Category: Team CAMC

Most vehicle owners understand the importance of regular oil changes and tire rotations. However, other maintenance gets put on the back burner because of cost or time constraints. Oftentimes, people ignore service recommendations until they require repair. The saying “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” does not apply to vehicle maintenance. Without regular vehicle upkeep, parts or whole systems such as the differential can stop working without warning or become costly to fix.

 What Is Your Vehicle’s Differential?

The differential is part of the drivetrain and helps to evenly distribute vehicle power to each wheel. When a car turns, the pair of wheels rotate at different speeds. The outer wheel travels faster than the inner wheel, so as you round a corner, the differential ensures that both wheels have equal torque (the twisting force that causes wheels to rotate around an axle.) Having even torque in both wheels provides better traction while turning, keeping your car in control.  

 What Is Differential Fluid?

Differential fluid or gear fluid lubricates the gear housing compartment, which holds the bearings, clutch pads, and gears. The differential fluid prevents overheating of the friction from metal-on-metal contact. Old, grimy fluid or low differential fluid can cause rattling noises and lead to the rear wheels locking up, which can cause an accident. It can also damage the differential and associated parts, resulting in costly repairs.

Now that you better understand how hard differentials work to keep your vehicle operating safely, don’t be indifferent about it. Mechanics recommend changing your differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Doing so can save you from excessive repair and replacement costs. Check your vehicle’s mileage and service records to determine if it’s time for differential fluid service. If your vehicle is a four-wheel drive, your mechanic may need to service both differentials.

Drive into Team CAMC today for a differential fluid change or any other vehicle maintenance needs.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

For many people, their vehicle serves as their primary form of transportation. Whether it’s going to work, home, school, grocery stores, etc., our cars get us where we’re going.

A significant aspect of owning a vehicle is gas mileage. Stopping for gas is as ubiquitous as planning your next meal; filling up both your gas tank and stomach is crucial for success. Just as your body needs fuel to survive, cars need gas to drive.

But what if your car is suddenly guzzling more gas than usual? Are your gas receipts becoming increasingly more expensive? Reduced fuel economy can be caused by several factors, including driving habits, uncontrollable situations, or vehicle issues. Let’s take a dive to learn more.

Weather
When it’s cold outside, your car’s engine needs more time to warm up; therefore, it uses more fuel. Idling your vehicle and letting it warm up before getting in can waste a lot of gas. If you notice more gas usage during the winter, you can probably attribute it to weather.

Driving Habits
If you are mostly driving around town, your gas mileage won’t be as high as it is for someone who primarily drives on the freeway. Heavy acceleration, braking, overloading your car, and speeding guzzle more gas.

Vehicle Issues
A sudden drop in fuel economy can signal an issue with your vehicle. To avoid physical issues, it’s best to stick to your vehicle’s preventative maintenance schedule via the Owners’ Manual. Problems affecting gas mileage include fuel injector/pump problems, exhaust system leaks, old/dirty/wrong motor oil, worn/misfiring spark plugs, wheel balance/alignment issues, or tire problems.

The experts at Complete Auto Maintenance Center can get your vehicle running efficiently again. If you’ve noticed a drop in fuel economy, bring your car in today.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Do you have a special little sports car that’s tucked away for winter storage? That vintage vehicle that you’ve been working on through the years? If you’re feeling some separation anxiety, have no fear, there are a few things you can do to keep the car in good condition throughout winter.

Dent Inventory
Have you been meaning to fix some of those dents and dings on your car’s exterior? Now is an excellent time to take an inventory of the indentations. Find a reputable dent specialist and schedule an appointment to pop those dings out.

Wash & Polish
When the car is headed to or from storage, hose it down to remove surface scum, then apply some car wash shampoo with a giant sponge. Wipe all moisture off with a microfiber cloth to minimize streaks and water spots, then get some high-quality vehicle wax to buff out the shine.

Interior Clean
Upholstery and odors are two aspects of a vehicle’s interior that often get overlooked. Leather cleaning sprays can be helpful to wipe down the seats, followed by a conditioner to ensure the seats do not crack or dry out. Odors can arise in a vehicle despite your best efforts to keep them out. To remedy this, treat your interior with an odor eliminator, which will chemically alter the molecules in the air.

Fix It
Winter is the ideal time to mend anything you can on the vehicle. Have you been putting off replacing your spark plugs, getting an oil change, flushing your coolant, or more? Now’s the time to get ‘er done.

Looking to get your vehicle in tip-top shape while the winter season lingers on? Drive it into Team CAMC today!

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

We’ve all been there: feeling super supportive over a cause, presidential candidate, or your kid being on the honor roll. Eventually, that family of stick figures will outgrow the original message…but now there’s a faded, stuck-on sticker glued to your vehicle. What’s the best way to remove them, you wonder? Look no further; we have the solution!

Safely removing stickers that have adhered to your car for years without causing damage to the finish or windows can be challenging. If you take away nothing else from this post, remember this: do not use metal scrapers, razor blades, or other abrasives such as sandpaper or steel wool. Instead, keep reading.

Supplies
First, grab some white vinegar and paper towels. Pour the vinegar over the sticker, then soak some paper towels with vinegar and hold it over the sticker for a while. The vinegar will soften the adhesive and help release the sticker.

Spatula
Using a plastic spatula, credit card, or any other small, malleable item, you can pry off a corner of the sticker to start. Then, gently pull the sticker up without scratching the vehicle.

Hairdryer
Another method for sticker removal is to use a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Hold it roughly six inches from the sticker and swirl the air for about a minute. Do not hold the dryer too close to the vehicle, as it could affect the surface.

Professional Sticker Remover
The most stubborn stickers might not respond to the above methods. Instead, try using some WD-40 or Goo Gone, which is specifically made to remove stickers and gunk. Let the solution soak into the sticker, then gently pull up, and remove.

Polish
Once the sticker is removed, wipe away the gooey residue with rubbing alcohol. Then, finish the job with a thorough automotive wax.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Did you know vehicle batteries are affected by cold weather? It’s true: crisp, frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on the battery cells. The battery functions thanks to a chemical reaction between the battery case. When cold, that reaction happens much more slowly or not at all. If the battery has aged or is too old, it could potentially die. 

Lead plates, water, and sulfuric acid comprise car batteries. There are two plates per battery cell. Four battery cells generate slightly over four volts of power. In total, a car battery generates 12.8 volts, which is enough power to start up your car. When the battery cannot generate the total voltage capacity, the car might have trouble starting up.

Accessories running on the battery (things you have plugged in) can make it even more difficult for your battery to function in the cold. Amenities such as heat, radio, and phone chargers will be apart of the initial drain when you start your car up. Leaving the headlights on or your trunk open can also leave your battery level at zero.

Maintaining a healthy battery during the winter means parking in a garage (not outside) whenever possible, insulating the battery with a device called a “battery blanket,” turning off the heat when exiting the vehicle, and unplugging electronic cords.

Are you noticing issues with your vehicle’s battery? Let the experts at Complete Auto Maintenance Centers test your battery to ensure you have the power you need.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

One of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of vehicle health is the tires. Tire rotation helps diminish tread wear (grinding and rubbing that occurs while driving) by rotating each tire to a different position on the axles. Most vehicle manufacturers suggest getting the tires rotated every 7,500 miles or six months. Check your owners’ manual for specific recommendations based on your car.

Tire rotation ensures the tread wear is level, creating a steady ride by improving handling, decreasing noise and vibration, increasing tire life, and safeguarding the warranty. Tire life can be significantly extended by rotation.

Without frequent rotations, treads on tires can wear down unevenly, creating a rough and unlevel driving experience. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report showed deficient tread depth to be responsible for over 25 percent of all tire-related car accidents.

Some dangerous situations that can result from inadequate tire tread depth include:

Heat Buildup
While in motion, the friction created between a vehicle’s tires and the road produces heat. Treads provide space for cooling airflow to permeate and allow the tires to withstand the heat. When tire treads are reduced and can no longer allow airflow, temperatures can rise to unsafe levels. Blowouts and tread separation can cause major tire failure.

Hydroplaning
Tire treads also help control water in wet conditions to ensure the vehicle maintains a solid grip on the surface. Without enough tread depth, tires can slip across water on roads, causing a dangerous situation and rendering the driver unable to steer, control, or handle the vehicle.

Poor Traction
Snow tires are essential for colder weather conditions, as they have deep, wide, and more irregular treads than standard tires. Traction is greatly improved with the ability to grip into packed snow. The risk of spinning out or sliding on ice is vastly higher if poor traction is the culprit.

Punctures
Tires can encounter disproportionate pressure in certain areas. If left unrotated, those spots can eventually wear thin. Generally tough and able to withstand rough objects, weakened areas in tires quickly become susceptible to glass, nails, or sharp rocks. Tire rotation ensures these points are evenly spread out and do not create sensitivity points.

Do you need your tires rotated? The benefits of tire rotation far outweigh the risks of driving on vulnerable tires!

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need.  Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Every car owner has at least a slight understanding of the importance of keeping their vehicle in tip-top shape. Though vehicle maintenance is important, it’s innocently not always done according to the proper schedule. Refer to your vehicle owners’ guide and check out our suggested maintenance schedule below.

EVERY THREE MONTHS/3,000 MILES

1. Fluids: unless your vehicle is brand-new, have the following levels checked.
   1. Engine oil
   1. Windshield washer fluid
   1. Coolant
   1. Brake fluid
   1. Transmission fluid
   1. Power steering fluid
2. Tire pressures
3. Hoses
4. Belts
5. Interior cleanliness

EVERY SIX MONTHS/5,000 MILES

1. Oil and filter change
2. Tire rotation
3. Check lights
4. Fuel filter
5. Battery
6. Cabin and engine air filters
7. Wiper blades

EVERY 12 MONTHS/10,000 MILES

1. Synthetic oil and filter change
2. Alignment
3. Brakes

For assistance in properly maintaining your vehicle, visit one of our four locations at Complete Auto Maintenance Centers today. Our experts will ensure your car, SUV, or light-duty truck will last for years – and miles – to come.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to learn more about the professional service you deserve from a team you can trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The cheapest insurance for your car doesn’t involve monthly payments. Can you guess what it is? Frequent oil changes and new filters.

Oil filters are a crucial element that plays a vital role in your car’s functionality. They sift physical contaminants (dirt, dust, sludge, etc.) that might otherwise find their way into your engine. Filters strain and store grime and are of no use once full. Bigger objects can ultimately clog intake valves if left unattended. The longer you go between oil changes, the more contaminants are trapped inside the oil filter. The more debris trapped in the filter, the less efficient the filter becomes.

Replacing the oil filter with every oil change is good practice. If you want to extend the life of your engine, don’t skip replacing the filter as they trap harmful contaminants that can damage the working parts of your car’s engine. Follow your vehicle owners’ manual for recommended oil change intervals, which are usually based on months and miles. Engine oil works most efficiently when it’s clean and pure, and free from debris.

If your engine is running on fresh, new oil, why not allow it to flow through a pristine filter, as well? New oil reaches peak efficiency when it lubricates engine parts, reduces wear and tear, and keeps operating temperatures healthy. In time, changing your oil filter simultaneously with the oil itself will help save your engine from grime, sludge, or large metallic objects.

Aggressive drivers or those who travel through extreme conditions will see the oil filter wear-and-tear accelerate. Filters that are overtaxed will lose effectiveness more quickly, especially in dusty environments. Dirt roads, salt, and other debris will clog the oil filter more frequently.

Overall, contaminants pose a threat to your engine’s health. To prevent more significant issues down the road, ensure you change your oil filter with each oil change.

To schedule an oil change, contact the knowledgeable car experts at Team CAMC today!

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need.  Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The dreaded “Check Engine” light is associated with doom-and-gloom for many drivers. “Will the engine die?” “Can I make it home?!” “Am I seeing smoke?” In all actuality, the light is a precursor to internal damage and is designed as an early warning sign. Read on for five common reasons the “Check Engine” light comes on.

1. Spark plugs have burnt out: The conductor of the engine, spark plugs provide the necessary spark (hence the name) that ignites the fuel and air mixture, which creates engine power. Electricity crosses the gap between the ends of the plug, providing the proper voltage to the ignition. As the gap lessens and the spark plug gets worn down, the engine misfires, loses power, creates excess wear, and lowers gas mileage. If left unrepaired, an eroded spark plug will inevitably cause damage to connecting wires and ignition coils.

• Gas cap is loose: The gas cap has a perfect seal on the fuel tank, so that any escaping vapor can be a hazard. A fuel level monitor can sense leaking gas and notify your car’s computer system, thereby causing the “Check Engine” light to emit.

• Oxygen sensor is failing: The unburned oxygen in the exhaust system is monitored by a sensor. There is a precise fuel mixture that must be stabilized. When the oxygen is unstable, the car might idle at an elevated RPM. If the sensor cannot regulate the fuel mixture, the vehicle will have higher emissions. Oxygen sensors are tough, but they will eventually deteriorate when exposed to the elements, causing the “Check Engine” light to turn on.

• Catalytic converter is worn down: To lessen the effects of pollution on the atmosphere, catalytic converters create an oxidizing reaction. As car technology has progressed, they have become more integrated with an engine’s management system, making them efficient and able to reduce wear. Catalytic converters last an average of ten years. Several factors can lead to the converter wearing down, such as oxygen sensors, worn spark plugs, and structural damage. Also, if antifreeze or fuel leaks into the exhaust system, the catalyst could overheat and melt.

• Vacuum hose might be leaking: To allow smooth combustion in the engine, vacuum hoses release pressure buildup in components. Vacuum hoses are vulnerable to the elements such as dirt, heat, and debris. Broken hoses lead to misfires in the engine and sluggish performance. Most modern cars have a sensor that monitors the hose closely. If a pressure drop appears, a faulty code will be immediately signaled to the car’s computer system. Typically, the hose is worn and can be easily replaced.

If your “Check Engine” light is on, have no fear, Team CAMC is here! We have four locations to serve you – contact us today.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need.  Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

After a long winter cooped up indoors, you’re probably ready to trade hibernating for some sunshine and traveling. Whatever you choose, chances are you’re going to hit the road. Before revving up your engine, make sure you get to your destination safely and efficiently with our tips for spring car maintenance. Winter can be harsh on vehicles both interior and exterior so it’s imperative to bring your car in for a full checkup to detect minor issues before they become major problems.

Oil Filter
To keep your engine running smoothly, change your oil filter at the intervals recommended in your owner’s manual. Neglecting to do so can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and severe engine damage.

Fluids
While changing your oil and filter, it’s essential to check your fluid levels for the power steering, brakes, transmission, windshield washer, and coolant. If the levels are inadequate, flush and replace them as recommended per the vehicles manual.

Wipers
After the winter, wiper blades typically get torn, cracked, or dried from excessive salt. Ensure you have the best visibility possible by replacing your blades in the spring.

Battery
Plummeting winter temperatures can affect the battery, so be sure to have it tested. While you’re there, make sure the mounting brackets are secure, the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free.

Windshield
With the fluctuating temperatures between summer, fall, winter, and spring, your windshield might need some TLC. Smaller, barely-noticeable cracks in the summer can turn into huge lines that span the width of the glass in the winter season due to expansion and contraction. Windshield damage can decrease the effectiveness of airbags, seatbelts, roof stability, and your safety in an accident.

Lighting
Ensure your exterior and interior lights work correctly. If motorists don’t notice you breaking, turning, or heading their way, the results could be dangerous.

Rubber
Cold temperatures can harden and damage rubber, so check all of your belts, hoses, and tires for damage. Look for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, looseness, frays, or glazing. Check the pressure on your tires monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended by your owner’s manual. Make sure the tread is raised, and rotate your tires regularly.

Filters
Check your engine air filter, cabin air filter, and your fuel filter for damage or clogs and replace if necessary.

To prolong the life of your vehicle, bring it to the experts at Team CAMC today.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 20 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcome you like family and discuss all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.