May 15, 2012

Get The Right Tires And Wheels At Vaughan’s Car Care

Filed under: Tires — vaugha590 @ 8:42 pm

Get The Right Tires And Wheels At Vaughan's Car Care

A lot of Jetersville drivers get custom wheels. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you’re not careful. Sometimes, once they’re mounted, they just didn’t fit right. The tires rub in turns or on bumps. You don’t want that.

Consulting a tire professional at Vaughan’s Car Care can ensure you get the right fit. First he’ll ask you a series of questions about your driving needs in Jetersville and what you want in your new wheels.

At Vaughan’s Car Care, we advise Jetersville tire buyers that not every wheel can go on every car. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside so the tires rub.

If you don’t want to make any modifications to your minivan, you need to focus on the wheels that fit. With trucks, some Jetersville people like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.

Also, most Jetersville people don’t realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – that’s, like the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.

The minivan’s computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn’t know what changes you made so it can’t tell how fast you’re going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong speed. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your minivan’s engine control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size. For information on reprogramming the engine computer, call us at 804.561.1536.

Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in Jetersville. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your Vaughan’s Car Care tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and select the right tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs.

At Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia VA (23002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 804.561.1536. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Share

May 10, 2012

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Vaughan’s Car Care Has Answers

Filed under: Check Engine Light — vaugha590 @ 7:11 pm

Why Is My Check Engine Light On Vaughan's Car Care Has Answers

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Amelia drivers and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in VA.

First, if your minivan check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components. Get that taken care of right away. If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at Amelia highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your Amelia service advisor to get it checked out.

Some more information from Vaughan’s Car Care on how the Check Engine Light works may be informative. Most of your minivan engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Amelia.

In order to make these adjustments, the minivan computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the Check Engine Light.

The minivan computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your minivan looked at at Vaughan’s Car Care. Your courteous service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give your Vaughan’s Car Care technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

At Vaughan’s Car Care, we also offer brake service and electrical system test.

Give us a call

Vaughan’s Car Care
804.561.1536
15275 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002

At Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia VA (23002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 804.561.1536. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Share

May 1, 2012

Cooling System Service At Vaughan’s Car Care

Filed under: Cooling System — vaugha590 @ 6:31 pm

Cooling System Service At Vaughan's Car Care

Your minivan cooling system’s job is to keep your engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the cooled mix circulates back through the minivan engine to absorb more heat.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures in Amelia.

Without coolant, the minivan’s metal engine parts would expand so much that the engine would seize up and stop running.  Expensive parts could be broken or warp so badly they would have to be replaced at Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia. It could even be so bad that the whole engine is ruined and has to be replaced.

Also, if it’s freezing outside in Amelia, the water in your engine could freeze while your vehicle is sitting out in the VA cold. This is why you check coolant levels frequently and have your cooling system inspected for leaks. Also your manufacturer has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant. These recommendations can vary widely, so check your Amelia owner’s manual or ask your service advisor at Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia.

The reason you need to change the coolant is that it has additives in it to protect the cooling system. As you can imagine, with all the heat, the cooling system’s a pretty harsh environment. The additives keep the fluid from becoming corrosive and damaging the radiator and other Amelia cooling system components. Over time, the additives are depleted and the coolant just has to be replaced. A simple pH test can measure the coolant’s acidity.

You may have noticed that there are different colors of antifreeze at Vaughan’s Car Care: it is very important that you use the correct type.  The different coolant types are different colors so you don’t mix them up.  Manufacturers use different materials to make the cooling system, and they require different types of antifreeze to protect them.

So check with your courteous Vaughan’s Car Care service advisor or owner’s manual for the right kind because using the wrong coolant can void the warranty for your minivan cooling system.

Ask us about power brake service, electrical system test and engine air filter.

Give us a call

Vaughan’s Car Care
804.561.1536
15275 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002

At Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia VA (23002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 804.561.1536. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Share

April 24, 2012

Getting The Right Wheels And Tires At Vaughan’s Car Care In Amelia

Filed under: Tires — vaugha590 @ 5:09 pm

Getting The Right Wheels And Tires At Vaughan's Car Care In Amelia

A lot of people in the Amelia Court House area want custom wheels. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you’re not careful. Sometimes they just don’t fit right: The tires rub in turns or over bumps. Consulting a tire professional at Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia can ensure you get the right fit for your minivan. First he’ll ask you a series of questions about your driving needs and what you want in your new wheels.

Now, not every wheel can go on every vehicle. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside. If you don’t want to make any modifications to your minivan, you would need to focus on a wheel and tire combination that would fit. With trucks, some Amelia people like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.

Also, most Amelia people don’t realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – that’s the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.

The minivan computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn’t know what changes you made so it can’t tell how fast you’re going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong sensor information. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your minivan vehicle control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size. At Vaughan’s Car Care, we can give you information about control computer reprogramming.

Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in Amelia. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your Amelia tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and select the right tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs – and the best way to do all this is to have your courteous Vaughan’s Car Care tire specialist see your minivan in person so mistakes are not made.

At Vaughan’s Car Care, we also offer brake service and electrical system test.

Give us a call

Vaughan’s Car Care
804.561.1536
15275 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002

At Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia VA (23002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 804.561.1536. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Share

April 19, 2012

Deciphering The Menu Board At Vaughan’s Car Care: F to W

Filed under: Making Your Vehicle Last — vaugha590 @ 4:24 pm

Deciphering The Menu Board At Vaughan's Car Care F to W

You may not be familiar with all of the items on Vaughan’s Car Care’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Vaughan’s Car Care Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Vaughan’s Car Care Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at Vaughan’s Car Care gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Amelia and on Amelia Court House freeways, by the way.

Vaughan’s Car Care Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your courteous Vaughan’s Car Care advisor for information.

Vaughan’s Car Care Inspections: Amelia drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Amelia. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at Vaughan’s Car Care may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Vaughan’s Car Care Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Amelia auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Vaughan’s Car Care PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Vaughan’s Car Care Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your Vaughan’s Car Care technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Vaughan’s Car Care Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at Vaughan’s Car Care before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

Vaughan’s Car Care Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Amelia motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Vaughan’s Car Care Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Vaughan’s Car Care Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Amelia.

Give us a call

Vaughan’s Car Care
804.561.1536
15275 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002

At Vaughan’s Car Care in Amelia VA (23002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 804.561.1536. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Share
Next Articles »