Category Archives: Seasonal & Travel Prep

🔥 How Summer Heat Affects Your Vehicle (and Signs You Shouldn't Ignore)

🔥 How Summer Heat Affects Your Vehicle (and Signs You Shouldn't Ignore)

🔥 How Summer Heat Affects Your Vehicle (and Signs You Shouldn't Ignore) Summertime means road trips, sun-soaked days, and unfortunately… stress on your vehicle. While you may be enjoying the warmer weather, your car is working overtime to keep cool and stay running. High temperatures can impact everything from your battery to your tires—and if you're not careful, that summer fun can turn into a breakdown on the side of the road. Here’s how extreme heat affects your vehicle—and the signs you should watch for. ☀️ 1. Battery Strain The heat is harder on your battery than winter. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage and a shortened lifespan. Signs to watch for: Slow engine crank Dim headlights Battery warning light A rotten egg smell (which can indicate a leaking battery) ... read more

🌞 Memorial Day Weekend is Here — Are You Road-Trip Ready?

🌞 Memorial Day Weekend is Here — Are You Road-Trip Ready?

For many, Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer adventures. Whether you're heading out on your first camping trip or planning a scenic road trip, it’s important to make sure your vehicle and trailer are ready for the journey. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to go through this simple checklist to help ensure a safe and stress-free trip: ✅ Car, Truck, and Trailer Pre-Trip Checklist 🚗 Vehicle Checks (Car or Truck)Tire Pressure & Tread – Check for proper inflation and wear. Brakes – Make sure brakes respond smoothly and don’t squeak or grind. Oil & Fluid Levels – Top off or change oil, coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluids. ... read more

Weather is Warming Up and Your Car’s A/C Is Blowing Warm – What to Do

Weather is Warming Up and Your Car’s A/C Is Blowing Warm – What to Do

As temperatures rise, there's nothing worse than flipping on your car’s A/C… only to be met with a blast of warm air. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or planning a road trip, a functional air conditioning system is essential for comfort and safety. If your car’s A/C isn’t doing its job, don’t sweat it — here’s what might be going on and what you can do about it. 1. Check the Obvious First Before diving into major repairs, check a few simple things: Is the A/C actually turned on? Double-check the A/C button and that the temperature dial is set to cold. Is the fan working? If there’s no airflow at all, the issue might be electrical or a bad blower motor. 2. Low or Leaking Refrigerant The most common reason your A/C is blowing warm is low refrigerant — usually due to a leak in the system. Refrigerant (commonly R-134a or R-1234yf) is the ... read more

Winter Driving in Spanish Fork: Why Every Snowstorm Feels Like a Traffic Nightmare

Winter Driving in Spanish Fork: Why Every Snowstorm Feels Like a Traffic Nightmare

Here in Spanish Fork, we’ve only had a handful of snowstorms this season, but does it feel like every storm creates a traffic nightmare? You’re not alone in thinking so! One possible reason is that we’ve had relatively mild winters the last few years, meaning many drivers have less experience handling snowy and icy roads. But beyond driving experience, vehicle maintenance plays a huge role in winter driving safety. Every day, we perform vehicle inspections and see areas where improvements can make a big difference in handling winter conditions. To help you stay safe in snow and traffic, here are the top safety items to check on your vehicle: 1. Tires – Your First Line of Defense ✔️ Check for adequate tread depth and even wear. Tires have a built-in wear bar indicator—once the tread reaches this level, it’s time for a replacement. ✔️ Ensure proper inflation. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure ... read more

Why Your Vehicle Might Hesitate to Start in the Winter

Why Your Vehicle Might Hesitate to Start in the Winter

Why Your Vehicle Might Hesitate to Start in the Winter As temperatures drop, many drivers notice their vehicles struggle or hesitate to start, leaving them wondering, "What’s going on under the hood?" One of the main culprits during the winter months is your car's battery. Here’s why cold weather and battery performance don’t always go hand in hand—and what you can do about it. How Cold Weather Affects Your Battery Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce power, and cold weather slows these reactions down. This means your battery generates less energy to start the engine when you need it most. Additionally: Thickened Electrolyte: Low temperatures cause the electrolyte solution inside the battery to thicken, reducing ion movement and lowering the battery’s overall capacity. Increased Power Demand: Cold engines and thicker oil make starting your vehicle more demanding, requiring ... read more