Auto Tips

Teaching Your College Drivers About Car Maintenance

September 11, 2024 – 8:03 pm

college girl changing tire Whether your college student is off to West Chester University, Chester County CC, or another nearby university, one of your top priorities is ensuring your child’s safety, both on and off campus. While your student may be excited about the newfound freedom of driving, it’s crucial to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills to maintain their vehicle properly. Teaching your college drivers about car maintenance not only helps them stay safe but also saves money and fosters responsible driving habits.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance is essential for the longevity and performance of a vehicle. Neglecting tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections can lead to costly repairs down the line. Educating your college driver about the significance of these maintenance tasks can help them avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep their car running smoothly.

Understanding the Basics of Car Maintenance

Start by teaching your student the basics of car maintenance, including:

Oil Changes. Explain how often to check and change the oil based on their vehicle’s requirements.
Tire Care. Tire maintenance is an important and easy aspect of car care. Show them how to check tire pressure and tread depth regularly, highlight the importance of rotating tires, and give them hands-on instruction for changing a tire.
Brake Inspection. Teach them to listen for unusual noises and understand when brake pads need replacement.
Fluid Levels. Discuss monitoring fluid levels, such as coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Air Filters. Explain the importance of replacing air filters periodically to maintain engine efficiency.

Encourage them to refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules tailored to their car model – if they have any questions, our team at Tommy’s is nearby and would be happy to help!

Car Maintenance Tips for College Students

Budgeting for Car Maintenance

College students often operate with limited budgets, making it essential to understand the financial implications of car ownership. Discuss the typical costs associated with routine maintenance and potential repairs (and the benefits of efficient driving), encouraging them to set aside funds specifically for these expenses.

Creating a Savings Plan

Suggest establishing a dedicated savings account or fund for car maintenance. This approach helps prevent the need to use their general funds for unexpected repairs. Encourage them to contribute a small amount each month to build a cushion for future expenses.

Developing Maintenance Habits

Establishing good habits is crucial for ensuring your college driver stays on top of their car’s maintenance. Teach them to incorporate regular checks into their weekly or monthly routine.

Creating Car Maintenance Reminders

Teach them to set reminders in your student’s phone calendar to help them remember the essential tasks mentioned in this blog.

Empowering Your College Driver for the Road Ahead

By teaching your college student the importance of regular car maintenance and providing them with tools and resources, you’re helping them stay safe on the road while fostering lifelong responsible driving habits. Empower your college driver to take an active role in maintaining their vehicle; this knowledge will serve them well throughout their college years and beyond. For routine maintenance or service, or if your student has questions about their vehicle, contact Tommy’s today.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Car Questions, Maintenence Questions | Comments Off

Summer Driving Tips

June 14, 2024 – 12:10 pm

Temperatures are heating up and one of the best ways to escape the heat is by taking a drive. Whether you set off to the beach, a nearby tourist destination, or you decide you want to spend some time in an air-conditioned car – a summer drive can be the refresh you need. Before you gas up and hit the road, there are some summer driving tips to consider.

Making the Most of Your Summer Drive

Getting caught up in the excitement of a road trip can mean you overlook some important things. One of the worst things that can happen during a road trip is having your vehicle break down on a hot summer day. To avoid this mishap, we highly recommend checking the following before you head out.

The Cooling System: Take a look at the coolant container under your hood and top it off if necessary. If you need to add coolant more than once in 6 months, or if you smell a sweet burning odor, you probably have a leak. Also, if you can’t remember the last time your coolant was flushed, it’s a good idea to have that done. Dirty fluid can clog parts of your cooling system and cause your vehicle to overheat.
Tire Pressure: Be sure you check your tire pressure on all tires and make sure it is in the recommended range. Remember that there is a difference between the maximum pressure listed on the tire and the recommended pressure (for every 10 degrees tire pressure increases by one pound). If your tires were filled in the freezing cold this winter, they may be over pressurized in the summer heat. For those of you packing your car to the brim for vacation, it’s not a bad idea to look for recommended tire pressure for “heavy loads” in your owner’s manual. If you’re taking a long trip, you should invest in a full-size spare tire if you don’t have one already.
The Oil: Driving long distances in excessive heat puts a lot of stress on your motor oil. If you are due for an oil change, don’t wait until after your trip. Oil that has been used for more than 3,000 miles breaks down more easily and can put more wear on your engine. If you are taking a heavy load or towing a trailer, some car manufacturers recommend using a thicker type of oil that is better suited for the heat.
The Air Conditioning: Turn on your AC to make sure you are getting nice cold air out of the vents. If it is not as cold as you remember, it is probably time to have your AC recharged. If you are getting cold air, then your AC system is working and there is no need to get it checked. If your AC is not working and you think you can tough it out, be careful. In some newer cars, the AC is tied to several other components that may not function correctly if the AC is in need of repair.

Get a Vehicle Check-Up at Tommy’s This Summer

If you don’t have the time or the knowledge to check the major elements of your vehicle before you take your summer drive, it is important to trust someone who does. Tommy’s has the experience and the reputation to keep your vehicle road-worthy – no matter the season or the temperature. Here are some things we routinely check:

The Cooling System: Including the radiator, coolant, belts, hoses, cooling fans, heater core and water pump.
Tires: Check tread depth, uneven wear, and tire pressure.
The Front End: Check ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering components.
Change the Oil: Look for leaks.
Check the Air Conditioning System: Refrigerant level, compressor clutch, and belts.
Check the Tranny: Are you close to the recommended service interval? Is the fluid nice and clean? Any leaks?

Ready to cool off, see new sites, and maybe take a dip at the beach? Schedule your vehicle inspection or oil change today.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Driveability | Comments (0)

Common Signs Your Car Battery Needs Replacement

March 7, 2024 – 4:50 pm

Coming out of a winter where temperatures can frequently dip below freezing, you may be wondering whether or not your car’s battery is going to need replacing. While the average car battery lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years, many factors contribute to its lifespan. At Tommy’s Automotive, we routinely check our customer’s car batteries and can recommend replacement based on a few things.

Signs You Need a New Car Battery

No one wants to get left out in the cold – and a car battery can leave you stranded at home, at work, or somewhere in between. To ensure your vehicle doesn’t leave you without a ride, there are some things to pay attention to:

Slow Engine Crank. If you notice that your engine is slow to crank or struggles to start, it could be a sign of a weak or failing battery.
Dashboard Warning Lights. Some vehicles are equipped with battery warning lights on the dashboard. If you see the battery light illuminated while driving, it could indicate a problem with the battery or charging system.
Dimming Lights. Dimming headlights, interior lights, or dashboard lights can be a sign of a weak battery, especially when you turn on electrical accessories like the radio or air conditioning.
Electrical Issues. Problems with electrical components such as power windows, door locks, or the radio can sometimes be attributed to a failing battery.
Corrosion. If you can, check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion or buildup (our techs at Tommy’s can also check for corrosion). Corrosion can interfere with the battery’s ability to charge and may indicate that it’s time for a replacement.
Old Age. If your battery is approaching 3 to 5 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan, even if it’s still functioning. Consider proactively replacing it to avoid unexpected failures.
Unusual Odor. A sulfurous or rotten egg smell near the battery could indicate a leak or internal damage, necessitating immediate replacement.
Visible Damage. Physical damage such as cracks, bulging, or leaking fluids from the battery casing are clear signs that it needs to be replaced.

Another thing to consider is where you live. Places with excess humidity or extreme temperatures (cold or hot) can affect the longevity of your car battery.

Tommy’s Offers Battery Check-Ups & Replacement

Not everyone knows how or wants to check their battery to ensure it is in good shape. At Tommy’s Automotive, we will gladly check your car’s battery to see just how much life is left. If a replacement is needed, we can recommend the best one for the best price. Schedule your routine check-up and car service today.

By Tom Reisch | Comments Off

Best Ways to Get Better Fuel Economy

September 30, 2023 – 3:02 pm

As gas prices continue to climb, many of us are feeling the pain at the pump. While no one can say when the fuel costs will go down, there are some great ways you can save some money and get better fuel economy – no matter what vehicle you drive.

Tips for Fuel Savings

You may not be able to incorporate every tip at every trip to the gas station – but we hope these bits of advice will help you save a little bit the next time you fill up.

Drive Slower – whether you’re late for work, feeling a bit of road rage, or just hate going slow, driving fast burns more fuel than a slower MPH. On the highways where the speed limit is 65-80 MPH, a ‘sweet spot’ for fuel economy is between 65 and 69 MPH. This allows you to be safe while also saving your fuel.
Tire Pressure – every time you put gas in the tank, you should make it a practice to check your tire pressure. Tires with too low of tire pressure (or too high) are not only dangerous but can greatly impact your fuel economy.
Check the Air Filters – helping your engine run more efficiently is a great way to increase your average MPG. Both the engine filter and the air filter should be checked every 3 months. Your tech will be able to recommend the timing of replacement.
Carpool – although this isn’t a favorite option (we all love our own rides), carpooling with a co-worker or taking turns with pick up and drop off for school can help save your trips and your fuel.

Get Your Vehicle Running Efficiently

If it’s been a while since you have had your oil changed, your air filter and engine filter checked, or you aren’t sure how to make sure your tires are at their correct level, schedule an appointment at Tommy’s. We are trusted and reputable and would love to help your vehicle run more efficiently. Hopefully, we will see the prices at the pump drop, but for now, let’s all do what we can to help one another save.

By Tom Reisch | Comments Off