It’s No Snow Job...Your Car Needs Special Attention in Winter

A dead battery or breakdown is an inconvenience most of the year, but in winter can be life-threatening. Here are a few tips and reminders to keep you from going adrift—a snow drift—this winter.

Preventative Maintenance

 Make an appointment on line for winter servicing at Tolker Auto Service and we’ll check your vehicle from bumper to bumper, including:

Battery

• The only accurate way to determine the charge on today’s sealed batteries is with a professional meter. Our technician will give you a recommendation based on your battery’s current cold crank rating compared to its capacity when new. If necessary, we’ll clean and tighten your battery connections. This, too, is a job for a pro because an electrical system disruption can cause damage or loss of data and system codes in your car’s on-board computer.

Belts and Hoses

• We’ll check to make sure the belts are tight and in good condition and that your cooling system is not leaking.

Antifreeze

• Your cooling system should contain a 50/50 or slightly higher coolant/water concentration to prevent your vehicle from freezing or boiling over, even in below zero temperatures. Throughout the winter, we would be happy to check the level and condition of your coolant any time you are in the neighborhood. To keep your vehicle running in top condition and to protect your engine, bring it in for a flush and fill according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Ask for a free print out at Tolker Auto Service.

Other Automotive Fluids

• While we’re checking your coolant, we’ll examine the levels and condition of your vehicle’s other essential fluids: brake, transmission, power steering, differential—and, of course, change your oil.

Exhaust

• On every visit, Tolker Auto Service inspects for leaks in your exhaust system and holes in your vehicle’s floor or trunk. Exhaust fumes can be especially deadly in winter when idling in deep snow.

Windshield wipers

• Replace old windshield wiper blades—six months is all that you can expect from an average pair—so that you can see during snowstorms.

Heater/Defroster

• New windshield wiper blades will be useless if your climate control system is not in good working condition. If your heater or blower isn’t working like it used to, be sure to tell Tolker Auto Service. You’ll be more comfortable when you drive, too!

Lights

• We’ll inspect all lights and bulbs to ensure the other drivers see you on dark, snowy nights.

The Sun is Out...Time to Get Your Ride Ready for Warm Weather

Spring is officially here and that can mean only one thing…road trip! But first you need to get your car ready for warm weather driving.

Preventative Maintenance

Make an appointment on line for spring servicing at Tolker Auto Service and we’ll spruce up your vehicle from bumper to bumper:

Oil Change

• Our #1 recommendation to keep your car running in top condition. If you put off essential maintenance because of the snow and cold, it’s time to make an appointment for an oil change.

Brakes

• Winter is hard on disc brakes. Yours might need some adjustments or even replacement before you hit the road.

Alignment

• It’s pothole season. To guard against blowouts, make sure your tires are properly inflated and if you drive on rough roads, have the pros at Tolker Auto Service do an Alignment check.

Cooling System

• We’ll make sure the belts are tight and in good condition and that your cooling system works properly.

Fluid Levels

• While we inspect the cooling system, we’ll check your coolant and other fluid levels: brake, transmission, power steering, differential, windshield wiper—and, of course, oil.

Exhaust

• On every visit, Tolker Auto Service inspects your exhaust system. We look for leaks. We make sure your muffler, exhaust pipes, and catalytic converter are environmentally sound and fuel efficient.

Windshield Wipers

• April showers bring May flowers, but they also test the effectiveness of your windshield wipers. Replace your wiper blades if they are older than six months, or if you use snow blades.

Air Conditioner

• The time to service your A/C is before you get stuck in traffic on the first 80-degree day of the year.

Lights

• We’ll inspect all lights and bulbs to ensure the other drivers see you when you’re out for a moonlit drive.

Spring Cleaning

It’s not rocket science. Salt and sand are corrosive and abrasive. Yet, every year thousands of motorists drive “ghost” cars coated with the pale residue of winter past. A good washing can add years to your vehicle. Spring is also the time to vacuum and damp wipe the interior, wash the windows inside and out, and hose off your floor mats. Schedule an appointment today!

Don’t Let Car Problems Spoil Your Summer Fun.

Keep Your Vehicle in Shape with these Seasonal Tips.

Summer is the time for pleasure drives, vacation travel and trips to and from all of the warm weather activities that you enjoy. Not for sitting by the side of the road talking on your cell phone to a tow truck operator. Here are some seasonal tips to keep your car on the road to summer fun.

Preventative Maintenance

Most drivers rack up the miles during summer. So, it’s important to keep on schedule with scheduled maintenance. Make an appointment for a summer servicing at Tolker Auto Service and we’ll check your car, truck, SUV or van from bumper to bumper, including:

Oil

• Summer heat, dusty conditions, frequent short trips and towing are hard on engine oil. We recommend regular oil changes to protect your vehicle. In some case, your manufacturer might direct you to change your oil more often because of the special operating conditions. Or, ask us for a free scheduled maintenance printout.

Belts and Hoses

• We’ll make sure your belts are tight and not worn or cracked and that your cooling system hoses and connections are in good condition.

Coolant

• Your cooling system should contain a 50/50 or slightly higher coolant/water concentration to prevent your radiator from boiling over. Throughout the summer, it would be our pleasure to check the level and condition of your coolant any time you’re in the neighborhood. To keep your vehicle running in top condition and to protect your engine, bring it in for a flush and fill according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Ask for a free print out at Tolker Auto Service.

Other Automotive Fluids

• While we’re checking your coolant level, we’ll examine the level and condition of the other essential automotive fluids—brake, transmission, power steering, differential—to protect those important systems and components.

Brakes

• Have us check your brakes at the beginning of this busy season, and then every other oil change. Your safety depends on them. We check all of your brake system components—pedal, cylinders, brake lines, calipers, rotors or drums, and disc pads or shoes.

Tires

• Your tires should also be inspected and rotated every other oil change and the alignment checked. Your vehicle will handle better and tires last longer. Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure. This can improve gas mileage up to 3% and, of course, is an important safety practice. Stop by for a courtesy tire inspection and pressure check.

Exhaust

• On every visit, we look for exhaust system damage or leaks. We are specialists in replacement mufflers and catalytic converters.

Winshield Wipers

• Replace your windshield wiper blades so that you can see during those summer thunderstorms.

Fan

• New windshield wiper blades will be useless if the fan that keeps your windshield from fogging is not working properly. During summer, leaves, dust etc. can clog the air intake and blower. We can help ensure that this system works properly.

Lights

• We’ll check your headlights and signals to ensure that the other drivers see you on those moonlight drives.

SUNNY DAYS...COOL NIGHTS...RAIN, SLEET & SNOW...

BE PREPARED FOR FALL EXTREMES WITH THESE SEASONAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

There’s nothing like an autumn drive, with the leaves turning under sapphire skies. Yet, rain, sleet and snow are all possibilities in fall. Brace yourself with these preventative maintenance tips:

Oil

• Chances are you put a lot of miles on your engine this summer. Schedule an oil Change service if your vehicle is due for service. Follow the maintenance instructions in our owner’s manual.

Scheduled Maintenance

• Keep on schedule with your scheduled maintenance. Make an appointment with Tolker Auto Service to check your car from bumper to bumper—including fluid levels, belts, hoses, tires, and brakes—to ensure that your travels are safe no matter what the weather or where you drive.

Battery

• Check that the connections are tight and free from corrosion. If it’s more than three years old, it’s a good idea to test your battery to see how much life is left.

Tires

• All-season radial tires are fine for fall driving. Give your tires the Quarter Test to confirm that the tread will sluice away the rain.
• Check the air in your tires, including the spare. As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure.
• When temperatures dip below 45 degrees, time to consider winter tires. Wait for snow pack if you prefer studded tires.

Anti-freeze

• Is your cooling system ready for freezing temperatures? We check the level and condition of your anti-freeze each time you visit.

Heater, Defogger & Defroster

• To ensure your comfort and visibility, verify that your heater, windshield defogger, and rear window defroster are in good working order.
• Throughout leaf season, clear debris from your defogger’s air intake. Check at the base of the windscreen, or under the hood at the back of the engine compartment.
• Have us check the cabin filter(s). Replace if necessary. A dirty filter can cut airflow to your defroster/defogger.

Safety Equipment

• Before the fall downpours, check your wiper blades. Change if worn or more than six months old. We would be happy to do this for you.
• A mix of precipitation reduces visibility. Test your headlights—high beams and low beams—taillights, fog lights (if you have them), and turn signals, to ensure that fellow drivers know your intentions.
• Time to put the ice scraper and snowbrush in your trunk. We know.
• Assemble a roadside emergency kit, including extra layers, gloves, hat, blanket, flashlight, traffic cones or flares, and sand, kitty litter, or traction mat.