Tag Archives: Seasonal Maintenance

Why Is My Car A/C Blowing Warm? Causes, Checks & Fixes

Why Is My Car A/C Blowing Warm? Causes, Checks & Fixes

Air Conditioning Is your A/C blowing warm? Where to start? We will start with a visual inspection for any visible leaks, visible damage, determine if compressor is engaging.  As long as everything is in working order the refrigerant capacity will need to be checked and verify the system can hold pressure (which will also indicate a leak) At that point the technician would recharge the system to the correct capacity refrigerant and with an ultra violet dye. Air conditioning systems are very temperamental, the refrigerant level must be perfect not too full and not too low. How do you know which refrigerant goes in your vehicle, As of 2015 there are 2 different types of refrigerant, 134a which most vehicles take and 1234yf. These two fluids are not compatible with each other, it is either one or the other the vehicle a/c system label will specify which to use. What symptoms can I watch for to tell if I have low refrigerant? AC blowing warm at all times, blowing warm while dr ... read more

Do Hybrid Vehicles Need Maintenance?

Do Hybrid Vehicles Need Maintenance?

In short, the answer is Yes! At Dickerson Automotive, our team has a wide range of experience, including maintenance and repairs on Hybrid vehicles.  Standard Maintenance for Hybrids Most people commonly believe that owning a hybrid or electric vehicle will require more complex maintenance procedures, leading to more costly expenses. Though there are some other things to take care of, basic hybrid vehicle maintenance doesn't differ significantly from standard vehicles. Hybrid drivers still need routine oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, fluid checks, and transmission maintenance. The Differences in Maintenance Still, there are a few differences in caring for a hybrid vehicle versus a standard car. There are different types of hybrid engine systems out on the market. When considering "full hybrid" vehicles, they have the capability to turn off their internal combustion engine and run exclusively on the electric motor under particular conditions. This p ... read more

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April Car Care: Essential Spring Maintenance Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Warmer Weather

April Car Care: Essential Spring Maintenance Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Warmer Weather

April is one of the two months that the Car Care Council supports every year to sensitize people on the importance of preventative maintenance and car care. The other month is October. The reason why it is crucial to give attention to your car during April is that it is the end of winter and you need to prepare your vehicle for the forthcoming summer road trips and spring driving. This is the time to deal with the issues that had taken the back seat during winter and ensure that windshield wipers, brakes, and tires are ready for the rain. Car care is paramount because without it, you will end up spending a lot of money paying for costly repairs down the line and you will resell it for a lower price. Taking care of your car will ensure that you are safe on the road and that your car is dependable, hence, lower chances of breaking down or accidents. Some of the things you should do to ensure that your car is in top shape during the oncoming warmer months are; Fluids, filters, a ... read more

Headlight Restoration & Exterior Car Care Tips

Headlight Restoration & Exterior Car Care Tips

Exterior vehicle maintenance is just as necessary as engine and fluid maintenance. A good car wash and wax can extend the life of your paint. While regular washing is essential, you may notice that your headlights still look foggy. Summers are hot in Spanish Fork, and UV rays from the sun can cause oxidation outside the headlights. Clean headlights are vital because, without them, you can’t see the road. Oxidation doesn’t cause permanent damage; however, it can make your headlights yellow and fuzzy looking. If you clean your headlights the moment you notice a change, you may be able to restore their natural brightness at home. Below are a few tips to remove oxidation and restore your foggy headlights.   Cleaning tips for foggy headlights: Start your headlight restoration by cleaning them using a microfiber cloth, automotive soap, and water.  Toothpaste Toothpaste is a necessity when removing plaque and ... read more

What does a cabin air filter do for my car?

What does a cabin air filter do for my car?

What does a cabin air filter do for my car? The purpose of the Cabin Air filter is to filter out dirt, organic material, road debris and pollen. Some Cabin Air filters even come with Carbon media that help keep odors in check. Changing the Cabin Air Filter out in your car on regular basis will keep your heater and air conditioning working efficiently and keep the dust and pollen in check; much like the filter for your furnace in your home or apartment. Cabin Air filters started appearing in cars in the early 2000 era. Today the majority of cars come with cabin air filters; however they are not in all cars. If you are not sure if your car has one, come by or give us a call. We will be happy to figure it out for you. In most case we don’t charge labor; it is generally just the price of the filter.  

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