Staff Writer

Does Preventive Maintenance Really Save Money?

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Over the years, an overwhelming amount of information has been provided proving the fact that well-maintained vehicles in Bedford PA. simply last longer and have lower repair bills. Yet when economic times get a little tough, preventative maintenance is one of the first things to go out of one’s budget.

But considering the cost of the initial automotive purchase today, is this a smart choice? The average age of vehicles driven in the Bedford PA. area is more than 11 years old. This is not surprising being that it seems every year new car prices go higher and higher while the quality of the vehicle seem to get lower. In order to get a strong, long-lasting vehicle it sometimes takes a significant investment; naturally the best way to get a return on your investment is to have Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. properly maintain it.

Proper oil changes

Oil is the lifeblood of an engine and needs to be changed regularly. As the vehicle ages in Bedford PA., changing the weight of the oil or “viscosity” is one of those tricks of the trade that the ASE Master certified and factory trained technicians at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. utilize to help increase the life of the engine and keep important internal components lubricated. Using quality oil products like those found made by Valvoline can also help your engine extend its life utilizing a variety of different products designed for specific vehicle uses and conditions in Bedford PA

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

Spark Plug Replacements

Spark plugs are an often neglected component because, while they rarely fail, the age and use of the spark plug can often be costing you at the gas pump. When spark plug replacement is not performed regularly there is a buildup of carbon and debris on the spark plug that decreases its efficiency. This decrease in efficiency can not only rob your engine of horsepower but can also cause fuels not be properly burned as they are moving through the combustion chamber. As a result; gasoline is going out your exhaust pipe instead of being used to generate power for your engine.

While the industry as a whole recommends the replacement of spark plugs at 100,000 miles, it is true that, modern spark plugs can easily last that long; however the fact that the spark plug can last that long does not mean that the spark plug will not have carbon and debris build-up on the spark plugs themselves.

Because most modern vehicles have spark plugs very accessible it is one of the less expensive preventative maintenance services that you can do that will save you the most in your wallet. Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. recommends changing your spark plugs every 30 to 45,000 miles to make sure that you always have fresh, clean spark plugs performing at their best.  

The costs of neglecting your vehicle maintenance

The cost of neglecting your vehicles preventative maintenance can be as simple as poor performance; however in Bedford PA., it’s more often felt in the wallet. With a vehicle not performing at its peak it often means that it will cost more at the gas pump. Additionally it may cost more in vehicle repairs down the road as well. A common example is those that would not have their coolant system properly flushed and filled as a preventative maintenance measure find themselves needing to have expensive cooling system repairs performed.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Our ASE Master certified technicians are dealer trained to perform services as simple as an oil change all the way through major engine and transmission repair. Trust our years of experience in the automotive field to not only give you the best price but always provide you with excellent quality service along the way.

Useful Links

Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Read more on the importance of tune-ups for your Bedford, PA. vehicle – Click Here

Adventures in Diagnostics

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One of the joys and challenges the Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. sometimes faces is in the arena of vehicle diagnostics. While diagnosing an automotive problem can sometimes be difficult, it is a necessary part of being a full-service automotive repair center; is also the reason why Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. hires some of the automotive industry’s best local talent when it comes to automotive troubleshooting. This article we thought we would take a moment to reflect on some of our favorite “adventures in diagnostics” that we have… (clearing throat) survived through over the years.

The Test Drive

Sometimes, in order for us to proper diagnostics of an automotive problem, we need to have the customer duplicate the problem on a test drive. I recall one test drive where a customer complained of a vibration coming from their car which warranted a test drive with the shop foreman. Apparently the vibration was felt when taking a tight right hand turn at 40 miles an hour; but we didn’t know that until the customer demonstrated the vibration. Feeling like he was in a NASCAR road race pulling 2 g’s in the corners; the shop foreman, holding on for his dear life, actually was able to narrow the problem down to a tie rod. As a result, we did learn to ask a few more questions before going on test drives with customers who think they are a race car driver.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

Can you hear it now?

One particular automotive diagnostic adventure was with a certain female customer that had a 2003 Honda with an intermittent sound coming from the front of the vehicle. After three separate service visits where the shop foreman and technician test drove the vehicle, we were never able to duplicate the noise that she described. Then one day I get a phone call where she said that she was hearing the noise and wanted me to hear it over the phone: before I could tell her that “I can’t pinpoint a noise over the phone”…  She had put her cell phone out the window at 55 mph. I heard a noise all-right, the noise of wind blowing past a cell phone at 55 mph! Needless to say the phone call did not help me narrow down the problem. Still a regular customer, we often joke about it; today it’s one of our favorite “adventures in diagnostics”.

The Mystery Blue Light

One perplexing diagnostics adventure was a customer that continued to bring in her car for a blue light that was flashing on her dash. When asked what shape the blue light was, she simply said it was a dot; not a picture (like a check engine light would be). This brought about an even larger question because there was no blue light set up on her dash as a warning indicator. Insistent that the problem was there, she would mention it at every service visit hoping that we would eventually be able to diagnose the mystery blue light. Late one Friday afternoon as we were fixing to close she pulled into the service drive wanting me to see the light: yet when I look at the dash, I saw no light. With her sitting in the driver’s seat (my leaning into the driver’s window)… I finally discovered the source of the mystery blue light! She had a Bluetooth earpiece that in certain shadowed circumstances would reflect against her eyeglasses making it appear that there was a blue light on her dash! Now it is a classic for our “adventures in diagnostics” scrapbook.

Count on Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. when experience counts.

Needless to say that the staff at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. has been serving the automotive community long enough to have some “adventures and diagnostics”. These adventures: however, do illustrate our desire to work with the customer to find the problem, if it can be found. Our dealer trained, ASE Master certified technicians use their skills and training as well as the latest technology to track down a diagnostics problem and get you back on the road safely. Whether your needing and simple oil change or a major engine rebuild we can handle it all big or small.

Stay tuned for more “Adventures in Diagnostics”…

Useful Links

Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Read more on the importance of tune-ups for your Bedford PA. vehicle – Click Here

What do those numbers on my tires mean?

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As a full service auto repair center in Bedford PA. Town Hill Auto Repair Service provides a wide variety of tire services including tire rotation, tire balancing, wheel alignments and tire sales. Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. Carries a full line of name brand tires that are sure to fit your budget as well as your needs.

Price alone shouldn’t be the determining factor as to the type of tire that you purchase because here in Bedford PA. we experience a variety of weather conditions including rain & snow. Naturally if you have car tires on your SUV, trying to drive through snowy or off-road conditions you’re going to regret not that spending that extra $15 bucks or so per tire.

Understanding Tire Sizes

Have you ever wondered what the numbers on the side of your tire represent? No, they are not a secret code with a hidden message that only mechanics can figure out; these numbers describe everything we need to know about the size, use and driving conditions that the tire is expected to be used for. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these numbers represent:

Example = tire size P 225/50 R17 98H

The First Letter(s) P

The first letter or set of letters on your tire will represent the type of vehicle that is going on. The letter “P” represents a passenger tire used for cars and small trucks. The letters “LT” represent a light truck tire best suited for full size pickup trucks and SUVs.

The First Number Set 225/50

The first number on the tire size measurement identifies the distance in millimeters from the sidewall to sidewall while the next set of numbers separated by the “/” represent a ratio of height. The two numbers together identify the width and height ratio from the rim to the treads where the tire meets the road. Depending on the use of the tire the ratio can be shifted to better meet the need. For example: for those vehicles that need a lot of tread on the ground for traction you would use a lower ratio number meaning that the tire would be wider and shorter.

NOTE: The most important use of this number is to make sure that you match the manufacturer specific guidelines to this size. Most newer vehicles have been computer programmed to use the exact tire size to calculate speed and other variables that play into the ABS (Anti-Brake locking System) as well as traction control.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

The Letter R

The next letter in our measurement determines the construction of the tire.

R = Radial Construction

B = Belted Bias

D= Diagonal Bias Construction

The most common use will be R as most passenger cars and light trucks use radial tires.

The Size of the Rim 17

This is the measurement determines the size of the rim. Most newer vehicles including passenger cars now use the 16 inch rims and larger. For years 14 inch was the standard for most small passenger cars and trucks with the occasional use of the 13 inch for a very small car. Full-size cars and trucks commonly used the larger 15 inch rims because size of the brake system needed for the larger vehicles was greater than that of the smaller vehicles. Commonly today for performance vehicles we see 17 inch rims and greater to compensate for the size of the braking system or to provide a particular look that the manufacturer is going for.

Every once in a while, you’ll see that Monte Carlo driving down the road with 24 inch rims… of which we have no explanation why…

The Final Standard Measurement 98H

The final measurement identifies low capacity for the tire based on the tire inflation. The greater the number the greater the low capacity. For light trucks you would want to go with a higher number if you were wanting to carry heavy loads or you are planning on putting a larger amount of stress on your tires like off-road style driving.

The “H” represents the speed rating as to how fast the tire can go without flying apart. While there are quite a few speed ratings that can be applied, most passenger tires are rated up to 130 mph (H) while performance vehicles such as Mustangs, Corvettes and Ferraris are going to have a rating of over 149 mph (Z). The measurement is calculated based upon the amount of rigidity in the sidewalls of the tire based upon the makeup of the radial.

The higher the rating, the more rigid the ride but less role in the tires when cornering meaning greater control. The lower the rating, the softer the tire which lends for a smoother ride; but less grip and control at high speeds.

When Experience in Bedford PA. Counts

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can help you select the right tire based upon your budget and driving needs. Being that your tires are the only part of your vehicle that connect you to the road we see it as the most important element of your vehicle. Having the right tire on your car could be the difference between an accident in the rain and getting home safely. Be sure to ask your service advisor about tire options that meet your driving needs.

Useful Links

For more information on reading tire numbers Click Here

Learn more about wheels and tire services provided by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Learn more about the staff at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

What do those oil numbers mean?

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Have you ever opened the hood and looked at the oil cap to see it says to use 5w30 and wonder what that meant? Or walked into the auto parts store to see dozens of oils and wondered.. which one should I choose? Believe it or not that is a very common question. The type of oil used in your vehicle is the lifeblood that circulates and protects your motor; so making sure that the right viscosity and type of oil used for your car in Bedford PA is a very important decision to make.

Let’s look at some information to help you better understand what those numbers represent.

What does viscosity mean?

Oil viscosity is simply how thick the oil is. Different engines, performance levels and outside temperatures help identify what type of oil would be best suited for use in your vehicle. As the vehicle ages, engine specifications change; meaning that the oil viscosity will change with it. It is important to make sure that the correct oil viscosity (weight or grade) is used based on these variable conditions so that damage does not occur to your engine. The experts at Town Hill Auto Service understand the variables that are unique to the Bedford PA area and can advise you on the proper weight of oil needed to properly protect your engine.

Can I change the viscosity of oil in my car?

Town Hill Auto Service does not recommend changing the oil viscosity in your vehicle without first analyzing the specific criteria discussed in the previous paragraph. If you have a newer car driven under normal operating conditions, we do not recommend adjusting the grade or weight of the oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. However, in extreme circumstances such as an extreme change in weather (cold or hot), severe driving conditions (stop and go driving) and the age/ mileage of the engine; changing the weight of the oil is necessary to make sure that internal engine components are properly lubricated. Again, make sure that you check with the experts at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA for sound advice on changing these oil grades to keep your engine at its best performance level.

What does the “w” in 5w30 represent?

The “w” represents: winter. Engine oil has two different viscosities or weight measurements based upon temperature. The first number is more representative of the weight of the oil when the engine is cold (or colder temperatures) and the second number represents the weight of the oil at operating temperature. Because oil thins when it is heated, both of these numbers are important. When the engine is cold it is more difficult for it to circulate thick oil so the starting weight should always be lower than the operating weight. As the outside temperature changes to extreme cold or extreme hot those temperatures may be enough to recommend the change of your oil weight specification; however, modern engines and oils are designed to work in temperatures ranging from -5°F all the way up through 95°F so changing the oil viscosity based on external temperatures should be carefully considered before changing.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year-around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes (814) 310-2221

Is thicker oil better?

This is not really an easy answer being that, again, many variables go into making a decision to change the weight or grade of an oil. Thicker or higher grades of oil are recommended when engine wear has increased bearing clearances (gaps between bearing and rotating shaft) from years of driving.

In some cases only one of the two measurements would be adjusted being that the vehicle still needs to be able to have the two different viscosities to operate properly. Simply assuming that you need thicker oil because the car is five or six years old with 100,000 miles is not necessarily true.

Vehicles driven under normal operating conditions with proper oil change intervals may find that their engine’s performance has changed very little from when it was new.

In this case changing to Valvoline Max life oils with engine seal conditioners would be better than changing the viscosity or weight of the oil.

Should I ever use straight weight oil (SAE 30)?

No. This type of oil was developed for very specific types of engines. These engines are not utilized in passenger cars and light trucks.

Can I use synthetic oil in my car?

Over the years Valvoline has developed a line of oil products that can significantly increase the performance of your vehicle. These include conventional oils that have better temperature tolerances and breakdown slower, synthetic oils which lubricate more efficiently and disperse heat better, synthetic blends that are recommended for higher mileage engines and others depending on your driving conditions and use of vehicle. Any of these types of oils can be used in any type of vehicle providing the weight is applicable for your use.

Even older cars can see a tremendous advantage in gas mileage and performance by upgrading their oil to one of Valvoline’s performance lubricants. Be sure to consult with your automotive expert at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA to determine which Valvoline oil would be the best for your vehicle.

When Experience Counts

Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA is your first choice for Valvoline oil changes and top-quality service and repairs. From simple oil changes to engine rebuilds we can handle it all! Our ASE Master Certified, dealer trained technicians are here to make sure that your car is always performing at its best. As a Napa Certified facility all of our work is backed with a nationwide warranty.

Useful Links

Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA – Click Here

Learn more about Oil weights – Click Here

Tired of getting the run around when needing tires?

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I know, the puns are running wild today… But seriously, the mindset that the auto repair industry has put forward in the Bedford PA area are enough to drive you crazy. They have taught us that you need a quick oil change place, you get your tires from a tire store, you get your transmission serviced at a transmission repair shop, you get alignments done at a suspension shop…

You need a Rolodex just to keep up with where to get your car worked on!

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA is your one stop shop.

Need tires? We do that! We have access to all the name brand manufactures that you have come to rely on over the years. With our full service auto repair facility we can do everything from tire replacement, rotate and balance of tires, wheel alignments to everything that deals with steering and suspension for your vehicle in Bedford PA. Our professional auto repair service can provide you with competitive quotes on tires by helping you analyze and choose the tire that best fits your needs AND your budget.

We are not reliant on national campaigns that push certain brands of tires like the big tire chain stores do… You simply bring your car to the people that you already trust for outstanding auto repair service in Bedford PA. and we can help you choose the right tire combination for your driving conditions and budget.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

Replacement tires for all sizes

Whether you got 12 inch tires on your Geo Metro or 33 inch swappers on your truck we’ve got you covered. Tires are simply the most important part of your car, as they are the only thing that connects your car to the ground, so the combination has to be right! With the multiple and extreme climate swings that we see in the Bedford PA. area making sure that you have the right tire for your use and conditions is important. Because Town Hill Auto Repair Service works on such a wide variety of different vehicles, we understand the differing challenges and needs that each vehicle takes based on their conditions.

Receive a FREE Town Hill Auto Repair Service Oil Change Voucher with every purchase of 4 tires!

Price shouldn’t be the only consideration

While budgets certainly come into play when it comes to replacement tires on your vehicle in Bedford PA. it shouldn’t be the determining factor for the tires that you put on your vehicle. Because tires are an investment that can traditionally last up to eight years, you want to make sure that the tire will fit your needs for that period of time. Installing an El Cheapo tire might be comfortable to your wallet, but not for the ride when your car hits interstate speeds and starts feeling the vibration. Not to mention you might have to be replacing those tires every 20,000 miles paying labor costs and alignment fees again and again. Your tire and wheel specialist at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA can help you choose the right tire that fits your vehicle, your needs and your budget.

Learn about winter tires Click Here

Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA is a NAPA Auto Care Center Click Here

Reasons we are thankful in 2016

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During this holiday season it is important to be reminded about the many things that Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service; providing quality used car sales, automotive repair and rental services to the Bedford PA. area, has to be thankful for. Even as the end of the year continues to approach, we find ourselves echoing our thankfulness as we look back across 2016.

Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service in Bedford PA  would like to express a few things, as we reflect on our trials and successes of 2016, that we find ourselves to be very thankful for:

Our customers

No automotive business can be successful without customers, ours is no different. Perhaps the thing that we are most grateful for is how incredible our customers have been to us here at Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service. While we have worked hard to provide our customers with exceeding value in used car sales, automotive repair and rental services; we continue to be amazed at how gracious our customers have been.

Much of our business comes from referrals from the many customers that we have had the opportunity to provide exceptional sales and automotive repair service to; perhaps the greatest complement that we can receive from our customers is a referral to a friend. It is also important to note that many of our customers have become good friends, desiring to partner with our vision and participate in our work ethic.

As 2017 approaches, we want to say a hearty “thank you” to the many customers that have made the choice to utilize Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service for their automotive sales, service and rental needs.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

Our team

In the automotive industry your business is only as good as the talent that you have working for you. At Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service in Bedford PA., we have been blessed to have some of the automotive industry’s best sales and service specialists that have chosen to partner their talents with us. It is their patience and perseverance that has shown through in the workmanship that they have provided to our many thankful customers.

As the owner of Town Hill Auto (Scott) I wish to extend my deepest thanks to all of the team members here at Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service. I would like to express my desire that 2017 builds upon the success of 2016 and that our friendship grows stronger with each passing day. We simply could not have had a successful year without the outstanding talents of each and every member of our team.

Our families

Building a successful sales and auto repair company often requires sacrifices of time. Often many late hours are spent taking care of necessary paperwork and prep to make sure that the we are ready to meet the needs of our customers; this requires a dedicated team able to be flexible to time constraints.

Perhaps the greater sacrifice made in these times is that of our families. All of the staff and team members at Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service that wish to extend our gratefulness to the sacrifices that our family members have made throughout 2016; your sacrifice does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.

Business partnerships

Another factor that has made 2016 a success for Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service is the partnerships that we have been able to make. From the dedicated staff that works with our website to the companies that service our equipment, we want to say thank you for the level of service that you have provided to help make us successful. To our Napa Representatives, vendors, materials suppliers and others that have shared in the business model and vision of Town Hill Auto Sales & Repair Service, we want to say thank you.

Keeping things in perspective

There are so many things that, honestly, we could take the time to say that we are thankful for. We would be remiss to not take a few moments to acknowledge how thankful we are to be able to operate an automotive sales and repair company in such a great country.

The sacrifices that soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines make (as well as their families) to keep us safe and free; this does not go unnoticed and we are truly thankful.

Furthermore; the daily sacrifices of our dedicated public safety officers (police, fire and EMT’s) make to help preserve the peace on the streets of America is certainly appreciated. It is the sacrifices of individuals such as these that make it possible for companies like ours to prosper in this great and free nation.

As 2017 quickly approaches we look forward to being able to continue a work ethic that has allowed us to provide great service to our customers; with the anticipation of many years to come.

We look forward to working with you in 2017 and beyond…

Tips for getting your car ready for winter

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SUV Winter - Auto repair service in Bedford PA

As the temperature begins to get colder here in Bedford PA. it is time to start thinking about making sure that your vehicle is ready for the colder weather. Cold weather seems to effect everything a little differently, your car is no different. Liquids such as antifreeze and oil behave differently as the temperatures begin to drop it is important to note a few useful tips to make sure that your car is ready for the harsh Bedford, PA. winters that we sometimes experience.

It’s cool to be warm

The cooling system for your car, especially during the cold weather, is a very important component to make sure is working properly. As water circulates through your engine it helps regulate the temperature by removing heat that is created from the internal friction of your engine. Antifreeze is added to the water to help manipulate the boiling and freezing temperatures to aid in the regulation of the temperature of the water. If the mixture is not correct, or the level is too low, this delicate balance of temperature will not be correct and can cause mechanical failure.

NOTE: Be sure to get your antifreeze level checked and changed regularly.

Using a hydrometer, a certified master technician at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can determine if your cooling system has the proper amount of antifreeze for the temperature. Changing the antifreeze regularly is also important as antifreeze, over a period of time, will begin to congeal (like a thick slime) and clog the small water passages within your radiator, heater core, thermostat, water pump and heater control valve. If performed on a regular basis (every three years or 36,000 miles) simply replacing the coolant in your vehicle is sufficient to help keep everything clean and circulating properly; however, if a lapse in the services exists, or you don’t know when it was last done, we recommend to have the system flushed, cleaned and properly filled to help make sure that your cooling system is working properly.

The heater is part of the system

Because the heater core is furthest away from the water pump it is susceptible to cooling systems that have not been properly maintained (because of the decrease in water flow). When your heater control valve or heater core is not functioning properly, it cannot circulate the warm water from your engine into the cabin of your vehicle. Because antifreeze also contains a rust inhibitor, vehicles running with insufficient amounts of antifreeze or straight water will find themselves with rusted and leaking components. Now you begin to see how important it is to help keep your vehicle maintained for cooler weather, it’s not just of the cooling performance of the engine but the fact that your heating system is an integral part of the engine cooling system; and on cold Bedford PA. day… that could mean a lot.

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221

Oil changes

Because oil viscosity is effected by ambient temperature (see article on oil change info) it is important to make sure that you were vehicle oil changes are up-to-date during the winter months. (actually, all the time) In extreme cold situations it may be recommended for certain vehicles to run a thinner weight of oil to help offset extreme cold situations. Make sure to check with your automotive maintenance expert at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. to see if you need to change the viscosity of your oil for the operating conditions of your vehicle.

You need to get a grip

When road surfaces change it may be necessary to utilize different types of tires to make sure that your vehicle can get you where you need to go. All season radial tires will work for most of the driving conditions that we find here in the Bedford PA. area; however, many areas and homes do not have paved roads that have been cleared by state operated snowplows requiring vehicles and tires that have been built for these types of road conditions. We highly recommend speaking with the automotive professionals here at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. to see if a more aggressive tire (mud and snow tire) may be necessary to help get you where you need to go.

Wipe that smile ON your face

Windshield wipers are one of those things that we never think about until we need them. Even if you have brand-new windshield wipers they can, and probably will, stick to your windshield during extreme cold or snowy conditions. There are quite a few things that you can do to help prevent damaging your wipers:

  • The night before, hinge your wiper arms up so that the wipers are not touching the windshield
  • For vehicles that do not have that capability (because the wipers are recessed) slide a piece of cardboard between the wiper and the windshield.
  • Install snow wipers. This type of windshield wiper uses a thicker, wider rubber contact patch that is less likely to tear if they stick to your windshield. They are also better at moving wet snow off the windshield.
  • Avoid de-icing chemicals. Use these only in an emergency. These chemicals can damage the paint finish of your vehicle if used excessively.
  • Avoid Using Hot Water. While this might seem practical it can crack the windshield on older vehicles. (sometimes newer ones too) Not to mention the melted ice and snow will immediately refreeze if the temperatures are below freezing, creating a thin layer that may be more difficult to remove.

Thinking ahead: Always try to clear your windshield using a scraper tool or brush. Never use your windshield wipers to move heavy amounts of snow from your windshield. Most modern wiper motors use plastic gears that were not designed to do much more than wipe water from your windshield. By placing wiper motors under such a heavy load it can easily create an expensive repair, not to mention not being able to see where you’re going when it breaks.

When Experience Counts

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.

Useful Links

Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Read more on the importance of oil changes for your Bedford PA. vehicle – Click Here

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