Auto Maintenance

When you took driver’s education courses, you may have learned how to change a tire or where to keep the spare, but other than that, you spent more time on rules, simulators, and driving experience. Even if you did go over more than that, you probably don’t remember much. The rules of the road take over and how to maintain your vehicle properly stays in the background. As a driver, there are a lot of things to remember and keep in order so you can remain safe. But whether you just started driving or you have been driving for years, it’s always good to go back to the basics and start with the one part of the car that touches the road…the tires.

Tires are the only part of the vehicle that touches the ground, which makes them crucial. They are a safety feature, they help determine fuel economy, and they are something that should be maintained with vigilance. Make your tires last with this advice from SAR.

#1: Know Tire Pressure
You need to know not only how to check tire pressure, but also what pressure your tires should be at. You also need to know how to add and take air out in case you need to make an adjustment. IT’s really a simple process and if you don’t know how to do it, the technicians as SAC would be happy to show you during your next visit.

#2: Know When Routine Maintenance is Necessary
You need to have your tires rotated on a regular basis. You will be able to get a mileage in your owner’s manual or a local mechanic can give you a good idea. You can then base that maintenance around other items, like oil changes. If you get your oil changes at a certain mileage point too, you can then get your tires rotated every other oil change, or whatever is best for their mileage.

#3: Keep an Eye on the Tread
When you visit SAR for regular maintenance, we’ll keep an eye on the treads of your tires as well. But it’s always good for you to know what to look for yourself so you know when tire replacement is coming your way. A new set of tires is an investment and you might need to budget and save for it.

With this tire advice, and the help of true professionals, you can make the most of your tires and keep them as safe as possible in the meantime. Tire maintenance plays a big role in your vehicle’s safety and efficiency. Your tires won’t last forever, no matter what you do, but maintenance will help them last longer in a safer manner. If you need tire advice, contact Schafer’s Auto Center for an appointment at 215-755-1270. We’re here to help with advice, maintenance, new tires, or anything else you need for auto service in Philadelphia. Stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and let’s work together to keep your tires and vehicle safe.

There are a number of things that handy people can do to their vehicles on their own. While it’s something that some use as a pastime, it’s not something that just anyone can do. And there are some things that should only be left up to a professional auto repair shop. Here’s a short list of car maintenance items that only professionals should do for you.

Diagnose Engine Issues
When the check engine light comes on, it can be any number of things. However many people think they can diagnose the issues because there are smartphone apps and other devices that allow you to talk to the computer in your car. But some of the codes are vague and really require more sophisticated equipment. Plus, they can leave a lot out as well. You don’t want to figure out how to turn the light off on your own only to leave the problem uncured. Let the pros figure out what’s going on using their education to decipher the codes they get. This will help you get to the root cause of the issue that needs to be addressed.

Internal Engine Repair
Sure, there are plenty of people who understand internal combustion within an engine, but newer engines have tight tolerances and specific torque on their nuts and bolts. Add on to that a bunch of other new technology and electronics and what you have is something beyond many people’s understanding. Modern cars are different than those you may have played around with as a kid with your dad.

Tire Rotations
It sounds simple enough to jack up a vehicle and swap the wheels into different positions, but when professionals do it, they also re-balance the tires and look for tread damage, uneven wear and other items. These things require a trained eye and equipment that is too expensive for most people to have on hand. If you rotate your own tires, you might be driving on tires that are unbalanced and unsafe. This maintenance item is inexpensive when you take your vehicle to an auto repair shop so leave it to the experts.

Air Conditioning Fills
If your air conditioner isn’t working on your vehicle, you might think you can get a can of Freon and solve the issue. But the system is sealed so if it’s leaking, there’s a problem somewhere. Filling it with Freon is like putting a small bandage on a big problem. Plus, adding Freon can burn the compressor up in no time flat. Leave it to the auto repair shop to figure out what’s up.

If you know quite a bit about cars, that’s great! You can help Schafer’s Auto Center by giving detailed descriptions about what’s going on with your vehicle. But you’re still in better hands when you bring your vehicle to a Lexus auto repair shop in Philadelphia for the major items. SAR is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’d be happy to help you. Give us a call at 215-755-1270 to make an appointment.

There are probably plenty of things you would like to buy. You might even have a nice long list. But most people don’t place “tires” on that list of wants. While you may not want to buy tires, sometimes you simply have to. And when that time comes around for you, there are a number of things you should consider before you make the investment. The professional auto experts at Schafer’s Auto Center want to help you put everything into place so you can drive away knowing you got the best option for your vehicle, whether you wanted new tires or not!

Do you need new tires?
The first thing you need to determine is whether or not you actually need new tires. There are some auto repair shops in Philadelphia that are going to tell you that you need new tires when that is not the case yet. You should know how to tell on your own so you can be the judge. Look at the treads to tell the full story. Measure the depth of those treads with a penny. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head because it isn’t covered by tread, you need new tires.

Where do you buy new tires?
There are plenty of options when it comes to a place to buy tires. One option is the car dealer where you purchased your car, but they will be the most costly. You might want to try a local tire retailer or local auto shops in Philadelphia, PA. Check for special promotions going on in the area. You might catch a special on balancing, tire rotations, and mountings when you get a new set of tires. And you can always count on SAC to give you the best possible deal.

What size do you need?
Just because you know what size shoes you wear doesn’t mean you know what size tire your vehicle needs. Tires are branded with the number that tells you about their type, width, diameter, and so on. There’s a lot of information on the small space of a tire and it can be confusing. However, any tire shop will let you select your make, model, and vehicle year to help you find tires that fit.

What lifestyle elements do you need?
Beyond size, you also need to know what your preferences and driving habits are like. If you have to drive a lot in the Philadelphia winds, you might want all-season tires. If you want a comfortable ride, durability in hot temperatures, or the ability to carry heavy loads, you need to know that as well.

Whether you know everything you need to know about tires or not, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center can help you find the tires you need. Give us a call at 215-755-1270 to make an appointment and we’ll take a look at your current tires and find a good deal on new ones. You can also stop by and look at the variety of tires we carry at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

When you visit Schafer’s Auto Center for new tires, we also offer a wheel alignment as a big part of our service. Of course you might have questions about what that does for your vehicle. One thing you’ll always get from us is the answers you need about your vehicle! Don’t hesitate to ask if you want to know! In the meantime, perhaps we can help answer some of your questions about wheel alignment and what that has to do with your tires.

First, what is wheel alignment?
When your car rolls off the line at the factory, the wheels are set at angles in relation to one another and the frame of the vehicle. Engineers have set these angles to give you a high ride quality and a good steering response. With enough wear and tear to your vehicle over time, these components can drift and your car will start to show wear on its tires and handling issues.

If the front end is vibrating, does it mean that wheel alignment is necessary?
Vibrations are hard to diagnose, but they aren’t usually due to alignment issues. There might be a wheel balancing issue. When tires wear and their weight distribution changes, vibrations could occur. You might not need alignment, but tire balancing could be in order.

If the car is pulling to one side when the steering wheel is in the center, does it need wheel alignment?
When your vehicle pulls to one side, you might have an underinflated tire on that side. Check the tire pressure in every tire to make sure they are even. If that is not the case, it could very well be an alignment issue.

What are other alignment signs?
If you look at the front tires and see they are wearing unevenly on the inside or outside edge, that’s a sure sign that you have an alignment issue. If your steering wheel doesn’t go back to the center on its own fairly quickly after you take on a corner, you may have an issue as well. If steering feels rather heavy or the tires squeal even when you turn on smooth pavement, alignment could be the cause.

What causes alignment issues to arise?
Plenty of things can cause alignment issues and there’s not always anything you can do about it. Simple wear and tear over time can do it. Of course, getting into an accident or driving rough can knock the vehicle out of place as well.

If you suspect that your vehicle is out of alignment, you really should let the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center, one of the best auto maintenance shops in Philadelphia, to take a look and get things fixed for you as soon as possible. Call Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270 and bring your vehicle in for a look. Your tires will last longer and your car will drive smoother when alignment is correct. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re here to help with any tire issues you might have!

Timing belts started to replace chains in vehicles back in the 70s and 80s as auto manufacturers looked into ways to produce vehicles that were less expensive and lighter all around. Lighter weight vehicles increased mileage, which is never a bad thing for consumers. But many drivers in Philadelphia still have a lot of questions about timing belts and timing belt replacement. Learning a bit about the timing belt, what they do, and when they should be replaced can help your vehicle run well, and allow you to avoid a breakdown that will end up costing you a lot of money. Remember that not all cars have timing belts, but if you have one, you’ll want to know about it.

The Timing Belt’s Job
The timing belt keeps the crank and camshaft turning at the right rate. The crankshaft moves pistons up and down for compression and exhaust cycles. Depending on the type of car you have, the belt can also run the oil and water pumps, as well as the injection pump. The camshaft controls the valves that have to open and close for intake and exhaust. These valves have to open at the right time to get fuel into the chamber. They then have to close to allow compression to occur. If that timing cycle is off even a little bit, fuel might not come in as needed or could escape too quickly. The power’s engine can be lost without the right cycling.

Timing Belt Replacement
The timing belt is important on vehicles that have one, and if your vehicle has it you might wonder when you need to replace it. The old rule of thumb was to replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles or so, depending on your vehicle’s style. But technology has improved over the years and some manufacturers say you can wait as far as 100,000 miles. You will want to check into the recommendations for your vehicle. Faulty timing belts can cause a loss of power and fuel economy, and you could feel a vibration. Noise can happen as well, but it’s not the most common indicator.

When The Belt Breaks
In the easiest situations, when the timing belt breaks, your engine stops. There’s no connection between vital parts. In harder situations, valves and rods can push through the engine, crash oil pans, and do other damage. In these cases, the engine is ruined. You never know what’s going to happen when the belt breaks, so it’s best to have timing belt replacement before that occurs.

The Professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are here to help you with your Philadelphia timing belt replacement. We can also help you figure out whether or not you need the replacement at this time. Call SAC at 215-755-1270 to make an appointment. We’re here to answer your questions! Our shop is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148. We want to ensure that you have a vehicle that works at its best level at all times.

If you feel like you know a thing or two about vehicles, there may be certain things you think you can do on your own. There are plenty of things that most car owners can do (like check the tire pressure on the vehicle and pay attention to warning lights) but there are other things that you might want to leave up to professionals. Can you pull off auto maintenance and service in Philadelphia on your own? Maybe, at times, you can! And good for you! But there are advantages to using professional services as well. Here are just a few.

Time is Money

When it comes to your time, it’s precious. You don’t really want to spend any more time on tasks than absolutely necessary because there are so many other things to do. You might know how to change the oil in your vehicle, but when it comes right down to it, this is an auto maintenance and service that is simple and easy for the professionals to do. They can do it quickly and efficiently and you can work or just relax in the waiting room while you wait. Getting two things done at once can help your time crunch.

Guarantees are Always Helpful

When you do the work yourself, you have nothing to back you up. Sure, you think everything will go fine and maybe it will, but what about that one time when it doesn’t? You have to fix the issue yourself or take the vehicle in to get auto maintenance and service in a shop in Philadelphia. Then, you will have lost the time you spent on the vehicle, the money you spent on supplies, and you still have to pay for repairs at the actual shop. Go around all that by going to professionals in the first place and getting guarantees. If anything goes wrong with the repairs on their watch, they fix it free, not questions asked.

Get Experience You Don’t Have

You may have tinkered with some cars from time to time over the years, but do you work on them every day? Probably not! Btu professionals at the auto maintenance and service shops do. And when you take your vehicle in for repairs or maintenance, they can use that experience to help further your goals. They might notice something small wrong, for example, that can easily be fixed now. If it’s left alone, it can turn into a larger, more expensive ordeal later. At the very least, they’ll use their experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

There’s nothing wrong with doing some work on your vehicle yourself at times, as long as you know what you’re doing. But it’s usually better and easier to bring it to the professional auto maintenance Philadelphia experts at Schafer’s Auto Center. Call us for an appointment at 215-755-1270 or stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

When you go to a restaurant, you expect certain things. You want the restaurant to be clean and you want to have good service. You should get what you ordered and you’d like to pay a reasonable price. Those are just a few of the things you expect from food service. When it comes to auto maintenance and service in Philadelphia, you should expect certain things there as well. You deserve to have good service and since you can take your vehicle wherever you’d like, you can pick and choose which auto center gives you what you really want. Here are a few things many customers want in an auto maintenance and service center.

#1: Experienced Technicians

This is the most important thing you should look for when it comes time for auto maintenance and service. You want to have people who are experienced and know what they are doing on your vehicle. Whether you are looking for regular oil changes or a major engine overhaul, you need certified technicians who have experience and a history of success with vehicles like yours.

#2: Modern Technology and Tools

There are a lot of technological advances in every industry and the auto maintenance and service industry is no different. You want the auto shop you choose to have the right tools for any job you bring them and the advanced technology to diagnose issues and find out what’s wrong quickly and efficiently. Without these technologies and tools, everything takes longer and labor costs add up.

#3: Good References

You will want any auto maintenance and service shop you consider to have good references from people you know and trust as well as from strangers. It’s easy enough to go onto the company website and see their testimonials, but it’s a good idea to search for references elsewhere as well. You’ll get honesty when you look outside the shop’s website to other sources. When you see good things there as well, you can trust their services on your vehicle.

#4: Cleanliness

Though it’s not number one on your list, cleanliness is important as well. If you have to sit in a waiting room during an oil change, you want to be able to sit without feeling like you have to change your clothes right after the service. Any shop is going to have oil and other items strewn about it, but things should be orderly and the waiting room should be nice and clean.

If you want to find all of those things in one auto maintenance Philadelphia and service center in Philadelphia, just look to Schafer’s Auto Center! Give us a call to make an appointment for any service today at 215-755-1270 or stop by and check our shop out in person at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148. We’re friendly and honest folks and we’re happy to help you with any repairs, maintenance needs, and anything in between on your vehicle. Our experience will have you back on the road in no time!

If you are ready to take that last minute vacation, you know you have to pack and arrange to have your mail held, but there are other things you will need…like a reliable vehicle. When the temperatures are hot and you’re relying on your vehicle to get you where you are going, you need to visit your Philadelphia auto maintenance and service shop in order to make sure you are ready to hit the road. Here are a few things the auto center should do before you go.

Check the Tire Pressure

Every time you visit, and especially before you hit the road for a long trip, you will want to have the professionals check your tire pressure. You can do this from time to time on your own, but it’s always good for the auto shop to do it too. The heat in the Philadelphia summer can expand your tires, and if you want them to last and get you good mileage on your road trip, having the right pressure in them is important. Tires can overheat and blow out, and you don’t want that to happen in the middle of nowhere.

Get an Oil Change

If you are anywhere close to needing an oil change, you should do it before your vacation. This auto maintenance and service is very important to the health of your engine. If you will be putting a lot of miles on your car during the trip, you don’t want engine trouble because of low or dirty oil.

Air Conditioning Check

You want the whole family to be cool and comfortable for the car ride, so it’s a good idea to be proactive about your air conditioning before you go. If you’ve been noticing anything unusual with the air conditioning, it may need some parts. Otherwise, it’s good to have it cleaned out so it can work efficiently during your vacation.

Wiper Blades and Fluids

You never know what you’re going to run into weather-wise when you’re on the road, and you want to make sure your wiper blades are ready in case you hit a rainstorm. It’s also good to have washer fluids so you can wash the bugs off as you go down the road.

Overall Inspection

It’s a good idea to get an overall tune-up and inspection as part of the auto maintenance Philadelphia, PA and service check, as well as make sure everything is running efficiently before you take off on a long drive. Once you have it all looked over, you can have some peace of mind that nothing will go wrong while you area away.

Before your vacation, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270 and make an appointment for your vehicle. Enjoy every minute of your vacation without worrying about what will happen with your vehicle. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re here to help you with maintenance and service of any kind, whether you have a vacation planned or not!

As you are driving around Philadelphia, you may take your car for granted. It gets you from place to place on a regular basis and you don’t really think about it…until it breaks down. Then it becomes a big inconvenience and ordeal as you search for auto repairs fast. The best way to prevent this from happening is to think about auto maintenance and service more often. Don’t take your car for granted because it won’t allow you to forget about it forever! So why is auto maintenance and service important? Here are just a few reasons:

Reason 1: Regular Maintenance Keeps Efficiency High

Do you like what you see when you visit the gas pump? As the numbers rise higher and higher and your vehicle chugs in the gas? Of course not! No one does! You want to keep your car as efficient as possible so it will eat as little gas as possible. That means regular auto maintenance and service checks! Your car will run more effectively and efficiently if all of the little parts are working well together.

Reason 2: Auto Services Reveal Small Issues

When you get tune-ups and services for your vehicle, such as a regular oil change, your technician will notice if there is a small issue elsewhere that needs to be addressed. Leaving the issue alone may cause bigger problems in the future, which will cost you a lot more money in repairs. Fixing something small now can prevent a lot of headaches later.

Reason 3: Overall Safety

You may not think of your vehicle as dangerous, but that’s exactly what it is. You never know what’s going to happen in a car and in order to ensure that your vehicle is as safe as possible for you, your passengers, and those around you, you want to have regular auto maintenance and service done on it. Forgetting about those squeaks for too long could mean the brakes will fail at an inopportune time. You just can’t take that kind of chance.

Reason 4: Longevity

You want your vehicle to last as long and possible and the best thing you can do  is to get regular auto maintenance Philadelphia and service. This will extend its life for a number of years. Manufacturers give you an owner’s manual for a reason. They want you to follow those schedules because that is the best way to make the car work well for you!

If you need auto maintenance and service on your vehicle in Philadelphia, contact Schafer’s Auto Center. You can give us a call at 215-755-1270 and schedule an appointment or ask any questions you have about maintenance issues. We are hard-working, honest individuals and we will tell you like it is when it comes to your vehicle. We are located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 on one of the busiest streets in the city, making it convenient for you to drop by with your car between tasks.

Do you need Philadelphia auto maintenance and service? Let’s back up for a moment…do you own or lease a vehicle? If the answer is yes then you can also answer yes when asked whether or not you need Philadelphia auto maintenance and service. Cars take maintenance and attention! Leave them alone for long enough and see how well they work…they don’t! And they’ll cost you more too!  Here are a few maintenance and other services to keep in your car running to its full potential.

-Oil Changes

Oil changes are the most common, most frequent maintenance need on any vehicle. Every car or truck needs an oil change, but the time between oil changes can vary based on the vehicle. If you visit Schafer’s Auto Center, we can help you determine how many miles or how much time you can drive your vehicle before you need an oil change. At that time, we will drain your old oil, replace the filter, and install new oil based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. We’ll also run an 80-point inspection to make sure everything else is going well for your vehicle.

-Brake Services

You won’t need to service your brakes every oil change or even every year, but you need to keep an eye on them because they are one of the most important aspects of any vehicle. Schafer’s Auto Center has 57 years of experience servicing and repairing brakes. We can do everything from pad and rotor replacement to custom brake lines. When your brakes are in our hands, you’ll be able to stop on a dime.

-Tire Services

The more you drive, the faster your tires wear out. No matter how well you treat them, you’ll need new tires eventually. And we have a full range of tires from 13 to 30 inches. We can also service your tires between replacements by balancing them, monitoring the pressure, and aligning the vehicle to make the tires last longer.

-Inspections

Whenever you visit Schafer’s Auto Center, it’s nice to drive away knowing your vehicle is in top form. We do a free 80 point inspection every time you visit and we can also cover the PA state emission yearly inspection so you don’t have to worry about getting halfway down the street and breaking down.

When you need auto maintenance Philadelphia and service of any kind, call Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270 and set up an appointment for your vehicle. We’re locally owned and operated so by working with us, you’re working with members of your own community. We have a convenient location at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148, which is on one of the busiest streets in the city. We’re easy to find, friendly to speak with, and good at fixing anything on a vehicle or light truck. Trust your vehicle to us and your drives will be safe and efficient every time.