Is Your Battery Ready to Battle This Seasons Frosty Temperatures?

Is Your Battery Ready to Battle This Seasons Frosty Temperatures?

Is Your Battery Ready to Battle This Seasons Frosty Temperatures?

And now our monthly Car Care Tip courtesy of Tommy Tuneup!

Cold weather can play havoc with a vehicle’s battery, threatening starting and the ability to handle winter’s increased electrical loads.

Andreas Tobler, Product Manager in Energy Systems for Bosch, a global premium battery leader, states, “A conventional 12-volt battery maintains about 40 percent of its capacity at 0 degrees F, so it’s very important to make sure the vehicle’s battery is up to the task when the weather turns really cold.

Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards

Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards

Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards

And now our monthly Car Care Tip courtesy of Tommy Tuneup!

Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.

Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.

The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacement.

Confidence on the road begins with regular system maintenance!

Confidence on the road begins with regular system maintenance!

Confidence on the road begins with regular system maintenance!

Call today and let the professionals at Tysons Auto Specialties provide you with their premium BG Cooling System Service

Over-heating is the leading cause of roadside breakdowns. For this reason, Tysons Auto Specialties recommends our BG Cooling System Service on a regular schedule to ensure reliable performance of this all-important system.

Remember, your cooling system involves more than just your radiator. Rust, corrosion and scale can build up as coolant is circulated through your engine block and heater core.

Did You Know? Air Bag Safety

Did You Know? Air Bag Safety

Did You Know? Air Bag Safety

An airbag is not a soft fluffy pillow. To do its job, an airbag will deploy at up to 200 miles per hour! Drivers and passengers must be properly seated with their belts fastened to avoid injuries should an accident quickly occur.

Be sure your children are in the proper child safety seat approved for their age. Children should not ride in the front seat, even “just for fun.”

Remember that seat belts should be worn at all times, never placing the should strap under the arm. Remember, airbags are supplemental protection devices. Adults should be seated as far back as practical in the front seat. Drivers should avoid sitting close and crowding the steering wheel.

Don’t forget to service your drive line system!

Don’t forget to service your drive line system!

Don’t forget to service your drive line system!

You can ensure a maximum transfer of power from your engine to your wheels with BG Drive Line service.

The drive line is that part of your car’s drive train between the transmission and wheels. Drive line systems can be very different depending on whether your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Over time, gear oil can break down and become contaminated. This can lead to the formation of deposits, worn gears and even major repair costs.

Auto Tip of the Month: Seven Signs That Your Brakes Need to be Inspected

August is Brake Safety Awareness Month

This month the Car Care Council reminds motorists that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.

“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends that motorists watch for seven signs that their brakes need to be inspected:

  • Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
  • Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
  • Low Pedal: brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
  • Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.
  • Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.
  • Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.
  • Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

brakeBrakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

If any of the warning signs are present with your vehicle be sure to call Tom Ivey at at 703-893-1860 or click here to set up an appointment today.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

 

Why don’t you tell others about the great service you’ve received at Tysons Auto Specialties?

One great way to say thank you to Richard and his team of professionals for all their hard work is to tell others about their business. Just click here and leave your message about the great service at Tysons Auto Specialties.

 

And remember our $69.95 Same-day Service Special…

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                                                    Call Tysons Auto Specialties at 703-893-1860

Auto Tip of the Month: Can Your Car Weather the Storm?

While last year’s brutal winter may seem like a distant memory, severe weather is on its way. The Car Care Council reminds drivers to ready their vehicles for the rough conditions ahead.

“Vehicle service is always more convenient when you do it on your own schedule. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked will help make sure it can weather the storm when arctic temperatures strike again,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Because preventative maintenance helps avoid the hassle and cost of an emergency breakdown, the Car Care Council recommends the following steps to winterize your vehicle:

  • Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
  • Check the antifreeze. As a general rule of thumb, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.
  • Check that heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
  • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
  • Check the oil and filter and be diligent about changing them at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
  • Check engine performance before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
  • Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
  • Check the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
  • Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

tommyDuring winter, drivers should keep their vehicle’s gas tank at least half-full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Motorists should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Why don’t you tell others about the great service you’ve received at Tysons Auto Specialties?

One great way to say thank you to Tom and his team of professionals for all their hard work is to tell others about their business. Just click here  and leave your message about the great service at Tysons Auto Specialties.

Auto Tip of the Month: Multiply Gas Savings with Vehicle Maintenance

As gas prices continue to drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little now to increase fuel efficiency, drivers can multiply fuel savings and save more money at the pump, says the Car Care Council.

The national average of the cost of a gallon of gas has been above $3 since 2010 but is expected to dip below that mark this year, according to a recent forecast by energy information service GasBuddy.com.

“Gas prices are expected to fall below $3 per gallon on average, and that means motorists can count on significant savings at the pump,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A small investment in simple and inexpensive auto care will add up to better fuel economy and even more savings.”

The non-profit Car Care Council encourages motorists to be car care aware and perform simple steps to improve fuel efficiency and save money.

  • Engine Performance: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
  • Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
  • Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.
  • Gas Cap: Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.
  • Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

Screen Shot 2014-10-29 at 11.20.52 AMIn addition to vehicle maintenance, modifying driving habits, such as observing the speed limit and avoiding quick stops and starts, can also increase fuel efficiency.

Consolidating trips, avoiding excessive idling and removing unnecessary items from the trunk are also easy ways to lower fuel consumption.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

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