Most of us go out for an oil change completely neglecting the other essential fluids that our vehicles need to stay up and running. A vehicle is, quite literally, a machine made up of moving parts, all of which rely on the maintenance of fluids to stay functional. Below are four key fluids and the role they play in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Oil When we think about essential car fluids, oil is typically … Read More
Our Mechanic’s Choice for Top Vehicle
When looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, you’ve probably asked around about the most dependable car brands in terms of maintenance and reliability. While you may have heard all sorts of recommendations, ranging from Toyota to Nissan to Kia, we decided to get a collective opinion from our auto experts. At Atlantic Tire & Service, we’ve polled our ASE Certified mechanics in all four shops and the undisputed winner is… Honda. Below are … Read More
Vehicle Components that Need Replacement Often
Keeping your vehicle in top condition requires regular replacement of a handful of essential components. Make sure to keep up with recommended preventative maintenance schedules as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you bring your car or truck in for an oil change every 5,000 miles, you will be able to get these items replaced at the same time. Oil and Oil Filter The oil needs to be replaced more often than anything else in … Read More
Safety Tips for Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
North Carolina roads are treacherous places to drive when the snow starts to fall, as we have just seen recently. Snow plow equipment is limited, since it is not needed often enough to justify having many plow trucks on hand. Minor roads and rural areas tend to stay covered in snow and ice until the thaw comes. In addition to that, the climate in this region is conducive to icy road conditions, which is considerably … Read More
How to Avoid Buying a Flooded Vehicle
In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the market for cars has been “flooded” with vehicles that were submerged during the storm. Owners of flood-damaged cars have resorted to a number of deceptive tactics in an effort to quickly offload their problems. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Talk to an expert that you trust In general, we recommend purchasing a vehicle from a reputable dealership. Auto dealers must adhere to high … Read More
Is “Gap Insurance” Really Worth the Money?
If you are planning or considering the purchase of a new vehicle this holiday season, you will soon hear about gap insurance. When you buy a new or late-model used vehicle, gap insurance covers the “gap” between the wholesale book value of a car and the amount that you will owe on the loan (assuming you finance the vehicle). Most collision insurance policies cover the wholesale book value of a car, which is significantly less … Read More
Winterize Your Vehicle and Prepare for the Cold Weather
As the winter rapidly approaches, it’s an important time of year to be proactive and take care of your vehicle. “Winterizing” a car refers to getting your car ready before cold temperatures hit and snow and ice start to fall. Getting stranded in freezing weather is a situation that no one wants to face! Also, failure to prepare for winter can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Perform recommended winter maintenance. Last month, … Read More
October is National Fall Car Care Month!
Each year, the Car Care Council designates one month in the spring (April) and one month in the fall (October) to call awareness to the importance of regular car care. Failure to perform regularly scheduled preventative maintenance can cause breakdowns and make your vehicle unsafe. According to the Car Care Council, this is an important time of year to stay ahead of the game and get your car serviced before the temperature drops. Based on … Read More
4 DIY Vehicle Safety Checks to Perform on a Regular Basis
Now that school is starting and the hustle and bustle of the fall is getting underway, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is safe for the whole family. If you have your vehicle serviced regularly, it is rare that you will ever run into any surprises. At the same time, there are a few things that every vehicle owner should watch out for. Windshield Wipers You may not notice anything wrong with your wipers … Read More
Do you know the 3 filters: Cabin, Fuel and Air?
Did you know every vehicle has 3 primary filters that “filter” out dirt, contaminants and harmful debris? These 3 filters are built for our vehicle’s cabin, fuel and air systems. Once a filter is clogged, decreased function and performance results in these systems. The air filter protects harmful debris, contaminants and dirt from clogging and entering into your engine system. When the filter is too dirty, it forces your vehicle’s engine to work harder thus … Read More