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Archive for July 2024Cold Weather Vehicle No-Nos (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)Posted July 28, 2024 4:53 AMIt's always easier to leave a few things in your vehicle so you'll have them on hand. But in cold weather, while it's a good idea to carry items such as a phone charger, blanket and shovel, there are some things you shouldn't store in your vehicle.
Take a little time and effort not to leave these things out in a frigid vehicle. You'll likely spend far more time and money tending to the resulting consequences than if you'd just brought them inside in the first place. McPherson Automotive Don't Neglect Your Spare (Spare Tire Care)Posted July 21, 2024 4:52 AMIf you've ever had a flat tire, then you know welcome it is to have a spare tire that is properly inflated, in good shape and easy to get to. Problem is many of us don't even give our spare tire (if we even have one) a second thought. If you have an SUV or truck with a spare, it may be mounted outside the vehicle, such as on the tailgate or underneath the vehicle. All of them, especially those underneath, take the brunt of debris, moisture, salt and dirt from the road surface, a potpourri of corrosion potential. The hardware that holds these on can rust into a solid mess, making it hard for you or even a roadside assistance service to get off. If you have one of those, have it checked and maintained at your vehicle repair facility on a regular basis. They should be lubricated and cleaned periodically, and some recommend doing this service every time you have your tires rotated. If the spare is the same size as the tires on the vehicle, it may be a good idea to have it rotated with the others. Some vehicles have compact spares that are in a small well in the trunk or some other spot. Most drivers don't pay any attention to them. Over time, air leaks out of those spares, leaving them flat when you most need them. When you have your vehicle in for service or routine maintenance, ask your service advisor for his or her advice on making sure the spare is inflated properly and cleaned, usually at least twice a year. You may not know it, but your vehicle may not have any spare at all. Instead, it may have an inflator kit that you are supposed to use to inflate and seal a flat tire. That sealant has a limited life span and should be replaced every few years. Check with your service advisor to make sure the kit is up to date and will do the job when called upon. Manufacturers know a flat tire's always a possibility. No matter what contingency solution they've included with your vehicle, keep it in shape and in good working order. When you need it, you'll be very glad you did. McPherson Automotive Alternator Facts (Failing Alternator)Posted July 14, 2024 6:12 AMIf you notice that your headlights are flickering at night, that's something to pay attention to. While there could be many different things that could cause that problem, one possibility is your vehicle's alternator. The alternator takes mechanical energy from the engine and turns it into electricity, in essence a generator. The current it makes charges the battery and supplies power to the vehicle's electrical systems. An alternator is made up of several different parts: a pulley, magnets, coil wires, brushes and a voltage regulator. While your vehicle is running, these parts get a good workout and, after time, they begin to wear out. Other symptoms of a failing alternator include your vehicle's lights dimming, the power windows going up and down more slowly than they used to, your power seats not moving quite as fast as before. Another sign of a worn out alternator is engine stalling. Vehicles with fuel injection require a certain amount of power, and when an alternator is going bad, your engine could stall because the alternator isn't cranking out enough of it. An alternator on its last legs can also fail to charge your battery properly. Sometimes your battery isn't getting enough charge from the alternator and will go dead. It also can be the opposite problem. The battery is getting too much power and will cause the battery to get hot. Your vehicle may give you a clue on the instrument panel. If you see any of these warning lights, take note: Check Engine, ALT, CHARGE or one that looks like a picture of a battery. If that light is on, it's time to have your service facility give it a look. As mentioned earlier, there are other components of your vehicle's electrical system that can fail, such as a worn out serpentine belt or a malfunctioning voltage regulator. A reputable service facility has diagnostic tools to pinpoint the causes of your problems. And when your issues are fixed, your electrical system will be back to its hard-working self. You'll get a real charge out of it! McPherson Automotive Servicing High Mileage Vehicles at McPherson AutomotivePosted July 7, 2024 6:13 AMThe price of gas and the uncertain economy are both causing IL residents to review their finances. More and more Du Quoin drivers are opting to keep their vehicles longer and put off purchasing a newer car. It is estimated that two-thirds of the vehicles on the roads of North America today have over 75,000 miles/120,000 km on them. And the average age of vehicles is now over eleven years. That translates to some car care issues that many Du Quoin men and women haven't dealt with in the past. For example, if it is recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 miles/8,000 km, you should continue to change your oil every 5,000 miles/8,000 km. The owner of an older vehicle has to recognize that his engine is operating under higher stress than a new one. It's just starting to show its age. So many experts suggest that the “severe service schedule” should be followed once a vehicle has racked up some serious road distance. On this schedule, the mileage interval for many services is shortened or should be performed more often. Check with your service advisor at McPherson Automotive. McPherson Automotive
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