AUTONET TV

Fuel Saving Tip: Auto Myths Around Winnetka

With high fuel prices in Winnetka, CA, comes lots of gas saving advice. Some of it, like what you hear on   is great.  When you get one of those e-mails that's going around telling you how to save gas, try to think it through.

Does it really make sense? Does it defy the laws of physics?

Do some research on the internet or ask your Winnetka, CA, service advisor at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis.

There aren't any magic pills you can drop in your gas tank, and the government hasn't suppressed a device you can clamp on your fuel line to make your vehicle run on air. Not even in Winnetka!

So next time you get one of those e-mails, check it out with an automotive professional. You'll get more bang for your buck with an oil change or an engine air filter replacement.

We're here for you at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis, so give us a call at (818) 438-9608 for good honest advice about your vehicle.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com

What to Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Winnetka

Used vehicles in CA with 25,000 to 35,000 miles/40,000 to 55,000 km on them are often lease returns, corporate program cars or rental fleet vehicles. Most Winnetka buyers feel pretty confident about these because they're newer and may still be under warranty. But how well have they been maintained?

Winnetka drivers who are planning to own a vehicle for a long time will keep up on auto maintenance so that they can avoid repairs down the road. But, if you know you're only going to have the vehicle for two or three years, you may not be so committed to maintenance. It would be easy to think that skipping an oil change here and there wouldn't ruin a brand new engine. Then it'll be someone else's problem when it comes time to pay for the damage.

It is very tempting for Winnetka drivers to skip the 30,000 mile/50,000 km service if they know they'll be turning in their leased vehicle in a couple of months.

If the vehicle didn't come with maintenance records, Winnetka used vehicle buyers need to assume the worst. Most likely the coolant system and transmission have never been serviced. The cabin air filter has probably not been changed and a fuel system cleaning at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis may be in order.

You'll want A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis to check the A/C, battery, engine air filter, serpentine belt and hoses. A used vehicle inspection at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis is well worth the cost.

And if your “new” used vehicle has been driven an even longer distance, an inspection is even more important. Check your owner's manual or talk with your service advisor at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis about what should have been done. Please don't forget the timing belt; that can be very expensive if it fails.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis will help you with a plan to take care of services and get the rest caught up. If your budget won't allow you to take care of everything right away, we can help you prioritize your needs and get it taken care of over the next several months. And remember to keep your maintenance records. They'll help you get top dollar on the CA used vehicle market when it's time for you to sell.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com

Automotive Tips from A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis: Signs of an Alignment Problem

When properly aligned, all of your wheels are pointed in the same direction. Your vehicle will track true and handle the way it is designed. Winnetka drivers often associate our wheels being “knocked” out of alignment with an event like an accident, hitting a pothole, curb or some other object.

While these can certainly take your wheels out of alignment, the bumps and bounces of everyday Winnetka driving take their toll on wheel alignment as well.

In addition, your vehicle can lose alignment over time with just normal driving. When your wheels are out of alignment, A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis in Winnetka can return your wheels to the vehicle manufacturer’s factory settings. Most owner's manuals suggest an alignment check every year or two. 

Give us a call.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com

Keep It Rolling Right

Keeping your tires rotated regularly is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance services you can perform on your vehicle. It is where each tire is moved to a different position: front to back, side to side. That rotation helps to ensure your tires wear evenly, which directly impacts safety, performance and long‑term cost.

Front and rear tires experience different loads and stress. Front tires handle steering, braking and most of the vehicle’s weight during stops, causing them to wear faster. If the front tires are not rotated, uneven wear can lead to reduced traction, longer stopping distances and a less stable driving experience. Rotating your tires helps balance out these forces, giving all four tires a more consistent grip on the road.

Another benefit of even tire wear is it improves fuel efficiency. When tires wear unevenly, they create more rolling resistance and make the engine work harder, resulting in lower mileage. A simple rotation can help maintain optimal efficiency and save you money at the pump.

When your tires are regularly rotated, it extends their life. You know what a new set of tires can set you back, and rotation helps you get the maximum mileage out of them. It also allows technicians to inspect your tires regularly for damage, punctures or alignment issues before they become serious problems.

Many manufacturers recommend you keep your tires rotated about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles/8,000 to 12,000 km.  Think of it this way.  Tire rotation is a small service with big benefits. It enhances safety, improves handling, boosts fuel economy and protects your tire investment.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com