by | Jan 3, 2022 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have kiddos you know that driving in the winter can be different than driving any other time of year. You have to be extra careful when your children are in the car so it’s important to do whatever is necessary to ensure that they are always safe. That means ensuring your car is ready for winter weather. Sometimes small things can make a big difference. If you think your vehicle might need to be serviced, you can take your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair and have it serviced. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to prepare your car for the road.
Car Seats and Coats
In colder climates, parents commonly dress their youngsters in winter coats. However, realize that substantial coats can meddle with the appropriate fit on a car seat. At the point when your youngster will be sitting in a vehicle seat, pick flimsy, warm layers, and spot covers or covers around your kid after the outfit is cozy and secure for extra warmth without a bulky layer that could mess up the latches. Likewise, ensure vehicle seats and booster seats are appropriately installed and that any kids riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes.
Coolant Levels
Ensure you have sufficient coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the right levels and is the right type. See your vehicle manual for this information. Actually take a look at the cooling framework for spills, test the coolant, and deplete or supplant the old coolant. You may likewise need to visit your mechanic for a check up and request that they check for spills, seriously worn hoses, or other required parts, fixes, and substitutions. This will keep your engine from cracking in the winter.
Keep It Gassed
Keep your fuel tank near full as much as possible For electric and mixed electric vehicles, always make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave the house. As a rule, lithium particle batteries have diminished energy at lower temperatures. Also, most vehicle batteries will utilize battery power for self-warming in low temperatures. The battery channel because of warming can be limited by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as conceivable during frosty temperatures. A typical method for doing this: plug your vehicle in around evening time throughout the colder time of year, keeping the battery temperature in its ideal level. You don’t want to have to stop in the weather when you have a baby in the car so getting this done ahead of time will make things easier for everyone in the car.
When it comes time to plan for winter driving, you want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road. That can mean doing little things that you can take care of yourself or taking your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop to have it inspected and repaired. The above ideas are just a few to keep in mind when thinking about how to get your car ready for winter. You can also find other things that can help too. If you do need to have your car serviced, bring it to Network Automotive Service Center.
by | Dec 13, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Car insurance is a requirement for responsible drivers. Driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal in many states. Insurance can be expensive, but it can be useful if you or your car is in an accident. If you take out cheap car insurance online, you can save substantial costs when it comes to repairs. The better condition or shape your car is in, the better rate you will get on your insurance. You can keep your car in good condition and your car insurance rates low by taking your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Here are some other tips that can help you save money on your car costs.
Bundle All Your Insurance
Link your car insurance to other types of insurance you may have, such as home, and health insurance. When you pack your insurance, you get a discount on your insurance policy. Even if you cannot buy your insurance as a package, try to get your car insurance with the same company that you already have other insurances with. You can get a discount because you are a loyal customer. To see if you can get auto insurance with your current insurance company, log into your account online and look for additional options. Pay for additional insurance with your credit or debit card.
Pay Online
Find online auto insurances that offer good credit discounts. Most companies run and monitor insurance and base their premiums and payments on your creditworthiness. Companies that offer good credit discounts will tell you how much you will get in advance. As your credit score goes up or down, so can your franchise amount. If you cannot find information about good credit discounts on the insurance company’s website. You can also ask about discounts for paying your bill online.
Shop Around
Visit the price comparison website to compare rates and insurance policies from many different insurance companies. That way, you can review each policy side-by-side and decide which one works best for you. Once you have found the insurance company that you want to get insurance with, you can go to this website and get the insurance policy you want. When comparing insurance, pay attention not only to the best prices, but also to the best value for money. You want to make sure you aren’t paying a lesser monthly price only to have a higher deductible if you have an accident or need to make a claim.
If you are planning to get insurance for your vehicle and want to make sure you are doing everything to keep it in good condition, be sure to remember to have it serviced often too. You can take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop to have it checked and repaired. You can call Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to assist you with all your car repair needs. Make an appointment and let us help you keep your car in good condition and save you money on your vehicle ownership.
by | Nov 15, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Maybe you are a winter visitor heading back north, a family with a convertible that only comes out for perfect weather, or someone deploying, traveling, or simply parking a second car for a few months. Whatever the reason, how you store a car matters far more than most people realize. A vehicle that sits for months without preparation can come out of storage with a dead battery, flat-spotted tires, degraded fluids, and even pest damage. Here is how to put a car away properly, with help from a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop for the steps best done professionally.
Start With Fresh Oil and Topped-Off Fluids
It seems backwards to change the oil in a car you are about to park, but it is one of the most important steps. Used oil carries acids and combustion byproducts that slowly work on engine internals while the car sits. Fresh oil means the engine rests in clean lubricant instead of contaminants.
While you are at it, have the other fluids checked and topped off. Coolant should be at the correct level and in good condition, since it protects the cooling system from corrosion even when the engine is not running. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid should all be where they belong. Storage is also a convenient time to handle any fluid services that are coming due, so the car is ready to drive when it wakes up. Our oil change and maintenance articles cover what each fluid does and when it needs attention.
Fill the Tank and Stabilize the Fuel
Gasoline degrades over time, and a partly empty tank invites condensation as temperatures swing. The standard practice for storage beyond a month or two is to fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer, then drive briefly so treated fuel reaches the whole system. A full, stabilized tank resists both moisture buildup and the varnish deposits that stale fuel leaves behind in fuel systems.
Protect the Battery
The battery is the most common storage casualty. A modern car draws a small amount of power constantly, even parked, and over weeks that drain kills the battery. Arizona heat makes it worse, since high temperatures accelerate a battery’s natural self-discharge and internal wear.
You have two good options. If the car is stored where power is available, a battery maintainer keeps the charge topped off safely for months. If not, disconnecting the battery slows the drain considerably. Either way, have the battery tested before storage if it is more than a few years old. A battery that is already weak going in will almost certainly be dead coming out. More on this in our battery and electrical articles.
Take Care of the Tires
Tires that sit in one position for months can develop flat spots where the rubber rests against the ground. Before storage, inflate all four tires to the pressure listed on the door jamb sticker, or slightly above it if the manual allows, since tires slowly lose pressure over time. If you can, move the car a short distance every few weeks to change the contact patch. For very long storage, some owners put the car on jack stands, but for a season of storage, proper inflation and an occasional roll are usually enough.
Clean It, Cover It, and Keep Pests Out
Wash and dry the car thoroughly before it sits, because bird droppings, sap, and grime become much harder on paint when left for months, especially under the Arizona sun. Clean the interior completely and remove every trace of food, since crumbs are an open invitation to rodents.
Pest prevention deserves real attention in the desert. Rodents love parked cars, and they chew wiring, build nests in air boxes, and cause damage that can cost far more than the rest of your storage prep combined. Close the windows fully, consider deterrents around and inside the vehicle, and check the engine bay periodically if you can. Indoor or covered storage is ideal. If the car stays outside, a quality breathable car cover protects the paint and interior from relentless UV exposure.
Handle the Small Details
- Leave the parking brake off for long storage if it is safe to do so, using wheel chocks instead, since brake components can seize against each other over time.
- Top off insurance and registration decisions before you park, so the car is legal and covered while it sits.
- Note the date and mileage so you know exactly how long the car sat when it is time for its wake-up service.
Schedule a Pre-Storage Service Visit
Most of the mechanical items above can be handled in one appointment: fresh oil, fluid checks, battery test, and tire pressures, plus a general inspection so nothing goes into storage broken. It is much easier to fix problems now than to discover them months from now on a car that will not start. Call us at (480) 444-0242 to set up a pre-storage checkup, and let us know when the car is coming back out. A quick post-storage inspection makes sure everything that sat for months is ready to drive safely.
The Wake-Up Checklist
Taking a car out of storage deserves the same care as putting it away. Before the first start, check the oil level and look under the car for any fluid spots that appeared while it sat. Look over the engine bay for signs of rodent visitors, especially chewed wiring or nesting material near the air intake. Reconnect or remove the battery maintainer, set all four tires back to proper pressure, and inspect the wipers, which may have dried out even while parked.
On the first drive, keep it short and gentle. Listen for new noises, feel for pulling or vibration, and test the brakes early, since rotors often develop harmless surface rust in storage that should clear after a few stops. If anything feels off, have it inspected before returning the car to daily duty. A brief post-storage checkup is a small step that catches the problems months of sitting can create.
Store It Right, Drive It Later Without Drama
An afternoon of preparation is the difference between a car that starts right up in the spring and one that greets you with a dead battery and a repair list. Network Automotive Service Center is family-owned and has served Mesa and the East Valley since 1995. Take a look at our services and call (480) 444-0242 before you put your vehicle away. We will make sure it sleeps well and wakes up ready.
by | Nov 8, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have ever lost your keys or accidentally locked them in your car, you know how frustrating it can be to pay and wait for a locksmith. If you want to avoid such a scenario, you can learn to pick car door locks yourself. Not everyone can master lock picking and it takes a lot of patience and practice to get it right. Here is how you can learn to do it yourself. Keep in mind it’s always better to call a locksmith to open your car’s doors if the keys are locked inside or take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop if the doors will not open due to a mechanical issue.
Buy The Right Tools
Purchase a slim jim from your local auto parts store or order one online. These tools will help you pick your lock and is necessary if you are going to pick car door locks yourself. While a slim jim is the easiest way to pick your door locks open, it can also damage your car. It’s better to call a locksmith or have your car services to see what the doors will not open. If you don’t want to buy the tools or can’t afford them, you might want to consider taking it to a mechanic for help.
Find The Lever
Slide the slim jim between the window and the door. Be careful not to break the window glass as you do this. Gently move the slim jim along the window track until you feel it touch a lever. This lever is control the locks. Of course, depending on the type of car you have, this level may look different and be in a different location.
Be Gentle
Slowly pull up on the slim jim and allow it to catch on the lock lever. It may take several tries before you can actually hook the lever and pull it up with your tool. Keep trying until you get it. Pull the slim jim out from the window opening. Again, be very careful not to hook the glass or break it. You will need to be very gentle because it will jerk slightly when it releases and the slim jim could jar and hit the glass.
If you want to pick car door locks, you need the right tools and technique. If you are unable to pick the lock yourself, contact a lock smith or roadside assistance. In most cases, someone from one of these companies. Always use caution when trying to pick your car locks because you can easily damage your doors or windows. You may also get the attention of car thieves who may see your car as an easy target in the future. If your car doors are not functioning properly, you can take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair to have the doors repaired. Make an appointment with Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help you with all your car repair needs.
by | Nov 1, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you buy a car for the first time, you will love it. It has an unparalleled new car scent and the car is yours. Over time, this will start to change and you may feel like a new car. In most cases, you’ll want to sell your old car first before you buy a new one. This will allow you to have space for your new car, and the cash you get from the sale will help you pay for a significant portion of your new car. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selling an car and why you should take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop.
Choose Your Selling Method
Decide how to sell your car. You can post to an online site like Craigslist for people all over the world to see, sell in the yard, or sell to car dealers. This is the easiest option to sell to retailers, but keep in mind that it often makes less money than selling personally. It’s always best to sell it in person, as is this allow you to talk with the person who buys it and explain any necessarily information.
Have It Inspected
Get ready to sell your car before you sell it. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside, including vacuuming and other work, to make sure the car looks new. In addition, it’s a good idea to fix small, easy-to-solve problems and take your car to a mechanic so that everything runs smoothly. If you have a dirty and damaged car, it’s not only hard to sell, but it could make you much less if it’s finally sold. If you aren’t comfortable making the repairs on your own, you should take your car to a repair shop and have the repairs made by an experienced mechanic.
Check The Value
Check the value of your car online before selling it to make sure you are worth the money. There’s nothing worse than getting out of an old car much less. You can find out how much your car is worth if you trade it in, sell it yourself, or try to sell it to a dealership. This will give you an idea of how you will want to sell the car or which method will give you the most money for your car. It will also help you decide how much to ask for it.
When you are planning to get a new car of if you just want to sell your car for another reason, you will want to keep the above tips and suggestions in mind. They can help you sell your car more easily and be able to get the most amount of money possible. When it comes time to have your car serviced at a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop before you sell it, be sure to take it to Network Automotive Service Center. We are happy to help you with all your mechanical needs. Make an appointment with us today to get your car serviced so you can sell it.
by | Oct 25, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have parenting who are elderly, you might be the person who need to help them take care of their vehicle. You want to make sure the car is safe and you can do that by taking it to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Taking the car to a shop often for maintenance will not only ensure that it stays in good condition, but will also make it possible to get even more advantages from the service. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to help your parents care for their vehicles.
Perhaps the most important reason. Only repairs at the correct time interval or earlier can protect the manufacturer’s warranty for the new car. Maintenance beyond the manufacturer’s guidelines may invalidate the warranty, and if something goes wrong, you may have to pay for repairs. They are designed to require maintenance to keep them in good working order.
Protect The Engine
Regular oil and filter changes can prevent dirt or dust from entering the oily parts of the engine and may cause major problems. It will also extend the life of the engine and ultimately the overall life of the car. Although someone rolls up their sleeves to change the oil and filter themselves, there is nothing wrong with it. Most of the time, they will not check other vehicle components to make sure they are in good condition.
Maintains Value
Most of the time, a car is one of the most expensive items you buy, second only to buying a house. Therefore, it is very important to protect this investment as much as possible by keeping the car in good condition. Oily parts also need to be kept in top condition, which can be achieved by checking your car regularly. If your parents plan to sell their vehicle or if you want to be able to sell it for them, this can be an important factor.
Protect Engine
An engine that is not regularly inspected will consume more fuel than a well-maintained engine, which means more travel. To the pump. Worn out cheap tires are worse in wet conditions and have a greater braking distance than premium tires with good treads, which means you are not as safe as you deserve. Brakes are the only thing holding you back, so why take the risk of maintaining them? Your parents may not be able to keep up with expensive repairs so it’s nice to handle the simple things for them so their car will work well.
If you are ready to help your parents take care of their vehicles, there are a lot of things that may need to be done. You can also take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair for inspections and maintenance. If you need some help, be sure to make an appointment with Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help you with all your car needs. Give us a call today to help you parents today.