September 2017 - V&F Auto Inc

Listen Up: It’s time to see the mechanic

Most of us don’t even notice harmless noises as we drive, like wind whistling past the mirrors, or tires humming against the asphalt. But some noises aren’t so innocent. You should never ignore certain thumping, banging, clicking, and squealing sounds, especially if they intensify while accelerating, braking, or turning sharply. Delay can allow a problem […]

Shock & Strut Replacement: What you need to know

The Basics Shock absorbers are mechanical or hydraulic devices that keep your the car from bouncing as you drive over rough or bumpy roads. Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system that provide a mount the coil spring (which maintains the height of the vehicle). Shock absorbers usually give […]

Fall Maintenance Guide

With cold weather right around the corner, it’s time to make sure your car is ready. Fall means wet leaves on the road, shorter days, and slippery driving conditions. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the change of seasons: Headlights As the days get shorter, it’s important to make sure […]

Car Seat Safety Tips

In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, we wanted to share a few tips to help you keep your little ones safe on the road. Here are our top four: 1) Ensure all straps are snug and fitted properly. Car seat straps shouldn’t sag or have any slack. While you don’t want them so tight […]

Bushings 101: What you need to know

Most car owners probably don’t even know what bushings are. They may sound silly to you, but these components are essential for vehicle suspension. Bushings provide a boundary between car components to insulation vibration. They reduce the energy being transmitted from one moving component to another which, in turn, significantly reduces vibration and keeps the […]

The Truth Premium Fuel

Premium gas usually has an octane level of 92 or 93, while regular gas has an octane level of 87. It’s designed to prevent knock on cars with high compression ratios- a compression ratio being the volume inside the cylinder that is displaced when the piston moves. If you use low-octane gas on a car […]

Signs of a Bad U-Joint

A U-joint, or universal joint, is the part of the drive-shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the differential. If it malfunctions or fails, your vehicle will not be able to drive. Knowing the warning signs of failure in advance and taking your vehicle in for immediate repair may save you from getting stranded […]