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November 2018

Philadelphia auto repair shop

Emergency Kit Recommendations From The Auto Repair Shop

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

Sometimes even the best, most cautious drivers find themselves stuck in a snow bank or stranded by the side of a road in a bad snow storm. As much as we want to avoid it, the winter weather will be upon us before we know it. Your Philadelphia auto repair shop wants you to be as safe as possible at all times, even when these things happen. Use these recommendations to put together an emergency kit. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever need it. If you ever do, you’ll be glad it’s there.  

Emergency kits for summer and winter are totally different stories, though some of the items can crossover as well. In the winter, you’ll want to make sure you have a folding shovel on hand, for example. You certainly don’t need that in the summer. During the winter snowstorms, you might find yourself stuck in a snow bank or even plowed into a parking spot. You might need to clear the snow from around your tires and a folding shovel fits into the trunk with ease.  

You will also want to have a warm blanket or two on hand in case you are so stuck somewhere that you can’t get out of your vehicle. If you’re waiting for a tow truck to help you out, you’ll want to be as warm as possible while that wait takes place. You should also stick an extra warm pair of gloves and some thick socks into the kit as well. Your extremities will get cold before everything else so make sure they are covered.  

If you’re going to have a long wait, or you have to tough it out overnight somewhere in your car, amidst the snow, it’s a good idea to have a bottle of water or two and some non-perishable snacks. Stick in some meal supplement bars and some nuts to give you the energy you need to deal with things when the time comes.  

You can put these items together and store them in a small tub on the floor of your backseat or in the trunk of your car. Some of the items you may want access to without getting out of the vehicle so keep that in mind if you put items in the trunk.  

Schafer’s Auto Center is your Philadelphia auto repair shop and we care about your safety during the winter storms we’re bound to have. If you need help getting your vehicle in shape before the winter hits, call SAR at (215) 755-1270. We’ll give your car a checkup and tune up and make sure it’s in the best condition possible for whatever the winter throws our way. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we can give you further ideas for winter weather kits and gear you might want to have on hand as well. We’ve been around the area a long time and we know just what can happen to vehicles in this region when the cold weather hits. 

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Auto Repair Winter Driving Tips

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

As the chill comes into the air, winter driving will be the next thing to come upon us. That means that driving conditions will likely be less than ideal. After the first snow, drivers tend to go a little haywire, skidding off roads, having accidents, and stalling out in the middle of the intersection. Every driver has an issue at some point or another, but you don’t want that to be you. Here are some winter driving tips to help you avoid needing auto repair in Philadelphia, PA because of the weather.  

Stay On Top Of The Tire Condition 

The first thing you can do to keep yourself safe during the winter driving conditions is make sure your tires can handle the snow and ice well. Check the tread levels to ensure they are in good condition and then make sure they are at the correct tire pressure at all times. Tires can contract as temperatures drop, especially if you store the vehicle outside. Check the pressure when the temperatures are steadily below freezing and keep on top of those levels for the best results on the road.  

Get A Winter Check Up 

You will also want to know what’s going on under the hood of your vehicle so there are never any surprises. You need to get regular oil changes and ensure that your battery is charged and ready to roll. Check the windshield wipers as well as the wiper fluid to help you combat snow and ice as it comes down. Getting a full work over before the winter weather settles in can help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road in the middle of a cold, snowy storm.  

Drive Safely At All Times 

Driving is something you likely do on a daily basis and it’s hard not to get blasé about it when it’s something so regular and standard. But during the winter months, you really need to be diligent about the way you drive so you don’t make a mistake that can require auto repairs or even injuries. Take it slow and maintain a steady, cautious speed. Allow yourself plenty of time to get wherever you need to go so you don’t have to rush. And don’t brake or accelerate too quickly when you could lose traction.  

Even if you take all of this advice and then some, someone else on the road might not and you could be in need of auto repairs. If you have any issues with your vehicle, large or small, get Philadelphia, PA auto repair done at Schafer’s Auto Center. Call the experts at SAR at (215) 755-1270 to make an appointment. We can give your car that winter checkup you need, change your oil, check the windshield wipers, install a new battery, get you set up with new tires, or anything else you need before winter hits. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re happy to help with anything you need on your vehicle.

Philadelphia, PA brake repair

Do You Have Good Brakes Or Do You Need Brake Repair?

By | Brake Repair Shop | No Comments

There are some things you need to be confident about in your vehicle and the brakes are definitely one of them. You need to feel safe in your car and the brakes are directly related to how safe you can feel. If you need Philadelphia, PA brake repairyou can’t feel as safe as you should. You don’t want to find out you need brake repair when you are trying to stop and can’t. That can lead to a dangerous situation to you, anyone riding with you, and even those around you. Knowing that your brakes are in good condition can help you with peace of mind as you drive down the road.   

There are several things you can do to check up on your brakes and the best thing is to get them checked by a professional on a regular basis. You can have them looked over when you get an oil change, for example, or with every tire rotation. You should have the brakes inspected at least once a year, but you can certainly do it more often. A regular check can spot small problems before they become bigger issues and that can save you time and money down the road. You can also be mindful about how you use the brakes. Try not to stop suddenly and don’t ride the brakes with constant pressure. Use them gradually for stopping and avoid other instances.  

If your brakes do need brake repair, there are warning signs that you might want to get into the shop as soon as you can. Here are things to watch for:  

Grinding 

If your brakes growl or grind when you press on them, this is a big warning sign that they are wearing down and might need repairs. Get them checked out right away as they are no longer safe to operate.  

Squealing  

The squealing noise can come on for a number of reasons. Brakes that are wearing down will start to squeak and you might have a part or two that needs to be replaced. Added moisture can also induce the noise. If it only happens when you’re out in the rain, it might be a moisture issue. If the weather and roads are dry and they are still making noise, you need to get them looked at.  

Long Stops 

If it’s taking you longer to stop than normal, or you have to push on the brake harder to slow down, get the issues checked out. There might be worn parts or another internal problem that needs to be addressed before it gets worse.  

No one wants to have to have Philadelphia, PA brake repair, but if you drive your vehicle long enough, it happens to everyone. When you want a brake inspection, or you need repairs, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270 for an appointment. You can also stop by SAR with your questions at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148. 

oil change in Philadelphia, PA

What Kind Of Oil Do You Need In An Oil Change?

By | Auto Maintenance | No Comments

Did you know there are choices for the oil you put in your car? Just like anything else, there’s a variety of options out there and when you get your next Philadelphia, PA oil changeyou can request a certain type of oil. If you don’t say anything, the technician will probably use the oil that the manufacturer recommends and that’s usually best for your vehicle. But you do have a say in the situation so it’s important to know the difference in the different types of oil you can have in your vehicle.  

Consider Viscosity 

Viscosity is how thick the oil is and how well it retains its properties at various temperatures. Synthetic oil is superior in this case because conventional oils will thicken when the weather gets cold and get thinner when it’s hot. Viscosity in synthetic oils is more uniform. Some new models might run better on lower-viscosity oil and the rating is expressed numerically. The lower the number, the thinner the oil. Many vehicles are designed to work at various levels.  

Premium Conventional Oil 

Most vehicles run just fine on premium conventional oil, which does a good job at protecting the engine from overheating and from everyday wear. There are additive packages available for different vehicles, but as long as you stick to a regular oil change schedule, conventional oil is usually a good option for most vehicles.  

High Mileage Oil 

Vehicles are lasting longer today, especially with good maintenance habits, and high mileage oil is formed to stop leaks and swell gaskets around valve corners that might have cracked over their years of use. There are better viscosity properties in high mileage oil, which can help things stay quieter and provide better protection for parts that might be loosening up a bit due to age and wear.  

Synthetic Blend 

This synthetic blend splits the difference between synthetic oil and conventional oil. Synthetic blends are better for SUVs and trucks and while they aren’t as costly as full synthetic, they do cost more than conventional oil. If your vehicle hauls heavy loads, this is something to consider.  

Full Synthetic 

This oil outperforms conventional oil in every way and is purer and more stable as well as more uniform. The viscosity properties are better, and this oil is factory-recommended for most new vehicles to protect and seal items within the engine. They are, however, also more costly, but they also last longer and don’t have to be changed out as often.  

If you want to know more about what you need for your next Philadelphia, PA oil changecheck your owner’s manual or ask your technician for details on what’s best for your vehicle. Contact Schafer’s Auto Center the next time you need an oil change at (215) 755-1270. SAR is here to recommend the right oil for your vehicle to make it run the best for as long as possible. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148.  

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