Spring Street Automotive

Archive for October 2015

Automotive Tips from Spring Street Automotive Inc: When to Replace Your Wiper Blades

Posted October 29, 2015 12:00 PM

There are several important factors that go into how often Quincy drivers should replace their wiper blades. Of course, the more you use your wipers, the faster the blades will wear out – especially if you use them on an icy windshield. Whether it’s a lot of bugs and road grime from IL freeway driving or lots of wet weather – your blades get a work out and start to wear.

But your wiper blades break down even when they aren’t used frequently. They are damaged by sunlight and temperature changes as well. The rubber in the blades can dry out and crack and eventually fall apart. Check your wipers: If they’re not doing their important job, have them replaced at Spring Street Automotive Inc in Quincy.

Talk to your Spring Street Automotive Inc service advisor about how you drive - we can counsel you on the optimal blades for your needs.

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

Automotive Tips from Spring Street Automotive Inc: Serpentine Belt Overview

Posted October 28, 2015 12:00 PM

The technicians at Spring Street Automotive Inc know your serpentine belt drives important engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some cars it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulleys and the accessories. Some cars in Quincy have two serpentine belts.

The serpentine belt, the belt tensioner (which maintains the appropriate tension on the belt) and the idler pulleys are together known as the accessory drive system.

Now your serpentine belt and the belt tensioner will just wear out over time – that’s why your vehicle manufacturer has a scheduled belt replacement interval. The team at Spring Street Automotive Inc in Quincy can inspect your serpentine belt for wear and get it replaced if it’s time.

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: Air Conditioning ? Common Problem

Posted October 15, 2015 12:00 PM

Your auto air conditioning system cools and conditions the air in your passenger compartment when you are driving around Quincy. It also removes moisture from the air to keep your windows from fogging up.

A common A/C problem for Quincy drivers that visit Spring Street Automotive Inc is contaminated refrigerant (the gas that cools the air). The inside of the A/C hoses deteriorates over time and tiny fragments of rubber clog passages. This makes the system less efficient and overworks various components.

Leaks can develop at seals and gaskets and may reduce the amount of refrigerant, causing the system to work too hard to compensate. Dirty components can have the same consequences.

Ask your Spring Street Automotive Inc service advisor for an air conditioning system inspection to make sure everything is up to spec.

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 a Battery Last Longer

Posted October 14, 2015 12:00 PM

One thing all Quincy drivers can do to extend the life of their battery is to keep it clean. A greasy, dirty battery holds in damaging heat. Same goes for removing corrosion from the terminals. Spring Street Automotive Inc can help maintain your battery.

Allowing your battery to be deeply depleted – like from using your headlights when the engine is off – is very harmful to your battery. Most automotive batteries can only take that about 10 times before they are ruined.

Also, making sure you have a full charge every month or so extends battery life. Either an extended drive at freeway speeds around the Quincy are or using a battery charger will preserve your battery’s ability to hold a full charge.

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: Wiper Blade Options

Posted October 6, 2015 12:00 PM

Wiper blades are critically important to Quincy drivers for good driving visibility and safety. When it’s time to replace your wiper blades, there are a number of different wiper blade designs and grades. Quincy drivers should always use at least the design or grade that came with their vehicle.

If you live in IL where there is a lot of wet weather, flying insects, or you do a lot of highway driving, you may want to upgrade to a more advanced design or premium quality wiper blade. Your friendly and professional Spring Street Automotive Inc service advisor can share the options available for your vehicle and help you decide which wiper blades are optimal for you.

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

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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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