We could all use some assistance attaining improved gas mileage on the road. Driving habits can influence gas usage, but, even the most economically friendly driver needs to have a tune up at regular intervals to ensure your vehicle is maintaining great gas mileage. A properly maintained engine can improve mileage by up to 4%, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Here are some ways to increase performance by having performing a regularly scheduled tune up:

Check your spark plugs. Begin by having your spark plugs checked and changed if necessary. After a while your spark plugs can wear out leaving a gap, that will affect the combustion process of the engine and the result is wasted fuel that doesn’t atomize completely.

Check your tire pressure and alignment. More than one-quarter of vehicles are driving on deflated tires. Every month the average tire can lose 1-3 psi of air, according to the National Car Care Council. A deflated tire causes a rolling resistance which can overheat and cause a blowout. Due to the extra rolling resistance it will take more gas to keep your car at a constant speed. Also, make sure that there aren’t any bald spots or uneven tread wear. Also, poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. Change your vehicle’s filters. Every couple of years, change your fuel filter. Over time your fuel filter collects enough debris that it starts to have an impact on your cars performance mileage.

It can even get to the point where it will cause hesitation with your acceleration in a worst-case scenario, prevent the engine from starting. The engine also can’t run efficiently if the air filter is clogged from road debris. A dirty filter will decrease your miles per gallon.

Check your battery. Cleaning the positive and negative terminals on your battery is another good measure to make sure your engine is running as efficient as possible.

Change your vehicle’s fluids. An oil change is a pretty standard for a tune up, but make sure you have all your other vehicle fluids checked as well. The most important fluids to keep an eye on are your engine oil, radiator coolant, and transmission fluid. An engine operating hotter than normal won’t perform to its best ability. Also changing these fluids will decrease the loss of power in the drive-train.

According to the National Car Care Council, “if you combine under-inflated tires, a dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, a worn oxygen sensor, dirty oil, and a loose gas cap, you could be losing up to 11.4 miles per gallon of gas.” Not only will getting a tune-up help to increase your car’s MPG, but a tune-up can also help keep you safer on the roads.

Visit Cottman Transmissions for a tune up on your vehicle, as part of their standard services at their auto care centers.

To visit a nearby location, please click here.

Temperatures under your vehicle’s hood are much hotter than this summertime heat. This heat can trigger or accelerate deterioration of rubber compounds if not properly cared for, especially affecting your engine’s hoses and belts. Yet, with the proper preventative maintenance, you won’t need to worry.

The number one reason for roadside breakdowns is an overheated engine, often caused by a coolant leak in a cracked or torn hose. A belt or hose failure can also cause loss of power steering and loss of the electrical charging system. If a hose leaks coolant, or the belt turning the water pump snaps, the cooling system is inoperable. During the summer heat, this is critical. If the engine overheats, it can suffer serious internal damage that requires expensive repairs and can ruin a summer vacation.

Belts and hoses need to be inspected regularly to make sure they are in good condition. Replacement may also be recommended depending on the age of the belt or hose and its condition. You cannot always determine a hose or belt’s true condition just by looking at it. According to Consumer Reports, “acids and contaminants in the coolant can then weaken the yarn material that reinforces the hose. Eventually, pinholes can develop or the weakened hose may rupture from heat, pressure, or constant flexing.”  In the same regard, hoses that have become non-pliable are also subject to damage because they cannot expand or contract during the hot and cold weather conditions.  On the belts, tiny cracks develop in the rubber which eventually causes splitting.
Some easy, basic maintenance can help prevent coolant hose failure:

• Check the coolant tank often to ensure proper fluid level. Marks on the tank indicate the proper level for when the engine is cold or hot. If the tank is low after repeated fillings, suspect a leak.
• When the engine is cool, feel for soft or mushy spots. A good hose will have a firm yet flexible feel.
• Inspect for cracks, nicks, bulges or a collapsed section in the hose and oil contamination, or fraying near the connection points.
• Look for cracks around bends, a hardened flat surface, or abrasive damage.

What are some common belts under your vehicle’s hood? The V-belt and the serpentine belt. These rubber belts drive things such as the alternator, the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. According to Consumer Reports, The Car Care Council says “chances of a V-belt failure rise dramatically after four years or 36,000 miles, while the critical point for a serpentine belt is 50,000 miles.” However, waiting on them to fail when they have weakened or are cracking can cause serious trouble, and often times, additional damage.

Here are tips for inspecting belts:

• Look for cracks, fraying, or splits on the top cover.
• Check for signs of glazing on the belt’s sides. Glazed or slick belts can slip, overheat or crack.
• Twist a serpentine belt to look for separating layers, cracks, or missing chunks of the grooves on the underside.

If in doubt, visit your local Cottman center transmission specialist. They will be able to conduct a full inspection of your vehicle’s belts and hoses with Cottman’s Total AutoCare service.

To visit a nearby location, please click here.

Many people believe putting premium, high grade gasoline in their vehicle’s gas tank will keep its engine clean, make it run faster and help it get better gas mileage. However, is this belief warranted? Is premium gas worth the money if your vehicle doesn’t call for premium gasoline?

If you would like to get into the science, premium gas is a better fuel in terms of the power it provides in the right engine. All gasoline is a mixture of many different hydrocarbon molecules. Scientific American explains, “The AKI (anti-knock index — also known as “octane rating”) of the fuel is an average of two different methods of computing the fuel’s ability to resist engine knock. Regular unleaded gas in the U.S. has an anti-knock index of 87, while mid-grade is usually 89, and premium typically is 91 - 93. The higher the number, the more anti-knock protection the fuel offers.” William Green, a chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explains to Scientific American “You rate the gasoline about how it knocks compared to this reference mixture. One’s that don’t knock very much are the premium.”

In extreme cases, knocking can damage an engine because what is in effect happening is the “explosion” of the fuel/air mixture. However, most times, the main advantage of premium-grade gas is that it allows automakers to advertise a few more horsepower by designing and tuning engines to take advantage of premium’s anti-knock properties and doesn’t indicate a need for higher octane. Also, through research, auto engineers generally agree that if you use regular in a premium engine, the power loss is so slight, most drivers can’t tell.

The Federal Trade Commission, in a consumer notice, emphasizes: “In most cases, using a higher-octane gasoline than your owner’s manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won’t make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner.” The price difference, however, between the fuel grades is anywhere from 20 cents to 40 cents, depending on where you live in the United States.

Ultimately: check your car’s owner manual for the definitive answer to the question of what grade gas you should use. While many people claim that their car runs better on premium, this costly fuel is really only needed in a few circumstances. However, when it is needed, it needs to be used to spare your engine from costly damage. On the other hand, if you burn premium when your car doesn’t need it, the damage won’t be to your engine but only to your pocketbook.

To visit a nearby location, please click here.

Temperatures under your vehicle’s hood are much hotter than this summertime heat. This heat can trigger or accelerate deterioration of rubber compounds if not properly cared for, especially affecting your engine’s hoses and belts. Yet, with the proper preventative maintenance, you won’t need to worry.

The number one reason for roadside breakdowns is an overheated engine, often caused by a coolant leak in a cracked or torn hose. A belt or hose failure can also cause loss of power steering and loss of the electrical charging system. If a hose leaks coolant, or the belt turning the water pump snaps, the cooling system is inoperable. During the summer heat, this is critical. If the engine overheats, it can suffer serious internal damage that requires expensive repairs and can ruin a summer vacation.

Belts and hoses need to be inspected regularly to make sure they are in good condition. Replacement may also be recommended depending on the age of the belt or hose and its condition. You cannot always determine a hose or belt’s true condition just by looking at it. According to Consumer Reports, “acids and contaminants in the coolant can then weaken the yarn material that reinforces the hose. Eventually, pinholes can develop or the weakened hose may rupture from heat, pressure, or constant flexing.”  In the same regard, hoses that have become non-pliable are also subject to damage because they cannot expand or contract during the hot and cold weather conditions.  On the belts, tiny cracks develop in the rubber which eventually causes splitting.

Some easy, basic maintenance can help prevent coolant hose failure:

• Check the coolant tank often to ensure proper fluid level. Marks on the tank indicate the proper level for when the engine is cold or hot. If the tank is low after repeated fillings, suspect a leak.
• When the engine is cool, feel for soft or mushy spots. A good hose will have a firm yet flexible feel.
• Inspect for cracks, nicks, bulges or a collapsed section in the hose and oil contamination, or fraying near the connection points.
• Look for cracks around bends, a hardened flat surface, or abrasive damage.

What are some common belts under your vehicle’s hood? The V-belt and the serpentine belt. These rubber belts drive things such as the alternator, the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. According to Consumer Reports, The Car Care Council says “chances of a V-belt failure rise dramatically after four years or 36,000 miles, while the critical point for a serpentine belt is 50,000 miles.” However, waiting on them to fail when they have weakened or are cracking can cause serious trouble, and often times, additional damage.

Here are tips for inspecting belts:

• Look for cracks, fraying, or splits on the top cover.
• Check for signs of glazing on the belt’s sides. Glazed or slick belts can slip, overheat or crack.
• Twist a serpentine belt to look for separating layers, cracks, or missing chunks of the grooves on the underside.

If in doubt, visit your local Cottman center transmission specialist. They will be able to conduct a full inspection of your vehicle’s belts and hoses with Cottman’s Total AutoCare service.

To visit a nearby location, please click here.

Have you ever had that dream that your vehicle seems to take control of itself, yet no matter what you do, you can’t stop? Thankfully, this is only a dream, but how about the incident where you approach your turn and hear a grinding squeal as you brake or feel your vehicle skidding from left to right?   Your vehicle’s brakes are the most important safety system in your car, carrying your most precious cargo. If your brakes go, you can find yourself in some major trouble.

Your car brakes are the indispensable devices that enable you to stop your vehicle and be in control. Being able to stop your vehicle each and every time is extremely crucial, that is why your brake system must be carefully monitored and in good condition. Poor brakes may make it difficult to stop your car quickly, especially in less than favorable driving conditions such as rain. Brake related defects will also pose serious problem to your car.

There are a few ways that indicate that your vehicle’s brakes are due to be serviced. Brakes become weak due to many reasons. Breaks can harden due to overuse, as they lose their power, or if they’ve soaked up too much oil or grease, they can become weak. If you hear a grinding noise from the breaks, this is due to worn or glazed break pads.  If such things occur the brakes will not release when they are supposed to, and as a result, you will feel a drag during acceleration. It is very important to inspect your cars brake system at least once a year.

Inconvenience would be if your vehicle won’t start one morning, but if your vehicle won’t stop…that can be deadly! The roads are unpredictable, so make sure your vehicle is equipped with a safe set of breaks and brake pads.  Your local auto repair dealership, such as Cottman Transmissions, can offer a free brake diagnosis to check your brakes. This should include a check on the brake lines and the dash warning lights. After completing the inspection go for a test drive to find out whether there are any other potential problems with your brakes. Check the brake pads from outside the front tire or through the openings of the wheel or rim. If you notice the pad depth less than inch, plan to change it immediately. You also need to change the brake pad if you hear a screeching sound on applying the brakes. If you observe any fluid leakage or uneven pad wear know that you have to change the disk brake calipers.

It is also advisable to have a thorough checkup on your cars lights such as brake light, headlight, turn signal, parking lights, back up lights and also its license plate lights.

Optimum performance can be achieved by checking your brake system yearly and the worn parts replaced as needed. A complete brake inspection will not only fix these problems, but will bring you peace of mind while on the road. A complete and thorough inspection of your brakes is very important as well maintained brakes will enhance your safety when you are driving on highways. Bring your vehicle to Cottman Transmissions to have a free brake diagnosis done to protect all of your precious cargo this summer.

To visit your nearest Cottman service center, click here.

Summer is coming, and that means your vehicle’s air conditioning system is going to be under a serious strain before long. If you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, take some time for an air conditioner tune up before temperatures begin to soar. While most new vehicles may simply be able to get away with having their A/C recharged, older cars and trucks may require a little extra attention.

When the temperatures begin to rise, you don’t want your air conditioner to die on you in hot summer months. If you think your A/C isn’t as frosty as it used to be, but it’s still blowing cold, you may be able to get away with simply recharging your system. To keep your vehicle in the best condition, your vehicle’s A/C system should be checked annually. Symptoms of a low refrigerant charge include poor cooling and the compressor for the air conditioner frequently engaging and disengaging (the air conditioning is constantly stopping and starting).

A service technician can check the levels of your refrigerant in your vehicle, and make sure they are refilled according to your vehicle’s manual, safely and efficiently.

For optimum functioning, make sure the system is fully charged with no leaks. You might also choose to have a technician replace or repair any leaking components in your A/C system. Air conditioning repairs involve locating and stopping leaks; it can be tricky to find a small, slow leak in a hard-to-reach area, so it can sometimes require several attempts to fix the system. Leaks can be found by adding special dye to the system, or several other methods to locate the leak. Most repairs involve replacing O-rings, seals or hoses. A technician will troubleshoot your A/C issues, whether it is the compressor, a bad temperature sensor, or leak within your system.

Leaks or poor performance are also potentially harmful to the environment. By stopping the leak, you will prevent refrigerant from leaking into the atmosphere.

Scientists worldwide have concluded that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs, also known by the trade name Freon) deplete the ozone layer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website states:

When allowed to escape, these chemicals drift some 30-miles above the Earth to the stratospheric ozone layer - a layer of gas that screens us from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. The Clean Air Act of 1990 contains requirements that ban the release of refrigerants during the service, maintenance, and disposal of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and for labeling of products that are manufactured with or contain CFCs. Shops are required by law to use approved recover or recycling equipment when servicing air conditioning systems.

Help save the ozone layer by having a leaking systems repaired. Cottman Transmissions offers air conditioning maintenance as part of their standard services at their auto care centers. To visit a nearby location, please click here.

You may have already cleared out all the winter cobwebs from your home, so while you are at it, how about taking the time to make sure your vehicle is dependable and ready for your family this spring? With the rough winter conditions we faced this year; your vehicle may have taken a bit of abuse from the snow, ice, and bumpy driving conditions. With the weather beginning to warm up and spring in the air, it’s a good time to give your car the “once-over” to make sure everything is working right and ready to go.

This year, the record snowfall has made road conditions very tedious, putting more wear and tear on your vehicles due to ice, snow, and bumpy roads. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so this spring, check your vehicle’s tire pressure often. Tires should be examined for tread life, uneven wearing from driving over rough surfaces and the sidewalls should be examined for nicks and cuts. Your vehicle’s engine, transmission and battery also works harder during the winter, so if these are not in tip-top shape, you may encounter problems. If you’re planning a long trip, consider replacing the battery and spark plugs if they are more than two years old. A wheel alignment may also be due to ensure your vehicle is operating in its best condition. It is also very important to have your belts and hoses inspected for cracks, wear and defects.

This is also a great time to have the oil changed and all fluids checked.  If you can’t change the oil yourself, bring your vehicle into Cottman and a technician can take care of it for you instead.  Also drain and add fresh coolant to the radiator and reservoir, check windshield washer fluid, oil and brake fluid. Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or a longer stopping distance.

Also, one of the greatest causes of breakdown in the summer is overheating. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically, as well as monitoring the engine oil. This should be changed every 5,000 miles or so (as your owner’s manual suggests) and other fluids. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a Cottman technician. All of these are checked with Cottman’s free TransCheck 21 PLUS Service®

Regular vehicle maintenance is a good way to prevent problems from becoming costly repair jobs. Most mechanics recommend that a vehicle be serviced every 3,000 miles for optimum performance. Taking time to do a proper car tune-up in the spring will ensure your vehicle continues to run properly and if there are any issues, they can be detected early. A properly maintained vehicle will be safer, more cost-effective, and will last longer. By taking these steps, you will not only save money in the long run on repairs for your car, but you will also save yourself some time to do the things that you enjoy this summer.

Just stop by your closest Cottman Automotive Center and ask for the Spring Driving Special. It’s the best way to ensure that your car is truly ready for the demanding spring / summer driving season to come.

You’re driving along in your car or truck and suddenly a red light illuminates on your dash telling you to check or service your engine. As drivers, we are trained to respond to orders of this sort. When a light flashes ”Low fuel,” we hurry to a gas station. When the tiny oil indicator comes on, we add oil. But ”check engine”? Unfortunately, this indicator light is one of the most misunderstood indicators on your vehicle’s dashboard. But by ignoring this indicator, there are many dangers and potential financial risks, and it is vital to address.

After the fear and panic of the light’s first flash, the driver who doesn’t rush to a service center usually notices as the days pass that nothing at all seems to be wrong. However, by continuing to drive with the light indicator on, you may be exacerbating problems by driving with an issue. The light may mean many things. One frequent problem, for example, is that the emissions system is off kilter, and the car is polluting the air; another is that the gasoline cap is loose, causing the car’s computer to detect an unusual pressure level in the tank (tighten it and the light will eventually go off). But the glitches that activate the check-engine light are often nothing a driver would readily notice. As a result, the country is full of people driving around with check-engine lights aglow - often while trying to figure out how to shut them off.

If you continue to drive your vehicle with the check engine light on, you may experience a difficulty starting your car, a loss of power, and lost fuel economy. There is a reason why the manufacturer installed the check engine light and it is in your best interest to pay attention to what it’s telling you. As a general rule it is less expensive to have the check engine light code repairs when it first comes on.

If you choose to continue ignoring the service light, repairs can become costly and potentially create a cascade effect of issues. The most common check engine light is the old “forgot to tighten the gas cap” signal. Either you did not replace the cap after filling the tank, or you did not properly reseal the pressurized fuel system.

In late-model cars, a blinking light usually indicates an engine misfire so severe that unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system, where it can quickly damage the catalytic converter, requiring an expensive repair. If that happens, you should reduce power and have the car or truck looked at as soon as possible.

According to a Consumer Reports study in 2009, “The customer is really, in the long run, potentially hurting their pocket book by leaving that light on and ignoring it,” says Jim Collins, a national training team leader for Ford Motor Company. In some extreme cases, the car’s computer may reduce power for you, as it tries to limit the risk of damage.

Cottman does free check engine light analysis with their Transcheck 21+ service
The check-engine light, formally known as a malfunction indicator lamp, is an indication of a failure somewhere, and the problem is often emissions related. If you bring your car into your local Cottman Center they will perform a FREE TransCheck 21 Plus® with a FREE computer scan. The TransCheck 21 includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. Armed with the result of the TransCheck and computer scan your Cottman Technician will know what it will take to fix your vehicle.

Your local Cottman center transmission specialist will evaluate the issue for free and make recommendations regarding the course of action for repair after performing the TransCheck 21 PLUS® service. If you have a transmission problem, the TransCheck 21 PLUS® Service determines if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. Cottman’s exclusive TransCheck 21 PLUS® Service is the most complete transmission check in the industry… and it’s absolutely FREE. Cottman’s TransCheck 21 PLUS® Service includes a road test and external examination of your transmission, where we will evaluate the performance and condition of your vehicle’s transmission, and determine what services, if any, are required.

If Cottman makes a recommendation for service based on any Cottman Diagnostic Service, and you choose not to have the work done on your vehicle, you need only pay for the services or parts you have previously authorized, and take your car home. But remember, the longer you drive your vehicle, the worse the condition might become.

To visit your nearest Cottman service center, click here.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is why should someone choose an auto repair chain such as Cottman over a dealership’s service department? Of what benefit would it be to you as a vehicle owner?

We feel there are five reasons that customers coming back to repair chains like Cottman time and time again: high quality customer service, quality repairs, the best deals, convenient locations, and environment-friendly methods.

Customer Service Focus

Chain auto repair shops make your vehicle repair their first priority. Auto repair is their core business; at the dealership, service is second to sales. Rather than hand your keys over to a service writer or service manager, technicians at chains like Cottman will personally get to know your car’s needs, and will build a long lasting relationship with you and your family.

J.D. Power and Associates, a leading market research firm, conducted a study in August of 2009 in its annual study of service satisfaction at 35 repair chains and dealerships plus hundreds of independent neighborhood shops. The study showed dealerships continue to lose business to repair chains and independent shops, which increased their market share to 59 %. Part of the reason for this is that auto repair centers like Cottman also don’t have to worry the added pressures of new car sales off their lot, and can therefore focus on providing correct solutions for a great price. “Given declining new-vehicle sales… dealers must rely more than ever on their service and parts operations,” says Darren Slind, J.D. Power and Associates.

Quality Repairs

Because of their size, chain automotive centers like Cottman can offer State-of-the-Art workmanship in the general automotive repair business. And because of the reputation of the chain, they won’t compromise standards just to make a vehicle “superficially drivable.” They aim to do the job right the first time, eliminating low quality service that would result in increased costs, inconvenience, and possible hazardous driving conditions for their customers down the road.

In chain auto repair shops, technicians stand behind their work. Some Cottman technicians are listed on AAA’s Approved Auto Repair list and some Cottman centers are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Cottman technicians are privy to the same technical and repair information as dealerships, honoring most extended warranties. These technicians stay up to date on all service bulletins and product improvements, and offer a personal touch to your repair visit.

With extremely technical issues like transmission repair, it’s even more critical to take your car to an expert. Car dealership service departments typically do not do the volume of transmission repair necessary to keep a transmission expert on staff. By using a chain like Cottman that has a strong focus and history of transmission repair as a core service, you can rest assured that your repair will be done correctly the first time for a fair price.

Since Cottman technicians are trained in a broad knowledge of many types of makes and models, they can serve as a one-stop-shop for your repairs for all the cars in your household. Whereas a dealer may only work on their manufacturer’s vehicles, Cottman can provide an unbiased recommendation for where to take your car, should the scope of work go beyond their expertise.

The Best Deals

Repairs at a new car dealership cost an average of 34% more than those at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs to consumers annually, according to a new study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Chain auto repair shops also tend to use high-quality aftermarket parts, which cost a lot less than the dealership factory parts. There also tend to be lower overhead costs, such as labor pricing, which can make your trip to the repair shop a lot more relaxed.

Also, many chain repair shops offer money saving promotions and coupons to reduce your repair rate.

Convenient Locations

Auto repair chains are convenient because there are many locations to choose from. Cottman locations are convenient to its customers; where they work, play, and go to school. If your vehicle happens to need to be serviced out of town, you can take it to a location nearest you and your vehicle’s history will already be in the system. Also, with more locations, there are more resources within the chain available to the technicians to make sure that your repair is handled in a timely fashion.

If your vehicle is disabled, Cottman can schedule a pick up, during or after hours. Cottman Transmission can arrange for towing after-hours, and FREE towing is available at participating centers with major repair.

In The End…

The final decision is yours. By choosing a chain repair center such as Cottman, you can be assured of our commitment to quality standards, parts, and customer service and that your visit will be pleasant, timely, and satisfactory.

Click here to find the Cottman Center nearest you.

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