Beat the Summer Heat with a Few Easy Tips!

The summer heat & sun can be pretty brutal sometimes and we all take certain precautions to protect ourselves such as drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen to protect our skin & wearing sunglasses on those sunny days. Well don’t forget about your car, it needs attention too to stay protected and well maintained through the hot summer months as well. Here’s a few helpful tips on how summerize your car & things to look for and do to keep your vehicle running & looking great for a long time to come.

You can start by giving your vehicle a good bath to welcome in those summer months followed by a good wax job to help protect the body &  paint job from any damaging UV rays just as we wear sunscreen. Also use some sort of protectant coating such as Armor All on your vehicles interior parts as well like the dash board, steering wheel, leather seats & any upholstery. Another great way to help with protecting the inside of your vehicle is to always park in the shade when you can & always use a sunshade to keep the inside out of direct sun rays & to help keep it cooler inside.

Than make sure to check all of your vehicles fluids such as windshield wiper fluid, oil, transmission fluid & the coolant. These fluids can tend to evaporate quicker in the hot summer months which can lead to costly future repairs to your vehicle. Keeping the oil changed is an extremely important thing to remember for the best car maintenance tip. So many things depend on the oil life in your vechicle, so definitely stay on top of that.

Another important thing to check are the tires on your vehicle. Hot summer roads can add to wear & tear on your vehicles tires much quicker and be very damaging. Make sure to check your tires air pressure or any signs of bulging or cracks and always change a tire when needed to prevent a dangerous blowout on the road.

Your battery & belts should be checked also to prevent any damage or costly future repairs. Hot summer weather can be super demanding on your vehicles battery because the liquid inside the battery can evaporate alot quicker. Also your vehicles belts can dry out and crack, split &  fray due to the summer heat. Just make sure you give them as much attention as everything else to help keep your vehicle well maintained & running in tip top shape all year long.

If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!

Oil Changes Should Be at the Top of Your List!

One of the most important things to keep up with while taking care of your vehicle is regular oil changes. Changing the oil on a regular basis will keep your vehicle running at it best and for many years to come. Make sure not to neglect this very important task because it can really make or break a vehicle. It’s said that it is best to have the oil changed right around every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Having it done every 3,000 miles is the general time frame but it does vary on different vehicles. But overall it is one of the most important things to keep up with on a vehicle.

There are different types of oil for your vehicle & a few other things also factor in when deciding when to have the oil changed. Other things like how much you drive your vehicle and how hard you drive it also. If you drive it a little harder you may want to look into having the oil changed before the 3 months or 3,000 miles. If your driving is a little on the easier side than you can probably go a little longer before having it done. You can check the oil yourself to see how it looks and there are a couple indications that will tell you if it’s time. When you check the oil it should have a transparent kind of brown creamy look to it. If you check the oil and it looks dark brown to black than it’s definitely time to get it changed.

Changing the oil in your vehcile is so very important because the oil lubricates all the parts in the entire vehicle and keeps everything running smoothly. Without oil the different parts would be rubbing on each other and metal on metal will wear down to almost nothing and that can’t be good at all. There are different types of motor oil for people to choose from for their vehicles engines. There are different weights of oil to use depending on the weather temperature. There are also different types such as synthetic oil that can go as long as 5,000 miles before changing. So whichever oil you choose for your vehicle just always remember to keep up with those regular oil changes to keep your vehicle healthy, happy and running smooth!

If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!

Keep Your Car Healthy & Happy!!!

Who doesn’t take pride in the vehicle they drive and would love for it to last a very long time at a very minimal cost. Things such as keeping it clean inside & out to regular maintenance can keep you and your vehicle healthy & happy for many years to come. Some of tips are things that probably would never cross your mind when thinking about maintaining your vehicle. Following a few easy tips can also help keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket while extending the life of your precious vehicle, now who wouldn’t be happy about that?!

Gotta Luv a Clean & Shiny Car!!!

I’m sure everyone loves that shiny new car look, who wouldn’t? You should always be able to achieve that just pulled of the lot new look at home whenever you want. Waxing your vehicle can be very easy and done at home to save you a few dollars as well. In the end you will be very happy with your shiny, clean, great looking car!

First, park your car in a cool & shady spot out of the direct sun and it’s always better done either in the morning or evening before the mid-day heat is at it hottest. You also don’t want it to be too cold either. Wait until the temperature is just right for the best results.

Make sure to give your car a good washing & scrub down before your on to the waxing to clean off any dirt and debris. Always completely dry off the entire vehicle before you get started with the waxing as well. Next you can get out the wax. Make sure you have the best wax product for your vehicle and read the label. Some waxes can have abrasives that can scratch a clear-coat &  lacquer finishes, also dull dark-colored paint jobs. It’s best to pick a non-abrasive wax for best results.

Now you can apply the wax. Make sure to read the directions and apply the wax in small sections to polish a little bit a time. Then use a soft terry cloth towel to wipe off the wax from the starting point of where you first put it on and repeat in a new section of your car.

A little knowledge can definitely go a long way. Now sit back and take a look at your new shiny car! Don’t forget if you need help with your vehicle or have any questions, you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for help!

Smile While $aving at the Pump!!!

If you are like most people than you don’t enjoy emptying your pockets & wallet at the gas pump each time you go.I know I definitely don’t want to! With the price of gas just rising & rising it’s difficult not to, but there is some hope. There are lots of different ways to help keep some of that money in your pocket. Some ways are as simple as a little know how, awareness & very easy upkeep on your vehicle. So who wouldn’t want to take advantage of these simple ways to help you save a little more money here & there. 

You can start out by learning what kind of fuel economy your vehicle is getting. Begin by tracking your everyday driving to find out the gas consumption from tank to tank of your vehicle. There are few different methods you could chose from such as a fuel-economy computer like the Scangauge. If your car is an older model you might want to try installing a vacuum gauge that will measures how hard the engine is working  or you could look into DIY fuel-economy electronics. Which ever route you take will give you instant feedback mixed with the knowledge of your own vehicle will to get you that instant 10 percent.

Checking out your surroundings while driving can also help out. You ask how? Well the less you have to use your brakes can help cut your fuel cost. Constantly stopping & going in traffic can use alot more gas than if you were to slowly coast to a stop. So paying closer attention to your surrounding can help you stop your vehicle easier than a very abrupt stop which can eat up more gas. Sounds pretty simple to me!

Think of driving your car like you would ride a bike. Think about the last time you ever rode your bike uphill & how much more energy it took for you to get to the top. Well your car is no different, it needs more energy to get up those inclines also. If you lay off the gas pedal just a bit making that climb it will help you burn less gas. So when you start going back down the other side your wallet won’t go with it.

Another pretty simple thing to do is to make sure that your tires are fully inflated. To get the best mileage out of your car, up the pressure to the maximum that’s written on the sidewall of the tire.  The ride won’t be quite as smooth, but your rolling resistance will be reduced and you will get better gas mileage. So if you can compromise a little bit of your smooth ride to fully inflate those tires you be a little richer for it in the end.

Some more very simple steps to take would be to start with choosing the right kind of vehicle for the amount of driving you need to do. You can also try multi-tasking a little bit throughout the day to cut down on your driving to save some gas. Also you can plan your route better, try taking ones with less stop lights, not alot of traffic & lower speed limits. Lastly and I’m sure everyone will agree, try to stay away from rush hour traffic. Try and plan your day to avoid sitting in that dreaded bumper to bumper traffic.

A little knowledge can definitely go a long way. Also try these simple ways to help out in cutting the money you spend at the gas pump. Don’t forget if you need help with your vehicle or have any questions, you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for help!

Don't Forget Your Car Checklist Ladies!

If you are like most women, we usually have a million and one things going on in a day and your car’s maintenance isn’t always at the top of the  list. There are a few important things to remember to keep up with to make sure your vehicle continues to run great for a long, long time. We all know that having to stop our daily routine for unexpected vehicle repairs can really throw a wrench in our lives.

First you should make a maintenance checklist to make sure you are keeping up with the most important things on your vehicle. You can have a car-care expert such as the Napleton Service Group perform preventive maintenance services on a regular basis. They can do things such as topping off fluid levels, inspecting hoses & belts, checking your engine oil, checking the tire pressure and making sure all the lights work.

A few more very important car care thing to keep up with are things like checking your air filter, which is what keeps your vehicle breathing clearly just like a persons lungs. Yes, that should be pretty high on your list. Followed by your engines oil and oil filter. The oil keeps everything lubricated and flowing smoothly throughout your vehicle to keep things working correctly at all times. Another top of the list tip to keep your vehicle happy & healthy for many years to come.

Next you should check out the tire pressure and wiper blades as well. The tires are what your vehicle rides safely on everyday and you want to make sure they are properly inflated and there are no cracks, split, etc. Those wipers blades keep your vision clear while driving to keep you and others around you safe on the roads. You want to make sure your wiper blades are clean and functioning properly. You should probably look at changing them out at least once every six months to be safe. 

Remember to keep up with routine car care & maintanence on your vehicle and everyone will be safe & happy! Also don’t forget the Napleton Service Group can help you out with all your vehicles needs!

Don't Forget to Wax & Polish Your Vehicle to Preserve that Shine!

Waxing & polishing your vehicle on a regular schedule is a very good idea to help keep your vehicle looking its best for many years to come. If you keep up and wax an older car at least twice a year it will most likely shine even more than when it was brand new. This will also keep a high resale value on your vehicle and make it much easier when & if you decide to sell it. Here’s a few easy tips to help you keep your vehicle as shiny & new as ever!

If your not quite sure when it’s time to wax your car just try the water test. If water does not bead up on the painted surface than this means it’s time to put a fresh coat of wax on it. It depends on the type of wax you use and how you want your car to look when trying to figure out how often to wax. There are some products that can last for more than a year before you have to do it again.

Now if you want to save a few dollars and decide to wax your own vehicle than be sure to always start with a clean surface on your vehicle. Also never wax your vehicle in direct sunlight or on a very hot day. Make sure when you run your hand over the surface of your car that it feels smooth and no gritty or sandy feeling. If so, than you need to wash your vehicle first with some sort of non abrasive cleaner until you get that smooth feeling. Now you can start waxing!

After you have finished waxing your vehicle you should always check for any wax residue that you missed, especially in corners, around trim and body moldings. Q-tips or a soft toothbrush works well to get to those hard to reach spots. Be careful when waxing around black trim on a vehicle, some waxes can leave a chalky white residue on it making it look dull. There are specials products you can use instead to help avoid that from happening.

Follow these few tips and you will have a happy & great looking vehicle that sparkles & shines for many, many years! If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles care & maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!

Take a LiL Time for some TLC!

Depending on how much driving we do, alot of us spend an awful lot of our time in our vehicles. Now who wouldn’t want to keep it spick & span & spotless as much as possible?! It just takes a little extra time to keep up with regular cleaning and doing these few easy steps for detailing. You will be rewarded with a vehicle that will keep that brand new look alot longer. This doesn’t mean you have to give your vehicle a scrub down every free moment you have, but make sure you set a side a little time in your schedule to give your car or truck some TLC.  

First give your vehicle a good rinse to remove any dirt and dust particles before washing. Leaving any particles on your vehicle can actually damage the paint job by leaving scratches and marks when you rub over them with a sponge or cloth. Over time this can also dull the paint and you will lose that shine on your vehicle. So make sure to rinse all the dirt and debris off before you get started. Make sure after you have finished washing and cleaning out all the small places you give your vehicle another good rinse to remove everything. You don’t want to leave any soap behind or this can dull things as well.

Next always make sure to use a very soft cloth or sponge while washing your vehicle. You don’t want to scratch it when you apply pressure while cleaning. For those hard to reach places you can use a Q-tip or even a cotton ear bud for removing any dirt or build up. Once again another reminder, don’t forget to give it that good rinse to wash away all the dirt and soap left behind.

Then you can top of your vehicles bath with a good polishing. Always make sure you clean the plastic parts on your vehicle with products that are recommended for use on plastics. Some polishes and waxes can leave them looking extremely dull. Once again you can grab those Q-tips for any hard to reach spots when polishing also. Make sure to get all the polish & wax off your vehicle so you don’t dull the look of the paint. When you’re finished your vehicle should have that shine once again and you & your car or truck will be very happy!

Lastly don’t forget a nice smelling air freshener to top it all off & keep your car smelling terrific! If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!

Beat the Heat in your Vehicle!!!

The summer sun & heat can be just a harmful to your vehicle as it is to you. We all take precautions on those hot summer days to protect ourselves like drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, wearing sunglasses to protect our eyes and wearing sunscreen to prevent sun damage on our skin. Well your car needs attention too to stay protected and well maintained through the hot summer months as well. Here’s a few helpful tips on how summerize your car & things to look for and do to keep your vehicle running & looking great for a long time to come.

First you can give your vehicle a good bath to welcome in those summer months followed by a good wax job to help protect the body &  paint job from any damaging UV rays just as we wear sunscreen. Also use some sort of protectant coating such as Armor All on your vehicles interior parts as well like the dash board, steering wheel, leather seats & any upholstery. Another great way to help with protecting the inside of your vehicle is to always park in the shade when you can & always use a sunshade to keep the inside out of direct sun rays & to help keep it cooler inside.

Don’t forget to check all of your vehicles fluids such as windshield wiper fluid, oil, transmission fluid & the coolant. These fluids can tend to evaporate quicker in the hot summer months which can lead to costly future repairs to your vehicle. Keeping the oil changed is an extremely important thing to remember for the best car maintenance tip. So many things depend on the oil life in your vehicle, so definitely stay on top of that.

Another important thing to check are the tires on your vehicle. Hot summer roads can add to wear & tear on your vehicles tires much quicker and be very damaging. Make sure to check your tires air pressure or any signs of bulging or cracks and always change a tire when needed to prevent a dangerous blowout on the road. Also our battery & belts should be checked also to prevent any damage or costly future repairs. Hot summer weather can be super demanding on your vehicles battery because the liquid inside the battery can evaporate alot quicker. Also your vehicles belts can dry out and crack, split &  fray due to the summer heat. Just make sure you give them as much attention as everything else to help keep your vehicle well maintained & running in tip top shape all year long.

If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!

Keep Your Vehicle Driving Like New!!!

How’s your vehicle riding these days? Does it ever feel like it’s pulling a bit and just not driving at it’s best like the first day you got it? This could all be due to the alignment if your vehicle. Just like if your back or neck was out of alignment, you just wouldn’t be at your best. Well, our cars alignment may not be at the top of your list of important things while keeping up with the everyday regular maintenance of your vehicle. However keeping your vehicle correctly aligned is actually a very important  part of you cars maintenance and should be high up on the list. The wheel alignment of your vehicle is extremely necessary for keeping your car riding and rolling down the road very smoothly and who would want anything other than that?!

There are alot of simple everyday things that can knock a car out of alignment at any time. It could be as little as hitting a bump, pot hole or a change in the road that could knock your car out of alignment. Also of course a collision in your vehicle and any sudden jolts can do the trick as well. If you have been in an accident it’s always a good idea to have your vehicle checked to find out if it is in need of a wheel alignment.

If you feel your car starting to pull or see uneven wear on your tires that can be a good sign that your vehicle is in need of good alignment. You will also feel the differences of steering instability and a noticeable rough ride. Any wheel alignment issues need to be corrected as soon as possible to keep the car from developing long term and costly problems.

So keep your vehicle properly aligned at all times and keep your ride smooth and enjoyable! Just remember these few and simple tips to keep your vehicle in super great condition and running for many, many years to come! If you have any questions or need any help with any of your vehicles maintenance, don’t forget you can always turn to the awesome Napleton Service Group for answers or any help that you may need!