For sports fans, March Madness is all about filling out brackets and getting together with friends or family to watch the games. For drivers however, March can be “Madness” in a very different way.

Temperature fluctuations, rain, sleet, mud, and wind bring potholes, pavement washout, winter debris and many other road hazards – testing your patience and taking a toll on your wallet. Potholes in particular can be very damaging to a vehicle. Alignment, suspension issues, and tire and wheel damage can occur as a result of hitting even small holes. Avoiding the “road madness” of March is impossible 100 % of the time, so be sure to check your vehicle for signs of damage:

• Inspect your tires for bulging in the sidewall area and punctures in the tread; check rims for dents and rust.
• Look for signs of leaks or rust in the undercarriage area.
• Watch for alignment issues, such as the wheel or vehicle feeling as if it is pulling to the right or “sliding” around turns.
• See if your suspension system has been affected; are your shocks and struts keeping your vehicle from bouncing up and down over bumps or during acceleration and braking?
• Try to avoid driving closely behind large vehicles that prevent you from seeing upcoming potholes and highway debris. 

These helpful tips may not prevent you from getting mad at the road, but they can help you discover a problem early on; avoiding long-term damage to your vehicle and saving you money. As always, if you have any concerns about your vehicle feel free to contact us and bring it in for an inspection. You can make an appointment online at www.westescondidoauto.com or by calling us at 760-741-0071.

 When it comes to your vehicle, leave the dish soap in the kitchen!  Dish soap is for dishes; car wash soap is for cars.  Dish soap contains detergents and other chemicals that can leave a vehicle’s finish dull and actually lead to long-term damage.  Be sure to purchase a car soap made specifically for automotive finishes – your car’s paint will reward you with a long lasting finish!

After you’ve washed your vehicle, be sure to protect it. There are many one-application products on the market that clean grime and fall out, and protect the finish.  A few hours invested in a good hand wax will help your paint and resale value.

Lastly, don’t forget the wheels!  Clean wheels and tires can make or break your vehicle’s appearance.  Use soft bristle brushes on the wheels with car soap and harder bristle brushes on the tires.  Clean tires really shine with a little tire dressing. Remember, a clean car is a happy car!

Although February means only one more month of winter officially, the cold arctic winds are still blowing strong.   Make sure you continue to follow basic winter driving habits to stay trouble free:

1. When warming up your vehicle in the morning, don’t rev the engine to get the heat moving faster. The oil in the engine needs a few moments to warm up for better circulation.
2. Don’t let your engine idle for extended periods of time in the garage!  The fumes from your engine are heavier than normal and very dangerous!  Also, the on-board computer may burn 4 times as much gas during warm up when the engine is very cold.
3. Keep your eyes open for furry friends who are looking for warm places to stay when it’s cold outside. A warm engine is the perfect place for an overnight guest – check regularly for signs of them. Mice especially like to chew on the silicone covered wires!
4. Check your windshield washer fluid again! Make sure it’s full or stop by and we’ll be glad to top it off for you.

 Visit our website www.westescondidoauto.com for more helpful tips. 

Coolant serves two purposes in your vehicle, it transfers heat away from the engine and it protects your cooling system from developing rust and electrolysis.  Electrolysis is where electrical current transfers through weak coolant and can damage expensive engine components if not serviced.   It’s important to have at least a 50-50 mixture of coolant and water to protect your car during the cold winter months. This ratio has a lower freezing point than straight 100% coolant. So be sure to check your coolant regularly and mix it with water.  If you are not sure about what is the best mix for your vehicle, please call. 

Additionally, did you know that there are two kinds of coolant available now? There is the traditional, green-colored antifreeze which works in most vehicles and long-life coolant which is designed for many of the newer model cars. Check with us to see what kind of coolant your vehicle should have. 

Fun Activities for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there are lots of fun ways to spend the day with friends, family or that someone special.  Here are a few of our favorite things to do:

• Go for a drive along a scenic route, stopping to take pictures on the way.
• Head to the mountains for a fun weekend of skiing.
• Take some friends or another couple on an adventurous “road trip” – enjoying lunch, dinner or dessert in someplace new!
• Load up the family and discover a new park, museum or historic district.

Whatever you decide to do, just be sure your vehicle is ready to go. Fill up the gas tank, check the tire pressure, oil, windshield washer fluid level, and give it a good washing. A clean car always runs better! 

Questions or concerns about your vehicle? Call us at 760-741-0071 or visit www.westescondidoauto.com