Fall Vehicle Maintenance Check-Up

Although most wouldn't think that fall is a time to worry about checking on your car, it is a good season to get your car prepared for the damaging season of winter. This season is a perfect time to look through and complete a seasonal preventive maintenance checklist and contact a Bucks County auto repair shop for anything you need.

• Check the level of your oil and add more if necessary. It’s important to schedule an oil change every 5,000 miles or when your car’s manufacturer recommends.
• Check your windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary before the weather cools down and there are possibilities of dangerous snowstorms.
• Test your battery life to make sure it is ready for the upcoming months. The extreme heat of summer months can actually reduce battery life which means possible failure during fall or winter. 

The technicians at a Bucks County auto repair shop are expertly trained in the complete service and repair of car and truck batteries, charging and starting systems. If you want any assistance with your vehicle’s battery, make sure to have an expert check it out.

• Look at the level and condition of your other fluids. Make sure to top off all fluids that have run low over the past season. It’s important to have plenty of windshield washer fluid for fall, and especially for winter. 

A Bucks County auto repair shop can also diagnose any problems with automotive cooling systems and take care of any fluid changes that are necessary.

• Evaluate the quality of your hoses and belts. Look for any any cracks, thinning or fraying. If you see any problems make sure to have an auto technician take a look and replace your belts or hoses. 
• Consider a scheduled automotive maintenance check-up. Depending on the mileage on your car the services included may vary. For example at a basic 6,000 mile check-up a Bucks County auto repair shop will do the following:

• Lubricate chassis
• Check and top off fluids
• Perform multi-point inspection 
• Rotate and balance front tires 
• Change oil filter
• Check tires and pressures 

Some may find scheduling a routine maintenance appointment at their local automotive shop may be the best choice when looking to prepare for the fall and winter seasons ahead.

Car Maintenance for Hot Weather Driving

In the last few weeks the weather has really heated up. Extreme seasonal changes can have a negative impact on your vehicle if you already have something that is going on. As the warm months continue it's important to keep up with summer maintenance on your vehicle, including the exterior. If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your car, it's important to schedule an appointment with an auto repair shop in Bucks County to take a look at it.

Washing
Dirt, rain spots, pollutants, dead bags, tree sap and bird droppings can all make your car dirty and damage the paint job. In the summer find a cool and shady space to give your car a good wash. It's really important to dry it right away to avoid any spotting. You can choose to use some sort of car washing product like Turtle Wax ICE Premium Care Car Wash or Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash. These products are designed specifically to avoid stripping away waxes. You should avoid using a dish soap or any household cleaner that can damage your car's finish.

Depending on the environment you live in you may to need to take extra measures when you are washing you car. For example, if you live in a beach town, it's important to clean under the hood where salt cab build up and cause possible damage.

Drying 
It's very important to avoid spotting by using a microfiber cleaning cloth, or a chamois, using broad strokes. Do a quick job drying off the excess water and then go back and make sure you got it all. A chamois is a perfect tool to dry a car with because it absorbs tons of water, is lint free and traps small particles without rubbing them into your car's finish. You can even use it to dry windows  because it's lint free and won't cause any smudge marks. Microfiber towels require special care. Make sure to wash them separately from all other laundry with hot water and run them through an additional rinse cycle.

Polishing & Waxing
If you choose to add a polish or glaze to your vehicle, apply it by hand using small circular overlapping strokes with a foam applicator and then removing it with a microfiber towel. Make sure that the polish doesn't dry completely. This can result in scratches to your finish.

For protection, it's vital that you apply a car wax at least every three months. There are some varieties that can be used more often. Turtle wax is a popular option when looking for longer-lasting protection. When using a liquid or paste wax, use the same technique as the polish. If you are using spray waxes keep in mind that the application won't last as long as the liquids or the pastes.

It's important to check you car for an weaknesses before extreme seasonal changes occur. Bring you car into an auto repair shop in Bucks County to have a licensed mechanic look things over for you. If you have any questions with exterior maintenance they could also help you with that.

Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

Summer has arrived, and with it comes lots of fun trips in the sun. Whether you’re going to the beach, to a baseball game or to some other fun destination, your automobile is likely to add a lot of miles to the odometer by the end of the summer. The added mileage as well as the damage caused by the elements (such as the intense summer sun, sand and heavy summer thunderstorms), can potentially wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy car. Taking your car to an automotive repair shop at the beginning of the summer is a great way to prep your car for coming months (especially if you’re due for your PA state inspection).  Here are five things you should consider when getting your car ready for the summer.

Check the Little Things: As any good automobile mechanic can tell you, checking up on the small details is an important first step toward maintaining your automobile. Make sure to replace worn wiper blades, top off your windshield washer fluid, check the bulbs on your break lights and headlights and be sure to test your turn signals. Little things like this may not seem too important to how your automobile functions, but each plays a critical factor in your overall safety behind the wheel.

Check Your Brakes: It’s vital to have an auto repair shop check your brakes before taking any trips during the summer. This is because an automobile’s brakes can take a lot of abuse during the frosty months of winter. Southeastern Pennsylvania’s chilly winter weather can be particularly rough on brakes, but fortunately, there are many places to go for great brake repair service in Bucks County.

Check Your Tires: Like your brakes, tires can take a massive amount of abuse during the winter months. Be sure to check out the rubber and treads on the tires to make sure they aren’t too worn out from snow and rock salt. While working on that area, it may not be a bad idea to take your car in for wheel alignment and service.

Check the Oil: Pop the hood, pull out the dip stick and take a look at the oil quality and quantity in your car. Make sure to change the oil, if needed. How often should you change the oil? It depends on the type of oil the automobile is using, however, a good rule thumb is to get it changed every 4,000 – 5,000 miles. Though it may not seem like it, giving your car an oil change at home can be difficult if you don’t have the right tools and knowledge. If this is the case, take it to an auto mechanic.

Check the Coolant Mix, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid and Everything in Between: Automobiles are sophisticated, delicate machines. They need a lot to work and maintenance to keep them running properly. While simple tasks like checking the coolant levels are easy enough to accomplish, more elaborate processes like checking the battery, checking the transmission fluid and monitoring the brake fluid can be difficult for someone with little automotive experience. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to take your car to an automotive repair shop for a tune-up before you go for any long summer road trips!

PA Inspection in Bucks County

Passing PA Inspection for passenger vehicles in Ottsville,Bucks County may seem like a mystery to you.  Have you ever wondered what the exact requirements are for your vehicle to pass PA inspection?  It seems as though we don’t usually know the requirements until our vehicle does not pass a particular area of inspection. 

 

The many areas of concern for the state of PA to look at include:

• The suspension must be in proper working condition, and the shock absorbers must not leak.  The mounting bolts cannot be broken. 

• The steering gear box can’t be loose on the frame, and steering cannot be constrained or limited.

• The brakes should not leak or show mechanical damage.  The size of the drum and disc thickness will be checked to make sure the correct ones are installed.

• Two adjacent tire treads cannot have less than 2/32 inches of tread left.   There are other mandates that the tires and wheels must meet, such as the wheels cannot be bent, cracked or welded and must have all of their nuts and bolts.

• Every lamp and switch in your car needs to turn on and off, as well as highs and lows for your head beams.  This is an important area of the PA inspection, since improperly working headlights can be a big safety issue.

• Your vehicle must have safety glazing on the windshield. There must be one rear view mirror without any ornaments hanging from it.  

• Defrosters and wipers have to be in good working condition.  The car must also be equipped with a windshield washing system.

• All parts of your vehicle’s fuel system have to be leak proof and safely fastened to the vehicle, and there must be a gas cap.

• The speedometer has to be calibrated to show miles or kilometers per hour.  The odometer must be properly calibrated as well.

• The exhaust system must not allow any exhaust to leak into the vehicle and should have a muffler that suppresses noise.

• Your car must have a horn that is in good operating condition.  You may not have a siren in your vehicle.

• Finally, the following parts must be present for your car to pass inspection: fenders, hood and hood latches, and doors that open and close securely.

When it comes time for your PA inspection in Bucks County, look no further than Cunningham’s Automotive in Ottsville, PA.  All of their technicians are ASE certified and have been in the industry for decades.  The labor rates reflect their expertise and experience so that you can be confident that only trained technicians are working on your vehicle.

Cunningham’s Automotive Repair in Ottsville, PA can handle any or all of your PA inspection needs, as well as any of your automotive repair service needs.  Located in Bucks County PA, Cunningham’s is equipped with trained and qualified professional technicians that can handle any needs that you may have.

Auto Repair Shop in Ottsville PA

When searching for a local auto repair shop in the Ottsville area, look no further than Cunningham’s Automotive Repair. Cunningham’s vows to provide the local customer the service excellence that you expect.  Locally owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Cunningham’s has earned the reputation of providing honest, prompt, and fair service.

Spring has arrived, with summer following close behind.  This brings a new set of service demands for your vehicle.  The cooling system in your vehicle may be put in extremely high demand as outdoor temperatures rise and put excessive demands on your vehicle’s system.  The primary function of the cooling system is to remove heat from the engine and release it into the air.  The water pump circulates coolant throughout the system, where it absorbs the heat before being returned to the radiator.  There are various components that make up the cooling system – the water pump, the thermostat, and the radiator.  If any of these is not working effectively or efficiently, the engine can overheat and stop functioning.  Cunningham’s will provide you with an estimate for the services required, and will get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Another area of common concern is the brake system on your vehicle.  There are many symptoms that indicate that there may be a problem with your brake system.  Some of these include:

• Your pedal is low or soft when you push down
• Your pedal is hard when you push down
• Your brake warning light comes on and stays on
• Brakes constantly squeal and grind
• Vibrations or clunking sounds come from your vehicle when you apply your brakes

If you are experiencing any of these signs, then it is time to visit Cunningham’s Automotive Repair for a brake assessment.  It is possible that your brake fluid is low or needs changing.  It is also possible that you may need new brakes or simply an adjustment to your brake system.  Cunningham’s will give you a written estimate before any work is done so that there will be no surprises when you receive your bill.  

After a six-year trend in annual repair cost drops, 2012 saw a 10% increase in car repair costs to $368 due largely to an increase in labor costs. This can be attributed to several factors, including an improving economy and a return to pre-recession labor rates. The average age of vehicles has also reached an all-time high, which has caused a slight increase in percentage of more expensive repairs.

Cunningham’s Automotive Repair strives to be as fair as possible for the costs of repairs that are done in their facility.   The cost of repairing a vehicle can be expensive at times, and Cunningham will explain to you exactly what parts are necessary and why.  All technicians are ASE certified and have been in the industry for decades.  The labor rates reflect this experience and expertise so that you can feel confident and secure that your vehicle is being worked on by competent and trained technicians.

Schedule an appointment today for a complimentary 27-point check on your vehicle.  Our trained technicians will look over and inspect your vehicle to determine that everything is in working order in your vehicle.  If there is any work needed on your vehicle, you can schedule in advance for a loaner car to be used while we complete your repairs.  You can feel confident and secure that your vehicle is in good working condition following repair service at Cunningham’s Automotive Service, located in Ottsville, Bucks County, PA.

Tremendously Handy and Convenient Auto Repair!

Come to us for all of your auto repair needs.  We service most domestic cars and trucks, as well as many import cars and trucks.  We are Cunningham Automotive, conveniently located in Ottsville, Bucks County, PA.  Our technicians use the most up-to-date technology and equipment for electronic testing and diagnosing.  We are the logical alternative to your local dealer, providing prompt and cutting-edge service for your vehicle.  You can be confident that the service you receive is correct for our vehicle, as well as maintaining your manufacturere’s warrant.

Another service that we provide is the State Safety Inspection and State Emission Inspection for PA.   We are certified by the state of Pennsylvania to provide these annual automobile inspections.  Simply make an appointment and we will provide these services, performed by our trained technicians.  You may also arrange for a complimentary loaner car for use while your vehicle is being worked on.  Just make sure to make an appointment for that as well!

Bring your auto in to Cunningham’s Automotive Repair and we will provide a free multipoint courtesy check to your vehicle.  Our technicians will keep you informed on the condition of your auto, which will give you peace of mind that your car is in dependable and safe condition.  We will not recommend a repair or replacement unless it meets the following criteria:

§  The part no longer performs its intended purpose

§  The part does not meet a design specification

§  The part is missing

We at Cunningham Automotive want to know that you are a valued customer and our desire is for you to return as a satisfied customer, as well as recommend new customers to us.  We will provide you with all of the information necessary for you to make a sound judgement, and to be confident in your service decision.

Auto Repair: Bucks County

Your vehicle can sustain a lot of abuse. It can handle things like, accidentally backing into a curb, hitting your door while opening it or driving through extreme weather conditions. Although getting into an auto accident or causing too much abuse to your vehicle will eventually bring you into an auto repair shop. There are certain things you should know about the shop, the technician and the repair costs before you decide on which one to go to.

How do you choose an auto repair shop in Bucks County?
Choosing the business you will be getting your auto repair done at is the first step. Ask people you trust for recommendations, like friends, family and coworkers. Search online for a local shop and check out the customer reviews and comments. Call the repair shops you are interested in beforehand, ask any questions and compare your notes to help make the final decision.

After choosing a shop, how do you choose a technician?
You don't think about having the option to choose your automotive technician, after choosing the shop you will be going to, but you can. Ask the shop employees what certifications and licenses the technicians there have. Specific certifications may be more beneficial to you because it means the technician is an expert in a certain area of repair. Find out if any of the technicians have more experience working on your vehicle type or similar repairs.

What will be the costs associated with your auto repair?
When we think about an auto repair, we think money...too much money. Yes, getting your vehicle fixed can be costly but it's always best to be aware of the possible charges beforehand. Before you choose an automotive repair shop, ask what the shop prices are. Some often charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs,  while others base their costs on the time of labor the technician needed for the repair. If your vehicle is in need of serious auto repairs, make sure to get a second opinion on the costs needed to fix it. If you decide to get the work done at a specific shop, make sure to get a written estimate. This estimate should include: the condition of the vehicle to be repaired, the labor charges and the parts needed to complete the repair. After the work is completed, you will need to get a completed repair form or receipt from the shop. This should include: each repair completed,  what parts were needed and their costs, labor costs, the vehicle's odometer reading when you dropped it off and the dates it was at the shop for the auto repair.

Are you in need of an auto repair in the Bucks County, Pa area? Contact your local auto repair shop, Cunningham's Automotive Repair in Ottsville where their technicians are fully certified and ready to assist you with any auto repairs you may need. Schedule an appointment today!

The 411 on Any Brake Service

The brakes on your vehicle are probably one of the most important parts of its makeup. Without a complete intake system, you’ll just sit there. When you feel that something is off with your brakes, you should schedule an appointment to get them serviced right away.

Look out for any of these signs that may mean you need to schedule a break service appointment:

Brakes are constantly grinding, squealing or whining. Usually, this means you need your brake pads replaced or the little metal gasket that goes in between the brake pad and the piston replaced. This gasket helps to absorb vibrations that can increase the loud noises from your brakes.

Brakes are making a clunking noise. This could mean that something is loose, like bolts or nuts that hold your brakes together. It could also be a sign that you have worn out or broken suspension components.

Brake pedal goes too far down. If you push down on your brake pedal, and the lack of pressure allows it to quickly hit the floor, you may have one of a few different brake problems. It could simply be a sign of low brake fluid or air in the brake fluid. Or it could be a more serious problem like a bad master cylinder which will cause your brakes to have no pressure. These cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced. An automotive technician will be able to diagnose if this is the case or not.

Brakes that create a pulling or grabbing sensation. When you push down on your brake pedals, it should feel smooth. If you feel like they are grabbing or that your car is being pulled to one side, it could mean something is wrong with your brake discs. If one or both discs are bad, you will need to have both replaced.

Do any of these brake problems sound familiar? Cunningham’sAutomotive Repair can assist you in any brake service you may need. Contact us to schedule a quality brake inspection so we can figure out what the exact problem is and how we can quickly fix it for you.