AUTONET TV
Archive for February 2024Conventional or Synthetic? (Switching to Synthetic Oil)Posted February 25, 2024 7:14 AMIf you keep up on technology trends, then you may be intrigued about synthetic motor oil. It was introduced in the 1960s when Mobil came up with it. Mobil's oil was different from conventional motor oil because it was first broken down to its basic molecules. Then, Mobil removed additional impurities from crude oil and "tailored them to the demands of modern engines." Synthetic oil is becoming more popular now because of its advantages over conventional oil. It's more resistant to sludge forming in an engine. It is more efficient and protects engines better under temperature extremes. Because it allows drivers to go longer between oil changes, many feel it's more convenient. The downside is that synthetic oil is more expensive, but because it doesn't need changing as often, the cost can be pretty comparable in the long run. Those who drive high performance vehicles (think Audi, BMW, Mercedes) are already using synthetic oil if they're following their manufacturer's guidelines. Other manufacturers recommend a synthetic blend. So for those who are using conventional oil, you may want to consult your service advisor for some recommendations if you want to switch to synthetic. If you're the type who always waits until the last-minute or doesn't ever get in quite in time for the recommended oil change interval, the longer gap required between changes with synthetic oil may appeal to you. In some cases, you can go up to 15,000 miles/24,000 km between changes. If you drive in a very cold climate, synthetic oil can flow more easily at startup and may offer quicker engine protection. On the other hand, in hot climates, synthetic oil can resist heat breakdown better. Or you may be one of those drivers who have been getting along fine with conventional oil changes. Millions do. Just remember that changing your oil is considered the most important maintenance you can do on your vehicle, so make sure it's done at the right time and with the oil that best suits your driving needs. A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis Shake It up in Winnetka!: Why Wheel BalancingPosted February 18, 2024 11:07 AMOur vehicles are not massage chairs. While we may enjoy a good vibration in an overstuffed recliner, we generally want as smooth a ride as possible in our vehicles. One way to achieve this is to keep a vehicle's wheels in balance. When a tire is mounted onto a wheel, it is usually out of balance. This means that as the wheel spins, there is a slight wobble to the path of the tire. For best handling performance and safety on the road, Winnetka drivers want to minimize this wobble as much as possible. So we balance our tires. To balance a tire, your technician at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis spins it on a machine or drum to determine where it is off-balance. He then attaches weights that counter-balance the uneven weight. Most people in Winnetka are surprised at how much balancing improves the smoothness of their ride. High-quality tires generally hold their balance well. But over time, wear and tear take their toll and tires can become unbalanced. Winnetka drivers can tell when a front tire is unbalanced if they feel a vibration in the steering wheel. If a back tire is unbalanced, you'll feel a vibration in your seat. You may not notice these vibrations until they get fairly serious — or until someone else drives your vehicle — because they usually develop slowly. If a vibration starts abruptly, it usually means you've lost a balancing weight. The average tire rotates at about 850 revolutions per minute at 60 mph/97 kmh. When a tire is out of balance, it actually hops down the road, rather than rolling. So at 60 mph/97 kph, it is slamming into the pavement 14 times a second. That's what creates the vibration. When tires are out of balance, they wear out more quickly. The lack of balance also causes extra wear on shocks, struts, steering components and suspension parts. Getting a balance job at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis in Winnetka can prevent repair bills and even an accident. It will improve the safety of your vehicle as well as its handling performance. When you change your rims or get a flat repaired at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis, you'll need to get your tires balanced as well. When you rotate your tires, you may want to have them balanced, too. Some Winnetka vehicle owners, however, only balance their wheels every other rotation. You can check your owner's manual to see what is recommended for your vehicle. Balancing your tires is part of preventive maintenance. It keeps your vehicle in good repair and prevents damage to many of its components. So practice good vehicle care and make it a point to keep your tires balanced. It's quality auto advice from A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis. Massage chairs may vibrate away our worries, but unbalanced tires will just rattle Winnetka drivers' nerves. A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
Why People in Winnetka Hesitate to Get Their Vehicle ServicedPosted February 11, 2024 8:47 AM
In other words, "You don't have to trust me, you can trust your owner's manual." Your Winnetka service center has computer databases that contain the manufacturer's recommendations for almost all vehicles, so they don't need to rummage through your glove box to look for your owner's manual to know what to do. Ask us for more details. A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis Why Alignment Matters (Vehicle Alignment Maintenance)Posted February 4, 2024 9:13 AMIt's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store. You hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, nail a curb. When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?" But things seem ok and you continue on your way. Keep in mind that any blow to your vehicle's suspension can throw it out of alignment. It can be a hard knock from the road or from another vehicle, such as being involved in a minor accident. When your suspension is out of alignment, it means that the wheels aren't all pointing where they should. And after a while, it can make your tires wear unevenly and cause problems with steering and handling. Let's go back to that pothole or curb you hit hard. Even though you think there was no damage done, if you wait until you see tire wear, you may need to replace all four tires, not an inexpensive proposition. That's why it's a good idea to make sure your alignment is regularly checked by a qualified technician. If you get regular oil changes (a MUST!), consider having an alignment check while your vehicle is in. That's especially important if you drive roads that resemble the lunar surface. If you buy new tires, it's also strongly recommended that you have your alignment checked. You can have your front wheels aligned or all four, and if your vehicle is newer, it's not a bad idea to spend a little extra for the four-wheel alignment check. Good alignment pays off with better steering and handling, less tire wear and—BONUS—better fuel economy since aligned wheels offer less resistance when they roll on the road. A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis | ||
SearchArchiveMay 2019 (16)June 2019 (5) July 2019 (4) August 2019 (4) September 2019 (5) October 2019 (4) November 2019 (4) December 2019 (5) January 2020 (5) February 2020 (4) March 2020 (5) April 2020 (4) May 2020 (5) June 2020 (4) July 2020 (4) August 2020 (5) September 2020 (4) October 2020 (4) November 2020 (5) December 2020 (4) January 2021 (6) February 2021 (4) March 2021 (4) April 2021 (4) May 2021 (5) June 2021 (4) July 2021 (4) August 2021 (5) September 2021 (4) October 2021 (5) November 2021 (4) December 2021 (4) January 2022 (6) February 2022 (4) March 2022 (4) April 2022 (4) May 2022 (5) June 2022 (4) July 2022 (5) August 2022 (4) September 2022 (4) October 2022 (5) November 2022 (4) December 2022 (4) January 2023 (5) February 2023 (4) March 2023 (4) April 2023 (5) May 2023 (4) June 2023 (4) July 2023 (5) August 2023 (4) September 2023 (4) October 2023 (5) November 2023 (4) December 2023 (5) January 2024 (5) February 2024 (4) March 2024 (5) April 2024 (3) | CategoriesHeadlamps (5)Maintenance (25)Auto Safety (4)Service Standards (5)Cooling System (12)Cabin Air Filter (4)Safety (4)Diagnostics (3)Tires and Wheels (25)Timing Belt (5)Battery (7)Fuel System (24)Emergency Items (1)Brakes (11)Air Conditioning (7)Parts (2)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (2)Fuel Economy (6)Winter Prep (2)Steering (6)Dashboard (2)Alignment (9)What Customers Should Know (31)Exhaust (5)Shocks & Struts (5)Older Vehicles (1)Monitoring System (2)Service Intervals (3)Windshield Wipers (5)Alternator (1)Transmission (3)Serpentine Belt (3)Inspection (7)Automotive News (7)Fluids (10)Suspension (1)Check Engine Light (4)Differential Service (1)Winter Tires (1)Trip Inspection (3)Engine Air Filter (1)Safe Driving (1)Tire Rotation and Balancing (1)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (1)Oil Change (2)PCV Valve (1)Tires (2)Warranty (1)Transfer Case Service (1) |
OUR REVIEWS
CHIBUEZE JBI, 04/05/2024CHUCK IS THE MAN! HE KNOWS HIS MOPARS , I AM A RETURNING A-1 CUSTOMER, HIS ASSISTANT IN THE MORNING IS COURTEOUS AND FUNNY ?, TAMMY IS AWESOME ?? ALSO. #MOPARORNOCAR #SRT 8
join our team
We are currently on the lookout for the following: