Get your Car ready for Holiday Road Trips with Pugh's Service Automotive's SHOT Inspection!

Don’t look now, but with holidays fast approaching, that means traveling…. Lots and lots of traveling. Whether it be through the skies, on the road, or both, you will need to make sure that your car is in tip-top shape to make the trip. This way you can make it to Grandma’s house safely and without incident.   

You might be wondering what exactly should be checked on your car before a long trip. The answer is everything. This can be done with a free, complimentary Sensory Inspection at Pugh’s Service Automotive, otherwise known as our SHOT (Sight, Hearing, Odor, and Touch) Inspection. In most cases, this inspection is just what you need to ensure safe travels to family and friends for the holidays.

First, we will use our sense of Sight to take a good look Under the Hood and at the Underbody. We will look for any leaks, which is straightforward, as your car should be dry. If a Fluid Leak is spotted, we will note what color it is along with the area it is found in. This will tell us which part is the culprit for the Leak, and then we will give you a call with an estimate to repair the problem. If you are about to embark on a longer road trip, it is best to let a professional Auto Repair Shop repair the issue before you leave.

Second, we will use our sense of hearing on a Test Drive to listen out any potential negative sounds. Hearing a suspicious sound can often point us in the direction of the true problem so that we can use our senses of Sight and Touch to Inspect even deeper.

 For example, Failing Brake Pads can be heard before serious damage occurs. Wheel Bearings also will present with a Roaring Sound if they are going bad. Squeaking or other Noises Under the Hood could indicate worn parts such as Belts and Pulleys. If this is the case, then none of these things should be neglected before you begin your trip, as they can cause serious damage if you were to continue to stress them.

Next, we use our sense of Smell to detect any unwanted Odors during the Test Drive and throughout the Inspection. A very common smell is one of Burning outside of the Car, which can indicate Worn Down Brake Pads. A Burning Rubber Smell can indicate Bad Hoses or Worn Belts. Other Odors to beware of are a Sweet, Syrupy Smell and Hot Oil Smell. If either are accompanied by Leaks seen under the car then you could be dealing with a Leaking Valve Cover or Radiator.

Pugh’s Service Automotive will use our senses of sight and touch to determine the culprits, so that we can provide you with an Accurate Estimate of Repair. This way, you don’t overspend, and you have safe and reliable transportation for your road trip.

Last, but certainly not least, we will use our sense of touch to feel for Soft and Squishy Hoses, Cracked or Torn Belts, and much more.

In addition to everything mentioned above, we will Check to make sure your Oil, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Washer Fluid, and Tire Pressures are all at the proper level. We will also inspect your Lights and anything else that may come to mind, making sure all is working properly for your trip.  

Part of enjoying the holidays is not worrying about whether you make it to your destination, and part of that is finding a reputable Auto Repair Shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to make sure your car is in the best shape possible. We love our customers and want you to have a great holiday season, so if you want to make sure your car can make the trips during the holidays, give us a call. It’s the cheapest holiday insurance you could ever want.

With all this in mind, we at Pugh’s Service Automotive wish you a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

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.

3 Reasons Your Car has a Banging Noise

We have all been there. You are in your car, driving along, and out of nowhere you hear a big BANG!

Your paranoia kicks in, and as soon as you get home you rush out of your car to look for potential causes.

Here is a list of possible culprits to help you identify the cause of that Bang!

Banging Noises in your car can have simple causes, however, more often than not they represent something larger that could pose a safety risk to you and your family. Be safe and let Pugh's Service Automotive inspect your vehicle for free!

Check Your Exhaust

As soon as safely possible, check for a Loose Exhaust Pipe on your vehicle. If you find that your Exhaust is loose then the trouble could be as simple as a Failed Exhaust Hanger or Exhaust Insulator. However, if the noise was more of a Rattle than a Bang, it could be the Heat Shields on the Exhaust System.

If the noise you are hearing does happen to be the Heat Shields, then it could be that they came loose or were damaged. In that case the Heat Shield can be secured.

However, in the case of Damaged Heat Shields, they will require replacement. Replacing a heat shield typically includes replacing additional exhaust pieces.

Steering and Suspension Systems

Believe it or not, Steering and Suspension Systems also cause Banging Noises.

If the Steering or Suspension is at fault for the noise, then the noise will normally be apparent while you are driving.

Loose or worn Shock Absorbers or Struts will bang when the car or truck is bounced and while driving. If it sounds like the banging is coming from the front wheel area, then a potential cause could be faulty Ball Joints.

A warning to the wise, if this is the issue, then please don’t drive the car.

In addition to Ball Joints, other culprits that could cause a banging in the steering system are Sway Bar Links, Tie Rods, Tie Rod Ends, Drag Links, the Pitman Arm, Idler Arm or other Steering Components. All these potential issues should be repaired and are huge safety concerns.

Transmission or Engine

Do you hear the banging when you put the car or truck in gear or during acceleration?

If the answer is “yes”, then the likely guilty party is an engine mount or transmission mount. Faulty Engine or Transmission Mounts left unrepaired will eventually lead to additional and costly damage

Engine and Transmission Mounts on newer cars and trucks should only be repaired by a shop with the correct tools. While older vehicles may be easier to repair in most cases, they can still prove difficult if you lack the proper tools and expertise.

Ultimately, while Banging Noises could be something simple, they can also represent a large safety concern. In these cases, please be safe and have a professional do a simple inspection.

At Pugh’s Service, we automatically perform a complete inspection of your vehicle regardless of your reason for coming to see us, at NO CHARGE!!!! So, let’s make sure you, your family and other drivers’ families are safe on our roads.

For more information feel free to visit us on our Website or Facebook Page. You can also call us at (302)-734-4231 or stop in at 728 Leipsic Rd in Dover, Delaware.

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!