Archive for the ‘Car Care & Vehicle Maintenance’ Category

There’s certainly a lot of focus on the mechanical maintenance of your vehicle when it comes to car care, but the interior of your vehicle also deserves a little TLC from time to time. As the weather gets warmer, the opportunity arises to get outside and do some tidying up in your car.

Chances are the cold weather of winter encouraged you so stay in your car as long as possible before having to emerge to make the slick, and often swift, trek back inside to your destination. On the other hand, some people may have avoided being in their car all together, as weak heating systems made your vehicle more of a sub-zero igloo than a transportation device.

Either way, the interior of your car has surely lacked some attention, so here are some tips and product suggestions if you’re looking to give your interior a fresh pick-me-up.

Carpet

Matted, dirty and stained, carpet and floors in your car can look good as new if you follow a few simple guidelines. First, vacuum your carpet and floors to remove all of the loose-sitting dirt. Then beat the carpet (there are free floor mat “beaters” at most car wash facilities) to free that extra dust, and vacuum again.

As far as stains go, there are a lot of carpet stain removers out there, and sometimes a degreaser may be necessary. Always be sure to read the labels carefully, as to avoid further staining your carpet. Some helpful tools you may want to implement include a cloth towel, a stiff scrub brush and carpet shampoo. Be careful: a common mistake to be aware of is using too much water when cleaning carpets! The excess water can take a long time to dry, and end up leaving things moldy and smelly if the water lingers.

• BlueMagic  900 Carpet Stain & Spot Lifter
• STP Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Cleaner
• Eco Touch Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Leather

Well-maintained leather can make or break your car’s re-sale value. On the surface, leather is generally an easy fabric to care for, but you need to first determine what kind of leather it is. Drop a small amount of cool water onto an area of your choice, and see if the leather absorbs it. If the water is absorbed, the leather is not coated. If the water is not absorbed, it is vinyl-coated leather. Once you have deciphered the type of leather, use a cleaner specified for that type of fabric.

Leather can line everything from car seats to steering wheels, so just work through one section at a time. Be sure to get in the stitching of the leather, as dirt and dust can accumulate in those areas more easily than others. Brushes, soft cloths and leather conditioners are all great tools to have on hand.

• Lexol 1115 Leather pH Cleaner Spray
• CPR Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
• Leather Honey Leather Conditioner

Wood

If you have wood detail inside your vehicle, it should not be overlooked! Rather than using a harsh cleaner, simply use a damp, clean cloth and a dash of wax to make it shine.

Dashboard and Console

It is the area of our car that we look at the most, so there’s no excuse for your dashboard and console to be looking dirty. The harsh affects of sun exposure are especially noticeable on the areas under your windshield and back window. To keep these areas from cracking a fading, care for them on a regular basis. There are a variety of auto-detailing wipes you can buy to clean all around the flat surfaces, and there are also some great vinyl protectant sprays out there. Some special cleaners even have a UV-sunscreen in them like to protect your interior. Items like a cotton swab, Q-tip or toothpick may come in handy when working into those hard-to-reach areas of your dash.

• Vinylex 1215 Protectant Spray
• NOVUS PC-20 Plastic Fine Scratch Remover
• Detailer’s Pro Series Plex-All Plastic Cleaner

If you’re not in the cleaning mode, or have little time to get a task like this completed, your local Performance Auto Dealer has a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is always available to do the dirty work for you. Call, click online or stop by one of our Service Centers near you today!

As summer creeps closer, the lure of a good old fashioned family road trip grows stronger. Whether you’re headed to see the beach, the mountains, the desert or the world’s largest rubber band ball, failing to have your vehicle properly prepared can bring your trip to an abrupt and unfortunate halt.

In order to truly enjoy family time, tunes and sights, make sure that you take all the necessary precautions before embarking on your adventure. Some car troubles arise out of nowhere, but for the most part, many can be easily prevented. As April is National Car Care month, these vehicle care tips will help to ensure an enjoyable and flawless trip:

Tires

No matter your destination, the tire condition is of the utmost importance. Most trips are longer than 500 miles, and temperatures can get intense, so consider a tire inspection before taking off. Proper air pressure, alignment, sufficient tread and rotation should be checked.

Brakes

Getting your brakes inspected is something that should be monitored annually anyway, but it is especially important before long road trips. Be sure to bring your car to a certified auto technician to make sure your break pads and break fluid are up to par. If you plan on driving through mountainous terrain, breaks should be given extra attention.

Coolant

Constant heat can take its toll on radiators. When you’re stopping in to get your oil changed (which should be done before a road trip as well) have the service technician take a look at your coolant levels while he’s already under the hood. Transmission fluid should be checked, too.

If you are traveling to a particularly hot and dry part of the country, consider having your cooling system flushed and refilled to avoid any possible breakdowns due to overheating.

Just to be safe, make sure you bring along emergency car supplies, including:

Spare Tire
Wheel wrench
Jack
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Wiper fluid
Basic first-aid kit

These items might come in handy if anything unexpected happens! So if you are one of the brave drivers willing to dedicate days to the open road with family or friends, make sure you have all your bases covered!

Winter weather, especially in Nebraska, can really wear down your car. Paralyzing wind, wet, heavy snow, seemingly “un-meltable” ice sheets and the constant use of heaters can age your vehicle in just a few short months. But as spring begins to emerge, so does more forgiving weather.

April is National Car Care Month, so there’s no better time to give you car some extra love as it recovers from the harsh winter season. Listed below is a collection of helpful car care tips, with extra attention paid to elements of your vehicle that are particularly vulnerable around springtime.

Tires

Tires should be given extra consideration as the snowy months end and the rainy season begins. Tire treads that are thin or worn down put drivers at a higher risk of hydroplaning when water builds up on roads. Deep treads are much safer.

An easy and convenient method of checking your tire tread is to insert a penny into a groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tread is too thin! It is wise to contact your local Performance Auto Group dealer to get this taken care of before it’s too late.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are also important when driving during typically rainy spring months. Having clear and proper visibility is imperative for safe driving, and neglecting the health of your wipers is nothing to joke about. Freezing winter weather and the constant use of wipers makes it even more important to give them a check-up as spring begins.

Windshield wiper repair is fairly inexpensive, and it will be worth it when you find that your wipers don’t smear or streak. So what are you waiting for?

Other important things to check for as the season transitions are:

Trunk: Oftentimes, drivers will put heavy objects in their trunks or truck beds to aid with traction when roads are snowy. As the weather perks up be sure to clean out your trunk. The lack of weight can even help improve gas mileage.

Floor mats: Dirty, wet, salty boots are commonly in contact with the floor of your car during winter, so be sure to give those floor mats a solid wash. Many self-serve automotive cleaning centers offer the use of mat cleaners for free.

Undercarriage:  Winter weather can cause rust and corrosion on the underside of your car. Though not visible, failing to keep tabs on this area of your car can be costly and dangerous. The longer these problems go unnoticed, the more expensive and troublesome reversing the effects of rust can get.

Keep in mind the importance of spring car cleaning and maintenance. Though flowers are blossoming and birds are chirping, if you listen closely your car might be screaming for attention. Give it the care it deserves!

Traveling with your pet can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. With a pet-friendly vehicle, proper safety equipment and a little extra preparation, however, traveling with your pet can be a fun experience for you and your furry friend!

If you enjoy taking your pet everywhere with you, having a pet-friendly vehicle with plenty of space is a must. CNN Money recently named three vehicles offered at your local Performance Auto dealer amongst the “best cars for dog owners.” These vehicles are:

Honda Element

• $20,825 starting price
• 20 city/25 highway miles per gallon
• 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
• Wide-opening side doors to allow your pet easy access
• Roomy interior
• Special accessory package available for pet owners:
  • Pet Ramp
  • Spill-resistant water dish
  • Soft-sided kennel

Toyota Venza

• $26,475 starting price
• 21 city/27 highway miles per gallon
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Pet-friendly accessories:
  • Waterproof seat covers
  • Pet restraint system with doggie booster seat

Ford Escape Hybrid

• $30,045 starting price
• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine
• 34 city/31 highway miles per gallon
• Roomy interior
• Dog-friendly aftermarket accessories

In addition to all the great accessories and features these vehicles have to offer, you can purchase other items to keep your pet safe and sound while you’re on the road. Pet seat harnesses, booster seats, kennels and pet barriers are all great ways to keep your pet restrained and safe while you’re traveling, which will help keep you focused on the road.

For long trips with your pet, the ASPCA offers these helpful tips:

• Get your pet used to any special carriers or harnesses before taking a long trip. Take shorter trips using these new items and gradually increase your trip time.
• Get your pet used to being in the car using the same method above. Take shorter trips and gradually increase the length of your trips.
• Never leave your pet alone in your vehicle. They can easily become overheated or frozen in harsh temperatures.
• Bring your pet’s favorite toy or blanket along for familiarity. This can help your pet feel more at ease, making the trip more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
• Make sure your pet has proper identification.
• Never let your pet hang their head out the window while you’re driving. Debris could hit and injure them.
• Bring vaccination records if you’re crossing into other states or countries. Some state borders and all country borders require you to show proof of rabies vaccinations.
• Bring plenty of the same type of water your pet is used to. Unfamiliar water could upset your pet’s stomach, making a miserable trip for both of you!

Hop into any of these pet-friendly vehicles and follow these pet traveling tips, and you and your dog will have a great trip!

For more information on any of these pet-friendly vehicles, check out our lineup at www.PerformanceAuto.com or visit one of our dealerships today!

You probably know the fastest way to get to your favorite places, but do you know the most fuel-efficient way to get there? New GPS systems such as Ford Eco-Route and Garmin ecoRoute HD can help you.

Ford Eco-Route is part of MyFord Touch’s SD-card-based mapping system. It accesses real-time traffic information from Sirius and then plots the greenest route for you to take. Eco-Route also uses historic traffic data and speed limits to choose the routes that will give you the most consistent speeds and least amount of idling time.

Customizable bar charts give you the power to review your vehicle’s fuel economy and make driving adjustments with Ford Eco-Route, which can improve your fuel economy up to 15 percent. These bar charts show you real-time fuel economy and allow you to track your fuel economy over set periods of time.

Garmin ecoRoute HD, a software update for Garmin nüvi GPS systems, gives you real-time engine performance data to help you improve your driving habits to increase your gas mileage. This program gives you a fuel report that includes time and distance traveled, cost of fuel used and average fuel economy

A route cost feature is also included with Garmin ecoRoute HD. This feature lets you see your trip before it even begins. You can see distance, time and estimated fuel costs and plan your route accordingly.
You can improve your fuel economy even further if you follow the tips below:

• Slow down and watch your speed: Aiming for a constant speed gives you the best fuel economy.
• Accelerate and brake smoothly.
• Minimize your use of heat and air conditioning.
• Empty out your trunk: Hauling unneeded items weighs your vehicle down and decreases fuel economy.
• Check and maintain correct tire pressure.
• Keep regular vehicle-check appointments to make sure your vehicle is running correctly and efficiently.

Higher gas prices can take a toll on your wallet, but using one of these fuel-friendly GPS systems and following our fuel-saving tips can help you save your hard-earned money and make fewer trips to the gas station.