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Shop Talk

Wilson’s Top Ten Automotive Problems

  1. Fuel Mileage  

 

How to keep your current automobile and planning for the next one. Wilson’s Garage can help!
We would love to consult with you about the steps to wringing every drop of fuel out of your car. Our computer information systems and vehicle interface can tell you to a ½ percent if you are adding or losing fuel mileage. Call for an appointment today about your automobile or your next purchase.

  1. Maintaining your automobile

 

What service interval should I follow?  What is my recommended maintenance?
Wilson’s can answer all these questions and show you a cost effective maintenance plan to keep your automobile in top condition. We tailor the plan to our elevation and climate conditions for each customer. Call us today for a maintenance plan for your auto!

  1. Dash Lights

 

It’s not just the Service Engine Light anymore. Engine, ABS, Tires and Service lights now have reminders for all new automobiles. Wilson’s Garage can diagnose any and all lights from the simple to the most complex. Call for an appointment today!

  1. Non- Maintenance Issues

Mechanical parts wear out. All vehicles will have wear and repair items and breakdowns. The modern automobile is cheaper to operate and lasts longer than any in history. Wilson’s Garage is glad to give Written Estimates on any Services performed and has a 2 year parts and labor warranty. Call us today for an appointment
    

  1. Value of my automobile

Determining the value of an automobile for repair, service, sale, or purchase is something Wilson’s Garage is happy to help each customer with. We have years of experience and rely on the Kelly Blue Book as a guide. We will help you determine if your vehicle is Excellent, Good, or Fair and what the price categories mean in today’s market. Call us for an automobile physical or pre-purchase inspection and we can guide you through your decision.

   6. Specific repair work

Some items are considered maintenance now that was always hard parts or breakdown repair parts. Water pumps, alternators and starters are lasting longer and longer. The heat and cold extremes can cause worn parts to fail and these items will need to be diagnosed and estimated. Wilson’s will be happy to assess your automobiles needs and make recommendations.

  1. Appearance

Fit and finish present many automobile owners with problems from many perspectives. Crash damage, waxing and washing, and peripherals for the modern auto all bring to mind the question of who is best to repair or resolve the issues.
Wilson’s is happy to examine and consult on all body and accessories issues. We see 10-15 autos per day and use many of the industries best to bring to a successful completion the issues surrounding your beautiful automobile.

  1. Major decisions about the Automobile

Whether sudden or a long satisfying relationship mechanical devices wear out. Regular service and care can prolong the replacement of your automobile but time and mileage take its toll. Wilson’s knows the pressures of everyday transportation and the importance of your auto. We also share experience from the Emergency Services perspective and know first hand the shock and dismay at losing the auto to crash or major Drivetrain failure. Wilson’s is happy to consult about how to decide to repair or replace and what to do with the carcass.

  1. Windshield

Wilson’s is proud to recommend windshield installers. We also can have our preferred service come to our shop during your service time and replace the window glass. Just call us and we can schedule this. Insurance will pay most installers.

  1. Warranties

anufacturer and aftermarket warranties are here to stay. Health insurance for the automobile. We speak automotive and can fight for the proper times and parts costs for you. Many times we already know about a needed repair before the manufacturer. Call us for that inspection before the warranty runs out. 

Tips for Fuel Savings

Vehicle Tips

  • Keep your tires properly inflated, and check them frequently.1
  • Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
  • Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends (5W-30 for most newer cars).
  • Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
  • Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
  • Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
  • Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver.
  • Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it (check your owner's manual); using it is an unnecessary expense.
  • Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.

 

Driving Tips

  • Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
  • Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time.
  • Avoid jack-rabbit starts.
  • Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour or less whenever possible.
  • For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the A/C when driving on the freeway.
  • For older cars with inefficient A/C compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
  • Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate smoothly.
  • Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing.
  • Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily
  • Car pool whenever possible or practical.
  • Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas.
  • Drive in the highest gear possible (without lugging the engine).
  • Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.
  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly four million gallons of gasoline could be saved nationwide each day for every one pound per square inch (psi) of tire under-inflation, compared to the mileage if ALL vehicle tires were kept inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for 145 million passenger vehicles idling five minutes per day, approximately four million gallons of gasoline are consumed without going anywhere.
  • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a vehicle loses about one percent in fuel economy for every one mile per hour above 55 m.p.h. that it is driven. A passenger car that averages 30 miles per gallon at 55 m.p.h. could typically get 28.5 m.p.g. at 60 m.p.h., 27 m.p.g. at 65 m.p.h. and 25.5 m.p.g. at 70 m.p.h. Remember, however, that for different speeds, the changes in fuel economy will vary by vehicle model.
  • Each 100 pounds of needless weight will cost up to one-half mile per gallon, on the average.

Labor Cost Concerns

Often customers have concerns about labor cost to replace what seems to be a simple part on their automobile.  Rightly so this should be a concern; but as you can see in the photo on the left, the replacement of a heater coil on this vehicle required complete removal of the dash assembly to access the part. Unfortunately, auto engineers do not design  cars and trucks with service accessibility as a high priority. This makes service a challenge but not impossible. Wilson's Garage accepts these challenges and approaches these issues with an action plan to maintain a high standard of quality at a reasonable cost.