Lowell Auto Repair

Did you know that as the weather gets colder there is an extra strain placed upon your battery! Even though you may be able to start your car fine today, Will Your car Start in the Dead of Winter? Usually any battery problems are first experienced in the morning, after the vehicle has been sitting for 8-12 hours.  When you turn the key does it take many tries for your engine to start? Are you hearing a whirring or clicking sound?  If so, then this is a warning sign that something is on its way out and your car needs attention! Whenever experiencing any starting issues be sure to have a Complete Charging System Test performed by and experienced ASE Master Certified Auto Technician/Mechanic.  This will include thorough testing of the Alternator, Battery, Wiring and Connections. Winter can be a particularly harsh time of year for you and your car.  So, while you’re at it, also have your Antifreeze, Radiator, and Hoses Checked for below freezing temperatures ... read more

Did you know that driving with your tires at the proper inflation level can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 3%?  That’s a savings of $30 to $70 depending on how much you drive.  Properly inflated tires can reduce greenhouse gasses by 1.42% to 0.69%.  Whereas under-inflated tires alone costs the country more than 3.5 million gallons of gasoline each day. Observe the speed limit.  As a general rule, assume that each on average, for every one mph increase over 50 mph reduces your gas mileage by .1 miles per gallon. That’s one mile per gallon less for every 10 mph over the speed limit you drive. Depending upon your driving style and how fast you drive, you could waste 20 to 70 cents per gallon. Relax. Avoid hard or “jackrabbit” starts and stops.  Aggressive driving can reduce your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. Reduce excess vehicle weight. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your trunk.  Each ... read more

In light of the sudden warmth in Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire our thoughts turn quickly to spending more time outdoors and getting out and about. Did you know that with this sudden warmth there may be danger from quickly melting snowpack? Quick melting snow can cause ice jams clogging area rivers and streams bringing rapidly rising water and sudden flooding. Why is this important? According to the National Weather Service & NOAA, “It takes just 12 inches of flowing water to carry off a small car; 18 to 24 inches for larger vehicles. More than half of the deaths from flooding each year occur in vehicles. Don’t underestimate the power of water. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN”. Check out this video… https://www.weather.gov/wrn/Videos Please pass this important information on to those you care about, especially young drivers who may not be aware of this danger. We care ab ... read more

NOVEMBER FALL CAR CARE ***10 Steps to get Your Car Ready for Fall & Winter!*** The Car Care Council reminds motorists that having their vehicles checked Before the Temperature Drops is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the cold.Don’t get stuck with the unexpected expense of an emergency repair.Have an Expert Technicians Inspect Your Vehicle Before Winter Arrives!Check antifreeze and all other fluids Check the hoses and beltsCheck the battery Check the brake system Inspect the exhaust system Check engine performance Check the defroster and air conditioning system Inspect the steering and suspension system Check the tiresCheck the wipers and lightingTHEN YOU’LL BE GOOD TO GO!!!

I BET YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW WHEN TO PUT YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON! Well, chances are you could be wrong! ON APRIL 7, 2015 THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE PASSED A NEW LAW TO MAKE THE ROADS SAFER FOR EVERYONE! Previously, whether a car was stationary or in motion while on a public way the driver must turn on the vehicle’s headlights and taillights when driving anytime from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise-that has stayed the same. Now with the new law, you must also turn on your headlights and taillights when there is insufficient light or unfavorable weather conditions, (i.e. rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog etc.) that reduces your visibility on the roadway so that you cannot see clearly for 500 feet or when your vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed. So you’re probably thinking, but isn’t that common sense? Apparently not! I can truly appreciate that the roads can always be safer for everyone. One of the outcomes of this new law is that if a driver doe ... read more