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 […]
Serpentine belt wear usually results 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 […]
In Massachusetts, the minimum tire tread depth is 2/32 inches. This means that all of your tires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth in the proper grooves, and be without any fabric breaks or exposed cords. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV, and winter tires […]
Your cabin air filter probably isn’t top of mind when you think about regular maintenance. But this part plays an important role in keeping debris from entering the vehicle’s cabin. What is a cabin air filter? The cabin air filter, as its name might suggest, is what keeps the vehicle’s cabin clean. As air comes into […]
Driving without two functioning headlights isn’t just dangerous– it’s illegal. Thankfully, a headlight replacement is fairly easy to do yourself if you know how. In this article and we’ll walk you through the process: Identify Your Bulb Type First, it’s important to identify both the correct bulb type and wattage so you buy a replacement. […]
Now that warmer weather is finally in sight, it’s time to start thinking about AC maintenance. The AC compressor is one of the most important parts of your car’s cooling system. The compressor pressurizes and distributes refrigerant which, in turn, cools the incoming air. If there is a problem with the compressor, the rest of […]
It’s normal for tires to become worn over time, especially after a few New England winters, but irregular wear may force you to replace a tire sooner rather than later. Regularly checking the tread depth and wear condition of each tire on your car can help you maximize the value of your tires and help […]
As a car owner, fighting rust is a constant battle. Rust eats away at the surrounding metal and, over time, can cause major cosmetic and mechanical damage to your vehicle. It not only looks unsightly but reduces the value when selling the vehicle or using it as a trade-in to purchase a new car. Once a […]
Cars need transmissions because of the physics of the gasoline engine. In this article, we won’t get into the complexities of how an engine works. Instead, we’ll start by showing you the basics of how the most common transmissions work: 1) Manual transmissions Manual transmissions require that the driver change gears by depressing a clutch […]
National car service chains, like Jiffy Lube or PepBoys, are often used for the occasional grease job and oil change. But using these businesses for maintenance and repairs is risky. Here’s why: 1) Their “technicians” do NOT have to be certified. Employees at these chains don’t have to have any prior experience, certifications, or even […]