This Maintenance Schedule is designed to help you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and to answer some of the frequently asked questions concerning our operations.
Today, more than ever, good maintenance habits are essential to your vehicle’s “good health”. A well maintained vehicle is not only fun to drive, but it’s friendly to our environment. Please take a moment to review our maintenance recommendations and feel free to ask questions.
We are here to help you!
Every 5,000 Miles Between Maintenance Services
• Premier 27 pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & oil filter
• Adjust tire pressure
• Check brakes & record %
• Top off all fluid levels
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Rotate Tires
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air breather & filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Charging system & battery
15K Mileage Scheduled Service
15,000 / 45,000 / 75,000 / 105,000 / 135,000 Miles
• Premier 27 Pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & filter
• Install oil supplement
• Adjust clutch
• Check, clean, adjust brakes & record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Service battery, including pads
• Top off all fluid levels
• Check A/C & heater operation
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Check spark plug condition
• Install fuel additive (remove carbon)
• Clean throttle body
• Reset base idle and/or timing
• Reset engine maintenance light
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ Charging System & battery
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air breather & filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Wiper blades
√ Rear defroster operation
√ CV joints & boots
3 year 36,000 peace of mind warranty (most services) All of these services meet or exceed most manufacturers requirements. Some manufacturers may require more maintenance, which we will discuss with you if necessary. This menu is a quick guide to most services required
30K Mileage Scheduled Service
30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 / 120,000 / 150,000 Miles
• Premier 27 Pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & filter
• Adjust clutch
• Check, clean, adjust brakes & record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Balance all four tires
• Service battery, including pads
• Top off all fluid levels
• Check A/C & heater operation
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Install fuel additive (remove carbon)
• Replace fuel filter
• Replace air filter & PCV valve
• Complete transmission service
• Replace anti-freeze
• Reset engine maintenance light
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air & breather filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Wiper blades
√ Strut & shock condition
√ Engine/transmission mounts
√ Cam belt
√ Secondary ignition wires
√ CV joints & boots
Most engines are designed to achieve 200,000-300,000 or more miles. Regular maintenance is the key for you getting all the miles your vehicle can give. Let one of our highly trained ASE certified technicians protect your investment. Factory scheduled maintenance services outline preventative maintenance suggested by your vehicles manufacturer. Following the outline of services will greatly improve your chances of not becoming inconvenienced by breakdowns.
FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Recommended once a year. Set tire pressure; inspect all steering and suspension components for wear; set front toe in, caster, camber and rear end toe-in.
TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE
Rotation recommended every 5,000 miles. Balance all four tires every 10,000 miles. This prolongs the life of your tires.
BRAKE SERVICE (FRONT OR REAR)
Remove and replace pads or shoes, resurface rotors and drums, inspect brake lines and components, test parking brake.
BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND CHANGE
Recommended every 30,000 miles. Flush old fluid; inspect reservoir and cap; inspect lines and fittings; install new fluid.
Add this service to the Complete Brake Job Service for a small additional cost.
COMPLETE COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
Check all hoses and belts; pressure test system; check heater; defroster and cooling fan operation; flush and recycle antifreeze; correct coolant mixture to 50/50 mixture; insure proper pH balance; check for leaks; road test vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE
A/C performance test; check system pressures; check condenser & radiator cooling fan operation; inspect all A/C components for wear, leaks and proper operation.
MAINTENANCE, REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs check for engine fault codes and check idle and timing specifications.
COMPLETE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE
Recommended every 30,000 miles. Completely flush all transmission components; replace all transmission fluid; check for
leaks; inspect detent cable and all linkage (adjust as necessary); road test vehicle.
INDUCTION SYSTEM CLEANING
Recommended every 30,000 miles. This service helps reduce emissions plus improve driveability and fuel mileage. Clean
throttle body area; use induction system cleaner to clean intake valves; install fuel additive in tank to clean fuel injection system and remove carbon.
POWER STEERING FLUID SERVICE
Complete power steering fluid flush. Inspect all components for wear, leaks and proper operation.
TIMING BELT SERVICE
Regular inspection and replacement of the timing belt, as prescribed by the manufacturer’s service schedule, can help you
avoid major engine damage.
Ask about our Free Shuttle Service.
HIGHLY TRAINED MASTER A.S.E.
TECHNICIANS with more than twenty years of service here waiting to serve you.
LATEST IN COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT.
YOUR SATISFACTION IS ALWAYS
GUARANTEED. Ask one of our managers about our outstanding warranty policies.
The car is one of the most recognizable inventions of the modern era. Without vehicles, we wouldn’t have access to the majority of opportunities we have these days. We wouldn’t be able to see the world, take trips, get from point A to point B in such short time, or live the every day lives we lead. Look back on some of the facts and interesting tidbits about them and its crazy to think how far we have come!
The first cars did not have steering wheels. Drivers steered with a lever.
The New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists in 1898.
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.
The first gas gauge appeared in cars in 1922.
In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter.
The first car radio was invented in 1929.
Buick introduced the first electric turn signals in 1938.
The Peanuts characters were first animated in 1957 for a Ford Fairlaine automobile commercial.
Most American car horns beep in the key of F.
The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.
We can sure be thankful for how far we have come in the world of automobiles. And it sure is neat to look back on the facts!
Contact Atlantic Car Care today with questions or comments!
21 New Bern Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
910-794-1390
Dirty carpets in your car are not only unsightly, but unsanitary.
Since most people don’t take off their shoes when getting into a car, the carpet can get dirty very quickly. With all that dirt getting trapped in the fibers of your car’s carpet and it being in an enclosed space, it can not only be unsightly, but unsanitary. You’ll pay quite a bit of money to have someone clean your car, but there’s no need to do that if you have time to do it yourself.
Getting Ready
Remove trash, floor mats and anything else that may hinder the cleaning process. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris. Be sure to clean under the seats.
Mix a cleaning solution of one gallon of warm water and a scoop of bleach free detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the solution to help eliminate carpet odors. Make sure that you have rubber gloves, a clean cloth or sponge, and clean dry towels.
Removing Stains
Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to eliminate stains. Spray the solution on an area and scrub it into the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge. Leave it for at least a half hour. Be sure to leave the windows down to help the carpet dry faster. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth to remove any residual cleaning solution.
For grease stains, sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the stain and leave it for two to three hours before vacuuming it. Clean the area with warm soapy water if there is any residual stain. A grease cutting dish soap mixed with hot water will render the best results.
Cleaning the Carpet
Scrub the carpet with a medium bristle brush or a clean cloth or sponge, being careful not to saturate it. Use the brush on particularly difficult areas and don’t forget to clean under the seats. “Rinse” the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge and use clean water to remove any residual soap. Press dry towels to the carpet and lift them to help absorb excess moisture. To avoid mold, leave the windows down to help the carpets dry and avoid setting anything, such as floor mats, on the carpet until it is completely dry.
Women have come a long way in the world. The facts are, women have become a dominant force in business, automotive purchases, and business travel.
Women purchase more than 50% of all new vehicles, 48% of all used vehicles, influence 80% of all sales, comprise 40% of all business travelers, influence 80% of all luxury and family travel, own 38% of all US businesses contributing $1.6 trillion to the national economy and have now reached 59% of all Internet users.
They also comprise 40% of all business travelers today, up 5000% since 1970.
Despite male attempts to limit or prohibit female drivers in the late 1920′s and early 30′s, famous women motorists like writers Emily Post and Edith Wharton, and women’s automobile contributions during the World War I years were the most notable indicators of the existence of a core of urban and suburban women for whom driving was useful, necessary, or adventurous in the early years of the twentieth century.
American women learned early on, the possibilities of the automobile from the publicity offered by newspaper coverage of the pioneering transcontinental car journeys that took place between 1899 and 1908. They may not have been in the majority in terms of drivers when the first cars became available to Americans, but they surely existed.
Since then, women have become not only more independent and in charge of their own careers and finances, they have become the prime decision makers. Let’s face it, men, women hold the keys to the driver’s side. When it comes to deciding on your next automobile, where you will purchase it, or especially where you will take it for routine maintenance, just leave it to the ladies. And if you live in Wilmington, you know Atlantic Car Care is the most trusting, honest and reliable. Contact us today with any questions or concerns!
21 New Bern Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
910-794-1390
Vehicles today really don’t require the attention they once did. In fact, these days all you have to do is listen to your mechanic since he most likely will let you know when to take care of what needs to be taken care of.
Yet, with the simplicity that has been set in place due to auto-reminders and routine maintenance schedules, we still don’t seem to follow the habits we easily could be. The people with the craziest schedules (the ones who drive their cars more every day) seem to have forgotten the importance of routine check ups, and the over-achievers spend too much time trying to get oil changes sooner than they really need.
Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.
Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle’s needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls. Or you can create your own schedule, whatever works best for you, the importance is just knowing it is needed and necessary.
1. Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak air naturally and need the occasional check. Under-inflated tires can actually slowly suck up gasoline. Under, or over-inflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren’t going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year? That’s not a lot to ask.
Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Most user manuals or maintenance schedules will let you know when this should be done.
2. Windshield Wiper Replacement
It’s much easier to avoid hitting things you can see! Simple as it is, that’s the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.
Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may only be an annual affair in the South, like in Wilmington.
3. Tune-Up Timing and Saving
There are no more “tune-ups.” Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that’s left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don’t change parts to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.
4. Fuel (Octane Overdose)
Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits. Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.
5. Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated dust from the corners of the molding in your house. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when your grandfather says it’s time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.
6. Worn out Tires
Tires wear out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they’re selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. If you’re not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall. Or your you can wait until they’re down to bear rubber and your mechanic will give you more than enough warning that its time.
7. Dirty Air Filter
Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or driving daily on a dirt road are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for. At Atlantic Car Care, they will show you how dirty your filter is and you will understand.
8. Don’t Forget Your Brakes
This one is fairly obvious, if you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit your mechanic. Now.
9. Tighten Your Gas Cap
Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car’s diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting arrangement.
10. The Garage in Your Home
Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you’re paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes and old holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and put your car in the garage!
At Atlantic Care, we pride ourselves on letting you know what needs to be done and when, so you don’t have to. But if you don’t understand the importance of routine maintenance for one of your most valuable investments, than you aren’t going to listen to us either. First, understand that it needs to be done, let us take care of the rest!
Contact us today with questions or comments!
Atlantic Car Care
21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
www.atlanticcarcare.com
With rising gas prices, the recent heightening of environmental awareness, and a useful long-term investment leading to potentially huge savings overtime, the electric car is almost a necessity for our future. Check out the following article from the people at the forefront of Electric Cars.
Plug-in electric cars will become popular when gas prices hit $5 a gallon — probably in 2017.
That was the projection of Smart Transportation analyst Dave Hurst of Pike Research, speaking as part of the Lakeshore Advantage Michigan Smart Coast series on advanced energy storage.
“The reason you don’t see a lot of plug-ins right now is because there’s not a lot of them available. In Michigan, you can only buy the Volt,” said Hurst, addressing about 250 area business executives from a cross section of local industry at the Doubletree Conference Center in Holland.
He said consumers also are waiting on battery range increases and price drops on personal electric vehicles before considering purchases.
The buildup to 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road likely will occur in 2016, Hurst said. In the meantime, lithium ion battery manufacturers such as the Holland-based LG Chem battery plant and Johnson Controls battery division are going to have excess capacity for about five years.
“I’d advise them to focus on the world market and sell their batteries for what ever applications are out there for use as power supplies to storage until the domestic market catches up,” said Hurst noting the U.S. plug-in battery market should reach about $3.2 billion 2017 and $14.6 billion worldwide.
Randy Thelen, president of Lakeshore Advantage economic development agency in Zeeland, said the impact of two major battery producers in Holland already has had a positive economic impact on the area.
“A total of 16 suppliers for the battery companies have moved into the local market and are quietly opening operations from 10,000 to 20,000 square-feet,” Thelen said.
And those companies are hiring new workers.
Hurst said research shows that the optimal price point for plug-in vehicles will be at $23,750, according to consumer surveys. Another key sales point for consumers will be 100-mile charge-range vehicles, although most commuting is done within 40 miles with average round trips coming in at 22.2 miles.
“All of the (plug-ins) have gas engines, so the charge range is really more a psychological factor,” he said.
What might be the engine that really kick starts the plug-in industry is fleet truck purchases by companies.
“The recovery cost on electric trucks should be two to six years. They should have an annual fuel cost of $960 compared to the cost of a gas hybrid of $7,000 a year,” Hurst said.
Bruce Wickmann, president of West Shore Aviation Management at the West Michigan Regional Airport in Holland, bought his 2012 Chevy Volt plug-in last fall and believes it’s the future of cars.
”In 1,500 miles, I’ve used three gallons of fuel. I’m averaging 500 to 700 miles to the gallon,” said Wickmann, who only had to use the gas engine on a few trips to Grand Rapids.
He estimates his Volt gets 40 to 45 miles on a charge in warm weather and 30 to 32 miles per charge in winter.
”Even with the government rebate of $7,500, it’s not going to be cost-efficient for a few years,” he said.
”But I believe we’ve got to start making the change and people need to get on board with electric vehicles.”
Contact us today with questions or comments!
Atlantic Car Care
21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
www.atlanticcarcare.com
No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving around, there are preventive measures everyone can take to make sure their car is environmentally friendly as possible.
By following a few simple measures, you can save gas mileage which in turn, preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn helps stay ‘green’ and also saves you money.
1. Regularly check and replace dirty air filters. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture – too much gas being burned for the amount of air – that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s performance, but not miles per gallon.
2. Keep your car properly tuned for optimum performance. Regular tune-ups, maintenance and having clean air filters will help your car pollute less and burn less gas. Getting a tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Simply changing the car’s air filter can improve efficiency by 10 percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.
3. Tire Checks – Around two billion gallons of gas each year could be saved if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. All of this increases fuel costs as much as three to five cents per gallon, and increases the risk of engine damage.
4. Gas Caps and Fill-Ups – Check your vehicle’s gas cap. Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Topping off your gas tank when filling up your car can also release harmful vapors into the environment.
5. Vehicle Fuel System – By properly maintaining your vehicle’s fuel system, such as replacing your car’s fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles and having your fuel injectors flushed our every 30,000 miles, you will not only have a cleaner, ‘greener’ car, but you will save money at the pump.”
Questions to ask your mechanic (Or Mike at Atlantic Car Care)
1. What is the most important thing I should do to my car to make sure I’m doing my part to protect the environment?
2. If my car emits a lot of exhaust, does this mean there’s something wrong with it?
3. Is the refrigerant in my car environmentally friendly and if not, what should I do?
4. Where can I take my used oil, oil filter and other fluids for recycling?
Contact us today to learn more!
Atlantic Car Care
21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
www.atlanticcarcare.com
Its the holidays and times are tough. The last thing you want to be putting money into before Christmas is your car! Nor do you want to invest money into it when you’re just going to have to go get more work done because you’ve taken it to a mechanic you can’t trust. Not only do we provide quality service that you can trust, we give you savings! Its as simple as this…
2. Click on the red “Write a Review” button (after you’ve had your car serviced with us, of course).
3. Write a Review (you’ll have to log in to your Google Account or create one if you don’t already have one), let us know how your experience was. Be honest. We love honesty at Atlantic Car Care!
4. Go back to our Google Places Page and check out the savings under “Offers” – you can get:
$50 off Timing Belt Replacement
$20 off any service
$50 off any auto repair or maintenance needs
5. Now just stop in with your coupon (valid through December 30, 2011!) and save some money at the same time as getting good service!!
See you at Atlantic Car Care!
Atlantic Car Care
21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
www.atlanticcarcare.com
Here at Atlantic Car Care we really care about our customers. We make it convenient for you to have your vehicle serviced and repaired by providing courtesy rides (and in some cases a loaner car when needed). We have a focused training program designed to make sure that our technicians are the best in the industry. Having knowledgeable technicians saves you money because they know what they are doing and they know your car. We give you the best warranty in the industry at 2 years or 24,000 miles, which provides you with peace-of-mind. We can do this because we know our technicians are the best.
But most importantly, I will be here to make sure that everything is done correctly and when promised, and to make sure that all your questions are answered.
Is my car Worth Fixing?
This is a question that we’re asked to answer on the spot. The plain truth is that it’s not an easy question to answer. In order for us to help you make the right decision it maybe best for us to perform a complete evolution of you car. The most important thing that must be done is ask your self a few simple questions.
What are you planning on doing if its not worth fixing
How long do I need to make this car last
Can I afford a car payment
If I buy a use car is it going to last
Many of us in our industry have had the common taught that its not worth investing $3500 in a $3000 car. Lets take a look at some facts. Assuming you have a $4000 dollar budget, your still in the same boat. You maybe be in worst shape with the new car than repairing your old car. From year of experience and thousands of vehicle pre-purchase inspection, I can tell you that most cars in this price range sitting on a car lot, usually needs $1500 to $2000 in repairs and maintenance. So think about it way are you wanting another car, its not normal to get reed of a perfectly good automobile, so way trade your problem for someone Else’s problems. So the average of one of these beauties inherits a bill of that size when they take delivery. Now you spent 4 grand for the car and 2 grand in repairs shortly afterwards, so that’s 6 grand. If the $3000 car you currently own is structurally sound and can be fixed up for $3500, it’s $3500 a lot less than $6000 spent for another persons problem.
Lets also take a look at the findings in a consumer report (August 2000). This example shows a few things that may get over looked when making your auto buying decisions.
