Does the Brand of Gas I Use Actually Matter?

Adding fuel  - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAThe short answer, yes. In fact, Town Hill Auto Repair Service deals with many fuel related component failures because of the many different brand standards that are within our Bedford, PA community.

In this article will look at why the brand of gas matters and recommendations to help keep your vehicle running smoothly.

The Detergent Dilemma

At the very top of the reasons why the brand of gas matters is the amount or type of detergent that is placed in the fuel. Some larger national chains place higher than EPA standard detergents in the fuel voluntarily others naturally, do not. The purpose of these fuel detergents is to help dilute and pass through carbon and container debris, that can cause build up in fuel system components; leading to failure and a trip to Town Hill Auto Repair Service. The main components that are most susceptible to this contamination are: fuel pump, fuel gauge sensors, injectors (or carburetor jets) intake and exhaust valves, the EGR valve and catalytic converter.

By running a better grade of detergent fuel, you can help offset some of the fuel component failures that would cause you need an auto repair service in Bedford PA.

Carbon Buildup - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAThe Cash Conundrum

While it makes sense to use higher grade detergent fuel in your Bedford, PA vehicle; sometimes that can cut into the budget. Higher grade detergent gas in some cases cost $.05-$.07 more per gallon, which multiplied out over many tanks of gas over the year; can get expensive.

However, in the larger picture the automotive manufacturers have done their own independent studies to determine the cost difference between using detergent gas that meets EPA standards, versus those that exceed EPA standards; in relationship to carbon related repairs within a two-year period of time.

American Honda from 2003-2007 estimated that those that utilize better grade detergent fuel over the course of a year spent on average $45-$57 in additional fuel costs. When compared to the repair costs between clogged EGR ports, EGR failure, combustion chamber and engine ping (premature fuel ignition) amongst other fuel related issues where carbon was directly blamed; they determined that Honda owners were spending $390-$520 in repairs every two to five years.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

Fueling car  - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAConclusion

When you do the math for those types of repairs, the extra $.05-$.07 more per gallon seems quite reasonable when compared to the auto repair service needed to correct carbon buildup; plus the reduced fuel efficiency and performance that comes from the carbon build up over that duration. Town Hill Auto Repair Service serving the Bedford, PA area recommends to have your fuel system completely cleaned then to use these better detergent fuels to help keep your auto repair bills at a minimum.

Some of the gas stations that have voluntarily exceeded EPA detergent additive standards are: Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Phillips 66, Texaco and Valero and a few others. Some of the auto manufacturers that recommend using better grade detergent fuels are Mercedes, Toyota, Chevrolet, VW, Honda, BMW and Ford. These manufacturers independent studies have found that when better grade detergent fuel is used that the cost of ownership over a seven-year period of time can be decreased up to 20%!

When Local Experience Matters

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

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How often Should I Change my Brake Fluid?

Brakes - Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA

The word of the day: Hygroscopic. Hygroscopic is a fluid’s ability to attract and hold water molecules from its surroundings. Why is this important? Because the brake fluid in your car is Hygroscopic.

Depending on the car you drive the mileage and time recommendations may differ, a lot; so make sure you look to see what the manufacture recommends for the interval of your car.

But Wait! If you drive a Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry or several other models; there ARE NO recommendations from the manufacture!

In this article Town Hill Auto Repair Service  is going to get down and dirty with brake fluid, what it does and why it is important to keep it maintained.

What does Brake Fluid Do?

Brake fluid acts simply as the hydraulic translator between the mechanical pressure of the master cylinder out to the calipers or wheel cylinders of your vehicle.

Why do I need to change my brake fluid?

Because brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid, as mentioned above, it attracts moisture into your braking system. Over a period of time this moisture can corrode internal braking components such as: lines, hoses, master cylinder, wheel cylinders and connections leading to expensive auto repairs. It also has a low temperature threshold meaning that the more you break in stop and go traffic the less viscosity that it maintains. The older the fluid the less viscosity, creating a condition known as brake fade.

Additionally, the moisture pulled into the fluid can also cause an inconsistent pedal as they water molecules will combine to create a pressure differential.

A common documented problem seen from this water contamination is on vehicles that use a metal clamp hanger for the front brake lines. Moisture collects on the inside of the hose at the point of the clamp where the hose cannot expand because of the moisture. The build up of moisture causes rust and pieces of the hose to begin to deteriorate causing a blockage. This blockage can result in a loss of braking or the inability of the pedal to return. The proper repair for this condition would be to have Town Hill Auto Repair Service replace the affected hoses, flush the old fluid from the system, clean the reservoir and replace with new fluid.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

Brake Fluid - Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA

When should I change my brake fluid?

Many different manufacturers, depending on the fluid that used, have different intervals and mileage recommendations for changing your brake fluid. However, as mentioned above: many manufacturers no longer list an interval for changing out the brake fluid. This is for two reasons:

  • The brake fluid used is a high temperature or mineral based fluid
  • The manufacture doesn’t expect for you to maintain the car long enough to need to replace the fluid.

Yes it is true, many owners manuals have been rewritten over the years because auto manufacturers, in today’s current climate; do not anticipate vehicle ownership to exceed seven years. (With the average ownership of three years)

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA recommends the changing of your brake fluid every two years or 45,000 miles for American vehicles prior to 2010. We recommend for European cars to change their brake fluid every three years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai’s, Kia’s and Volkswagens can typically go a little bit longer than the American recommendations, This is because the vehicles are generally smaller with less heat breakdown in the braking system.

If however, you have a full size model or are in continuous stop and go traffic where you need to consistently heat up your brakes to stop; you should consult with the experts here at Town Hill Auto Repair Service for the best recommendations for your particular driving needs.

Sportier performance vehicles such as Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challenger and vehicles of similar nature that are using oversize brakes; should also consult the experts at Town Hill Auto Repair Service as to the best recommendations for your driving style.

When Local Experience Matters

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

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Tips for storing my car for the winter – Part 2

SUV Winter - Auto repair service in Bedford PA

winter driving- auto repair service in Bedford, PAIn continuing our tips for storing your car for winter in Bedford, PA you should have read the previous part one giving you some great ideas on getting your car clean as to not come back to critters and foul smells when winter is over. In this article were going to look at some additional tips that will help keep your car ready to go one springtime comes.

With Town Hill Auto Service being the leading choice for the Bedford, PA area with ASE trained, master certified technicians; we know a few things when it comes to properly storing your car during the winter months. Let’s look at a few useful tips:

The Fuel Frustration

Gasoline that you get in Bedford, PA for your car today contains ethanol. This fuel substitute is a colorless flammable liquid which is produced by natural fermentation natural elements such as sugars and corn. However eco-friendly this may be it plays havoc on fuel systems and components. Especially for vehicles that don’t get driven often or sit for the winter, the chemical breakdown of ethanol creates a green chalky substance that can clog injectors, filters and more creating problems for your car.

When storing your vehicle in Bedford PA we recommend to use a Napa’s 360 performance stabilizer.  (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NCB22264) this will help prevent corrosion and rust. It will also help clean the fuel system, so it’s a good idea to run a bottle through about every 10,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
in the Bedford, PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

car battery- auto repair service in Bedford, PARemove the Battery

Car batteries in Bedford PA are made from lead and acid that creates a mild charge and stores energy. When not being used a battery will discharge and the lead plates will begin to chemically break down. This means that a battery can actually destroy itself if not regularly charged. Additionally as the battery discharges it releases acidic vapor that will react to the metals in your car. This causes a corrosive film to cover the terminals and aluminum inside your engine bay.

Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford PA, recommends to remove the battery and place it on a power tender or maintenance charger that will keep a low current charge; this helps the battery keep or maintain its integrity. This specific device will keep the battery from becoming overcharged and will keep the battery charge available come spring when you need it. Napa sells a nice battery maintenance charger (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SOR4502)

Valvoline oil change- auto repair service in Bedford, PAMake sure that your fluids are fresh

Depending on how long you’re going to be storing the car, Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford PA, recommends to make sure that you have performed an oil change and coolant service (at minimum). These fluids have a tendency to break down over time and congeal causing sludge in your cooling and engine systems. Having a fresh oil change will also help when restarting the car come spring; the fresh oil will help coat engine parts. Fresh coolant also contains anticorrosion and rust inhibitors that will help your cooling system components stay clean and ready for the spring.

Note: Be sure to run your vehicle up to complete operating temperature with your fresh fluids opening your heater to allow the fresh coolant into your heater core.

Trust the Local Experts!

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford, PA. running its best.

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Tips for storing my car for the winter – Part 1

auto repair service in Bedford, PA

This time of year some residents in the Bedford PA area might choose to store their luxury or performance car in lieu of the milder spring and summer temperatures. If you should choose to store your car for the winter there are some steps that you may want to take to ensure that your car will last mechanically, as well as, look great for many years to come.

With Town Hill Auto Service being the leading choice for the Bedford PA area with ASE trained, master certified technicians; we know a few things when it comes to properly storing your car during the winter months. Let’s look at a few useful tips:

A Clean Car is a Happy Car

Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford, PAExterior:

For those who might choose to store your car during the winter months in Bedford PA you will first want to make sure that your car is thoroughly clean inside and out. The last thing you want to do is store a car that is dirty, giving opportunity for contaminants to slowly damage your vehicle. Give your car a good hand wash, closely looking for any foreign debris that may cause damage to your finish such as tree sap, dead bugs or chemical exposure (ie. Brake fluid).

After the paint and chrome is clean, apply a good coat of wax. If the car will be in a moist area for a few months be sure to consider treating unprotected metal surfaces such as the undercarriage.

Many enthusiast in the Bedford PA area choose to use WD-40 has a light coating on brake rotors, calipers, brake hoses, exhaust and so forth; just to keep in mind of this treatment when you go to drive it for the first time after its long winters rest.

Interior:

Discard any food wrappers, soda cans and any other garbage that may have accumulated inside your car in the Bedford PA area. Look for French fries between the seats, candy in the carpet and other items that may attract unwanted pests and insects during its long winters rest. If you are going to have your carpets steam cleaned be sure to steam clean them early enough so that they can be thoroughly dried before putting your car into storage. Otherwise the leftover moisture can build up and form mold on the interior components, possibly even damaging the electronics of the vehicle over a period of time.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

Additional Considerations

Mouse in Car - auto repair service in Bedford, PAUnwanted critters like mice can play havoc on a stored vehicle. They do not see your car as the prized possession that it is, but rather an enjoyable place to set up residence. When they get a little hungry they go looking for a snack, chewing through wires and ripping into seats. It’s a good idea to put some mothballs or other pest deterrents in your engine bay and interior (and trunk) to help keep these little critters away.

You should also consider putting a sock into the exhaust to keep them from getting up inside and building a nest. Just make sure to take them out before you go for a ride in the spring.

Car covers are a great idea, just make sure they’re clean. Nothing’s worse than putting a dirty car cover on a clean car; it’s literally like applying sandpaper. If your car is stored outside you may choose to take additional steps such as: treating the tires, place in the car on jack stands, covering the tires with plastic wheel covers, etc.. For garage storage you could do the same, but it’s not as necessary.

Be sure to check the additional tips on storing your car for winter.

When Local Experience Matters

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

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Learn more about our team – click here

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