For your peace of mind, the auto repair experts at City Garage have a few tips to help you make it through this winter season safe and sound:

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE’S ENGINE
Cold weather temperatures can cause your vehicle’s motor oil to thicken and not circulate as well throughout critical engine parts. To protect your engine during cold weather periods, choose a fully synthetic engine oil that’s best for your vehicle. If you aren’t sure which engine oil to use, schedule a tune-up or oil change at your local City Garage for a recommendation from our experts.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE’S FLUIDS
To protect the fluid in your radiator system from freezing, maintaining a well-supplied antifreeze reservoir is important during winter months. If your car doesn’t have a reserve tank, simply pour the fluids directly into your radiator for effective use.

TIRES AND BRAKES
A good set of tires can be the difference between making complete stops and skidding on icy roads, so make sure all of your vehicle’s tires have enough tread depth and optimal pressure levels. If your vehicle doesn’t already have an antilock brake system (ABS), purchasing a fresh set of brake pads can also improve the safety of your vehicle on wet or icy roads.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Attempting to remove ice from your windshield using your windshield wipers could damage the rubber on your blades. The next time you bring your vehicle in for service, let our ASE Certified Technicians check your wipers to make sure yours are in good condition.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your vehicle heading into the cold weather months, schedule a free vehicle inspection at your local City Garage. Our auto repair experts will give you peace of mind, and have you back on the road in time for the holiday season!

For additional cold weather driving tips throughout this season, like us on Facebook, or follow City Garage on Twitter.

Before visiting your local City Garage for a free tire inspection, there are several areas you can self-monitor that will indicate whether or not your tires are in good condition. The three-point check includes: tread depth, tire pressure, and visual inspection.

TREAD DEPTH:
When monitoring the depth of each tire’s tread, make sure the tread never falls below 1/16th of an inch in depth on any of your tires. A simple test for this is the “penny test.” All you have to do is take a Lincoln-head penny, and insert the penny into the tread (groove) so that Abe’s head (head-down) is visible on the penny. The distance between the rim of the penny and the top of Lincoln’s head is 1/16th of an inch. Therefore, if any part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are “good to go.” If Lincoln’s entire head remains visible, the tire does not have enough tread and will not provide adequate traction on wet roads. To ensure accuracy, it is recommended that you perform this check at different places on each tire – inner, outer and middle grooves.

TIRE PRESSURE:
Under inflation is the number one cause of tire failure and poor gas mileage, so we recommend that you check your tire pressure once every month, especially with the changing weather conditions we are experiencing. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) by a tire pressure air gauge. If you do not own one you can purchase it for a few dollars at any auto parts store or just stop by any City Garage and we will check your tires’ pressures for free. If possible, checking the tire pressure when the tires are cold can improve the accuracy of the reading. To find out the recommended PSI for your car’s tires, look inside the driver’s side door jamb for a tire pressure label or check your owner’s manual.

VISUAL INSPECTION:
The third tire safety check is to conduct a visual inspection every time you fill your car with gas. Simply look at all four tires for cuts, punctures or anything that looks like irregular tire wear. If you think you have improper tread wear on your tires, bring in your vehicle to have the alignment checked to make sure all four tires are aligned.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your vehicle’s tires, stop by your local City Garage for a free tire inspection by one of our ASE Certified Technicians.
Do you have any other tips for monitoring the safety of a vehicle’s tires? Share them with us in the below comment section!

You’re in a hurry. It’s 8:20 a.m., and you’re supposed to give a presentation at work in ten minutes. You grab your brief case, rush out the door to your car, and then the unpredictable happens – your car won’t start. How frustrating! Out of all the days of the year, today is NOT the day you planned on having to deal with auto repairs.

Hopefully this won’t happen to you. In case you’re worried about why and when it will happen, there are multiple reasons that can cause your car not to start. Here are the most probable causes, and steps to address each one.

The first and most likely problem is a dead or drained battery. This can be caused by something as simple as leaving your car’s lights on overnight. The good news is, just because your battery is dead, you don’t necessarily have to buy a new one. All you have to do is either recharge the battery by hooking up a battery charger, or getting a jump-start from a friend and then drive around for an hour or so and hope that your alternator does not burn up before the battery gets recharged.

A bad starter in your vehicle can also cause your vehicle not to turn over. Starters will slowly go bad over time, and can be inconsistent when they start to go bad. One day it won’t start, but the next day it will, and then another day it won’t start again. The good news is you can often see this coming when you start to notice your vehicle starting slower each day, so be sure to have your vehicle inspected at one of our DFW locations when you start to experience the dreaded dragging starter.

Finally, the cables that connect your vehicle’s battery to the starter can cause it not to turn over. This can be tricky because this cable is the thickest in your vehicle’s electrical system, and carries the most current. They can become corroded, in which case you will need to remove both ends from the battery before cleaning the battery cable connectors with a solvent of baking soda and a wire brush.

While this may not cover all possibilities of what’s causing your vehicle not to start, these should be the primary areas to consider when you are in this situation. When you need assistance with your car not starting, our auto repair experts are here to help and get you back on the road.

Visit us online to schedule an appointment with our auto repair experts in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex and we’ll perform a free 30 point maintenance inspection on your vehicle.

Here are 8 simple steps to help you stay safe:

1. Turn your hazard lights on. This way, other drivers are warned that there’s something wrong going on. Be sure to keep them even after you’ve made your way over to the side of the road and until your car has been towed.
2. Pull over if you’re able. And if at all possible, you should try to make it over to the right-hand shoulder of the road. If you find that you’re on a road without a safe place to pull over, keep your turn signal on and do your best to make it over to the right-hand lane. Only pull over into the left-hand shoulder as a last possible resort. If you’re on a residential road, see if there’s a free parking spot or parking lot nearby.
3. Turn your steering wheel away from the road and your emergency brake on. Doing this prevents your car from rolling away if you’re uphill.
4. Check that the coast is clear before getting out of your car. Be sure you check that the road is clear before getting out of your car, especially if you’re on the highway.
5. Call for help. If you have roadside assistance, give your provider a call. If not, call a tow truck or 9-1-1 if you need any additional help or assistance.
6. Pop your hood. Popping your hood is the universal sign of a breakdown and lets drivers know there’s a problem.
7. Put up flares or triangle if you have any. If you have flares or triangles in your emergency roadside kit, it’s a good idea to set them up, especially at night. Put one flare about 10 feet behind your car and the other a safe, further distance away.
8. Wait for help or assistance. Unless you’re an ASE Certified Expert like all of our mechanics, it’s better that you wait for help rather than try to repair it by yourself.

Found yourself in a breakdown? We’re here to help. Call or book an appointment with the experts at your neighborhood City Garage today.

Do you know what to look for? Here are 5 common signs that your car could use electrical servicing:

• Warning Lights. When your warning lights come on, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t quite right and your car needs attention now.
• Dim Lights. When your headlights or interior lights start dimming from time to time, it’s a good indicator that you’ve got an electrical issue.
• Dead Battery. When your battery can’t keep a charge, it’s a signal that there’s something wrong with your electrical system.
• Broke or Loose Electrical Connections. When your wires or connections become broke, you could experience several electrical problems.
• Sights, Smells & Sounds. When you see, smell or hear sounds that aren’t usual, it’s important to bring your car in soon after you’ve noticed this.

Are you starting to see any of these five signs? Be sure to come see your neighborhood car care specialists at City Garage. Our ASE Certified Experts are here to help.

Get an appointment on the books! Schedule an appointment at your local City Garage today.

If you’re in this group, here are 10 tips to help you make it to 150,000 miles and beyond:

• Buy a car that will last. Read reviews, talk to owners of that or similar cars, and take a few test drives. If you’re in the market for a new car, but plan to keep it for several years to come, this is your first step to making it last 150,000 miles or more.
• Follow your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Some parts require replacing based on miles, others on time. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for each. Also, pay extra attention to your timing belt. Although it’s expensive, it’s still much cheaper to replace it than repair the damage it’ll cause if it breaks.
• Stash cash in a car maintenance and repair account. You can’t always predict when a part will need replacing and, of course, accidents do happen. Keep a car repair account and try putting away some money each month so an unexpected repair won’t be so much of a shock to your checking account.
• Do your research. Some cars have certain problems that come up once you’ve hit a certain number of miles, years or circumstance. Check out forums on the web for your particular car. You’re likely to find everything you’d ever want to know right there. If you find your car is prone to a particular problem, it’ll help you prepare if and when that time comes.
• Pay attention to performance. If you notice new, strange sounds, smells, sensations or something that just doesn’t seem quite right, be sure to come see us.  Things like these aren’t normal and should be looked at as soon as possible.
• Do regular “test drives.” Go on a drive when you’re not busy thinking about where you’re going. Maybe even ask a friend or relative to drive your car. Sometimes, you may not notice a problem that’s gradually gotten worse over time, but they probably will. And you may even notice something while riding as a passenger that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
• Fix, replace and repair things right away. If you want to keep your car running for the long haul, it’s important to take good care of it. Don’t let little things go either. Over time, they’ll all add up.
• Use quality replacements parts. It’s important to use quality parts when it comes time to replace any that have become old and worn. If you’re not sure when it comes to brands or other options, our experts are always here to help.
• Keep up with routine cleaning. Looks still matter, even at 100,000+ miles. But your paint does more than just keep your car looking great, it protects the material underneath as well. So, it’s a good idea to wash and wax your car regularly.
• Take it easy behind the wheel. Cars that are driven gently last longer. Avoid any driving habits that add stress or strain on your car, including things such as hitting curbs, braking fast, foot-to-the-floor acceleration, exceeding your towing capacity, off-road driving or overloading.

With proper care, your car can make it to the 150,000-mile marker. And with a little help from our experts, we can help get you there.

Ready to take your car to the 150,000-mile milestone? We’re here to help. Come see our experts and let us show you how easy it can be done. Our seasoned experts will build a customized maintenance plan based on your car manufacturer’s recommended service schedule to get you there.

Ready to get started? Give us a call or book an appointment online anytime.

Whether or not you’ve felt any symptoms yet, when your wheels are out of alignment, it can really do some damage to your tires. Because when your alignment is off, your tires not only wear unevenly, but age prematurely as well.

So how can you tell when it’s time to get your alignment adjusted?

• First, you should take a look at your tires. If you notice uneven wear and tear, especially on the outside of some tires, that’s a good indicator.
• Then, you should focus on how your car handles. If you notice your car seems to drift off to one side, even when you think you’re steering straight, then that’s clue number two.
• Next, you should pay attention to your steering wheel. If you notice your steering wheel isn’t centered, yet you’re driving straight, then there’s sign number three.
• Last, you should never ignore any unusual sounds, smells or sensations. If you notice vibrations coming through your steering wheel or seat, then your alignment just might need an adjustment.

Even if you haven’t noticed any of the indicators above, we recommend having your alignment adjusted every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Your car may have different service specifications though, so be sure to check the owner’s manual for recommended service intervals.

So, if your tires aren’t pointing straight, protect your wheels. Book an appointment and bring your car into your neighborhood City Garage. Our ASE Certified Experts will get everything straightened out and get your car going in the right direction again.

As you’re getting back into the swing of school and starting up your carpool, here are a few things you should check to make sure your car is ready to keep up with your busy schedule:

• Bring your car in for routine maintenance services and a 30-point safety check. An oil change is definitely a good starting point. Also, it’s a good idea to replace dirty oil and air filters, look over your exterior and interior lighting, and check your fluid levels to make sure your car stays on the road, rather than on the side of it.
• Prepare for fall showers. You never know when you might have to make the drive to school during a heavy downpour, and it’s important that your car is prepared. Our ASE Certified Experts will inspect your wiper blades to make sure you’ve got a clear, streak-free view. We’ll also check your tire pressure and tread to make sure your tires have enough traction on wet, rainy roads.
• Follow car seat safety practices. If you’ll be taking younger children along with you, it’s important to make sure your younger passengers have the right safety seat and it’s used in the right way to keep them protected throughout the drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all children ages 13 and under should ride in the back seat, especially when it comes to those in rear-facing car seats. Any child in a rear-facing car seat should never ride in the front passenger seat when there’s an active passenger air bag. And when choosing a car seat, it’s important to always read child seat manufacturer’s instructions as well as your car owner’s manual for details on height and weight limits and instructions on how to install your car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system.
• Obey all school zone speed limits and traffic signs. Since younger children may wonder onto the street or outside of crosswalk lines, you should be extra careful when driving near or through school zones. Also, since a good portion of traffic is heading in the same direction you are, you should also be sure to look out for any other cars slowing down or stopping to let their kids out early.
• Teach younger children crosswalk and pedestrian safety tips. Talk to your kids about using crosswalks, sidewalks and things to be aware of on their walk to and from school. The most common cause for youth pedestrian crashes are due to dart-outs, when kids try to cross traffic mid-block and between parked cars.
• Make sure everyone buckles up! Especially check that your teenage passengers are buckling up. Survey results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that while some teens aren’t using their seat belts, most teens are more likely to buckle up when the adult driving them did. So, set a good example for all your passengers by buckling up!

Whether it’s an oil change or an engine repair, when it comes to car care, we’ve got you covered! So, if your car is in need of some Back-To-School servicing, be sure to book an appointment with our experts!

Find the City Garage in your neighborhood here. And be sure to check out these great Back-To-School specials!

So, if you’re in this group, here are a few road trip travel tips to keep in mind before you hit the road:

• Fluids: Make sure to check and top off all your fluids. Be sure that this includes your oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering and wiper fluids.
• Tires: Check your tire pressure and tread. Poor pressure can lead to a rough ride or even a blowout! Properly inflated tires not only make for a better ride, but make for better gas mileage too. And when your tire tread gets low, they lose traction, and could cause you to lose control of your car on wet, rainy roads.
• Wiper Blades: Be sure that your wiper blades are new or in good condition. Old, cracked or worn wiper blades will leave behind streaks and debris, leaving you without a clear view. Since you can’t always predict the weather and you’ll be in unfamiliar territory, it’s a good idea to replace them if they haven’t been getting the job done lately.
• Lights: Check that all your headlights, tail lights, turn signals and brake lights are working, especially if you’re planning to do any late night driving. It’s important that other cars can see you and that you’re able to communicate with them as well.
• Documents: Remember to bring your license, registration, insurance cards, owners’ manual, contact info and any maps or directions.
• Spare Key: Bring a spare set of keys along, and keep them in a place you’ll always be able to access, just in case you find yours happened to get locked inside.
• Gadgets: And don’t forget to pack your GPS, phone and battery chargers, flash light, flares, car care kit and, of course, your camera!

If you have any worries or concerns before heading out, be sure to book an appointment and bring your car in to see us! We’ll make sure you’re ready to hit the road this Labor Day weekend!

We hope you have a great holiday weekend and smooth travels ahead!

When you’re braking, do you….

1. Hear any grinding, squeaking or squealing sounds? Then it’s a good sign it’s time for new brake pads or shoes. As your brake pad starts getting old and worn, bare metal becomes exposed and causes that screeching sound you’ve been hearing. So, next time you’re out by the car, take a quick look at your brake pads (you can do this without taking the wheel off). If you see any signs of wear and tear, it’s time to bring your car in to see us.
2. Hear a clicking noise? Then it’s another sign you need new brake pads. Your brakes have a device that’s designed specifically to stop any rattling. So, once you start hearing that sound, there’s a problem.
3. Feel like your pedal goes down further to the floor than usual? Or feel like your pedal is spongy and soft to the touch? Then there may be air in your hydraulic system or you may need to replace your brake pads. Your pedal starts getting soft when your brake pads provide a lesser grip.
4. Feel your car grabbing or pulling to one side? Then there are a few different causes that could be the culprit. Some of these causes include: brake fluid leakage, a frozen brake, frozen emergency brake cables, maladjustment of your brakes, and oil leakage on your brake shoes or pads.
5. Feel your car pulsating while pushing down on the pedal? Then it’s a good sign you need to replace your brake pads. When your brake pads get old, worn out and warped, they cause that pulsating feeling you’ve been experiencing.
6. Feel your car shaking or shimmying as you’re slowing down? Then your brake rotors and drums may be getting old and worn. Or they may just be wearing unevenly. Either way, these are not good vibrations.
7. See that little red brake warning light showing up on your dash? Then there could be an imbalance somewhere in your system.
8. See that amber brake warning light signaling something’s up on your dash? Then there may be a problem with your ABS system.

So, how did your brakes score?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our ASE Certified Experts.

Whether your brakes just need a little servicing or several parts needs replacing, our seasoned technicians have all the tools and training to care for your car. So, why not stop in and see us today?

Also, don’t forget to bring in this coupon for $20 OFF at your local City Garage!

Not sure where you can find the City Garage nearest you? Find the location in your neighborhood here! And get an appointment on the books now!