Fall Automotive Challenges

 

Did you know? The Fall months are some of the most challenging for drivers and their cars. Why? After Summer, upkeep of our cars and trucks takes a back seat to going back to school, work, and life in general. It’s easy to take your car’s or truck’s performance for granted, and with the upcoming expenses of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we sometimes tempt fate. Let’s not tempt fate – instead, do these simple check-ups that will save you money and time while avoiding a horrible surprise.

Check your wipers. Wipers are often neglected, but once they’re replaced, we notice the improved vision during both day and night. Fall leaves and sticks always seem to damage our wipers. Wipers are an inexpensive upgrade to both your safety and the safety of others. This simple fix is a DIY project that could save you from an unwanted accident.

Check your battery. Make sure your battery cable ends are tight and free of corrosion. Such a simple issue caught at home or by your shop can save you the BIG headache of an unexpected breakdown. Then again, if a breakdown was expected, wouldn't you do something to make sure it didn’t happen?

Check your tires. Fall brings new roadway challenges of wet leaves on the roads. Make sure the air pressure of your tires is at the manufacturer’s specifications. Look at the wear and tread depth. Most tires today have wear bars. Lastly, check your tires for abnormal wear. Do your tires have the steel belt showing on the edges? If so, please purchase new tires as soon as possible.

Check your heating and defroster. Fall creeps up on us quickly. Make sure you take a moment to check both the heater and defroster for proper operation. Does the temperature change as you adjust the temp control? If so, GREAT! If not, this could be caused by a low coolant level. If your coolant level is low, take your vehicle to your shop and have them check for leaks. Switch your climate control from heater to defrost to make sure your hot air is coming out of the correct locations. Again, if something is not quite right with the operation of your HVAC system, take your car into your shop for a checkup of this system.

Lastly, is it time to change your oil and filter? Our suggestion as to where to take your vehicle for a complete service is to the shop that does your repairs. Why? Think of your shop like you do your doctor. Your car’s doctor is the shop that does your repair work. When you allow them to do your routine service, they become familiar with the sights and sounds of your vehicle. This is important because all cars and trucks don’t have the same noises or may look a little different under the hood. Give your repair shop every opportunity to work in the best interest of you and your car.

With all those listed tips, have a great and blessed time of the year.  Remember Pugh’s Auto Service’s free SHOT inspection if you need any of these systems checked, free of charge. What is a SHOT Vehicle Inspection? Sight, Hearing, Odor and Touch. Now you can tackle Fall with confidence!!!!!!

Ceramic Brake Pads vs Semi Metallic? Which should you be Using?

When it comes to parts, brakes have got to be among the most important on your car. They are responsible for your ability to slow down and stop. They are an extension of your ability to react, and if they can’t perform you and your loved ones could be put in danger.

That is why it is very important to know what kind of brakes your Auto Shop uses when replacing the brakes on your car.

I’m sure you are asking “what do you mean by what kind of brakes.” We mean there are several kinds, the two most common being Ceramic and Semi Metallic.

So, which is better? Here are the pros and cons of each.

Semi Metallic Brake Pads are made with anywhere between 30-70% of metal. Because of this, and the fact that they use abrasive friction to slow your vehicle, they can cause the parts in your Brake System, like the Brake Rotors and Calipers, to wear out faster.

Semi Metallic brake pads also create a noisier ride because of the metal on metal contact between your Brake Pads and Rotors. This can bother some drivers that like a quieter ride, and it can fool others that who are used to that Squealing Sound, akin to nails on a chalkboard, that’s produced when they get too worn down.

A Plus to Semi Metallic Brake Pads is that they conduct heat very well. This can make them ideal for performance vehicles or for driving in extremely hot temperatures.

Ceramic Brake Pads are made from similar materials as those used to make ceramic pots and plates, but they are much denser and more durable. They also have copper fibers embedded within them which allows them to conduct heat better.

About 30% of all mechanics use Ceramic Brake Pads when replacing Brakes, and there are a number of reasons why.

Ceramic Brake Pads offer the quietest ride of any other type of Brake Pad. They also produce a lot less Brake Dust due to creating adherent friction as opposed to the abrasive friction that Semi Metallic Brakes use. Due to this, Ceramic Brake Pads break down slowly, lasting longer than Semi Metallic Pads.

Ceramic Brake Pads are also more reliable under a larger range of temperatures and conditions, which makes them an ideal replacement. Ceramic Brake Pads are better able to displace heat caused by friction. Less heat equals less stress on your Rotors and Calipers which will ultimately extend their life.

The one drawback to Ceramic Pads is that they tend to cost slightly more. However, given that they tend to last longer than Semi Metallic Pads, you will save more in the long run. This is because they are specifically engineered to perform under a wide range of conditions, while also providing you with a much quieter ride.

When it comes right down to it, Ceramic Pads are the best option to use when replacing the Brake Pads on your vehicle. That is unless you live in a desert or drive like a NASCAR star. However, if you drive like the average person commuting from point A to point B, you should be in great shape with a set of Ceramic Brake Pads.

If you think you may need to replace your Brakes, then make sure to call a reputable Automotive Repair Shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to replace them. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can visit www.pughsservice.com, or call (302)734-4231.

Get True "Service" with your next Service

When people take their car in for a Service, many shops for speed and convenience, will only change the Oil and Oil Filter. This may be better for your daily planning, but is really what is best for your vehicle? Is it enough?

The answer is an unequivocal NO.

In truth, just changing the Oil and Oil Filter is better than doing nothing, but it isn’t even close to what your car needs. So, what does your car need when you bring it in for a Service?

The answer is simple. Your car needs to be fully checked over. At Pugh’s Service Automotive, we don’t just change your oil and filter. During a Service, we will look at all the other fluids, including Transmission Fluid, Anti-Freeze, Washer Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, and Brake Fluid. If any of those need topping off, we will re-fill them to the proper levels.

In addition to checking your vehicle’s fluids, we also check the condition of your vehicle’s Belts and Hoses, the Tire Inflation and Wear, as well as the condition of your Windshield Wiper Blades. We also perform a courtesy 30-Point Inspection that is completely free of charge.

If issues are found while we are performing our inspection, we provide an estimate for the needed repairs and schedule an appointment. If your schedule makes waiting difficult, we offer Shuttling Services to your work or home, and we also will happily return your car too you upon its completion.

This has been our level of service since 1945, when Horace Pugh, Sr. first opened Pugh’s Service Automotive as a gas station. This level of service was often expected back then, and while it is rarely seen today, we still hold ourselves to that high standard.

Imagine having this kind of an Inspection every time you bring your car in for any sort of maintenance! A good shop, a shop that cares about you more than their pocketbook is HUGE! At Pugh’s Service Automotive we perform a 30-Point Vehicle Inspection on every car every time it comes in for any kind of Maintenance Service, and it’s done for free.

So, what’s in a 30-Point Inspection?

A 30-Point Inspection is all the items listed above, including the inspection of your Steering, Suspension, Drive, Exhaust, Computer, Lighting, and Braking Systems.

In addition to the 30-Point Inspection, Pugh’s Service Automotive will provide a print-out of your vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule, called a K Plan. The “K” in K Plan stands for 1000, because your plan is broken into 1k mile intervals and each vehicle has a specific Maintenance Plan.

This plan can be found in your owner’s manual and is very important. Doing the maintenance prescribed by your manufacturer when directed is a must and will save you money.

Years ago, Fram Oil Filter Company had a commercial that featured a shop owner performing a vehicle service. His message was to those who didn’t properly maintain their vehicles. He said, “You can pay me now or pay me later.” Paying later always costs much more in both money and time, and it is never convenient.

Here’s our advice. Find a shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to completely inspect your vehicle. A shop should be able to prioritize the needed work with estimates, by always looking at safety first, then the manufacturer’s plan.

Today’s vehicles are not as simple as they once were and finding a business that watches after you more than their pocketbook will give you the confidence to make the best decisions for you and your vehicle. Hopefully this will help you save money in the future by enabling you to find an Automotive Shop that cares about YOU!

Please feel free to call us at (302)734-4231 or visit us at 728 Leipsic Road in Dover.

How to Find Your College Freshman a Trustworthy Automotive Repair Shop

It’s almost that time of year again! Time for parents to see their kids off to college!

If you are one of these parents, a parent who is sending away a newly minted Freshman to an out of state school, you are likely going out of your mind trying to prepare.

One way to prepare you and your child is to scout the area for Trustworthy, Reputable, and Skillful Automotive Mechanics. Should something happen to your kid while they’re gone, you want to make sure they aren’t taken advantage of.

As we all know, vehicle repairs can be very expensive; add to that the cost of tuition, and your anxiety level goes through the roof.

While we can’t help with paying your college tuition expenses, we can provide some helpful tips to finding trustworthy Automotive Repair Shops… And hopefully reduce your stress!

If there is one thing we can all agree on, going to an Automotive Dealer is always more expensive than going to a local shop. Since every dollar counts, choosing the right shop is paramount to saving your money.

First and foremost, you should start looking for an automotive repair shop early. The earlier you start researching Automotive Shops near your child’s college, the more prepared you can be when you leave your kid for the next few months.

Below is a list of what to look for from the car repair center that will be watching over your child’s safety and your wallet over the next four years and perhaps beyond.

     1)      Local Reputation: I don’t mean look on social media for Google/Yelp Ratings, though those can help, but TALK to real folks that live and work in the area. If you’re out eating, shopping or whatever you are doing, ask questions.

     2)      Take Notes:  Take down the addresses and phone numbers of Automotive Shops that are local to the area of your child’s college. This way, you can visit some when you are in town visiting their college, too.  

  

     3)      Schedule a Service: Once you narrow down your list, make an appointment to get a feel for the staff. While you’re there, take notice of certain things. For instance, what do they offer on a Service? Do they have a Waiting Area? Do they Offer Shuttle Services? Will they pick you up when your vehicle is complete? These are all services that we at Pugh’s Service Automotive have offered for years, at NO CHARGE!

     4)      Going Above and Beyond: When changing your oil and filter will they do additional checks? Here at Pugh’s Service we perform a Free 30-Point Inspection on every car, regardless of the reason of the visit.

  

     5)      Get to Know the Owner: Ask many questions, like “Do you have kids in college?” “Will you call me with an estimate whenever work needs to be done?” “Can you prioritize the repairs, I’m on a budget, my kid’s in college?” Having an owner that understands your position of value and safety for your child is HUGE!

     6)      Are They ASE Certified?: This is a tough one. I know some amazing technicians that are not ASE and some techs can pass a test but in practice couldn’t repair the little red wagon, which goes back to #1 on the list. Local Reputation.

Here at Pugh’s Service we are surrounded by colleges and have a ton of experience with earning the trusts of parents and students alike.

Did you know that many students stay in the area of the college they attended, even after graduation? It is important that you find a Car Repair Center that views your young adult as a person, and not a number, and treats them as such.

I would like to thank such a young collegian for the inspiration to write this blog. Nakia Bracey, thank you and congratulations on graduating from Wilmington College. Lastly, a shout out to all of our amazing past and present students from Delaware State University, Wesley College, DelTech and Wilmington College.

You all are valued within our community and are special to us at Pugh’s Service.

Why do my Tires Wear Unevenly?

Just had your Tires Replaced and it seems like they are already worn out?

If you have this concern, you are not alone. If you feel as though this question applies to you then take a look as some of the tips that may shed some light on your problem.

         Brand of Tire:  Make sure that the Tires Installed on your vehicle match what you use it for. Also ask yourself if the Tires Installed match your Driving Style and the Driving Conditions it is exposed to.

Secondly, remember that Tire Brand does matter. If you ask your shop about Tire Brands that they stock, and it turns out that they only deal in one brand then it is time that you to go to a more versatile shop.

Some Tire Brands are softer than others which helps with Road Grip but have a shorter lifespan. The Mile Rating on a tire can be a big factor in determine what Tires should be installed on your vehicle.

At Pugh’s Service Automotive we install a variety of tires, depending on our customer’s needs. Whether it be Goodyear, Michelin, or Cooper Tires, we can get them.

         Where is the Wear?: If your tires seem to wear out too fast, then you should check the tire for Unusual Wear Patterns.

If your Tire Wear Pattern can be seen mostly on the sides, then that could indicate a few conditions.

One of the more popular conditions for Side Wear is not Rotating your Tires enough. Tires should be Rotated and Balanced every 6k to 8k miles.

Your vehicle’s Alignment, or lack of proper alignment, is another cause for Tire Wear seen on the Side Tread of you Tires. That, or a Steering Linkage could be faulty.

Thankfully, Pugh’s Service Automotive performs Free 30-Point Inspections, which can catch issues like this.

You also want to make sure that your tires are properly inflated. If they are Under Inflated, then it is likely you will see Side Wear as well. Newer vehicles have TPMS systems that will cause a warning light to come on if the Tire Inflation isn’t within the proper specifications.

On the other hand, if your tires show a lot of Center Wear, then it is very likely that your tires are Over Inflated. The specifications for proper level of Inflation of your Tires is normally located on the inside of the Driver’s Door Jam.

The final type of Wear Pattern is Cupping or Scalloping. This type of Wear Pattern shows up as “cups” or dips around different areas of the Tire Tread. This type of Wear Pattern is caused by several factors. One is your tires not being Properly Balanced. Another likely cause is bad suspension parts, such as shocks or struts.

          Does Your Tire Bulge: If you inspect your tire and find that there is a Bulge in the Tire Tread or Side Wall then you need to take your car to a shop immediately. A Tire Bulge is a sign of a Defective Tire and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Driving with a Tire Bulge could cause a blowout, which will put you and anyone driving around you in danger.

Armed with this information, we at Pugh’s Service Automotive hope that you are better able to save your money by making sure your tires last longer.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 302-734-4231 or visit our site www.pughsservice.com.

Fluid Leaks and What they Mean

My car has a Fluid Leak, but I don’t know what it is. Can you check it out?

At Pugh’s Service Automotive we hear this question often. Oddly enough, the answer is quite simple to find out if you know what you are looking at.

Here are some tips on how to find out what Type of Fluid Leak your car has.

What Color is the Fluid Leak?

Is the Fluid Leak Black, Green, Clear, Red, Yellow, Blue, or perhaps mixed? Where does the fluid leak look like it’s coming from?

A Black Fluid leak in most cases says we have an oil leak. Green, Yellow, or Reddish-Brown Fluid Leaks point to a leak in the cooling system. On the other hand, Clear color yells we may have a Brake or Power Steering Leak. Power Steering can also be Red. Red will many times be a transmission leak.  Blue will mostly be Washer Fluid.

Where is the Leak Coming From?

Does the Fluid Leak pool in the front of the vehicle? Does it pool towards the Middle, Left, Right, or Rear of your car?

Knowing the area the Fluid Leak pools can be a big step in determining it’s nature. Especially when coupled with the Color of the leak.

Here is a tip to help you to easily determine the location of you Fluid Leak.

Cut out a large piece of cardboard and place the cardboard under your car. Make sure to place it in the area that you think the leak is coming from. The next day inspect the cardboard. Bring it to your shop and THEY WILL LOVE YOU!!!!!

Why will they love you? It makes a clear Marker for the Area of the Fluid Leak. Also, many times the color of a Leaking Fluid is different when seeing it lying on a Blacktop, Concrete or other type of driveway. The cardboard will make the Color of your car’s Fluid Leak much easier to determine.

When Does it Leak Most?

Does your Fluid Leak increase more when your car is warmed up? Does it Leak more after it has sat for a while? This can tell a Mechanic what type of part is Leaking Fluid. This is especially true when coupled with the Color and Location of the Fluid Leak.

Any information you are able to give in regard to your car’s Fluid Leak is GOLDEN, and will be duly noted by your Mechanic.

We know your follow up question will be “Is this Repair Expensive?”

This is a question that can only be answered by Inspecting the car or truck.

Some leaks are slow and some fast, but all leaks follow to the law of gravity. Your leak could be coming from an area that is higher than what it appears. Oil, Antifreeze, Power Steering, Transmission, Brake or Power Steering Leaks should ALWAYS be taken to an expert with a car lift to correctly diagnose your Fluid Leak.

A Wrong or Incomplete diagnosis will only cost you more dollars. At Pugh’s Service Automotive we will inspect your Fluid Leak Free of Charge, even if you are seeking us as a Second Opinion.

Second Opinion Auto Repair Inspections Welcomed!

                                                                           

At Pugh's Service Automotive we get a lot of Walk-In Customers that come for Second Opinion Auto Repair Quotes given by other companies.

Unfortunately, many of these New Customers feel guilty for seeking Second Opinion Diagnoses and Quotes. We at Pugh’s Service Automotive have some good news for you…

Seeking Second Opinion Automotive Repair Quotes is nothing to be ashamed of! In fact, it’s a great idea! Here are some reasons why….

1.) It can Save Money:

Many places do Courtesy Checks as a part of their initial Inspections. Pugh’s Service Automotive also does this as a Free 30-Point Inspection. However, there are places that will try to up-sell you on repairs that don’t need to be completed at that time.

Brake Problems illustrate this point quite well. We at Pugh’s Service Automotive have had several people tell us stories. They went to one service center to and were told that they would need new Front and Rear Brakes. Upon our Intake Inspections though, we would find that only one set of Brakes needed Replacement.

Of course, if on set is at half of its depth or less, we will let you, our customers know. However, we will recommend when a replacement is optimum based on your Driving Habits.

2.) Making sure you Fix the Right Problem:

We would all like to think that all Auto Repair shops would be on the up and up, but that just isn’t the case anymore. At Pugh’s Service Automotive we have heard quite a few stories about how customer X had repairs done at shop Y two plus times, only to never have the issue fixed.

Getting a Second Opinion on your Auto Repair and Quote can help stop this from happening.

Like we mentioned above, we give Free Inspections, and that includes Second Opinions for those who are unsure of the first Diagnosis.

Electrical and Charging Issues that can be difficult to Diagnose are the typical cause of this. When these issues pop up, some shops will start “Throwing Parts” at the issue without knowing the root cause.

At Pugh’s Service Automotive, we will keep you in loop the entire time through our Diagnosis Process. This way you never feel that we are not being completely up front with you.

3.) It Gives You Peace of Mind:

Instead of your Car, imagine that it was you, your child, or your pet that was having issues. One doctor tells you that there is nothing wrong without doing any tests. Would you settle for that? No!

You should use the same logic for your car. If you feel like the issue isn’t getting fixed, then search for a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop. One that you feel confident in. If you don’t, then how can you ever achieve peace of mind?

Nobody wants to be second guessing their bills, because they are wondering if the Mechanic fixed the right issue. It causes undo stress, and we at Pugh’s Service Automotive are dedicated to alleviating that stress.

Next time you find yourself second guessing your decision to get a Second Opinion Auto Diagnosis remember two things. One, Second Opinions are good things and can save you time, money, and stress. Two, Pugh’s Service Automotive welcomes customers like you and always has your back!

3 Reasons Why Your Car Heater Smells Funny

Does your car’s Heater Smell Funny when you Turn It On? If so, do you know what it means?

If you don’t, here is a Guide to some of the more Common Smells that come from your Heater, and what they mean.

Sweet, Maple Syrup Smell

If you turn on your car’s Heater and get a Sweet, Maple Syrup-like Smell, chances are you have an Anti-Freeze Leak…. That or somebody is having some pancakes topped with Maple Syrup in your back seat.

This could either be due to a Leaking Hose or a Leaking Heater Core. The only real way to tell is to take your vehicle to an Auto Repair Shop. This way, an Experienced Mechanic can properly Diagnose the issue.

Burning Plastic Smell

If a Burning Plastic Smell is coming from your car’s Heater, then you probably have Bad Blower Motor. That, or the Blower Resistor, or other related Electronics are getting too hot. If these parts are the culprits, you will only experience the Burning Smell when you turn your car’s heater on.

Do not confuse these with other Burning Smells that you notice if your car’s heater is off. Burning Oil, Overheated Brakes, or Burnt Vacuum Lines are among these culprits.

In either event, call Pugh’s Service Automotive to schedule a Free Inspection. This way we can help you get to the bottom of a very dicey issue.

Rotten Egg Smell

A Bad Catalytic Converter or Old Gear Lube can cause your Heater to put off a nasty Rotten Egg Smell. If this is the case, you will probably only smell this if your car's Fresh Intake is on.

Another Cause is that somebody put a stink bomb into your Fresh Air Intake while you weren’t looking.

All jokes aside, the most common cause of the Rotten Egg Smell is the Hydrogen Sulfide. This can be caused by a bad Catalytic Converter.

The only way to cure this problem is to leave the Fresh Air Intake off until the root problem is fixed. Fortunately, Pugh’s Service Automotive in Dover, Delaware provides Free Inspections. This will help tell us what that root problem is.

To Schedule an appointment visit our website www.PughsService.com or Call (302)734-4231