Tag Archives: auto maintenance

5 Top Tips to Save Money on Gas

5 Top Tips to Save Money on Gas

Your carbon footprint grows every time you drive. Your pocketbook also begins to get lighter with the amount of money that is spent on gas. If you want to change the way you drive, then using car maintenance to save gas allows you to spend less and save more. There are key actions you can take, all which allow you to use less gas. Gas Saving Car Maintenance in Waterloo, IL Change your tires. If your tires are under-inflated, they have to work more, then it uses more gas. Easy car maintenance also means switching out tires or making sure they stay full while driving. Keep fueled in more than one way. If you have old oil, dirt or other debris in the interior of your car, then it will use more fuel and your car will have to work harder. When you complete car maintenance tasks like oil changes, you save with the amount of gas used. Careful driving. Driving ... read more

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Car Maintenance

Do People Judge You Based On Your Car?

Do People Judge You Based On Your Car?

Driving a vehicle to work or for longer trips is the norm for many people in the Waterloo area. It is interesting to note that some people may develop specific expectations about your character based on your car. Understanding how people judge you based on your car can help you to upgrade your style, starting with your vehicle. There is a direct relationship with your character and the car maintenance you offer. Defining how these work together can help you to upgrade your personality and style through your car. Car Maintenance Tips for Waterloo, IL According to many, your vehicle is a direct reflection of your personality, character and preferred style. Many that are car shopping look for a car that defines them by style and preference. For example, a mom won’t be seen in a sports car. Cars have become an important social symbol, for better or worse. In the same way that the type of car can be use ... read more

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Car Maintenance

Car Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

Car Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

Pets are great travelling companions in the St. Louis summer months. However, they also have specific needs, especially when they are driving with you in your car. If you have a dog, cat or other animal that you are close to, then you will also want to consider their needs while traveling with them. There are specific car maintenance tips you can follow to make sure your vehicle stays in top condition, even with your pet in the passenger’s seat. St. Louis Car Maintenance Tips The main concern with traveling with pets is the distraction. Accidents and problems with driving often occur because a pet may get restless or move into the driver’s seat. An easy car maintenance solution is finding a way to give your pet it’s own space. Using pet seat belts or restraining tools allows you to stay in your space without the animal distracting you. It also makes them feel more comfortable to have a space specifical ... read more

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Car Maintenance

What Is Black Ice?

What Is Black Ice?

During the wintertime, it is especially important that your teen driver employs safe-driving practices that keep both them and other drivers safe on the road safe. Even the most seasoned drivers can experience challenges when it is cold outside and there is snow on the ground. The solution? Arming your teen with the most comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a safe driver during the wintertime is the best defense. “Black ice” is deceptively dangerous, making it crucial for your teen to understand what it is and how it can be safely approached. What is “Black Ice?” In its simplest definition black ice is ice that is black in color. What makes this dangerous? Like other ice, black ice is slippery and can be dangerous if it is not approached with caution. It is extremely perilous because it is black in color, which gives the illusion of blending in with the rest of the street. Knowing how black ice forms can help your teen drive more carefully, th ... read more

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Teenage Drivers

Changing a Tire: How to Teach your Teen

Changing a Tire: How to Teach your Teen

As a parent, you have the responsibility of teaching your child many things, including changing a tire. This is one of the most important things you can teach them about their car. Tires are an essential part of a vehicle, because without them, their car won’t drive. Since tires are exposed to so much wear and tear each day, your child is bound to get a flat at some point. When this happens, knowing how to change a tire is crucial. Teaching your child about changing a tire does not have to be difficult; it is easy-to-teach when you use the following guidelines Changing a Tire 101Preliminary Precautions When changing a tire, there are some things that your child will want to do before they even begin removing their tire. If they are in a safe and convenient location, they may want to slip on a set of clean clothes. This process can be a dirty one, so your child will want to be careful if they are in nice clothes. Next, yo ... read more

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Teenage Drivers

Overheating Car: What to Do

Overheating Car: What to Do

An overheating car is usually an indication of engine trouble. Oftentimes, there can be a number of internal issues at fault. If you are a new driver, an overheating car can be a very flustering situation. What is the cause of the problem? How can your resolve it safely? Meyer’s Automotive is dedicated to helping novice motorists drive safely. For information about how to handle an overheating car, look no further than our blog. Overheating Car: The Causes and SolutionsThe Radiator When it comes to an overheating car, there can be a number of radiator-related issues at fault. To truly fix the issue, it is crucial that you understand which issue is actually occurring. In older cars, an overheating vehicle can be the result of something as simple as a bad radiator cap. An easy way to diagnose this issue is to look for excess liquid pooled around the cap. If you see a lot, you will need to visit an auto shop and get the cap replaced a ... read more

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Teenage Drivers

Car Care Tips: Back to School Checklist

Car Care Tips: Back to School Checklist

Summer is coming to a close and that means all of the college kids will be heading back to school soon. Before you head back to school, make sure you have your textbooks, class schedule, and our car checklist, too! Students, have your vehicle ready for the upcoming school year this fall. A well-working car begins and ends with — you guessed it — good car care! Meyer’s Automotive cares about drivers, so we have created a car care checklist all students need to complete before heading off to school. Car Care Tip #1 – Oil Change You’ve heard it over and over again, oil changes are an important part of car care. Well, it turns out oil changes really are essential. We know you have plenty of textbooks to read already, so we will give you the synopsis. Importance of Oil Changes: Engine will run safely and more efficiently Better friction and temperature control Produce fewer emissions Improved mileage ... read more

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Maintenance

Spotting a Good Auto Repair Shop

Choosing a good automotive repair shop can be tricky if you aren’t experienced or don’t have a reference. Many are unreliable and dishonest, opting to charge you far more than necessary. Go through our checklist before choosing an automotive shop to ensure that you’re receiving the best quality care for a reasonable price. A respectable and honest auto repair shop should: Hold a License for Automotive Service Excellence

An auto repair shop that has a certificate for Automotive Service Excellence has gone through special training and exams. Members must be continuously trained to keep up with technology and market requirements. Each technician at Meyer’s Automotive undergoes at least 40 hours of training every year, and we also have a Bosch Certification. Both of these ensure your vehicle will receive the best care possible. Be Involved in the Community
Those working in the auto repair industry shouldn’t be exempt from being


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Inspections

Fluids and Filters and Tires, Oh My!

Fluids and Filters and Tires, Oh My!

Maintaining your car is very important, as it helps in avoiding breakdowns and future problems. With regular maintenance, your car will drive longer and more efficiently. Below are some of the thing you need to know about fluids, filters and tires. Fluids
Fluids like anti-freeze, motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, rear end oil, power steering fluid and fuel are basically the lifeblood for a car and have to be maintained at proper levels. Each has its own function to perform. For instance, motor oil normally keeps all the parts of the engine lubricated and without it, your engine will lock up. If your vehicle is older than 2002, you should probably change it every 3,000 miles. Newer cars typically need an oil change every 3,000 miles. On the other hand, coolant is essential in keeping the engine block and cylinder heads cool. Ensure that you have proper lubrication of suspension parts using grease. Filters
The fluid filter, oil filt

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Driver's Safety

8 Tips to Extend Battery Life

Finding your vehicle with a dead battery can be very frustrating and inconvenient. Follow these tips to get the most out of your battery and keep it running. 1. Clean it Wipe your battery’s casing with a damp rag. Use a screwdriver to scrape away dirt and buildup from the terminals to allow the current to pass from the battery to the cables more efficiently. Call Meyer’s if the job looks like too much to handle alone. 2. Secure the battery Vibration and rattling can cause damage to the battery plates and your vehicle. It could also cause the battery to short circuit. 3. Protect it from weather Protect your battery from extremely cold weather, like we have here in the Midwest. Insulation kits are typically already found in new cars, but double check to make sure yours has a plastic or other thermal-resistant covering. 4. Drive your vehicle Leaving your car without starting and drivi ... read more

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Inspections
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