by Kim Ortin | Dec 24, 2022 | Information You Can Use
Keeping your car well-maintained will limit your exposure to cold weather trouble, but it won’t hurt to have a safety kit in your car or truck. Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in...
by carfixer | Jun 9, 2022 | Information You Can Use
Get ready for that vacation road trip! Perform a basic safety check. Routine car care like tune-ups, battery checks, and tire rotations are important and help with preventing breakdowns. That said, if you’re traveling long distances this summer, don’t just rely...
by carfixer | Jun 9, 2022 | Information You Can Use
Drive more efficiently Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car’s engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.Use cruise control. Using cruise...
by carfixer | Mar 1, 2022 | Information You Can Use
From classic vintage to modern luxury vehicles, sooner or later every car needs a tune-up. Over time, spark plugs and wires get old and wear out, contacts and filters get dirty, and on older vehicles, the ignition timing needs to be adjusted. Performing a tune-up will...
by carfixer | Nov 26, 2021 | Information You Can Use
Don’t be left by the roadside. These areas of your car or truck should be checked in preparation for winter driving, per the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Ignition system Fuel system Belts Fluid levels Brakes Exhaust system Wiper blades and windshield...
by carfixer | Sep 11, 2021 | Information You Can Use
The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have these systems checked regularly, at least once a year and usually with a wheel alignment. The suspension maintains the relationship between the...
by carfixer | Apr 28, 2021 | Information You Can Use
Does your car have suspension problems? How can you tell? Here are some symptoms you will notice: “nose dives” when braking (it leans forward) “rolls” to the side when cornering (it leans side-to-side) “squats” during acceleration (it leans backward) Suspension...
by carfixer | Apr 27, 2021 | Information You Can Use
What is it? Your car’s brake system is its most critical safety system and you should check it immediately if you suspect any problems. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation under a wide variety of conditions. What does it...
by carfixer | Apr 27, 2021 | Information You Can Use
You car’s fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions. Check your car’s fuel system regularly or immediately if you smell gas or suspect a problem. The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel...
by carfixer | Apr 27, 2021 | Information You Can Use
What is it? The engine cooling system affects your car’s overall dependability and engine longevity. Cooling systems have declined over the years with new coolant formulations and new radiator designs and materials. If you suspect a problem with your cooling system,...
by carfixer | Apr 27, 2021 | Information You Can Use
Many people don’t realize the importance of the fluid flush for their vehicle. Proper fluid flushes save car owners thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle. Flushes prevent rust build-up inside the lines that transport the fluid. The master cylinder...
by carfixer | Apr 16, 2021 | Information You Can Use
What is it? Your car’s exhaust system has come a long way from the old days of exhaust pipes and mufflers. Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions control rolled into one. Have your car’s exhaust system inspected regularly and check it immediately if you...
by carfixer | Apr 12, 2021 | Information You Can Use
The transmission works with the engine to provide power to you car’s wheels. Whether automatic or manual, the transmission plays a major role in the overall performance of your car. Make sure to check it at the first sign of problems. A transmission/transaxle keeps...
by carfixer | Apr 11, 2021 | Information You Can Use
What is it? Your car’s emission system keeps the engine running cleanly and efficiently in all sorts of operating conditions. A steady or flashing warning light on your vehicle dashboard indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate...
by carfixer | Apr 10, 2021 | Information You Can Use
Your car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded. The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and...
by carfixer | Apr 9, 2021 | Information You Can Use
Your car’s filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort. Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly. The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. The fuel filter separates...
by carfixer | Oct 30, 2020 | Friday Funny
by carfixer | Oct 16, 2020 | Friday Funny
by Kim Ortin | Aug 1, 2018 | Uncategorized
Reminds me of Mike, when he was growing up in the 70’s. Although, that would have been his Big Wheel being repaired from the millions of wheelies and jumps.
by Kim Ortin | Jun 29, 2018 | Friday Funny
Its so hot… -you actually burn your hand opening the car door. -you leave a layer of skin on the car seat. -My Reeses’s wrapper now reads, “Melts on your car seat, not in your hand.” -you need an oven mitt to handle your seat belt. -I used my...
by Kim Ortin | Nov 28, 2017 | Information You Can Use
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has some recommendations for safe winter driving. These seem like they might fall under common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to keep them in the front of your mind when the snow falls. Clear snow and ice from all windows...
by Kim Ortin | Feb 10, 2017 | Friday Funny
How to get your kids to drive safely? . . . . install a rear-view mirror with a cop car in it.
by Kim Ortin | Jun 17, 2016 | Friday Funny
A motorist, after being bogged down on a muddy road, paid a passing farmer twenty bucks to pull him out with his tractor. Afterward, he said to the farmer, “At those prices, I should think you would be pulling people out of the mud night and day.”...
by Kim Ortin | Jun 1, 2016 | Friday Funny
Jill’s car was old and unreliable and she called John for a ride every time it broke down. One day John got yet another one of those calls. “What happened this time?” he asked. “My brakes went out,” Jill said. “Can you come to get...
by Kim Ortin | May 26, 2016 | Friday Funny
Me: *on the phone with my mechanic* “Do you do body work?” Mechanic: “I’m afraid not.” Me: “Could you recommend someone?” Mechanic: “Recommended?” Me: “Yes.” Mechanic: “Okay.” *long pause* Me: “So, do you know anyone?” Mechanic: “Recommended?” Me: “Yes.” Mechanic:...
by Kim Ortin | Mar 4, 2016 | Friday Funny
Yesterday, I had a flat tire on the interstate. So I eased my car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk. I took out two cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing on-coming traffic. They...
by Kim Ortin | May 6, 2015 | Information You Can Use
Here’s a short video about a defective thermostat and what it means to you.
by Kim Ortin | Mar 3, 2015 | Information You Can Use
Find out here if you need new shocks or struts. There are telltale symptoms. Worn suspension parts can also damage your tires by causing uneven wear.
by Kim Ortin | Feb 10, 2015 | Information You Can Use
What you can’t see Automotive batteries come in many shapes and sizes, but their operating principles are remarkably similar. The modern automotive battery is a lead-acid storage design. In short, it’s an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into...
by Kim Ortin | Dec 16, 2014 | Information You Can Use
DASHBOARD SYMBOLS What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s instrument cluster. Over 150 of them here, so scroll carefully until you find an image that matches! more
