Your vehicle’s brakes are its most important safety feature, designed to keep you and everyone else on the road safe. The entire braking system is deceptively complex, involving many parts that need to be checked and replaced often. Not many people know with absolute certainty when their systems are failing, or when an inspection is required. Keeping the following guidelines in mind lets know exactly when to bring your car in for a brake check.
Most car owners know when to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as having your tires rotated and your brakes inspected. When it comes to fluids, however, many have the same question: when should you get an oil change? While many manufacturers recommend specific intervals, everything from the environment to the type of traffic you typically endure can mean you need your oil changed much sooner. Being familiar with the signs you need an oil change is a crucial part of car ownership.
Washington sees an average of 38.15 inches of precipitation per year, much of it being rain. This can lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially if your vehicle is not serviced correctly. While many people have been behind the wheel for years, learning how to drive in the rain is a special skill that can be honed over time. These safe driving tips are an excellent place to start.
Figuring out if your car has a timing chain vs. timing belt often makes a huge difference when budgeting repairs. While belts and chains both connect the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), they have different lifespans and are prone to varying types of damage. Learning more about each one ensures your car runs smoother for longer. Belts are smooth, rubber objects making the connection while chains resemble large, thick bicycle chains.
The climate control systems in your vehicle can help make the seasons easier to endure in Western Washington. Your focus is likely more on the heating component during the winter months, but it’s important to take care of the air conditioning system all year round. If you neglect the A/C for too long, it can stop working completely by the time summer comes around. Luckily, running the unit even during the winter can prolong the life of your car’s air conditioner.
Living in Washington exposes a driver to all sorts of nasty conditions throughout the year. Keep yourself and your passengers safe by brushing up on some safe winter driving tips. There are a few key things you need to know before taking to the roads this winter.
You can learn much about your vehicle’s health by periodically examining its engine oil, coolant, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, and battery fluid.
With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, many of you are heading out of town. To ensure your family has a safe trip, make sure to check a few things on your vehicle before you head out.
As most of you know the economy has been taking a nose dive. We have seen more and more small mom and pop shops close up as more and more people start shopping at chain stores. But, talking to a lot of people in the Kent and Auburn areas, I think we all are trying to keep our money right here in Washington! We all work hard and we do so. Everything is done in-house, from the marketing and accounting to a full parts warehouse. Nothing is hired out.
So for my first blog post, I thought you all should know how great both Greg and David Huntley are and what all they have done to give back to the community. Last year, when the horrible earthquake shook Haiti, Greg and David both said, “We need to help!” We held a “Week of Relief” where they donated all the money from every oil change to the Friends of the Orphans. We also held a shoe drive at the same time and the response was so overwhelming! You see, I think most people do want to help. They just don’t know how. Greg’s Japanese Auto gave them that opportunity. We donated over 1,200 pairs of shoes in honor of Molly Hightower who was fatally injured during the earthquake. But yet, Greg and David still wanted to give more. Working with the Friends of the Orphans and Mike Hightower, we are still working on getting Greg and some of our technicians over to Haiti to get service vehicles up and running again. Other charities include the National MS Society, Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure; several Little League foundations around all of Western Washington, and high school sports!
If you are asking yourself why should I go to Greg’s Japanese Auto over the dealer?, to me this question answers itself. Greg’s prides itself on customer satisfaction and quality. We use the same OEM parts and our technicians are highly trained ASE certified techs. We are not trying to sell you a car; we just want to keep your running right! None of us works on commission because we do not have selling quotas to meet at the end of the day! We are here for you and your car! Even our warranty is better than any dealer is going to offer you at 15 month or 15,000 miles!
Tired of auto repair shops that don't understand your car? Want a car mechanic who does? Come to Greg's Japanese Auto.
We only work on Japanese makes and models, and we have the experience and knowhow to give your car the service it deserves. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
