Labor Day, Back to School, Fall Travel Advice for a Safe Trip

Before you embark on a long trip it’s worth an extra check to make sure all is well with your car. Make sure you have your vehicle serviced before those trips.

• If you’re towing a heavy trailer or caravan with a car that has an automatic transmission it’s worth having the transmission fluid changed.
• Have the radiator hoses checked for leakage and have them replaced if they show cracks and signs of a leak.
• Check engine drive belts for condition and tension. If they appear worn or damaged have them replaced, if they appear loose have them checked and adjusted.
• Check the inflation pressures and reset them to the recommended pressures, which might mean setting them higher if you’re loaded up with holiday gear or towing a trailer.
• If you’re towing a trailer or caravan check that the lights on the towed vehicle are working correctly

Tricks of the Trade: Increasing fuel efficiency to save you $$$

Gas Prices Killing You?
We know! Gas prices are out of sight! How can you save money? There are some basic
tricks of the trade we want to share.

Proper maintenance can make a big difference.
1. Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires can rob you of almost 4% of your
mileage according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Change your oil and air filter. A clean air filter, choosing the proper oil viscosity
for your car and changing oil at recommended intervals will keep you engine
working at peak efficiency.

3. Check your alighnment brakes, hoses and fluids. Jack Rabbit starts and slamming
on the brakes are gas killers. Maintaining a constant speed on the open road, and
gradual acceleration and stopping in town will go a long way toward upping your
mileage. Proper Alignment reduces uneven tire wear. Proper care will keep your
vehicle running smoothly.

4. Do some Spring Cleaning. Don’t carry cargo you don’t need, like sports
equipment, lawn chairs, old tools, even ice scrapers. Every 100 pounds of “stuff”
you remove from your car can result in a 2% gas savings.

5. Slow down. Slower speeds equal less gas consumption, and just may save you a
speeding ticket as well!

Introducing a New Way to Save!

Sterling Automotive Repair Introduces Budget Smart Car Care to help You Control your Costs

We’ve all felt the sense of dread when we realize out car needs repair. Will it be something major? How long will it take? And most of all, how much will it cost?

No one wants to spend more than they have to, and now, you don’t have to, with Sterling Automotive Repair’s Budget Smart Car Care plan.

Not all automotive repair is expensive, nor does it have to be. Sterling understands that you may not want to or be in a position to drop a lot of money on an unexpected repair. And in some cases, it may not be appropriate to. Perhaps you are holding onto an older car that doesn’t warrant a major investment. Or you don’t expect to keep the car much longer. You may have a fairly standard repair where after- market parts will perform just as well as higher priced parts. On the other hand, you may want to make sure your repair features factory parts if you’ve just purchased your car or your manufacturers warranty demands it.

Either way, Sterling’s Budget Smart Car Care offers you the same professional repair by certified technicians, with your choice of Good, Better or Best quality parts and corresponding warrantees. We’ll work with you to determine the best choice for your car and your situation. And you can rest assured, Sterling has the utmost confidence in the work we do and the parts we use. But now, we can help you have some control over the cost of your repair.

We want to you and your family to drive vehicles that are in good repair at all times. Putting off repairs and regular maintenance can lead to bigger problems down the road. Don’t invite trouble. Stop in today to plan the best repair solution for your vehicle. You’ll stay safe and on your way without blowing your budget.

Haitian Earthquake Relief

Sterling Automotive Repair in Aurora has found as easy way to help with the earthquake relief effort in Haiti while encouraging people to do something good for themselves and their cars. Proceeds from every oil change performed at Sterling during the month of January will be donated to the Haiti Relief Fund at Christ Church of Oak Brook which is sending support through Samaritans’ Purse, an international Christian relief organization with staff on the ground in Port au Prince. Christ Church does ongoing mission work in Haiti.

“I’ve been very disturbed by the images I’ve seen on television,” says Sterling owner Fonda Vamuakas. You really don’t think about how fortunate you are until you see something like this. I knew Christ Church would be part of the relief effort, and I wanted to find a way we could contribute.” Christ Church is also accepting cash donations marked “Haiti Relief” at the church at 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Samaritan’s Purse offers ongoing relief efforts and emergency relief programs that provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. The organization offers food, water, and temporary shelter, meeting critical needs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives.

Vamuakas is also concerned that people may be putting off auto repairs in the challenging economy. “Skipping regular maintenance can mean much bigger problems down the road,” he says, “We want to encourage people to get oil changes and a free winter safety inspection now that the holidays are over. Our oil changes for most vehicles are around $30, which is a sound investment. Now they can be a part of the aid going to Haiti at the same time.”

Putting Off Repairs can be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

We’ve all done it. Put off a repair because we needed to use the money for something ‘more pressing.’ Especially at holiday time, between lack of cash and lack of time, many of us put off having some seemingly minor repair done on our cars. But repairs left unattended can lead to much bigger problems, warns Fonda Vamvakus, owner of Sterling Automotive Repair. “We see it all the time. What might have been a simple brake job or alignment becomes a major job or a tire replacement because the work was put off.”

Sometimes, simple maintenance can help you avoid a large repair down the road. Regular oil changes can prevent or detect an oil leak that could be disastrous for your engine. Regular tire rotation every 6,000 miles can extend the life of your tires considerably. Getting brake pads inspected and replaced on a regular maintenance schedule can mean the difference between a simple fix and a really costly repair.

And winter weather can be even harder on your car. After the cold and snow we’ve seen over the holidays, Fonda reports seeing more bent rims, damaged heat shields and alignment problems due to folks navigating plowed and icy roads. Now we’re experiencing warmer weather. The fluctuating temperatures means potholes are sure to follow. Hitting one can cause alignment, tire, axle or wheel problems. Be sure to have your car inspected after hitting a pothole hard, or if you notice a new shimmy or shudder, your car is pulling to one side or your steering wheel is off-center. And be sure to replace wiper blades worn from scraping an icy windshield. You don’t want to find yourself unable to see in the next big storm.

Don’t drive a car that could be a danger to you or others, or leave you stranded at the least opportune time. To save your self costly and time-consuming repairs in the future, have the small concerns looked at now. Sterling is offering free winter safety inspections and 10% off labor on any repairs during January. Call now to book an appointment. You’ll save money and peace of mind. Happy New Year, from Sterling Automotive Repair!

Get Winterized Early to Avoid Winter Surprises

Wintery weather seems to have hit Chicagoland early this year, there is definitively frost on the pumpkin and it’s not even Halloween. Now is the time to get your car ready for the winter weather and driving conditions to come.

Make sure your car will start, and run, and operate safely in snow and ice with a few common sense precautions. Have your battery checked, particularly if starting seems sluggish or your lights seem dim. Terminals should be clean and connectors tight. A new battery may prevent you from being stuck in the driveway on a wintry morning.

Belts and Hoses should be checked for wear. Adverse summer and winter conditions as well as normal wear and tear can result in cracks, fraying, bulges and leaks. Clamps should be secure.

Make sure your coolant is filled with strength of -36 degrees. Oil, brake, transmission and steering fluid levels should be full, and check to make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid, good wiper blades and a brush and scraper to maintain good visibility in snow and slush.

Have your tires inspected for wear and replace if tread is diminished. The last thing you need is to lack traction on an icy road. Check tire pressure and have inflated to the manufacturers specifications. And always check that lights and signals work.

At Sterling we are gearing up for winter with a free winter safety check now through November 30. Just tell us you saw it on the website!

We’ll be talking about good winter driving techniques and safety supplies in upcoming blogs, but now is the time to get your car ready so you can relax and know you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store!

Back to School Car Tips – Get a Free Safety Check Today!

Whether you are sending your college student on the road to campus or about to embark on the school-sports-scouts-playgroup-practice driving marathon yourself, make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Check brakes, tire condition, tire inflation, fluid levels, belts and condition of windshield wipers. Make sure battery terminals are clean and your battery is at full capacity. An oil change at regular intervals and a clean air filter will protect your engine and improve fuel efficiency.

Knowing how to regularly maintain your car will bring peace of mind. Oil and coolant are critical to protecting your engine. Make sure you and your student know how to check the oil, and check it at every fill up. If oil level is down more than a quart, know what oil your manufacturer recommends and refill the reservoir. If oil levels drop continually, make sure to have the car checked for an oil leak. Check coolant level periodically to protect the engine from excessive heat and cold. Know where the check engine light is on the dashboard. If the light goes on, have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to determine the cause of the warning. Often, these simple actions can avoid major repairs down the road.

Make sure you and your student know how to change a tire and ensure that you have a quality jack and lug wrench in the car at all times. While we hope you never have to use them, occasionally road hazards may be unavoidable. Talk with your student about getting the car to a safe place before attempting to get out or change a roadside flat.

As parents, we recommend your student living away from home or commuting to school have a roadside assistance protection plan to cover unforeseen emergencies. We are proud to be a AAA Auto Club Approved shop. Visit AAA at aaa.com for benefits and enrollment details.

Sterling is committed to making sure you and your student can get where you’re going safely. We are currently doing free safety checks in our Fox Valley shop. Call for an appointment or stop in and let us make a 16-point safety check to get you on your way. You’ll rest easy knowing the school year will have a few less surprises for you and your student.

Basic Maintenance to Keep You Safe and On Your Way

In today’s economy, everyone is trying to save money and avoid unnecessary repairs. Taking good care of your car means fewer trips to the shop, less expensive maintenance and greater safety for you and your family. Keeping your car running well may very well let you keep it a few years longer. As a AAA Approved repair facility, we are proud to pass along AAA tips that can prolong the life, and improve the operation and safety of your car.

Locate the recommended tire pressures either in your owner’s manual or on the placard on the doorjamb. Use a tire pressure gauge at least once a month to check pressure when your tires are cool.

Make sure your tires have adequate tread depth; it’s critical for optimal traction and maneuverability.

If your battery is more than a couple of years old, check its load strength.


Monitor and change your engine’s oil and oil filter at the manufacturer’s specified intervals, and be sure to follow the more frequent “severe service” recommendations if your driving habits meet any of the conditions described in the owner’s manual.

Inspect belts and hoses and replace if they are brittle, cracked or too soft. Belts and hoses that are five years old or older may need to be replaced, even if they pass visual inspection.
 
Perform a walk-around inspection of your vehicle’s lighting systems. In addition to the basic running lights and side markers, make sure the headlights work on both low- and high-beam and check for proper operation of the brake lights and turn signals.


Check your car’s wiper blades and clean them every few weeks with a soft cloth or paper towel dampened with windshield washer fluid. If they’re worn, cracked or rigid, the wipers will not adequately remove the rain, grime, and other debris that can easily compromise your vision. 
 
Keep the washer fluid reservoir full. Check the washer fluid monthly and top it off with a washer solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris.

Check the coolant level. With a cold engine, the radiator should be completely full and the coolant level in the remote reservoir should be at or above the “cold” level marking. Have the system flushed and refilled with fresh coolant at the interval specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Always top off the system with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to avoid altering the antifreeze level.

Inspect the brake fluid level. If the level has fallen below the “low” mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system; have the brakes inspected as soon as possible.

If your vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than a couple of times after hitting a bump, have the shock absorbers and struts inspected for wear and leakage.

Don’t Throw Away Money at the Pump

Just in time for the Spring and Summer driving season, gas prices are on the rise again, and Illinois has some of the highest prices in the country. And in these recessionary times, many of us are hanging on to our older cars and not running out to buy the latest hybrid right now. So what can you do to keep some of your money in your wallet and not put all of it in your gas tank? Here are a few ideas to up your gas mileage:

Maintaining your vehicle will increase its efficiency. Regular tune-ups (check your owner’s manual for intervals) can increase your gas mileage an average of 4%.

Regular oil changes and a clean air filter can likewise improve your gas savings. Using the manufacturer’s recommended oil can increase efficiency 2% on average. Insuring proper tire pressure can improve performance and increase mileage by an average of 3%.

Maintain smooth driving speeds and avoid “jack-rabbit” starts and sudden and frequent braking. Studies show most cars get better gas mileage by maintaining constant speeds. Speeding around town can lower mileage by as much as 5%. That number can jump to over 30% on longer highway drives.

Stop in to Sterling Automotive Repair for a free efficiency check before you start your busy Spring and Summer driving schedule. It’s not hard to see that with regular maintenance, your mileage and savings can really add up!