It's that time of year again.  Everyone is excited to travel to far away lands to spend quality time with family and friends.  If you are lucky enough to be flying, the only few travel points on the check list for you would be to arrive to the airport with LOTS of time to spare, have boarding passes already printed and ready, make sure you read the airport rules/regulations, and go in knowing that it will be busy so stay calm and positive.  For the rest of us who will be traveling on the ground, I have compiled some bullet points for you to check off.  Any vehicle that will be used for the long haul to Grandma's house should be given a good once over.  Don't stress yourself out by waiting until the day before travel!  Go through this today or a week before so you have plenty of time if anything comes up!  Here are some major points:

• Check ALL fluids.  This includes oil, transmission, coolant, and washer fluid.  Top off if low and replace if looking dirty. 
• Check and/or replace Windshield wipers.  The weather can be unpredictable and one of the most important things while driving is being able to see!!  If those wiper blades are hard and cracking it's time to throw them out and put some new bad boys on.
• Have someone assist in checking all your lights and signals:  headlights, high beams, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
  
• Inspect and replace if necessary the vehicle air filter and your cabin air filter.  They are both located in different locations, so do believe that your vehicle has both :)  
• Examine all of the tires, this includes your spare!  Look for cracks in the side walls and depth of the tread.  Use the penny trick for tread depth; stick the penny upside down into the tread groove, if Lincolns head is visible then it is time for new tires.  To add to this, if you are going somewhere where there will be snow be sure to pack chains!
• It's been pretty cold!  Check the function of your heater and defrost options.  Make sure these are both working properly for warmth and visibility.
• Let us do the dirty work for you!!!  Bring your vehicle in for a 55-pt inspection where we check all of the above and much, much more!!!

From our family to yours, wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!!! Safe travels!

No matter how new, maintained, or reliable your vehicle is, one day you will have to deal with something leaking.  The many different types of fluids that our vehicles use come in a variety of colors and smells.  Depending what "color" you see on the ground under your vehicle will determine if you've got a serious issue or just some normal drainage.  So, how can you tell the difference?  That's why we are here and writing this blog, to help you!!  Take notice of the color and location of the fluid, so that you can figure out what could be the cause.

Clear fluid leaking from under your car, mostly located in the front, is water.  There are two possibilities for this leakage.  The first is if you've been running your air conditioner and you are seeing the condensation produced that has to go somewhere.  The other option is windshield washer fluid.  If you determine that it's not condensation and is washer fluid, this could be due to a crack in the fluid bottle.

If you notice brown or black fluid located front to middle of the vehicle this is more likely engine oil.  You may have to get a closer look or feel.  If the liquid feels slick and is hard to get off your fingers then it is oil.  Oil can leak from various spots such as the head gasket, oil filter, oil plug, oil pan and the timing cover.  During your process of elimination, check the engine oil level.  This could be a shoe-in to let you know if it is low.  
Some brake fluid and gear lube is also known to be a brown color.  The brake fluid, if leaking, will most likely be found by the wheels or brakes.  It will darker in brown and slick to touch.  The gear lube has a very potent, distinct smell that will tell you for sure.

A more reddish brown (sometimes pink) color fluid would possibly be your power steering fluid.  It usually has a slightly sweet, burnt smell and will be found under the front of the car near the steering rack or hoses.  

If you have fluid under the middle of the vehicle that is red or pink, you could be looking at a transmission fluid leak.  This fluid is odorless and can be verified by checking the fluid level.  

Besides engine oil, one of the most common leaks that we see is coolant/antifreeze.    This will be anything from yellow to a green puddle underneath the front (almost very front) of the vehicle. Coolant has a sweet smell and is slimy to touch.  The areas from which the leak could be from include the radiator cap, overflow tank, the water pump, or the coolant hoses.  

If you have determined that the puddle under your vehicle is something more than just a/c condensation or washer fluid, give us a call so we can further assist in the investigative process.  We are here to help ensure that your vehicle is reliable and continues to be for many years.  

I love unique gifts!  Both receiving and giving them.  In search of ideas for my friends and family, I came across some great gift ideas that you don't see everyday but are incredibly useful and unique!  I wanted to share with you, maybe save you some research time ;)

1.  The Drop Stop Seat Gap Filler.  This thing is genious!  I am one of those who loses everything down into the black abyss of the seat gap.  It's distracting, annoying, and very inconvenient, haha.  

2.  A small foldable garbage can.  With two small children, I NEED a trash bag or can in my vehicle to keep the trash on the floorboard (and the smell) to a minimum.  There are many brands out there and these can be found at pretty much any store.  

3.  A set of jumper cables in a case.  You never know when those jumper cables will come in handy.  It's better to be prepared than stranded and helpless.  It is another good idea to get that special someone a "road kit' which will usually include jumper cables, screwdrivers, air compressor, flashlights, etc.  These can be found in any automotive store and possibly in your major box stores in the automotive department.  I found this one on Amazon which includes 76 different components.

4.  A Keychain Car Escape Tool.  These are really neat.  If the unthinkable ever happens your loved one will be prepared.  These handy little tools can cut the seat belt and break a window, plus they come in a variety of colors!  

5.  How about a hands free cell phone/tablet holder for the dashboard?!  I am guilty of not having one yet, but this one from Scosche with it's strong magnets and sleek look might just do the trick.   Encourage your friends and family members to stay hands free with eyes on the road with this awesome gift.

6.  A tool set.  I cannot even tell you how many times I could've used a screw driver or wrench while out and about.  Most everyone will have some sort of tool box in their garage, but what good does that do you when your away from home?!  Having a tool set in the vehicle can aid with the actually vehicle itself or other issues that may arise.  (i.e. Fixing bike seat heights while at the park, lol)

7.  Most of us vehicle owners are in our modes of transformation for 2+ hours a day and listening to the radio.  Let's give that special someone some amazing speakers so they can really enjoy their music, podcasts, movies, conversations, etc with great sound! Found these JBL ones on Amazon for a great deal.

These are just a few of the many, many unique gift ideas that are available.  Let me know what else you find!  Happy Holidays!!!