Archive for June 2020Severe Service RequirementsPosted June 28, 2020 10:14 AMA lot of Folsom drivers have asked whether or not they should use their severe service maintenance schedule, which is listed in their vehicle's owner's manual. It can be somewhat confusing, so we decided to consult an expert. Cricket Killingsworth is from QMI/Heartland, a manufacturer of automotive products and fluids. She's been in the automotive business for over 30 years and is a speaker, a trainer and a writer. Cricket says there's so much confusion on this topic because, "Most owner's manuals actually have two maintenance schedules. Sometimes these are called 'regular service' and 'severe service.' Sometimes they're simply called Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. A severe service schedule recommends that things like an oil change, air filter replacement and transmission service be done more often: either in fewer miles or in less time."
It's common sense for Folsom drivers: Just a few minutes at higher speeds allows the moisture in the oil to evaporate. Very short trips, or trips of less than 10 miles when it's very cold, don't allow the engine to heat up enough to get rid of the water. And water in the oil leads to damaging sludge. Also, towing and heavy loads raise operating temperatures and cause fluids to break down faster. Dusty and muddy driving around Folsom means that more dirt will get past the air filter to contaminate the fuel system and engine oil. The bottom line is that you need to decide for yourself if the regular or severe service schedule is right for you, based on your driving habits. Look at your owner's manual or talk with your Folsom Autotech service advisor who can help you know which schedule to follow. Ask us for help evaluating your driving and service needs. Folsom Autotech Taking the Heat (Batteries in Hot Weather)Posted June 21, 2020 11:30 AMQuick question. Which is tougher on a vehicle's battery, the heat or the cold? Believe it or not, it's the heat. Think about it. The battery often sits in the engine compartment next to that motor generating lots of heat. That can accelerate corrosion in the battery and may even cause water in it to evaporate. That will weaken the cranking power of your battery and shorten its life span. To take care of your battery, here are a few suggestions. It's a good idea to have it checked out to see what shape it's in. At your vehicle service facility, they have diagnostic equipment that can evaluate its condition. That can help you know how long you can expect it to last before having to replace it. At the same time, you should have your charging system evaluated. If your battery is not getting charged properly, it can be in great shape but not very useful when it comes to starting your vehicle. A technician will also check the cable connections that should be free of corrosion and tight. Keep in mind that under certain conditions, a vehicle battery can cause an explosion if close to an electrical spark. This is why the safe way to go is to have a qualified, trained technician do the work. Your battery is important both in hot and cold weather. When it comes to starting your vehicle, make sure it's always up to the job. Folsom Autotech Winter TiresPosted June 14, 2020 5:52 AMWhat type of technology do you use? Do you prefer an 8-track tape or an iPod? When it comes to winter tires, much of Folsom driver's perception dates back to when 8-track was the best way to listen to the Bee Gees. Folsom Autotech Why Alignment Matters (Vehicle Alignment Maintenance)Posted June 7, 2020 9:22 AMIt's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store. You hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, nail a curb. When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?" But things seem ok and you continue on your way. Keep in mind that any blow to your vehicle's suspension can throw it out of alignment. It can be a hard knock from the road or from another vehicle, such as being involved in a minor accident. When your suspension is out of alignment, it means that the wheels aren't all pointing where they should. And after a while, it can make your tires wear unevenly and cause problems with steering and handling. Let's go back to that pothole or curb you hit hard. Even though you think there was no damage done, if you wait until you see tire wear, you may need to replace all four tires, not an inexpensive proposition. That's why it's a good idea to make sure your alignment is regularly checked by a qualified technician. If you get regular oil changes (a MUST!), consider having an alignment check while your vehicle is in. That's especially important if you drive roads that resemble the lunar surface. If you buy new tires, it's also strongly recommended that you have your alignment checked. You can have your front wheels aligned or all four, and if your vehicle is newer, it's not a bad idea to spend a little extra for the four-wheel alignment check. Good alignment pays off with better steering and handling, less tire wear and—BONUS—better fuel economy since aligned wheels offer less resistance when they roll on the road. Folsom Autotech | ||
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
These mechanics fix your vehicle and stand behind their work. They bent over backwards to accommodate me and my schedule. They are located on an easily accessible corner with plenty of parking. The manager, Ron, and owner, Jim, were professional and courteous at all times with such great smiles and information as well as many years of experience and knowledge. A real find and I will continue to use them for my mechanical needs.
Folsom Autotech has been my go-to garage for over 15 years. I asked the guys I work with where they'd send their wife or daughter for car repairs and the resounding recommendations was Folsom Autotech. They were right, this is MY garage and I don't want or trust anyone else to work on our cars!