Why Keeping Debris Off Your Car is Important

When leaves dead bugs and other debris slides down your windshield it gathers around the base of your windshield covering the vents that carry the fresh airflow into your car. The air then flows into the interior of your car going through your cabin air filter. The leaves, dead bugs and road debris will work its way through the airflow system in your car and possibly work its way into your A/C evaporator core.

YIKES !!! This is a really big deal because if your evaporator core becomes damaged or clogged it is a $2000 plus repair that involves removing the dashboard from your car.

As part of your regular maintenance you want to replace your cabin air filter every 6 months or when dirty. (We always check the cabin filter during every oil change.) This in turn will help keep out the debris from moving into the air you breath and from moving further down to the evaporator core.

Little details like this can save you thousands over the life of your car ownership.

In the photo below notice all the debris located next to the vent.

Repairing Your Car or Buying a New One

We are fortunate to have so many regular customs that are just plain awesome. One our favorites Julie recently came recently needing close to $1800 in maintenance and repairs. The question so many customers have to decide is do I want to put this much money in a ten year old car or purchase new. Well there are several ways to look at this issue.

In Julie’s case her car needed a timing belt, water pump, oil change, brake and transmission flushes. Her vehicle is a 10 year old Lexus with only 98,000 miles. Julie made the choice to have the maintenance done to her car. This car should last another 5 - 10 years with regular maintenance.

Vehicles made in the last 15 years are not made like they were years ago when your car’s odometer rolled over to 100,000 miles it was time to get a new car. They just weren't made to last 200,000 - 300,000 miles. Any Toyota or Lexus made in the last 15 years should last 200,000 - 300,000 miles or more. (My 2011 Toyota made Scion XB has 317,500 miles on it and runs like a top)

Everybody loves a new car however perhaps not so much when it comes with a $500 - $600 a month car payment. That’s $6000 - $7000 a year that could go to so many other things such as bills, vacations or savings.

I have to say last year I went through a period of “new car fever” and started looking for a new vehicle. I liked this one and especially that one with all the new bells and whistles. Ahh the new car smell and look. No scratches dents or dings. It was almost like a touch of insanity entered my mind. The thought I then remembered was how glad I was when I made that last payment and the previous months looking forward to not having a payment.

Well so far I have not purchased a new car and actually my car did breakdown last week. Fortunately it was an inexpensive repair. I have only spent $550 in repairs in the last 15 months and still feel very confident in my vehicle’s reliability. This is not to say I won’t buy a new car in the next few years however I like the extra money in my bank account for now.

This is all food for thought mostly about not being afraid when your car is getting a little older or around 100,000 miles. New cars are nice however so is money in the bank.

(And I do still have that new car itch, I’m just not willing to scratch that itch...yet)

Chris

A/C Issues, The Summer Heat is Coming

With the temperatures hitting the 80’s the Summer heat is just around the corner. I mentioned to y’all before that my A/C is one of the top NEEDS in my life. (I would rather starve and be very cool than suffer in the Summer heat. I think I can live longer without food than A/C.) One of the worse things that can bring me down is sitting in Atlanta traffic with a malfunctioning cooling system. (2 Summers ago my A/C broke and the shop was busy and could not get it repaired for a couple of weeks.) That being said how’s your air conditioner working ?

Is it time to have your A/C inspected and repaired ? When you come in for an air conditioning inspection or service our technicians will complete the following:

• Inspect the air conditioning cooling ability
• Check the refrigerant level and pressure
• Overall visual inspection
• Examine all A/C and cooling system hoses for cuts, abrasion, weak spots, and signs of leakage
• If your system is low on refrigerant a dye test will be performed to find the source of the leak.
• Replace broken and worn out parts
• Add refrigerant as needed

Hopefully your air conditioner is keeping you cool as a cucumber if not give us a call before the Summer heat and humidity wears you out.  

Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. AHR is smaller, so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call Robbie for appointment at 770-492-7437