winter and bad weather are coming. Is your car ready? Here’s a quick checklist of things to get up to speed on:Motor oil: Motor oil has a tendency to thicken in cold weather, making it harder to circulate to upper engine parts at startup. If you haven’t ever used synthetic oil before, this might be a good time to start. The flow properties of synthetic oil are a lot more consistent, meaning it doesn’t thicken in sub-freezing temperatures or thin out when it’s hot outside.Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers only last about a year. If your wipers are showing cracks or chips or losing strips of rubber, go ahead and replace them. Don’t forget to refill your washer fluid reservoir…you’ll need it once the weather gets bad.Cooling system: If you can’t remember the last time your coolant was changed, it’s pretty easy for a technician to test its condition. Remember that coolant, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled wate ... read more

Some people love winter. They love the snow, the snap in the air, the short days and cozy nights at home. Others can’t stand it, for many of the same reasons. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, though, chances are you’re going to have to get out and drive in it at some point. We’ve got a few suggestions to help you through the winter safely:  • Make sure you’ve got a well-maintained car. This includes fresh windshield wipers, proper tire inflation, a strong battery, a properly-maintained cooling system and a fresh oil change. If your tires aren’t up to the job of winter driving, you might consider switching to winter tires for a while – just  remember to switch back when temperatures get above 40 degrees. The softer tread compound of winter tires will wear quickly in warmer temperatures.  • Make sure your car is thoroughly de-iced before you go anywhere. Hot water might seem tempting because it’s quicker ... read more

If you’re past “a certain age,” you might remember when gas was $1.50 per gallon, or $1.00 per gallon, or 59 cents, or what-have-you…but the truth is that everything has gotten more expensive. After all, when gas was $1.00 per gallon, a nicely tricked-out Chevrolet Caprice Classic was selling for about $6,000 brand new.    Now that we’re well into the 21st century, gas prices are likely to fluctuate, but one thing’s for sure: gas is likely to never be “cheap” again. We know that everyone’s trying to get a little more out of every dollar, and whether you’re driving a big SUV or a subcompact, there are things you can do to help your vehicle’s fuel economy:  • Watch your right foot. This is probably the most important thing on the list. It takes a lot of energy and fuel to get your car moving, whether it’s a 5500-pound Chevy Yukon or a 2700-pound Mini. Every time you accelerate hard, you’re ... read more

Where did this year go? Before you know it, it’s going to be time for the holidays, and that can mean travel in some pretty trying conditions (and we don’t just mean restless kids in the back seat). Is your vehicle ready for some interstate miles?   • Tires: It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear. With that in mind, it’s easy to just schedule a tire rotation with every oil change, since the vehicle will be up in the air on a lube rack anyway. Have you checked your inflation lately? Your proper  inflation levels will be on a sticker on the driver’s side door frame, inside the fuel filler door or in the owner’s manual – always check the inflation when the tires are cold. How about the tread depth? 2/32” is the minimum tread depth allowed in most states. Here’s an easy way to check your tread depth: take a penny and insert it into the tread grooves, Lincoln head down ... read more

The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready?  • Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of  Rain-X on your windshield and window glass can help visibility greatly.  • Brakes: Are you hearing any squeaks, squeals or grinding noises when you apply the brakes? Are you noticing that the pedal goes farther to the floor before the brakes engage? It’s important to go into the winter months with a good set of brakes! • Tires: Most manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 5-7,000 miles to ensure even tire wear; it’s easy to just schedule a rotation with every oil c ... read more