When to Consider Taking Your Vehicle for an Auto Service in Portland

Every car manufacturer offers unique tips on how motorists can prolong the life of their vehicles or at least avoid occasional breakdown. When it comes to the need for professional auto service, however, all manufacturers say the same thing.

While there are some quirks that you can ignore while driving or fix on your own, many car issues require immediate professional attention. When you experience the following issues, don’t hesitate to have your vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic from a trusted GM certified auto service center in Portland, such as McLoughlin Chevrolet. Not only do we have experts to deal with the problem but our facilities are fully equipped with advanced features as well. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2v532cK.

Auto Service: 4 Areas to Check Before Your Summer Road Trip

Summer is fast approaching and with the kids free from school for a few months, many families around Portland are starting to plan long road trips. This is especially true for families who enjoy bonding over outdoor activities like fishing or camping.

As you plan to go to the nearby national parks and camping grounds, make sure to bring your car to an auto service center before you hit the road. Long hours on the road aren’t just hard on the one driving; it can be pretty rough for your car as well. This is especially true if your car hasn’t undergone preventive maintenance in a while. Since the last thing you want to happen on your road trip is to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance, make sure you have a mechanic take a look at your car. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2M4WdP5.

Why Prefer Expert Auto Service to DIY When Tuning Up Your Vehicle

Owning a car comes with the duty to keep it well-oiled. True enough, you must know a thing or two about tune-up if you want your vehicle to be roadworthy at all times. However, you have to draw the line when the need for professional auto service comes. Trying to repair or update your car on your own may have a number of adverse consequences.

It Might Nullify Your Warranty

Most cars, particularly those that were purchased from a dealership, have warranty issued by either the manufacturer or the dealership. Warranty can come in handy when you suddenly need servicing for your vehicle while on a tight budget. This perk, however, is usually valid within a certain period and for select types of service.

A warranty can be nullified when the conditions set by the issuer are breached. Generally, a warranty remains valid until repair is performed by a non-dealer qualified mechanic, done not according to the recommended times in the logbook, or carried out using the wrong parts. Simply put, if you try to fix or update your car by yourself, you are running the risk of breaching the contract and voiding the warranty.

Your Insurance May Not Cover It

It’s not just the warranty that is at stake when you choose to go DIY on your car repair or upkeep. You also risk not getting covered by your insurance. Most insurance policies cover simple repair work on vehicles, but major ones like modifications to the wheels and exhaust system may need to be consulted with your insurer. To be safe, just send your car to a certified car service provider.

You Need the Job to Be Done Properly

The changes you do to your vehicle can have a tremendous effect on its performance and safety on the road. The only problem is that if you’re not a professional technician, there’s a chance that you can do more harm to your vehicle than good, which could cost you your lives and the lives of your passengers. It’s true that there are some repair jobs that you can easily carry out on your own, but the major ones have to be left to the pro.  

DIY Takes Time

Tuning up a vehicle takes time, especially when a lot of work has to be done and the one to do them is untrained. If you don’t have an extra vehicle that you can use while the other one is under maintenance, DIY can cause real problem. So if you want your vehicle to be available by the time you need it, just send it to a service center. Depending on the kind and extent of maintenance your car needs, it may take just a couple of days to finish. Sometimes, the work can be done much faster.

Yes, it may cost you a little bit more to send your car to a service center, but it’s worth it. The last thing you need is a car that is only bound to break down at the most inconvenient time. With professional auto service provided by a leading service center in Portland, such as McLoughlin Chevy, you’ll have peace of mind throughout every journey.

About McLoughlin Chevy: Mcloughlin Chevy is a go-to resource for the best Chevrolet models at MVP prices. When you visit our showroom, you’ll see a wide selection of Chevy units, each boasting great features that will make every journey fun and safe. We also offer GM certified used cars, parts, and accessories. When it comes to car repair and maintenance, there’s no better place in town that you can send your vehicles to than our service center.

Sources:

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle – Checklist, moneycrashers.com

What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?, learn.org

Auto Service Tips: How Oil Change Can Save and Prolong Your Vehicle’s Life

Just as your body needs blood and water to function properly, your car needs various kinds of fluid to operate as well. One fluid that is particularly essential to your car’s health is the motor oil. It lubricates the engine to reduce wear and friction as well as filter out contaminants, which could potentially harm the engine parts.

Unlike gasoline, which is burned and replaced very often, oil can be resupplied into the engine over and over. However, oil isn’t made to last forever. Over time, it will accumulate debris and some of its contents will evaporate until all that is left is a thick, dark fluid that might cause severe damage on the engine. Here are some of the most prominent reasons why changing oil on a regular basis is crucial.

Prevents Over-Heating

Friction is the number one enemy of a car engine. This force created by rubbing two objects is known to produce heat. Unfortunately, a car engine works by forcing different parts to move and slide against each other, so you can imagine how much friction and heat it generates. By soaking these engine parts with oil while running, some of the heat generated by the moving engine parts are transferred to the oil, allowing the whole engine to cool down rapidly.

Keep Particles and Sludge at Bay

Your car engine is designed to be so compact that it has no room even for tiny debris. These debris, whether they come from an external source or from the worn parts themselves, can damage the engine as motor oil carries them around. This is why it is very important to have the oil replaced when it has already accumulated excessive amounts of debris. One good sign that the oil is due for changing is when the engine starts to make strange noises.

Saves Energy and Increases Efficiency

Dirty oil can slow down the engine because it no longer lubricates parts effectively. Regrettably, the amount of fuel the engine burns per given time remains the same. Meaning, the engine needs to work harder to accelerate when it has insufficient or contaminated oil in it. By changing your car’s motor oil regularly, you can enjoy speed and save fuel at the same time.

Prolongs the Life of Your Car

Don’t wait until every component of your engine gets all worn down before you send your car to a GM certified auto service provider in Portland for an oil change. Although some of your friends may suggest that you perform the oil change yourself, it is always better to have it done by a professional technician to avoid mistakes that might end up needing costly repair. Regular oil change can keep each part of the engine in top shape, consequently prolonging the life of your car.

To make sure that you will be using the right motor oil on your engine, consult with a professional mechanic first. Usually, they’ll provide more information about oil change than the name of the best brand alone. If you’re lucky, they can even have a look at your engine and give some more professional advice, which most people could not get for free.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet: As a GM certified automotive service center, Mcloughlin Chevy is Oregon’s go-to resource for the best automotive car services, new or used vehicles, auto parts, and comprehensive information about the latest Chevy car models. Whether you want to purchase a new or pre-owned unit or simply want to experience our world-class auto repair and maintenance approach, you are welcome to stop by and check us out.

"Honesty, Integrity is our No.1 Priority, When it comes to GM vehicles, you can count on us!"

- Monty Eby -

(Service Director – McLoughlin Chevrolet)

Sources:

What Does Motor Oil Do?, familyhandyman.com

What is friction?, khanacademy.or

Car Problems Only the Auto Service in Portland Can Fix

In this age where DIY solutions are the norm, it seems like everyone wants to fix everything on their own. While learning a new repair technique or skill can come in handy sometimes, knowing when to call in the experts for help is also a smart move. When it comes to car issues with your GM vehicle, it is always a good idea to use a professional GM certified auto service in Portland because professional mechanics are equipped with the right tools and expertise.

Here are some common car issues that you should leave to the experts:

1. Transmission Repair or Maintenance

A car’s transmission has a lot of small, delicate parts, narrow passageways for the hydraulic fluids, and precise tolerances. Trying to dismantle everything to fix the problems yourself can only result in more damage. Transmission repairs are best left at the hands of skilled transmission specialists. Transmission maintenance needs like fluid changes and flushing should be done by a trained mechanic. One wrong move and you can botch the transmission, so let the experts fix the problem.

2. Engine Overheating

Overheating sounds like a fairly common car problem that just about anyone can fix. The truth is, it is very dangerous and expensive to attempt the repairs at home. A mechanic first needs to diagnose the issues correctly and then they can start repairs. Unskilled DIY mechanics don’t have the skills or tools to do so.

3. Replacing Suspension Components

The suspension is made up of different components like the bushings, struts, and arms. These may look easy to replace, but the repair process is actually very complicated and detailed. A lot of things can go wrong in a multitude of different ways. Amateurs might even forget about the amount of force a compressed coil spring holds and put themselves in danger, not to mention the specific order of how the different pieces go back in their proper place, which, only an experienced mechanic knows how to carry out properly.

4. Timing-Belt Replacement

Every GM car owner should know that their car is due for a timing-belt replacement every 60,000 – 100,000 miles of travel. This car maintenance must-do can cost up to $1,000 which makes it even more tempting to do it at home. However, the amount you might think you’re saving can only result in more expenses down the road and even put you at risk of accident. Timing-belt replacement done wrong can heavily damage the engine which can escalate the repair cost up to $3,500. No one wants that.

Trust an GM certified Auto Shop in Portland for Repairs

At first it may seem like you’re saving yourself a lot of money by attempting to do these repairs at home, but it can easily go wrong. Without the proper skills, training, and tools you can do a lot of damage to your car and even put yourself in danger while trying to “fix” the problem.

Instead of trying to get your hands dirty, let the experts at Mcloughlin Chevrolet do the repairs. All car parts used at the Mcloughlin Chevrolet auto repair shop are high-quality and genuine. It is a promise that cars sent for repairs and maintenance come out looking and working like they’re brand new. Here you can always expect timely and professional services. We make sure all customers feel welcome, no matter what their car concerns may be.

"Honesty, Integrity is our No.1 Priority, When it comes to GM vehicles, you can count on us! " - Monty Eby (Service Director – McLoughlin Chevy)

Sources:

Five Car Problems You Shouldn’t Fix Yourself, TheCarConnection.com

Not So DIY: 6 Auto Repairs You Can’t Do Yourself, RCAutoSpecialists.com

Signs that Tell Car Owners to Get Auto Service for Proper Maintenance

Your car does a whole lot for you—it gets you from Point A to Point B safe and sound, it helps you move heavy cargo and it keeps you safe and sound on the road, no matter what the conditions may be. With all this hard work, it’s inevitable that it will suffer from some job-related wear and tear.

It’s in your best interest to pay attention to the state and condition of your car because your life literally depends on it. Mechanical or engine failure are just a couple of the more common causes of vehicular accidents. You don’t want to be a part of that statistic, which is why you should invest in its maintenance. Working with a certified auto repair facility that can offer quality auto service is just the thing you need. Meanwhile, here are some signs that show you need to make an appointment right away.

Smoke Where It Shouldn’t Be—Or Too Much Of It

Smoke doesn’t belong under the hood, so if it suddenly comes out, it’s a sure sign that there’s car trouble. The first possibility is that the engine is overheating. Your temperature gauge should be able to warn you if your engine is heating too much. In case this happens to you on the road, the best thing to do is to pull over and cool down the engine. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2FvJG3p

Symptoms of a Car in Desperate Need of an Auto Service Appointment

Regular car maintenance is vital as it helps keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency for longer, as well as ensure you stay safe on the road at all times. Unfortunately, even the best maintenance routines won’t be able to stave off the wear and tear of everyday use. In some cases, very minor issues like a chipped paint job can be put off until your next car maintenance and detailing appointment. However, there are several warning signs that no car owner should ever ignore. With that in mind, here are a few issues that should prompt you to set an auto service appointment ASAP:

Frequent Overheating Issues

It isn’t anything out of the ordinary if your car’s engine overheats once in a blue moon, especially if it occurs during the warmest months of the year. However, frequent issues with overheating may indicate an issue with your engine. It’s possible that there is a coolant leak or your engine is suffering from a failing water pump. Once an experienced mechanic detects and repairs the affected part, your overheating issues should go away. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2kfxRpC

Auto Service Technicians: Five Bad Habits That Are Racking Up Your Maintenance Expenses

As the years go by, you will no doubt develop certain habits while you operate your car. While a few of these mannerisms make driving more convenient for you, some might be causing damage to your car. You may then begin to wonder why your visits to your local mechanic is increasing in frequency. Professional auto service technicians serving Portland reveal the top five destructive quirks you should stop doing now.

Not Getting the Engine Warmed Up

Those of you who always run late when going to work or school are sometimes guilty of this. In your hurry to rev up the engine and pull out of the driveway, you are stressing out your engine and its components. Allow your engine at least 60 seconds to warm up after starting the car. This simple action helps along the distribution of oil and gets the oil temperature at the right level for optimum performance.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

It’s safe to say that most inexperienced drivers are accustomed to doing this. After all, if the vehicle is still running well, why should one worry about the pesky blinking light on the dash? What they don’t know, however, is that a check engine light is a warning that should be taken seriously. Even a small problem like a loose gas cap can cause a staggering annual loss of 147 million gallons of gas due to its quicker evaporation.

Keeping a Hand on the Shifter

This one’s common for drivers who prefer cars with manual transmission. While that extra second you save when switching gears makes your drive a bit easier, it takes a toll on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizers. Over time, this leads to premature wear that could be expensive to fix. It’s best to keep both hands on the wheel if you don’t intend to change gears.

Letting the Tank Run Too Low

How often do you fill up the tank? If you’re one of those few car owners who like to drive until there’s less than a quarter fuel in the tank, then you are putting your fuel pump at risk. Many fuel pumps in cars today are kept cool by the fuel they are submerged in. If the tank’s always almost empty before you gas up again, there’s a big chance that you might need to replace the fuel pump in the near future. Keeping your car fueled up can really save you a lot of trouble.

Disregarding the Service Schedule

In your owner’s manual, you will find a preventative maintenance schedule. This sheet of paper is the key to keeping your car running efficiently for the longest time possible. It will also help you avoid the more expensive repairs you might encounter. Do your best not to miss your appointment with the technicians so they can inspect the essential parts and components in time. That said, you should also not neglect any warning signs you see when you drive. If there are strange vibrations and sounds, don’t hesitate to bring the car around.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

McLoughlin Chevrolet is known around Portland for its extensive inventory of new and used Chevrolet and GM cars. In our dealership, we do everything to help buyers with their needs, whether it’s with financing or auto service. We can assist you with everything from routine maintenance to car trade-ins.

Sources:

Six Ways You Could be Killing Your Car, Edmunds.com

10 Bad Habits That Damage Your Car, PopulareMechanics.com