12 Convenient Locations to Serve You!
At Auto Select, we deliver quality, dependable automotive repair, service, brakes, oil changes and tires from experts you can trust!
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Maintenance Tips for Winter Battery Performance
AUTO SELECT: YOUR TRUSTED EXPERTS IN DIESEL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
From the Auto Select Family to Yours, Happy New Year! All Auto Select locations will be closed Wednesday, Jan 1st, 2025 to celebrate! See you Thursday.
As part of our 24th Anniversary celebration this month at Auto Select, we wanted to extend several $24 money saving offers to everyone. Take advantage of these great offers, and more this month. Click Here for more great deals.
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When you start your vehicle’s engine, there’s another motor that makes that whole process possible. It’s called the starter, and it’s a small electric motor that gets your vehicle running. As you can imagine, it’s quite a chore for a little electric motor to turn over the big engine that powers your vehicle. And after hundreds of successful starting missions, after a while, it will start to give out. You’ll know the starter is starting to weaken when it turns too slowly or sometimes doesn’t do anything when you turn on the ignition. Maybe it makes funny noises like grinding when you try to start your vehicle or maybe there’s just a click. Those are all reasons to get your vehicle over to us so we can see what’s going on. A technician will make sure the problem is the starter and not in the battery, a switch, or other electrical component or connections. If all of those are ruled out, your starter will be replaced. The technician will also make sure all the cables and connections to the battery are clean and solid. Often starter problems come on gradually, and they often give you advanced warning that it’s time to have it fixed—before you find yourself frustrated— and stranded. This month at Auto Select, we have a full starting, charging, and electical inspection for just $19.99. Schedule your appointment today.
A great engine oil should work harder to keep your car, truck, van or SUV running smoothly. Learn about the benefits of synthetic engine oils, including Mobil 1 full synthetic oil.
As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, fall presents unique challenges for drivers. With changing weather conditions, ensuring your vehicle’s tires are in optimal condition is crucial for safety and performance. Here’s everything you need to know about fall vehicle tire maintenance. 1. Check Tire Tread Depth: One of the most critical aspects of tire safety is tread depth. As the weather gets colder and rain becomes more frequent, proper tread is essential for maintaining traction. The “penny test” is a simple way to check tread depth: • Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down.If you can see the entire head, it’s time to replace your tires. Generally, a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch is the minimum recommended for safe driving in wet conditions. 2. Monitor Tire Pressure: Temperature fluctuations in the fall can lead to changes in tire pressure. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. Under-inflated tires can cause poor handling and increased wear. Here’s how to ensure your tire pressure is optimal: • Check tire pressure regularly, ideally once a month and before long trips. • Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. 3. Inspect for Damage: With the onset of fall, road conditions can change rapidly. Debris, potholes, and changing weather can lead to tire damage. Regularly inspect your tires for: • Cuts, bulges, punctures or Cracks in the sidewalls • Uneven wear patterns, which may indicate alignment issues If you notice any of these issues, consult your service advisor to assess whether your tires need repair or replacement. 4. Consider All-Season, All-Weather or Winter Tires: As temperatures drop, you might consider whether your all-season tires are sufficient for your driving needs. While all-season tires are designed to handle a variety of conditions, winter tires offer superior traction in cold, icy, or snowy conditions. • All-Season Tires: Suitable for moderate fall weather, they perform well in both dry and wet conditions, all year long. • All-Weather Tires: Usually superior on wet roads and have a clear advantage in ice, slush and snow but compromise some ride comfort, tire noise and handling sharpness. • Winter Tires: Recommended if winter conditions will have extended periods of heavy snowfall or consistently low temperatures below freezing. If you decide to switch to winter tires, make sure to have them installed before the first snowfall for optimal safety. 5. Rotate Your Tires: To ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires, regular rotation is essential. It’s generally recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check your vehicle’s owner manual for specific guidelines. Proper rotation can help maintain balanced handling and prolong the life of your tires. Auto Select provides free tire rotation every 6,000 miles when you buy tires from us. 6. Align and Balance: Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and affect vehicle handling. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or if your steering wheel is off-center, it’s time for an alignment check. Balancing your tires can also prevent vibration and ensure smooth driving. 7. Be Prepared for Emergencies As the fall season can bring unpredictable weather, it’s wise to be prepared for emergencies. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: A spare tire, jack, and lug wrench Tire inflator and sealant Jumper cables A flashlight and first-aid kit Conclusion With fall bringing cooler temperatures and potential weather challenges, it’s crucial to pay attention to your vehicle’s tires. Regular maintenance, proper inspections, and timely replacements will ensure your safety on the road. By taking these steps, you’ll be wellprepared to navigate the changing conditions of the season. Drive safely and enjoy the beauty of fall! Take advantage of our Free Tire Inspection this month at Auto Select!
Getting stranded with a dead battery in an unfamiliar place is always inconvenient. Thankfully, batteries usually give us a few warning signs that they’re about to fail, so you can get a replacement battery before you’re stranded. Look for these eight signs of a failing battery. 1. OLD AGE Like all components in your car, your battery has a limited lifespan. Most car batteries last between 3 to 5 years, depending on factors like driving habits, climate, and maintenance. If your battery is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, start monitoring it closely for signs of failure. To find the age of your battery, inspect the casing for a sticker with date information printed on it. 2. WEAK ELECTRICAL POWER If your car battery is failing, it’s not going to be able to fully power your vehicle’s electrical components – including your headlights, radio, air conditioning, and power windows. As the battery's capacity diminishes, it struggles to meet the demands of these electrical accessories, potentially resulting in reduced performance. So, if you notice these features operating sluggishly or your headlights seem dim and weaker than usual, take note! Not only is reduced light a safety issue, but it may also mean your car battery is almost kaput. 3. CLICKING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY When you turn your key in the ignition, your car battery sends electrical current to an electrical component, called the starter solenoid, to get things going. A failing battery will have difficulty performing this function, and the electrical current sent to the starter will be weaker. When the starter receives reduced or insufficient power from the battery, it often makes the clicking noise you’re hearing. 4. SLOW CRANK If you notice that your engine cranks more slowly or sluggishly than normal when you turn the key, your battery may be nearing its demise. Don’t ignore this red flag! 5. WARNING LIGHT Your vehicle may be equipped with a battery or charging system warning light on the dash. When this light illuminates, a battery or charging system issue has been detected. Do not ignore this light. 6. FREQUENT JUMPSTARTS If you're having to jumpstart your car more frequently than usual, your battery may be struggling to hold a charge. Over time, a battery's ability to hold a charge can weaken due to factors like age, extreme temperatures, or even parasitic drain from accessories like the radio or dome light. While jumpstarting your car can be a quick fix for a dead battery, it’s not a long-term solution and won’t address the underlying issue. 7. SWOLLEN BATTERY CASE A swollen battery case is a serious red flag you shouldn't ignore. Battery swelling is often caused by excessive heat buildup within the battery, which can occur due to overcharging or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. A swollen battery case can lead to leaks, which can not only damage surrounding components but may also pose a safety hazard. If you notice any bulging or swelling of your battery case, have it checked out by a professional immediately. 8. HEAVY CORROSION Take a peek under the hood. If you notice fluffy blue buildup on your battery terminals, trouble may be brewing. If there's a clear film across the top of the battery case, this could also point toward a battery issue. These visual cues might suggest that the battery is leaking battery acid or emitting acidic fumes. Not only does corrosion hinder the battery's ability to conduct electricity effectively, but it can also cause long-term damage if left unchecked.
12 Convenient Locations to Serve You!
At Auto Select, we deliver quality, dependable automotive repair, service, brakes, oil changes and tires from experts you can trust!