All Things Automotive & Diesel Service Helps You Decipher the Menu Board: Part 2
Posted February 25, 2014 12:00 PM
ID service centers have a menu board that lists the services they provide. Some Idaho Falls drivers may not be familiar with all of the items on the board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service fuel system cleaning: Over time, the vehicle fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas, by the way.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service headlamp replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. It's usually good to change them every year or so.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service inspections: Idaho Falls drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they're going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle's ready for a ID summer or winter. Maybe they just bought a used vehicle and want to give it the once over. An inspection may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service oil change: There are several options: Some Idaho Falls centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. In my way of thinking, the full service option is best because it makes sure you have adequate fluids and may uncover an emerging problem. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service PCV valve replacement in Idaho Falls: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It's a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. It just needs to be changed now and then.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service power steering service: Often overlooked. Your friendly and knowledgeable All Things Automotive & Diesel Service technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the vehicle system running well for a long time.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service serpentine belt service: That's the belt that powers the vehicle engine's accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You'll want to replace the serpentine belt before it breaks, because that'll shut you down.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service shocks and struts: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Idaho Falls drivers don't notice when it's time to change them. If they're worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service transmission service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It's like an oil change for your transmission.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service tire rotation and wheel balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
Getting the Right Tires and Wheels in Idaho Falls
Posted February 18, 2014 12:00 PM
A lot of people get custom wheels in Idaho Falls. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you're not careful. Sometimes, once they're mounted, they just don't fit right. The tires rub in turns or on bumps. You don't want that.
Consulting your All Things Automotive & Diesel Service tire professional can ensure you get the right fit. First he'll ask you a series of questions about your Idaho Falls driving needs and what you want in your new wheels. Now, not every wheel can go on every car. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside so the tires rub.
If you don't want to make any modifications to your vehicle, you would need to focus on the wheels that would fit. With trucks, some people in Idaho Falls like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.
Also, most Idaho Falls drivers don't realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your vehicle's anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.
The computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn't know what changes you made so it can't tell how fast you're going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong speed. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your vehicle engine control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size.
Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in ID. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your friendly and knowledgeable All Things Automotive & Diesel Service tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and how to select the right tire for your vehicle. Your All Things Automotive & Diesel Service service advisor will help you find the best tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs in Idaho Falls.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
Emergency Items for Idaho Falls
Posted February 6, 2014 12:00 PM
Safe ID travel starts with preventive maintenance and good vehicle care at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service. But there are other things Idaho Falls residents can do to prepare for emergencies on the road. Here's some auto advice that can help you plan for emergencies, and just may save your life — or someone else's.
First, Idaho Falls auto owners should consider keeping an auto emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should contain items that will allow you to deal with common emergencies on the road.
Some items you should carry in your vehicle include jumper cables (or a booster box), flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools. Other useful items include gloves, two quarts of oil, some antifreeze, water and everything you need to change a tire. You might also consider a can of tire inflator, which is a great temporary fix for minor flats.
But taking care of your vehicle is only part of emergency preparedness. It is to take care of the people in the car, too. For this reason, you should carry a first aid kit, drinkable water and blankets. Other items to consider include high-calorie food items (like energy bars), toilet paper, a towel, a hat and boots. And, of course, when you travel in ID and out-of-state you should always have your cell phone, some emergency cash and a credit card.
Depending on where you live, you may need to add other items to this list. For example, sunscreen, sunglasses and extra water would be good to have on hand in a hot climate. For the cold and snowy ID season, some salt, a hand shovel, emergency blankets and matches might be in order. Also, if your area is prone to severe weather or earthquakes, you should check with your local Red Cross or disaster preparedness office for their recommendations on what to keep on hand in your vehicle for emergencies.
When you travel away from your Idaho Falls home, you should check the weather forecasts before you leave and pack appropriate emergency supplies. Also, do some research about the areas you will be traveling through so you can be prepared for the climate and terrain. Remember the basics: heat, water, shelter, light and food.
When you travel, it is important to leave your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Check in periodically at prearranged checkpoints. That way, if something does happen, someone else will quickly know you are in trouble and will be able to send help. These checkpoints will also help rescuers find you quickly, as they will have a better idea as to where you are.
The automotive professionals at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service want Idaho Falls drivers to be safe. Preventive maintenance, proper planning, smart communication: these are the basics of safe travel.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903