Spring Street Automotive

Archive for December 2015

Automotive Tips from Spring Street Automotive Inc: Serpentine Belt System Wear

Posted December 16, 2015 12:00 PM

The primary job of the serpentine belt for Quincy drivers is to provide important traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at optimal speeds. For example, if your alternator doesn’t spin fast enough, the battery will not completely recharge while you’re driving and you could end up stranded around Quincy with a dead battery.

In short, a worn serpentine belt will stress all of the accessories it powers leading to premature wear and possible early replacement. When as little as 5% of belt material is lost, the serpentine belt cannot provide the proper traction for the accessories. Your friendly and professional Spring Street Automotive Inc service advisor can inspect your belt for excessive wear and replace your serpentine belt system if it’s excessively worn.

Give us a call.

Spring Street Automotive Inc
1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-9141
http://www.springstreetauto.com

Automotive Tips from Spring Street Automotive Inc: Where Should New Tires Be Placed

Posted December 3, 2015 12:00 PM

When Quincy drivers need to replace tires, they need to know how many they should get and on which axle they should be placed. Replacing a damaged tire may leave you with three others with significant wear, which could affect your traction control, stability control and anti-lock brake systems.

If you can’t afford to replace all four tires at once, you should at least replace two on the same axle. New tires should always be put on the rear axle for stability in slippery conditions. Your friendly and professional Spring Street Automotive Inc tire professional can help you know when your worn tires should be replaced, if you can have a damaged tire repaired as well as selecting the right tires for your needs.

Give us a call.

Spring Street Automotive Inc
1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-9141
http://www.springstreetauto.com

Automotive Tips from Spring Street Automotive Inc: Making Your A/C System Last Longer

Posted December 1, 2015 12:00 PM

Quincy drivers know that if their air conditioning system isn’t making cool air like it used to, there is a problem. It may be as simple as adding more of the right kind of refrigerant.

Your A/C requires special compressor oil, which circulates through the system along with the refrigerant, to lubricate and protect expensive components and keep seals and gaskets from drying out. If refrigerant has leaked out – so has the compressor oil. This oil needs to be replenished whenever refrigerant is added.

An air conditioning inspection at Spring Street Automotive Inc will uncover any potential problems and identify any necessary repairs needed to get Quincy drivers on the road to cool air once again.

Give us a call.

Spring Street Automotive Inc
1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-9141
http://www.springstreetauto.com

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Air Conditioning (10)Alignment (15)Alternator (4)Auto Safety (5)Automotive News (8)Battery (13)Brakes (17)Cabin Air Filter (6)Check Engine Light (4)Cooling System (16)Customer Detective Work (1)Dashboard (2)Diagnostics (5)Diesel Maintenance (1)Differential Service (3)Drive Train (8)Emergency Items (1)Engine Air Filter (2)Exhaust (8)Fluids (14)Fuel Economy (6)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (1)Fuel System (39)Headlamps (4)Inspection (6)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (4)Maintenance (46)Monitoring System (3)Oil Change (6)Older Vehicles (4)Parts (7)PCV Valve (2)Safe Driving (1)Safety (5)Serpentine Belt (5)Service Intervals (9)Service Standards (11)Shocks & Struts (8)Steering (8)Suspension (3)Timing Belt (5)Tire Rotation and Balancing (2)Tires (5)Tires and Wheels (33)TPMS (2)Transmission (8)Trip Inspection (2)Warranty (1)What Customers Should Know (50)Wheel Bearings (1)Windshield Wipers (9)Winter Prep (3)Winter Tires (1)

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Spring Street Automotive

1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-9141
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Vehicle tips
- According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
- Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
- Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
- Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
- Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
- Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
- Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
- Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
- Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
- Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
- Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
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