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April 2018

Race to the Finish, but Know When to Stop

By | Brake Repair Shop | No Comments

It feels like life is filled with races, right? You race to get to work and then you race to get home. You race to the store and back so you can get all your errands in before the kids get home from school. And then you help them race through their homework so you can race them to their activities that night. When does it end? It’s a good idea to slow down from time to time to really take stock of your life. That’s especially true when it comes to your vehicle. When you live in Philadelphia, PA, everything can feel like a race at times. But you don’t want to be in a race of any kind without good brakes on your vehicle. Here are some signs to watch for so you know when you need to stop what you’re doing and where you’re going to get brake repair.

The Brake Repair Light Comes On
There’s nothing worse than seeing a warning light on your vehicle at an inconvenient time. But really in your life, is any time going to be convenient? Probably not! And those lights are on the dashboard for a reason. If you take care of the brake repair right away, it could be something minor like worn brake pads that can easily be replaced. If you ignore it, things could get much worse and more expensive.

The Brakes Squeal When You Use Them
Your brakes aren’t something that should make noise. You have driven your vehicle long enough to know what noises it does and doesn’t make on a regular basis. Sometimes brakes might squeal a little when they’re wet, but if your brakes consistently make noise when you step on them and you notice it’s taking you longer to stop than normal, you need brake repair right away. There’s no use rushing around and putting you and your family in danger with bad brakes.

You Haven’t Had Brake Service In As Long As You Can Remember
Perhaps you’re faithful about your oil changes and that’s great. When you work with the right auto repair shop, if you need brake repair, they’ll tell you! But if you haven’t had any brake repairs in a really long time, you really should have them inspected. It’s a lot easier to race around with peace of mind that your brakes are going to help get you there safely.

Whether you need brake repair in Philadelphia or have another issue with your vehicle, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center is here to help. Give us a call at 215-755-1270 to make an appointment. We’ll check over your brakes, change your oil, and make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible. Sure checkups and repairs cost money, but they actually end up saving you money in the long run. Plus who doesn’t want to drive a safe vehicle! Stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148!

Tire Buying Tips from Schafer’s Auto Center (SAC)

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

Tires are an important safety feature on any vehicle. Without them, no vehicle would go anywhere ever! They’re highly important all the way around. Even cars with the biggest engines and strongest brakes are at the mercy of the tire gripping the road. Every move you make behind the wheel affects the tires. When your tires are worn out, it’s time to make a purchase. But you don’t want to slap just any old tires on your vehicle. You want tires that work well on your car and are within a fair price range. Here are some tips to help you get what you need.

Tip 1: Get the Right Size
Not everyone knows much about tire size. It’s not like going to a store and trying on the right size pants. However, tires are marked on their sidewalls so you know what size you have. The code will tell you their size and what they are capable of. When you first look at the code, it may seem like gibberish. It will look something like this: P195/60R16 63H M+S. But each of those letters and numbers mean something. Let’s break it down so you understand better.

P-tire type
195-tire width across the tread
60-ratio of sidewall compared to the width
R-construction of the radial
16-rim’s diameter
63-loading rate of the tire
H-speed rating on the tire
M+S-this tire is suitable for driving in all seasons.

While you may not know what all of the letters and numbers mean and you may not even care, you need to get something that will fit your Philadelphia state inspection. Knowing what you have now can help you find something comparable.

Tip 2: Know Where to Get Tires
There are plenty of options when it comes to buying new tires. The most expensive option is usually going to the dealership where you got the vehicle. They will give you original equipment tires, which cost quite a bit more. Local shops, like SAR, are the best places for getting good tires at a good deal. You get reasonable prices and you can get help selecting the right type of tire for your vehicle.

Tip 3: Consider Driving Habits
It is a good idea to determine what you need based on the type of driving you do. If you never drive in Philadelphia’s winter weather, then you don’t need tires that do well in the snow. If you have a job that forces you to get out and about in all weather elements, you need something reliable that will get you where you need to go. Think through the driving habits you will have on the tires before you buy more than you need.

When you are ready to find the best tires for your particular vehicle (and your needs!) contact Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270. We’re here to help you every step of the way. We understand that you don’t buy new tires every day, but we work with them all the time! We’ll guide you in the right direction to make sure your car drives like a dream. Visit SAR at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

How to Avoid Expensive Transmission Repair Cost

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How to Avoid Expensive Transmission Repair Cost

No one wants to pay for expensive transmission repairs, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many people. Transmission repairs can be costly, but there are ways to avoid the high cost. One way to prevent transmission repair costs is to have your transmission checked regularly. You can quickly catch most transmission problems before they become expensive to repair. Another way to avoid transmission repair costs is to drive carefully. Avoiding hard starts and stops, going smoothly, and avoiding potholes can all help to prevent transmission damage. Finally, be sure to keep your transmission clean and free of debris. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend your transmission’s life and avoid costly repairs down the road.

How Much Does a New Transmission Cost?

A new transmission can be a costly repair, but the exact cost will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Generally, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for a new transmission. If you have a luxury vehicle, the transmission cost could be even higher. In addition to the cost of the new transmission, you will also need to pay for labor costs and other fees associated with the repair. Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for an inspection.

 

Why is Transmission Repair So Expensive?

When it comes to what pushes your vehicle down the road, there’s nothing more complicated than the transmission. Whether you have a manual or automatic, it will help shift gears and change your speed. You get power to your wheels based on your speed and acceleration. Shifting between gears is necessary and it’s what your transmission takes care of for you. Keep an eye on that transmission when you live in Philadelphia or other places around the country.

 

Avoid Having to Replace or Rebuild
It would be best if you change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to help avoid damage. You should change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to help avoid damage. You should also completely stop the vehicle from moving before you shift from drive to reverse or vice versa. If you hear a grinding when you shift or if there’s a delay when you change gears, it might be too late, and you may need transmission repair. If you smell burning fluids or have high RPMs, you should take the vehicle in for attention right away.

 

Transmission Repair: Rebuilding
Rebuilding a transmission is labor intensive, but can save you money over buying and installing a new one. If you need transmission repair, you could get a simple fix like changing the fluid, adjusting some links, correcting a computer system that’s misreading the RPM, or replacing a sensor. When you have a transmission issue, don’t assume that you need a rebuilt transmission as part of the transmission repair.

 

Transmission Repair: Replacement
Replacing a transmission is one of the most expensive repair jobs you can do with your vehicle. You must take your car somewhere you trust with experienced, honest technicians. It is a good idea to find a shop that specializes in transmissions so you can trust that they have worked with your type of vehicle before. Automatic transmissions cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to repair and can even range up to $3,500 for a complete replacement. Manual transmissions are less, but they’re still costly.

Finding the right auto repair shop is highly important if you want to save time, money, and headaches in the long run with Philadelphia, PA transmission repair. Ask your family and friends if they have any experience with transmission repair with local shops around Philadelphia. If you can’t find anyone you know who has experience, look online for reviews.

Whether you know what your transmission needs, or you just suspect repairs are inevitable, you can trust the friendly representatives at Schafer’s Auto Center. We see transmission issues of every kind on a regular basis and we know just what to do about them. We won’t fix a thing until we explain everything to you and make sure you understand what we recommend. We’ll also give you price quotes up front so there are no hidden costs later. Give SAR a call at 215-755-1270 if you need your transmission fluid changed or you need transmission repair. We’re here to help! We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we hope to see you soon!

 

Auto Repair FAQs

How Long Should a Transmission Normally Last?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question since transmissions can vary in lifespan based on make, model, and driving habits. However, regular maintenance should last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. If you’re noticing problems with your transmission or it’s starting to sound louder than usual, it’s best to bring it in for service as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up needing a costly repair or replacement.

How Do I Know if My Transmission is in Bad Condition?

If your car is jerking or hesitant when you put it into gear or if you’re experiencing a grinding noise, those are both signs that something is wrong with your transmission. Other symptoms can include leaks underneath the car, difficulty shifting gears, and strange smells emanating from the engine. Finally, you can take your vehicle in for a diagnostic test at a mechanic’s shop to find out exactly what’s wrong with your auto.

Is it Worth It to Replace My Transmission with a New One?

It depends on the transmission. If your transmission is still in good condition, there’s no need to replace it. However, a new one may be the best option if your transmission is damaged or worn out.

Signs You’re Overdue for an Oil Change – The Overdue Oil Change Symptoms

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There are certain things you do on a monthly basis. You pay your utility bills, for example. And there are some things you need to do every week, like get gas, perhaps. But when it comes to getting an oil change, the timing varies and you don’t always remember! It’s hard to keep track of everything you need to and should do for your vehicle, your home, your family, and everything else. But your car will tell you if you’re overdue for an oil change. Here are a few signs to help you know you’ve forgotten something important in Philadelphia.

Your Mileage Says So
The easiest way to tell whether or not you are overdue for an oil chance is to simply keep track of how far you have driven since your last oil change. Many service centers will place a sticker in the upper left corner of your windshield to remind you of when you need to come in for another oil change. Keep an eye on your mileage and if it goes way beyond what they recommend, you’re overdue.

The Oil Change Light Comes On
In many modern vehicles, there will be an oil change light that comes on when you need an oil change. The light could also come on if you are low on oil, which could mean your oil pump isn’t working right. Whatever the reason for the light, you need to see a technician right away. But keep in mind that not every vehicle will warn you in this manner if you have forgotten about an oil change.

Your Oil is Dark and Dirty
If your oil looks sludgy, it probably is and can clog up with whole system. Dirty oil running through the engine will have an effect on it sooner rather than later. However to see the oil, you actually have to open the vehicle and check it. If you want to know if you are overdue for an oil change, it’s a good way to go But if you’ve forgotten about the oil change, you may not remember to do that either.

The Engine Complains
Listen to your vehicle! It knows what it needs! If you forget your oil change long enough, the engine will start knocking or clunking. The engine rods will knock against one another and you don’t want to have to replace them…it’s expensive! If you hear a clicking sound, you might be low on oil. Check to see if you need an oil change, or top off the oil.

A Complete Breakdown
When one part of a complicated system isn’t doing well, the whole thing will follow suit eventually. The oil in your vehicle makes things run smoothly. If the engine starts to dry out, it’ll stop working.

Don’t let your vehicle suffer the consequences of your forgetfulness. Keep track of your Philadelphia ,PA oil change and bring your car to Schafer’s Auto Center for those regular changes. Give SAC a call at 215-755-1270 to schedule an appointment or visit our shop at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

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