Author Archives: Dale Childress

Your Car’s Transmission

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In a bad economy, people logically try to make good economic choices but often lack the needed knowledge on which to base them. When they are choosing between AWD and 4WD vehicles, for example, they usually trust their auto dealership to inform and guide their choice. Possibly because car salesmen themselves are not trained mechanics and most car buyers are not either, transmissions are something that are not often discussed during the buying process.

Changing Gears - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto

The difference between an AWD and a 4WD is the transmission, and there is far too little understanding of that. Car buyers certainly cannot be expected to know it. Most people are just too busy to do the needed research, so even great online resources do not really help. Furthermore, the vast majority of car salesmen are not fully trained on the actual mechanical operation of the vehicles.

As a result, the transmissions of the cars that buyers are choosing between are often completely overlooked. That only increases the likelihood that the buyers themselves ignore the part that transmissions play in every car’s performance. It is the transmission that directs power differently to the wheels depending on the car’s drive system (AWD/4WD).

Thus, although transmissions take the leading role in a car’s acceleration, they have very little to do with a car’s traction (except when accelerating while turning). Furthermore, transmissions are connected to engines by some combination of “flywheels”, clutches, and/or “fluid couplings”. Transmissions are critical to vehicle performance, and they are complicated; they require regular inspection and servicing by trained mechanics to stay in optimal condition.

To do anything less than have a qualified professional maintain a component so crucial to your car’s performance is just asking for trouble. To the extent that drivers can, they need to familiarize themselves with common signs that something is wrong, since even ‘check engine’ lights can fail. In addition, car owners need to make time, find money, and keep up with both the routine and ‘as-needed’ maintenance recommended in owner’s manuals.

How To Tell It Is Tune-Up Time

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Although owner’s manuals recommend regular tune ups that vary with vehicles, more frequent attention by professional mechanics is sometimes necessary. Tune ups maximize a vehicle’s performance given its age and the age of its engine’s parts, so a well tuned engine gets better gas mileage. The government’s website states, “Tuning your engine according to your owner’s manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent.”

Tune Up - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

Taken altogether, this means that drivers waste money on their daily commutes if their cars are not well tuned. That heightens the importance of recognizing common signs that it is not the right time to wait for routine maintenance. While this can mean the inconvenience of fitting a needed tune up into busy schedules, it brings immediate and long term benefits.

Common Signs It’s Time

  • Frequent stalling
  • Unusual engine behavior while idling or accelerating
  • Difficulty starting the car

Stalling typically indicates problems with spark plugs, but the precise problem may differ with the circumstances under which the engine stalls. If it gets harder to start the car, there are several causes that could be the source of the problem, including a bad fuel pump or battery. Any time an engine is behaving unusually, it generally means the car is not performing fully and needs a tune up.

Paying attention to common signs that it is time to have a car professionally “tuned up” is especially important before long trips. As summer approaches and more people begin to take road and camping trips, local mechanics get busier. Accordingly, the sooner needed tune ups are scheduled, the easier it is to work them into your own busy schedule.

The car’s performance also improves sooner, saving both gas money and limited natural resources, and drivers can set out on long trips with greater confidence. So, why don’t you call us for an appointment right now? We’ll have your car working properly in no time!

Changing Your Own Oil

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Economic times being what they are, many people are looking for ways to keep expenses down. Some are cleaning their own gutters, while others are planning to mow their own yards and wash their own cars. They are also learning the true value of the ‘simple jobs’ they usually pay for, like getting their oil changed.

DIY Oil Change - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

On the Ground Changes

Do-It-Yourself oil changes are popping up on ways-to-save lists, too, but that may prove to be a mistake. It seems fast and easy enough when somebody else does it, but it can be a real pain for homeowners to do themselves. It is also an extremely messy job, even before attempting to responsibly dispose of the old oil.

Still, if you are willing to get down on your back and crawl under the front of your car, it may be for you.  If you need an excuse to finally throw away an old shirt, and your dry skin could benefit from a little automotive oil, go for it. If you do not mind oil stains in your driveway, you can do it there; the pets and kids can track it indoors and save more.

More Than an Oil Change

DIY stain removal can be the next way you save some money…, or you can make Grunge the new Contemporary look for the home. What’s more, if you do not mind spending some time on the phone, you can probably find out what to do with the old oil. DIY oil changes are definitely possible if you have a few hours that are only worth a few bucks each to you.

What starts out sounding like a good idea, an easy way to save some money, is more complicated than it seems. For those who like to get down and dirty, changing their own oil provides a great opportunity to indulge that longing for grime. Unfortunately, even they are not qualified to examine their engines, so they still do not really know the true value of having a professional change the oil in the car instead of doing it themselves.

Proper Tire Inflation

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Both safety and savings come with proper tire inflation, so much so that even the President makes mention of it from time to time. Many drivers are aware of its importance but confused by conflicting input from friends, so they still are not ensuring proper tire pressure. Often, the maximum written on tires is different than the pressure indicated by the car’s manufacturer, so many wonder…

Checking Tire Pressure - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

“What’s Really The Deal?”

The recommended PSI in the owner’s manual is the one that considers the load placed on its tires by the vehicle itself. For those who do not know, “PSI” is “pounds per square inch”. This is a calculation of the air needed to maximally support the car under normal conditions. That makes it easier to understand why the vehicle’s manufacturer is the number most recognized as the “proper” inflation figure.

The auto maker calculated the ideal PSI for the car, so this is the air pressure you want to regularly maintain in its tires. Every automobile owner should have a tire pressure gauge, and you want to check the pressure at home before the car is driven. It can change with the drive between home and the nearest available pressure gauge, so go by your ‘cold’ reading of PSI.

“And the PSI on the Tire?”

The tire maker is letting you know the absolute maximum PSI the tire can ever handle safely. It should never be inflated to a higher pressure than the one indicated on the tire itself. This is important because there can be times when it is appropriate to exceed the auto maker’s recommended PSI.

If the vehicle is temporarily under a heavy load, it could ‘flatten’ the tires more than is safe and could damage the tires as well. Under these circumstances, it might be appropriate to put more air in the tires if they can handle it. Do not forget to let it back out once the unusual load is gone, and – if you are still uncertain about anything – see your local tire guys.

When to Invest In Car Maintenance for Smooth Driving

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As soon as you buy the car is the right time to start maintaining it because it saves you money in the long run. The regular maintenance recommended by manufacturers (or mechanics if the car is not new) is needed to maximize the vehicle’s performance. That standard reminder is not a way to get you to spend money unnecessarily; it is the exact opposite.

Car Maintenance - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto

Long Commutes

Start-and-stop driving increases the wear and tear on engines and filters, so if it is part of the daily routine, more frequent maintenance is necessary. Fuel and emission systems are strained along with power transmissions, air conditioners, and electrical systems. The aggravation of a daily commute can cause drivers to lose track of the additional burden it places on their cars.

Short Hops

Another aspect of busy lives is a tendency to jump in the car and run to the store or the bank or the fitness center…  Unfortunately, that usually means driving somewhere without warming up the car, which is hard on it in any weather. It can contaminate oil and cause filter blockages faster, so the car’s fitness for those quick runs means more attention to oil filters.

Seasonal Changes

Many drivers need to change their tires to drive safely in winter, with snow and ice common on streets from time to time. When spring finally takes hold, the snow tires should come off to preserve their condition for needed use. To keep your car driving smoothly, its tires need to be properly aligned and balanced, so letting pros change them is another good investment.

Road Trips

What is meant to be a quick visit to the in-laws can become a really long trip if the car breaks down. Before a trip of any unusual length, invest in a thorough check of the whole vehicle by a qualified mechanic. At a minimum, it is a good time for new oil and filters and if something needs fixing, this is the time to do it.

DIY Auto Repair vs. Hiring a Mechanic

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Unless they have money to burn, the only people who should be doing their own auto repairs are mechanics themselves. Handy types who can afford to tinker with their own cars and then pay to have their mistakes corrected are one thing. If they are trying to save some money, however, drivers with no license to take on auto repairs are doing exactly the wrong thing.

DIY Auto Repair - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

Step-By-Step Instructions for Verifiable Insanity

Car owners who look to save money by handling their own auto repairs are setting themselves up for the exact opposite in results. Making your next car in the driveway by yourself sounds like an even better way to save some money… but are you serious? Auto repairs are not something you can do by YouTube; the eyes on your car should not flick back and forth between it and step-by-step instructions.

That is also a way to identify a bad mechanic, by the way, but even a bad mechanic has had training you do not have. This is your car we are talking about. It transports your kids to school, church, and soccer games. The most important things in your life are in this car on a regular basis, so shouldn’t it be repaired by a professional?

You rely on your car to get to work and the bank and the store, and you place your own and other valuable lives within it. It is an extremely complicated piece of machinery full of switches and sensors and parts from big too small. It does not even have to leave your driveway to endanger your own and other lives if you do not know what you are doing.

Do the Right Thing to Really Save Money

Don’t be crazy! Unless you are a mechanic yourself, find one to do your car repairs and save a life along with your money. Only the well-off can afford to work on their own cars. If that’s you, go for it! If it is not, please call a mechanic and have your car properly repaired.

Getting Your Car Ready for Summer and Road Trips

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With the approach of Summer comes the call of the road, that longing to jump in the car and see the country. Road trips can be great, forging memories and friendships that last a lifetime, but they can go awry quickly if the car breaks down. Accordingly, summer road trips and car camping excursions that take your four-wheel-drive vehicle far off the beaten track call for preventive car maintenance.

Summer Road Trips - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

You could try to do it yourself, if the idea of spending your summer vacation in a field with the hood up appeals to you. If, however, you would rather be flying down a single-track path on that bike racked to the roof, leave it all to a mechanic. Money well spent buys you a thorough inspection of the engine’s components and fluids and professional replacement of worn-out parts. More to the point, it buys you peace of mind and the assurance of a road trip unspoiled by a breakdown.

Proper Car Maintenance Involves More Than You Think

When we think of car maintenance, some of us think of driving through the car wash and paying a neighborhood kid to wax the car. Those are, in fact, good starts and an important part of maintaining the exterior condition of the car. They are not, however, the kind of car maintenance that needs to take place before setting out on a road trip.

A road trips calls for inspection of your car’s engine, from an evaluation of the oil that is in it to the timing of spark plugs. The fuel and oil filters need to be checked, since they keep impurities out of the systems they service. Other fluids necessary for power steering and the transmission have to be of the right type as specified by manufacturers.

Part Replacements, One and All, Are for Mechanics

Air filters may also need to be replaced, which usually means replacing the air flow sensor as well. In fact, manufacturers generally advise replacement of all related components whenever a single part is changed out. All of these and the other parts of the engine that need to be checked call for the professional attention of a trained mechanic. Cross this off the list before setting off on a road trip to ensure you reach that coveted final destination.

General Maintenance on Your Car

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Keeping your car in good condition not only increases its lifetime for you, but also makes it more valuable should you decide to sell it. Even general maintenance, however, should involve a mechanic, unless you have a broad knowledge of your car’s engine and a lot of free time. Increasingly complex, a car engine’s components can be hard to locate, and the condition can be even harder to assess.

Auto Maintenance - Nashville TN - Dale Jr's Auto Repair

Recognizing What You Can and Can’t Do

A few things can be handled by most car owners, mostly cosmetic but nonetheless important to the car’s maintenance. Regular washings allow small scratches in the paint to be seen and tended to, and good quality wax will protect the paint from damage. Tires should be properly inflated and the condition of their tread regularly inspected, although, without a tread depth gauge, that is best left to a mechanic.

The engine of your car is another matter altogether, with a number of components that need to be checked and maintained. Oil and fluids needed to permit power steering, gear changes, and cooling have to be topped off or drained and replaced. Filters have to be examined and probably replaced, and spark plugs have to be maintained in good condition.

Leave the Hard Stuff to a Mechanic

While it may be possible for car owners to keep their battery terminals clean, most are not able to replace their own spark plugs. Similarly, while they may be able to check the oil level, draining and replacing it are usually best left to professional mechanics. Fresh oil mandates a new oil filter as well, which means first finding it, and it is another component to be properly chosen and installed.

It is an unfortunate truth that most car owners know virtually nothing about their car engines. Assuming they can identify it, they are unlikely to be able even to assess a fan belt’s condition, let alone change it. Luckily, mechanics are there to insure that the general maintenance necessary for any car is performed regularly and properly.

The Value of Working With an Independent Repair Shop

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As a car owner, you would hope you could walk into any dealer or independent shop and receive the same care for the automobile. Unfortunately, that is not the case. While there are some items that are best left to the actual dealership, in many cases, using an independent repair shop is the better choice.

Using an Independent Repair Shop in Nashville TN

Dealerships would have you believe that local shops are not as skilled or do not have the same equipment they have to fix your car. That is simply not true. High quality training to both independent and dealer mechanics is available. In other words, a professional mechanic has the very same resources available that the dealership mechanics have available to them.

One of the more significant problems with dealership repair shops is the turnover of staff. Many mechanics use these outlets as training stops before opening up their own shop or before finding a better paying job. This means that very rarely will the same person be working on your car when it is brought in for work.

Never underestimate the advantage of familiarity, not to mention service that is more personal. Over time, your local mechanic will truly get to know both you and your car. It is unlikely a relationship such as this will ever form with a dealership. In most cases, you are simply a number and work order to be completed. For the local shop, your regular business represents food on the table and paid bills, therefore your business is treated with just a bit more meaning and respect.

A secondary problem is that the dealership can literally have hundreds of cars in wait at all times. Your bring your car in today and you might be lucky to have it back in a week. Local shops generally take less time to turnover cars, therefore, you get your car back quickly. Since most of us demand immediate satisfaction and great customer service, the independent shop is often the best solution to the problem.

Importance of Knowing Your Car’s Maintenance History

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Have you ever seen the commercial where the guy is about to close the deal on the used car and the fox tells the customer to ask for the CarFax? The commercial is both funny and true. As a future, current, or past car owner, it is important to know and document the history of the car. It helps in the maintenance of the car, the ability to sell the car, and provides the future buyer with peace of mind.

Know Car's Maintenance History - Nashville TN

As the Car Owner

While owning a car, keep a detailed report of everything that is done and happens to the vehicle. Over time, it is easy to forget that at 2,500 miles after a tune up the engine makes a specific noise or the handling starts to feel off. Knowing information such as this can help the mechanic narrow down the causes and fix the problem so it does not continue to happen.

As a Car Buyer

Before buying any car, you should request to see the car’s maintenance history. This could save you significant money on a car that originally appears as though it is a very sweet deal. For instance, perhaps the car uses too much oil or belts are wearing extremely quickly. There may also be a steady decline on the performance of specific parts, which could lead to costly repairs shortly after making the purchase.

As the Seller of the Car

Having an accurate and well-documented maintenance history is only going to make the car more attractive to a potential buyer. First, it lets them know how well you took care of the car while under your possession. Second, it gives them a better picture of what they will need to keep the car running properly in the future. Finally, it offers them peace of mind in knowing they are getting exactly what they are paying for when making the purchase.