Tips & Advice

Andy’s Auto Repair can help you get the best mileage and at the same time, it will help the environment.

On Saturdays by appointment only Andy’s Auto will CHECK your engine codes for FREE (a $45 savings) on most domestic and Japanese vehicles 1996 and newer. If the code on your vehicle is *gas cap/evap related code, we will clear and send you on your way for FREE. Sometimes this is due to inadvertently leaving the gas cap off or loose.

*Note: If you have codes checked during the week and it is Gas Cap Evap related code we usually tighten your gas cap and clear the codes and have you drive it for a week to see if it returns. If it does return you will need to have repairs done before you have emissions done, if you smell gas, have it repair right away. Please call ahead to schedule your appointment or schedule via email at henry@mechanic.org

Mothers Day Special.

$35.99 OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

For all you Moms from now until Mother’s Day, we are offering an oil change special on most domestic and Japanese vehicles. Yes, for only $35.99 we will change your oil. This includes up to 5 quarts of conventional oil and regular oil filters. Please call ahead for an appointment to 770-487-0689 or make an appointment via email at henry@mechanic.org.

Please note that additional charges may be applied (shop fees) with any services. Thank you for your continued patronage from Andy’s Auto Repair Service.

Need help understanding the code that is on your tires? Visit Engine Basics, they have some information about Tire Coding and have a convenient Spec Chart to help better understand your tires!

 

Decarb and Injector cleaning services is your best chance of gaining gas mileage. Other than proper and timely oil changes, and service intervals on tune ups are done.

Now the best gas mileage savers are your tire air pressure. If you would like me to check air in your tires for no charge get us to change you oil .

Also returning customers are welcome to come by on Saturday 8am -12pm and get levels check and check tire pressure, if you don’t have tire low pressure indicators or if you want nitrogen put in your tires I may not be able to help you then If tire low indicator on you will need a repair or pay to have the system reset check your owners manual.

Some tires actually give you better mileage call Service department and we can look up a good tire for your car and give you a great price on tires.

To see videos on car repair and explanations on how your car works click link below. Sign in At Ownerautosite.com (must have email address on file )You can also see your records on this link and see your what recommend services are needed on your car. Also you can make appointments for your future services needed.

to see online videos please click on this link below learn the

NAPA Know How

http://www.napaautocare.com/preventive-maintenance.aspx

 

For information regarding brake lines click here 

Auto Repair Crestview AAA Approved

or click on the autonnettv.com link below and you can click on the different videos listed on the left of the screen. This will help your understand more about how your car works.

Facebook  ASE

How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

What is that milky brown engine oil?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates.

Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects


More Tips and Advice

  • Most tires need to be replaced every 5 years, but Michelin tires only need to be replaced every 6 years.
  • No more wallet flushes, unless required by the manufacturer (it’s mostly European cars that require fluid flushes). Coolant flushes are not needed because typically a leak will flush the system with a needed repair. Therefore, when leaks appear, the cooling system gets flushed out with loss of coolant. Coolant leaks usually appear around 10 years or every 100,000 miles. Radiators and plastic couplers leak first. Hoses do great now that silicate has been removed from the antifreeze. Only do so if recommended by the manufacturer. Power steering flushes are now a requirement with RAC and pinion gear assembly replacement.
  • Low brake pedals are usually the result of a leak and or require a rear brake shoe adjustment or replacement.
  • If the air in tire is put to the max value, tires will last longer. If you don’t drive much, then the tires hold air for longer periods of time (usually up to 6 months). Michelin tires have better membranes than most, so they hold air even longer.
  • If you do not drive much, you can stretch the time between oil changes up to every 6 months.
  • For A/C leaks. usually the Shrader fills orifices. The next possible leak is high-pressure A/C hoses as they leak at the crimps. Oil residue can be seen if leaking. Then next most common leak is the A/C compressor. When it is replaced, it is done with an accumulator dryer, new fill orifices, and flush or replacing the condenser. The cost can be over $1000 but it’s usually under $2000 for most domestic cars and trucks.
  • Power steering leaks are usually due to pressure. Hoses need to be replaced first; power steering flushes won’t prevent repairs.
  • The timing belt (your first one) is usually with water pump replacement and tensioner. Idler pulleys should be replaced at 60-120k miles. Second or next timing belt service is usually due at fewer intervals (according to Honda) – around 60k miles or what every manufacturer recommends.
  • Transmission service should be once every 60-100k miles or what the manufacturer recommends; no more flushes are needed with synthetic fluids.
  • To keep your injector clean, add Techron Black for fuel systems and Grey for injectors once every 6 months. No need to use high-grade gas as it is not needed; Techron every month would be a better alternative.
  • Decarb and ethanol additives are not needed unless the car is in the frozen north and/or you don’t drive more than 1000 miles a year.
  • Large repairs after 100k miles save $100 to $200 a month for repairs depending on the car. Nobody drives for free, not even me, the mechanic.
  • Cars with cylinder canceling and 6 or more speeds automatic transmission cost more for repairs.

LOCATION

Mobile Repair in
Crestview, FL 32536 & 32539