Older Vehicles And High-Mileage Oil

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.

Is It Better To Use Synthetic Motor Oil In My Car?

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.

 

Inspecting Your Car After You’ve Had Body Work Done

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.

Important Information About Collision Repair

Even though most vehicles are insured, drivers often are unprepared when an accident occurs. Most people don’t know where to take their vehicle to have it repaired after a collision.

After a car wreck, the damage can extend much deeper than what is visible on the outside of the vehicle.

High-impact collisions can affect the entire car, bending or breaking the body panels and affecting the integrity of the frame. Pieces inside the vehicle may be damaged and the wheels may be thrown out of alignment. Repairing a vehicle after a collision requires careful attention to detail. Along with the visible damage, hidden damage also needs to be repaired.

Repair Costs Can Vary

Different auto body repair shops charge different rates. Usually, shops that employ skilled workers are more expensive than shops with workers who don’t have quite as much training. Even though it might cost a little more, it is worth taking your car to a shop with trained technicians. Thanks to their training, they are more likely to spot hidden damage, helping to ensure that the vehicle is repaired back to its original condition.

Someone with less experience, however, may not see some of the underlying damage. Even though the price they quote you might be lower, your car won’t be repaired as thoroughly, which could lead to problems further down the road.

In a lot of cases, hidden damage doesn’t become apparent until the technician starts working on the vehicle.

How Metal Body Parts Are Affected By Collisions

Body panels can easily become bent or misshapen during a collision. Removing damage like this is not as easy as it might seem. Getting dents out of the vehicle requires special tools. The employees of the body shop need to be skilled at certain techniques in order to get smooth, even results.

The Role Of Body Filler

Years ago, you could identify whether or not a vehicle had undergone repairs by moving a magnet over the surface. The magnet would stick to parts that were metal and would pass over areas that have been treated with body filler. Today, that old trick doesn’t work anymore. Oftentimes, cars come from the factory with body filler. The manufacturers use filler to hide any flaws in the metal from when it was originally being shaped.

One good thing about metal is that it can be bent into different shapes. This makes it possible to remove a lot of different types of dents or damage.

Don’t Give Up On Your Vehicle

Even if your car has sustained major damage, a high-quality auto body repair shop should be able to restore it back to its original condition. The key is to choose a shop that uses skilled professionals to ensure that the repairs are done right. You may find it helpful to think of the cost of the repairs as an investment in your vehicle.Give us a call when you are in a pickle and need help with collision repair.

How Come My Car’s Air Conditioner Doesn’t Work Right?

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.

Can Car Repairs Be Tax Deductible?

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.

Why It Helps To Service Your Brakes Regularly

As you use the braking system in your car, over time the brakes tend to wear and tear and as such, they become ineffective and even useless! If you want to keep your braking system performing optimally, it is important to service it.

The Components of a Braking System

The braking system of your car compromises of a disc which is also known as a rotor, a caliper, and the braking pads. When driving, it may seem that you just push a pedal and the car stops automatically. However, for a car to stop, there are complex internal mechanics going on. On pressing the pedal, brake fluid is usually sent through the brake lines while simultaneously a piston moves into the master cylinder. As the pistons which are in the caliper move into place, the brake shoe usually squeezes against the brake rotor which in turn causes friction with the drum in the braking system. In simple terms, the pressure of the brake pad on pushing against the drum is what causes your vehicle to reduce speed and eventually stop.

Why Do You Need to Engage A Mechanic for Brake Repairs?

Most cars usually attempt to replace their car brake pads. Though replacing brake pads is easy, you need to know exactly what you are doing if you attempt to change your brakes. Brakes are a critical part of the vehicle and instead of attempting repairs on any part of your braking system, we recommend that you rely on the expertise of a skilled mechanic for repairs. Though you may be looking to save a few bucks with a DIY repair, if you damage any components of the braking system or fail to do the repair properly, your car can end up becoming a road hazard and menace.

If you notice that your car brakes are sticking squeaking or they seem to require too much pressure to engage, then it is time to engage the services of an auto body repair shop.

The friction created when you are using your brakes will definitely cause your brake pads to wear out with time. As such, you will need to replace your brakes from time to time. Servicing your braking system is an important maintenance routine that you should never forget. Don’t hesitate to get this fixed, so give us a call now!

The Power of a Proper Tune Up

A tune-up usually involves thoroughly checking the engine, to make sure there are no leaks, and that the engine feels right when the engine is running. Below are some benefits of a tune-up, which will help you know ways that a tune-up is going to improve your vehicle.

Better Mileage: a tune-up can help in fixing the little things that are going on in your vehicles that you might not easily notice but end up forcing you to spend more on gas. A tune-up will include inspection of the brakes, and replaced if they are no longer working well. Another reason for poor fuel mileage is the improper alignment of tires, which can cause them to rotate at an odd angle, increasing friction on axles and the road. When these issues are dealt with, you can get better mileage.

Fixing a Rough Ride: There is one thing everyone can agree with, a vehicle will not run as smoothly as it used to when it was still new. Maybe it has started shaking, or you start having a harder time starting it in the morning, especially during cold weather. A mechanic can do a power check and energy check to diagnose these problems and find the cause of the rattling, and also determine why your vehicle is no longer holding power the way it should.

Glowing Lights on the Dash: The warning lights that appear on the dash of your vehicle are there to tell you something, but many people don’t know what they mean. Our team knows the meaning of these warning lights, and we will be able to fix the problem and ensure your car is running smoothly.

A Thorough Check-Up: You should see the tune-up of your car like a medical checkup. It gives auto body repair experts the chance of inspecting the different components, finding the problems, and then fixing them.

The mechanic is going to perform a code scan to see whether there are any problems with ignition or exhaust leaks. They will check everything from engine leaks, battery voltage, to valves, gaskets, and rings. If you have a check up or tune up to get done give us a call.

Which Vehicle Will Keep You Safe in a Collision?

Over a million people die every year as a result of car accidents, with over 30 million people getting injured. There is a good chance you know how to avoid collisions and surviving them, but a big part of surviving a car crash is not the things you do, but the protection in place. This is why it is very important to buy a safe vehicle.

How Should I Choose?

When purchasing a vehicle, many different factors play a big part, although safety is the most important. A single person might not see the need to get a midsize SUV. A family that doesn’t have a lot of money can decide to go with the sedan because it is fuel-efficient or it is the one they can afford. If you cannot afford to get the safest option when it comes to vehicles, there are things you can do to increase your survival when involved in a crash. Below are some tips that will go a long way;

1. Buying newer, especially if used. Getting a used car is a financial move that many people like. The older models usually don’t have the safety features in the newer models, which means you should get the newer model, even if you are buying a used one (Choose a vehicle made after 2005)

2. Checking the safety rating. If you settle on a sedan (because it makes sense for your family or within your budget), go with one that is the safest. Go online and search the safety ratings, do a lot of research.

3. Focusing on safety features. An older SUV with no important safety features such as airbags is not going to be safer than a smaller car that has lots of protective structures. You should choose a vehicle that has backup cameras, emergency communication systems, collision warning systems, and more airbags. These features will increase the chances of surviving the crash no matter the type of vehicle.

You can protect your family when you choose to buy a safe vehicle. This does not mean it will prevent a crash. If you need repairs after a collision, call a Leahy’s Auto nearby.

What Should You Do If You Run Into A Parked Car While Driving?

You probably are already familiar with the rules of the road surrounding car crashes when two drivers are involved. When it comes to accidents that only involve one driver, however, things may not be quite as clear. For instance, what do you do if you run into a parked car when driving?

#1 – Stay At The Scene Of The Accident

When something bad like this occurs, your first reaction might be to drive away from the accident. No matter how tempting it is, you should never do that. According to insurance.com, close to 70% of the hit-and-run accidents that occur happen in parking lots. No matter what, you should stay at the scene of the accident. Most parking lots have security cameras, which means that the accident was probably captured on film.

Regardless of how minor the damage seems, you still need to act responsibly and follow the law. The repercussions for hit-and-run accidents can be severe, resulting in the loss of your license, hefty fines, and possibly even criminal charges. Paying a little bit of money for cosmetic repairs is far better than dealing with all of these other issues.

#2 – Find The Person Who Owns The Other Vehicle

The next thing that you should do is try to find the person who owns the other car. Even if it is a minor accident, you should still make an effort to find the owner. If you can’t find them right away, you don’t have to sit around for hours until they return to their vehicle. Instead, you can leave a detailed note. In the note, include the following information:

– A description of what happened
– Your full name
– Your contact information, including your home address and your phone number
– Your insurance information

#3 – Gather Evidence

To protect yourself, it is important to gather as much evidence about the accident as you can. If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get them to give you a signed statement. Make sure you get their contact details, as well. Take photos of your car and the other car, making note of the specific damage that was caused by the collision.

#4 – Contact Your Insurer

The final step is to reach out to your insurance company to let them know about the accident. Even if you don’t want to, it is important to make sure that they are in the loop so that you can get your car repaired as quickly as possible.

When seeking out an auto body shop to fix a vehicle after a hit, call your local Leahy’s Auto to get your car looking like new.