Author: leahysauto

Customer-Centric Fleet Repair Center

It is very important to do business with companies that make their customers a top priority. You want to ensure that you have a good line of communication open at all times and that you are frequently updated by the business you have entrusted with your project. Visiting the repair center is the best thing you can do to find out whether or not a business is genuinely passionate and interested in serving its valued customers. Stop by the shop and ask for a quote on services. That is is an excellent way to see for yourself how the business treats new customers and how the shop works. A brief visit will provide you with a good understanding of whether or not the center is a good fit for you. If you don’t have time to stop by for a visit, then you can give them a call instead.

Fleet Repair Services

Scratches, dents, and dings, invariably happen. However, for your fleet vehicles, it is very important to ensure that they all kept in top condition.

– Glass repair
– Custom paint
– Panel repair
– Fleet collision repair

You might not need all of the above services, but each center is a bit different. Find out what services they offer to ensure they can provide you with what you need.

Company Fleet Repair Services

For fleet centers, larger companies are often some of their most important customers. The reason for that is if trucks are out of commission that can result in a domino effect on the entire production line. No one wants to have to deal with trucks that have obvious dents and dings. Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring this does not happen. Fleet repair professionals can help with this. Large companies will often establish a relationship with a single center. This allows their vehicles to be serviced and maintained on a regular basis, and have the occasional repair done as necessary. For large companies, it is essential to develop an ongoing agreement with a commercial fleet repair center that is able to meet your needs. Contact a center today to discuss their corporate deals and packages.

There are a few different ways that you can determine whether or not a center is reliable and trustworthy. First of all, read some online reviews about the company. What experiences are customers reporting? Also, talk to some of your friends within the industry. Ask them who handles their service needs. They will most likely have some great proven recommendations that you can consider.

If you value your vehicle and want it to stick around for a while, you will make concerted effort to take good care if its engine. To this end, you should consider using the best motor available on the market for your car. Oil is regarded as the lifeblood of the engine, and you need the oil at its best. Otherwise, you will be without a car.

At Leahy’s Auto we trust high-quality engine oils such as Mobil 1® and Castrol® as they are the best engine oils in the market and you should use these too!

The Import Roles Of Engine Oil

You should always care about the type of motor oil you use in your vehicle owing to the critical role oil plays. Some of the vital roles of engine oil include:

Oil Prevents Friction – An internal combustion engine has a lot of moving parts. The moving parts are susceptible to heating up owing to friction. The oil lubricates all the moving parts, negating friction and as well as the resultant heat. Consequently, motor oil protects the engine from damage resulting from friction.

Oil Help Channel Heat Away – Heat is part and parcel of the engine owing to the moving parts and the combustion of fuel. Motor oil insulates the moving parts as well as helps channel the heat away from the engine, thereby protecting the combustion cycle.

Oil Minimizes Oxidation – The combustion of fuel involves mixing air with fuel in the cylinders. The oxygen in the air mix can cause oxidation of the cylinder and other parts of the engine, especially considering the higher temperatures involved. Oil helps to minimize the oxidation effect.

Way Cheap Oil Can Ruin Your Engine

With the importance of engine oil in mind, car owners should be wary of using cheap oil as it could damage your car.

So, what are the risks of using cheap, low-quality engine oil?

Cheap motor oil can:

– Gum up oil and compression rings, causing the oil to leak into the combustion chamber during the combustion cycle
– Create a tar-like sludge that causes engine problems
– Increase fuel consumption
– Reduce lubrication and cause additional friction, thereby inducing wear and tear
– Accumulate in the cylinder and leak into pistons
– Reduce lubricant flow
– Necessitate expensive engine repairs

Any combination of the above issue could result in serious problems that would necessitate an engine rebuild, which costs thousands of dollar. Moreover, if your vehicle is under warranty, you can void it if you use low-quality engine oil that does not meet manufacturer specification. In a nutshell, your effort to reduce the cost of an engine oil change could end up costing you more. Call Leahy’s Auto to get your vehicle’s oil checked or refilled.

Car accidents are a common occurrence on our roadways. There are many careless drivers on the road and in an instant you may be forced to bring your car to a local repair shop. It is essential to choose a reliable auto body shop to ensure that your vehicle is repaired and looks brand new.

Paintless Dent Removal

It is possible for your vehicle to become dented simply by a grocery cart or a flying rock. These types of dents can be rather noticeable and if you leave them untreated they can become a rather expensive repair. Auto body shops have the tools to ensure that this is something you do not have to deal with. They have the ability to take care of such debts through a process known as Paintless dent removal or PDR for short.

With this process there is no need for sanding or fillers. A trained professional at the repair shop will use a wide variety of tools that are used in pushing the tent back into its original position. By selecting the right professional they will ensure that the job is done correctly and the original paint job is not harmed. Through this process you are not only saving money but your car is getting its original look back.

Painting

If you have been involved in an accident, you will more than likely need a new job. This is going to help the overall exterior of your vehicle as well as improve the look of the vehicle as well. Paint jobs are just one of the routine services offered by your local auto body shop. The professionals have been trained to paint your vehicle whenever it has been scratched, damaged or infected with rust.

Your trained technician will ensure that the car has properly been sanded and cleaned down. In addition they will use a corrosion resistant primer on the vehicle surface followed by a sanding down of the cured primer.

The technician will then use a sprayer to apply multiple layers of paint. In many cases, the vehicle will need to wait about a full week for drying after which the exterior will be polished.

Replacement And Repairs Of Windows

The glass of your vehicle can be damaged easily and in a number of ways. There may be times when it breaks down due to an accident or is chipped or cracked in daily use. There may be times when the glass can be repaired but often it may need to be fully replaced. In many instances, your local auto body shop will have a glass repair technician on hand.

Testing And Straightening The Frame

If you have been involved in an accident, your service technician is going to need to examine the frame of your vehicle for damage and if damage is noticeable, a frame alignment machine will be used to correct it. A hydraulic horse with to work will then be used on the frame for further straightening. Call for details.

Why Certified Auto Body Shops Are So Important

It is critical to check out the certifications that an auto body shop has obtained before entrusting your vehicle with them. You can visit the company’s website, which should show the certifications that the shop has obtained. You also can search for logos on the shop’s windows or doors.

Certified body shop techniques are required to undergo specialized training. That training ensures that the technicians have the necessary expertise and knowledge of the specifications and components of vehicles as well as how to repair them. When a shop is certified is also assures you that it maintains high standards and was inspected for quality. You will also know that its technicians have completed specialized training.

All manufacturers ensure that their cars have something distinctive about them. Some of the systems or components will be specific to a certain model. A certified auto body shop will perform repairs while keeping in mind the specific model. Technological advancements have resulted in vehicles becoming more complex. A technician who does not have the proper certification may not be able to properly handle servicing of the car. Therefore, it is critical to always take a damaged vehicle to a certified auto body shop for repairs that you can rely on to fix the problem.

Certifications To Watch For

It may be confusing at times trying to determine which certifications are meaningful and carry some weight. We can help you with this. Leahy’s Auto offers a gold class designed for auto body shops that have undergone educational programs and training courses and fulfilled all of their requirements. Certifications are offered by Chrysler all over the country. Brands such as Honda, GM, and Ford all offer certification. A thorough examination is conducted at the shop before they are deemed to be trustworthy. So you should entrust your car to a local body shop that has been certified by its brand.

Network Auto Body shop is a shop that strives to always provide you with the finest services in terms of repairing your vehicle and caring for its aesthetics. They have been in the auto body repair business for a very long time and are well-known for providing quality results to their customers. They are an environmentally-friendly and advanced business that ensures that your car will remain beautiful for a very long time. Don’t forget when you need a professional call one!

With the continual improvements being made to automotive technology, it’s not at all surprising for modern car engines to run past 200,000 miles without developing any problematic wear. Racking up that much driving does oblige you to meet your vehicle’s maintenance needs, though — and that includes giving it the right motor oil.

What’s the value of switching to high-mileage motor oil at the right time? The experts have broken it down for you:

Caring For High-Mileage Vehicles

For the majority of cars and trucks, the “high mileage” category kicks in at 75,000 miles. For one thing, this is when you can expect several important parts to need replacement. That includes the timing belt, the spark plugs, the hoses, and other components.

While incidental parts will likely be worn out at 75,000 miles, your engine can and should still be going strong. To make sure it is, bring your car in for these common maintenance tasks:

* Routine Inspection

You need to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic at four to six-month intervals. This allows your mechanic to spot potential problems early — everything from corrosion on your battery terminals to brake wear to shock and strut leaks. Regular maintenance inspections are particularly important, where the roads and weather are hard on your vehicle.

* Oil Changes

You should have your vehicle’s oil changed every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. Those numbers are for synthetic oil; if you use conventional, make it four months or 4,000 miles. Note that you can often combine an oil change with the sort of regular maintenance inspection described above.

What Is High-Mileage Motor Oil?

Once your vehicle passes 75,000 total miles driven, it’s time to switch to high-mileage motor oil. This oil is formulated to specifically address potential problems that begin to set in after years of busy driving. Most high-mileage oils are composed of a blend of synthetic and conventional oils.

The additives in high-mileage oil protect you from several engine problems that become more likely as your vehicle gets older. Examples include:

* Engine Oil Leaks

These are caused by long-term erosion on your engine’s seals.

* Engine Oil Sludge

This thick, tar-like residue accumulates over time in your engine when oil breaks down and leaves deposits behind.

* General Engine Wear

Like any piece of machinery, your vehicle’s engine starts to wear out as you use it more and more. High-mileage oil gives you extra protection that will reduce the amount of wear experienced by your engine’s most important parts. Call us to find out more.

There is a major difference between conventional and synthetic oil. The following is why this is important.

What Is Synthetic Motor Oil?

It is very important to understand that both traditional motor oil and synthetic oil are made out of refining oil. A majority of synthetics start with the use of highly refined crude oil which is pumped out from deep underground. This is the same source for conventional oil.

The major difference between traditional oil and synthetic oil is their different levels of refinement.

From a technical standpoint, synthetic oil is refined and is also purified, distilled, and gets broken down to its fundamental molecules. The process removes impurities out of crude oil, and also allows individual molecules inside of the oil to be customized to the modern engine’s demands.

In general, this results in synthetic oil protecting your car battery than conventional oil, with some having performance advantages, especially in extreme temperatures and can last for a longer period of time.

Synthetic Motor Oil Advantages

Cleaner Engine

When oil circulates throughout an engine, it may pick up deposits. Sludge can sometimes be formed by conventional oil, which may reduce the efficiency of your engine. Ultimately that will reduce your engine’s life. Since there are fewer impurities contained in synthetic motor oil, it prevents the formation of deposits on your engine.

Higher Protection Against Engine Wear

Engine parts grind together constantly, and the oil’s job is to provide a protective barrier between the components. Synthetics, unlike conventional oil, maintain their wear protection characteristics for much longer, which increases the life of the engine.

Improved Winter Protection

After your car has sat for a while, its oil settles. Then after you start your vehicle, the oil starts to follow through essential engine parts in order to protect it against friction. In cold winter weather, it takes an even longer for these oils to run in a smooth manner. However, with synthetics, they are designed to start to protect your engine the very second that you start up your vehicle.

Improved Heat Protection

There are also summers where temperatures can be very hot. High temperatures inside of your engine may cause synthetic-blend and conventional motor oils to evaporate or break down, which can expose the engine to wear. Synthetic oils are designed to resist high temperatures and therefore provide additional protection.

Can I Switch Over To Using Synthetic Motor Oil?

In the past, there was a myth that you could not make the switch safely, but that is all it is – just a myth. Take your car into Leahy’s Auto and we will change your oil and use top-quality synthetic oil. Give us a call.

During the first initial months after making the switch, it is best to change your oil more often, as you would with an engine that has not had sufficient maintenance, which includes infrequent oil changes and engines with high miles on them, will mot likely have a large build0up of deposit and sludge.

Although driving with new oil can help to clean an engine, it will need to work harder when the engine is dirty. After the initial 5,000 miles, the synthetic oil continues to keep your engine operating clean and you will be able to resume your regular schedule at that time.

 

Want to know how to judge the work your body shop did on your car? This guidance should help:

1) Check For Cleanliness

You can start by checking the condition of your car inside and out. Has the shop washed the exterior and vacuumed the interior? There aren’t any loose parts or tools left floating around inside, are there? Cleaning the client’s car after performing bodywork is a small but significant sign of professionalism. Unless your shop specifically excluded cleaning from the job, you have a right to expect your vehicle to come back to you looking its best.

2) Inspect The Body Repairs

You should go into more depth to judge the quality of the work done on your vehicle after body panels have been repaired or replaced. Inspect the seams between panels carefully. Are there any gaps? Any unevenness? If the shop has done any work on parts that open and close (the hood, the trunk, or any of your doors), test the operation of the new parts by opening and closing them repeatedly. Do they sound right? Do they latch securely and smoothly? Is there any difficulty in opening them? Next, check your engine bay to confirm that everything has been reconnected properly. If the body shop did any front end work, make sure you check your headlights. Confirm not only that they work, but that the beams are properly aligned.

3) Check The Paint

Lots of automotive bodywork includes touch-up painting. This is especially true when you have collision repair work done. Paint matching can be challenging, particularly if your vehicle is older and its color has faded since leaving the factory. Good body technicians will adjust the tint of touch-up paint carefully to ensure it blends smoothly with the way your vehicle looks today. If at all possible, pick up and inspect your car on a sunny day when it’s easy to get a clear look at the paint. Observe the overall color from a distance before scrutinizing freshly-painted areas to check the quality of the finish.

4) Other Issues To Watch Out For

It pays to be thorough before you approve the body shop’s work and take your vehicle back. When you’re having collision damage repaired, it’s a good idea to take a test drive before you approve the work. Listen for any new noises when your car is in motion. Pay careful attention to how the vehicle handles; any defects should be corrected before you accept the shop’s work.

Don’t hesitate to call Leahy’s Auto to get your body work done.

Why Your Vehicle’s AC Isn’t Working Right

Is your air conditioner giving you problems when you drive? If your car’s AC is not in great shape things like highway driving, nearby buildings and other vehicles on the road can affect the ambient temperature it puts out. Figure out what is wrong so that you can have cool air conditioning and a safe, comfortable ride wherever you go.

Diagnose the Issue

If the air is not blowing properly, a few things could be wrong with the system. Trust your local mechanic to look at the AC and perform diagnostic tests on it. These pinpoint what is wrong. If your AC is not cooling the car right, be sure to call on Leahy’s Auto.

Common Problems

There is no one blanket answer to all the AC problems out there but a few common problems should be checked for first. Something as simple as leaves, dirt or bugs could be blocking the air compressor. Cleaning the ac will fix this problem fast!

There could also be hose leaks, vacuum tubes that need replacing or seals that are cracked. Other issues include faulty fuses, switches or solenoids. These may need to be fixed or replaced. Another issue could be that your compressor is malfunctioning or the unit is leaking Freon.

Whatever the case may be, a good inspection of the entire AC system will pinpoint what needs to be repaired or replaced. Your mechanic will give you a written estimate of what this will cost you for parts and labor.

No matter what, if your car’s AC is not working right and it is not blowing cool air through the vehicle properly, have the issue looked at immediately. The sooner it is diagnosed the sooner you can have your AC up and running and you can go back to driving in comfort!

Small problems that are left untreated can cause bigger problems to more important parts of your vehicle’s AC system. This is why it is so important that you have your vehicle’s AC inspected and all problems diagnosed by a trained mechanic as soon as you notice something is wrong. Call an expert mechanic to find the problem right away and get your AC fixed fast.

Getting in and out of Harrisburg means getting creative with commuting options. There are plenty of options including a combination of public transportation as well as walking and biking. Those with a car can drive and potentially write off automotive repairs.

To see if these options are available to you, you will need to ask a few questions.

Is your car a business vehicle?

If you use a car, SUV, or pickup to get between two business destinations, you may be able to list it as a business vehicle. A business destination could be your office or some other regular business location, such as your client’s location, onsite jobs or inventory supply sources. If you aren’t sure what other locations can apply, you will need to speak with a certified tax attorney.

It should be noted that getting to your office from your home, does not make your vehicle a business vehicle. Nor do working vehicles like moving vans and dump trucks.

What repairs are tax deductible?

A far as the IRS is concerned, repair work is that which keeps your vehicles functional and working properly, not stuff that improves its performance or extends its life span. So you may be able to deduct the costs of an alternator replacement or radiator repair, but your will not be able to discount the cost of installing a rear-view camera or a new engine.

Furthermore, repairs are only deductible from the year they were made. So if you had your repairs made in 2019, you will not be able to get them reimbursed in your 2020 taxes.

There are two different ways that a taxpayer can seek a tax break for their repairs. These are the standard mileage rates and vehicle expenses.

The standard mile rate is the easiest method. Using this method, your entire yearly deductible will be figured with one easy calculations: 53.5 cents for each mile driven in tax year 2019. A portion of this cash will be for all necessary repair work, so you won’t be able to expense them differently.

How to choose the right method for you.

As a rule, the lower your vehicle expenses are the better your chances of getting higher tax break with the standard mileage rate. But, if you have a car with especially high expenses, you may get a better deal by using the actual business expenses method.

Keeping Detailed Records

In order to get the most from your tax deductions, you will want to keep detailed records of anything you hope to deduct. If you hope to take advantage of the tax deductions for auto repairs you could save a lot of money, but all this will depend on the records you keep.

If you hope to be using the standard mileage rate, you will need to provide detailed information on ownership and usage. A daily log of miles traveled will be a considerable boost to your chances of deductibles.

For the actual car expenses, you will need to keep a mileage record as well. You will also need the receipts and all other paperwork for the repairs you have made and your ownership of the vehicle. As with anything related to taxes, your capacity to keep careful records will be your key to victory. Leahy’s Auto can help you with any additional info you may need. Give us a call as soon as possible.