As we return to the “new normal” after COVID-19, and many cars get back on the road it’s important to make sure your car is up to date on all of the necessary state requirements, including a safety inspection. In Massachusetts, all registered vehicles are required to pass a yearly safety inspection. Plus, vehicles with […]
Getting an oil change is usually a quick and painless process. So why do many people delay in replacing their oil until there’s a visible problem? A lot of drivers rely on mileage as a gauge for when their oil needs to be replaced, but there are a lot of other factors come into play–the […]
Air conditioner systems, like the one seen here, require regular maintenance and monitoring. With warmer weather in sight and summer in full swing, it can be tempting to use a cheap, store-bought fix if your AC needs some work. But one-size-fits-all solutions, like AC Pro and other self-repair kits, usually do more harm than good. […]
A premium oil change can cost significantly more than a conventional one. We’re often asked: are there any extra benefits behind premium oil that justify the higher price? The answer is, undoubtedly, yes. In this article, we’ll examine why synthetic oil has such an extreme advantage over its conventional counterpart—and why it’s worth the extra […]
A fan favorite of the V&F Community, this article was originally published in January 2021 and has been updated. Going to the mechanic can be daunting—especially if you don’t know how much the repair is going to cost. But putting off a necessary service could make your repair bill even higher, or create permanent damage […]
With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to put some road trips on the calendar. No matter where you’re headed this summer, it’s important to be prepared for summer breakdowns just in case. We recommend that all of our customers keep a stocked emergency kit handy for every season but you should add some […]
An annual favorite of our readers, this guide was originally published in April 2019. Now that we’ve reviewed the pre-season maintenance, let’s talk about the first ride. The springtime debut of your bike is an exciting experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind: Plan Your Route Before you hit the road, […]
An annual favorite of our readers, this guide was originally published in April 2019. With spring officially here, it’s time to bring those bikes out of hibernation! In our last article, we reviewed some basic preseason maintenance but we’re not done yet. Don’t forget to check these things before you hit the road: Oil If […]
An annual favorite of our readers, this guide was originally published in April 2019. Now that spring is officially here, it’s time to bring those bikes out of hibernation. Here are a few things you should check before you hit the road: Brakes If your bike has been laid up for four or five months, […]
This article was originally published in November 2018. For most drivers, seeing light smoke or vapor trailing your car is a normal occurrence. But, if you see different colored exhaust fumes, it’s time to pay attention to your engine. Your vehicle may not be flashing warning lights, but the smoke coming from your exhaust can […]