Our customers often ask for advice about buying their next car. What questions should you ask the dealer? What steps should you take once you find a car? And, in what order? We know it can be a daunting process, so here’s our best advice for buying a car: Decide how much money you have
“Metal to metal” describes brake pads or shoes that have worn through all of their friction material. This means that the metal backing of the pad or shoe rubs on the rotor or drum, which is also made of metal. Brakes that reach this extreme are not only dangerous but require an expensive repair. In
Traction control and ABS are the foundational elements for a car’s stability control system. Traction control piggybacks on the antilock brake system (ABS) to detect tire slip during acceleration and maintains traction while accelerating. ABS does the same for braking, using the vehicle’s electronic stability systems to compare the vehicle’s trajectory with where the driver seems
Over time, the clear plastic lens covers that protect your headlights may become cloudy. And, depending on your car’s make and model, replacement lenses and assemblies can be several hundred dollars each. Thankfully, refinishing is a great alternative. Most modern headlights are made of a nearly unbreakable polycarbonate plastic that is treated to protect against
We often hear from our customers that they dread buying new tires. And, as a result, most people put off replacing them until it’s absolutely necessary. But driving with bald tires is really dangerous. Driving with bald tires drastically increases the risk of a crash or a flat, especially in bad weather. And the frightening
Serpentine belts usually result from a misalignment or a defective tensioner. It might be hard to diagnose a problem just by listening but examining the belt itself can help you diagnose the problem- both before it’s removed and afterward. Excessive Cracking Excessive cracking is usually caused by old age. Serpentine belts stretch with age and
If your car has it, you’re probably not happy about it. When left untreated a rust spot can quickly grow to cause major structural problems. In many states, a car with rust holes in the body won’t even pass inspection, regardless where the spots are located or how small they are. Tha’s why it’s best
In Massachusetts, all registered vehicles are required to pass a yearly safety inspection. Plus, vehicles with a model year of 2001 or newer also have to pass an emissions test. If your sticker is about to expire, here’s what you should do: Prepare Ahead of Time Before you head to our shop, conduct a basic
Traveling with dogs can be a hassle, especially in the car. With the summer in full swing and vacations coming up fast, we’ve created the ultimate guide for canine car travel. Start with training. Just like training a dog to sit or rollover, dogs can be taught to ride in a car. Experts reccommend starting the training process