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Auto Service

Jun 03
0
auto repair shops in Philadelphia

Tips From An Auto Repair Shop On Traveling With A Dog

By | Auto Repair, Auto Service | No Comments

As the temperatures start to rise and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s nice to take your dog for more walks. While you may not be able to take the pooch into the office, there’s no reason he can’t come with you for a car ride every now and then. The auto repair shops in Philadelphia want you to travel as safely as possible and that includes anyone, or any pet, in your vehicle. Here are a few tips from professional car repair shops for traveling with your dog.

Tip 1: Seal Up Pet Food

If you’re taking your dog away with you for the weekend, or on a day long trip, remember how messy dog food can be. It can easily spill, and it can even spoil. If it’s going to be sitting in the car for a long period of time, seal it up in Tupperware or a plastic bag so it won’t spill or spoil.

Tip 2: Always Pack Water

You need to make sure your pet is hydrated as the temperatures rise. Always have water along to make sure everyone has a drink. You can keep a few bottles handy for him that you can just pour into a bowl when you make a stop. IF you’re having a drink, make sure he gets one too.

Tip 3: Enjoy Treats In Moderation

It’s tempting to hit the drive thru to grab lunch for yourself and get an extra dollar burger for your dog as well. Keep in mind that treats are okay every now and then, but don’t make that his regular meal while on the road. Moderation is key when it comes to pets and treats. You might be better off packing a few extra dog biscuits or a new bone for your dog to enjoy instead.

Tip 4: Take Breaks

If you think your legs get cramped and tired after a long drive, imagine your dog, big or small. They’re used to having the whole house or the whole yard to stretch out in. When you’re taking a longer drive, take breaks and walks to enjoy the fresh air. Even if you just walk around the grass of a parking lot for a while, it can help that restless feeling.

One of the best tips you can get from auto repair shops in Philadelphia about traveling with your dog is to keep your car tuned up and in the best possible shape. You don’t want to get stuck anywhere with hot weather and a dog in tow. It can get dangerous for both of you. Before you head out, visit Schafer’s Auto Center. Give us a call at (215) 755-1270 and we can change your oil, check your tires, and inspect your vehicle from bumper to bumper. With SAR on your side, your car will be in the most efficient mode possible. Stop by and talk with us today at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Apr 01
0
Philadelphia, PA auto repair

Keep Tabs On The MPG To Predict Auto Repair

By | Auto Service | No Comments

There are some instances that make Philadelphia, PA auto repair  needs obvious. When a warning light comes onto your dashboard, for example, you know you need to get your vehicle in for a checkup. If something starts making noise, that’s another good sign. But did you know you can also predict upcoming auto repair needs by keeping an eye on your miles per gallon? When that mileage drops, there could be a number of causes.    

Keep A Small Notebook  

It’s not easy to keep track of numbers in your head between times of filling up at the gas pump. Instead, keep a small notebook in your glove box and right after you fill up, do a little math. It’s not hard to figure out how many miles you are getting per gallon based on how many miles you drove between fills and how much gas you put into the tank. Write that figure in the notebook and the date of the fill. Next time, you will be able to tell if your MPG goes up or down. If you see a large drop, that’s cause for concern.    

Watch The Dash Info  

A lot of vehicles today give you more information about your vehicle’s essentials that older cars. You might have an information button somewhere around your dashboard that changes the information you get. Play around with that button a little and you could see a MPG display that will tell you how many MPG you are getting, on average. Check up on that information from time to time to keep tabs on how efficient your vehicle is operating.    

MPG Change Causes  

If your miles per gallon does change, there could be a number of causes. Driving habits are often a cause. If you have been stuck in traffic a lot, idling your vehicle, it can cause the MPG to drop. If you tend to slam on the brakes or accelerate too quickly, those things drop that average as well. If you get a quick oil change at a location that doesn’t use the right oil, you could see a big impact on your vehicle’s fuel economy. Check to see what you got last before you panic over the MPG. You could also have bad spark plugs or bad fuel injectors. Sometimes it’s even as simple as a hot spell that has you using the AC more.    

If you keep track of your miles per gallon, you have another way to predict possible auto repair needs in Philadelphia, PA. That can help you avoid costly repairs. You know the sooner you catch things, the more likely you are to fix minor things instead of major problems that only get worse. Contact the experts at Schafer’s Auto Center for more tips on keeping track of your miles per gallon, or, if you’ve already seen a drop, call for an appointment at (215) 755-1270. We’re here to help you figure things out. Stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.   

Oct 01
0
Philadelphia, PA oil changes

Budget Friendly Ways To Improve Your Ride

By | Auto Service | No Comments

If your vehicle is giving you a bumpy ride or the steering doesn’t seem to respond just as it should, there are things you can do to improve the experience you have behind the wheel. Philadelphia, PA oil changes, for example, can make a world of difference in the way your vehicle rides on a daily basis. There are other little things you can do for a small amount of money that also add up to a much better ride. Here are a few to consider.  

Wiper Replacement 

It might sound silly, but even the little change of replacing your window wipers can make a huge difference. IF you haven’t replaced your wipers in the last year, it’s definitely time. Even the best wiper only last 12 months or so. Wipers that don’t do a good job leave you with a streaky windshield, which makes it harder to see. You might have to crane your neck around streaks and smears, even when it isn’t raining, because the wipers just aren’t doing their job. This inexpensive fic can make a better ride with ease.  

Tire Rotation 

Your tires need to be rotated and it’s a cheap and easy way to get more out of the tires and your vehicle. Regular rotations will help you get even wear on all of your tires. It also enhances how the vehicle rides and handles. You’ll extend the life of your tires by thousands of miles and feel better about how it rides as well. It’s a good idea to get a tire rotation with every, or at least every other, oil change.  

Oil Change 

oil changes in Philadelphia, PA

An oil change is something you have to do for the sake of your engine, but it also helps give you a better ride. You get the most miles out of your car and the moving parts stay lubricated, which reduces friction and buildup. Every vehicle rides better when the engine is working well, and the oil change is something that is necessary to a healthy engine.  

Wheel Alignment 

When you hit a bunch of potholes around the city, who knows what’s happening to your wheel alignment. Get it checked every so often and get things lined back up when necessary. Your vehicle won’t drag in another direction when you are trying to steer it straight and you won’t have to worry about the tires being messed up by a bad alignment, either.  

There are plenty of ways to get your vehicle in better shape for a more comfortable ride. These ideas are just a start to keep you on budget. The professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center can get you set up for a Philadelphia, PA oil change or any other service when you call them at (215) 755-1270. We want your car to be as comfortable and happy as possible for as long as possible. SAR is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA. Stop in and see us soon for adjustments on your vehicle.  

Sep 10
0
oil change in Philadelphia, PA

Don’t Get Oil Changes Too Often In Philadelphia, PA

By | Auto Maintenance, Auto Service | No Comments

If there’s one thing you know about your vehicle, it’s likely that it needs a Philadelphia, PA oil change at a certain interval. It used to be that people would try to come in every 3,000 miles to get the oil on their vehicles changed, but as technology changes, so do vehicle needs. While you may know the benefits of getting your oil changed when it is necessary, have you heard reasons not to change the oil too often? Here are a few to consider:  

Philadelphia, PA oil changeYou’re Wasting Money 

If there’s anything you can do to put more money into your budget without wasting anything, you’d like to do it, right? When you get your oil changed before it needs to be done, you’re wasting money. You have “oil to burn,” so to speak and getting the oil change done before you need it start burning new oil when you had old oil left to burn. No one wants to waste money on car maintenance unless it’s necessary.  

You’re Not Guaranteeing Anything 

Some drivers use oil changes as somewhat of a cheap insurance on their vehicles. If they change the oil often, nothing else will go wrong on the car, right? No, that’s not right at all. You can ensure that your oil is in good condition and that helps a number of things, including the engine, but it doesn’t ensure that everything is lined up perfectly all the time. All it really does is spend your money. Things might still break down later.  

Other Things Could Be “Found” 

Have you ever gone to a quick service oil change place only to learn that the mechanic thinks you also need new filters, new brakes, or any number of other things? Getting your oil changed too often won’t hurt your vehicle, but if you visit the wrong place, it could hurt your pocketbook even more with unnecessary fixes.  

If you really want to know how often you need an oil change, it is best to consult your owner’s manual. If you don’t want to look into anything car-related, ask a trusted mechanic for an estimate. Most vehicles are good today until about 5,000 miles. While you don’t want to get an oil change too soon, you also don’t want to go in too late. Finding the perfect balance spends your money in the appropriate way and gets the most out of the oil you have placed in your vehicle.   

Are you ready for an oil change? Do you need help finding a good balance on mileage between the oil changes? Contact the experts at Schafer’s Auto Center by calling (215) 755-1270 for an appointment. We’re here to help you get the oil changes you need—when you need them. We never tell you something needs to be done on your vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary. Visit us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 for your next Philadelphia, PA oil change. 

 

Aug 27
0
Philadelphia, PA auto mechanic

Auto Mechanic Tips For Lower Gas Mileage

By | Auto Maintenance, Auto Repair, Auto Service | No Comments

There are a lot of things you think about when you purchase a vehicle. You need something big enough to accommodate your family, but you also need something within your budget. Budget goes a lot farther than just the initial sticker price. Your Philadelphia, PA auto mechanic will tell you that gas mileage is another very important element of price on a vehicle long-term. There are plenty of things to do to keep the gas mileage as low as possible.  

auto mechanic in Philadelphia, PACheck The Tires 

Every tire has a certain level of air pressure that is good for that tire. If you don’t know what that is for your tire, ask your auto mechanic or check on the tire. Learn how to check the tire pressure or ask someone to show you so you can pull into a gas station and make sure the tire pressure is good every now and then. If it’s off, fill or let out some air. The tire pressure helps you get good gas mileage when it is at the right level. Plus, it will help the tires last longer.  

Driving Right 

You use a lot of gas by starting and stopping your vehicle. If you want to save as much as you can on gas mileage, it is a good idea to accelerate and stop gradually. Instead of slamming on the breaks, make it a habit to slow down earlier. Don’t slam down the accelerator, either, even if you are late. This will add up over time and the wear and tear on your car will be lessened as well.  

Visit Your Auto Mechanic 

You want your gas mileage to be as good as possible so visit your auto mechanic for oil changes, regular maintenance, and repairs. Visiting the auto mechanic costs money, but you’ll save quite a bit in gas as you take care of your vehicle. Your auto mechanic will also have tips and tricks for you to follow to get the best gas mileage possible.  

Follow The Book 

Every vehicle comes with an owner’s manual and if you follow what the vehicle needs in that manual, you will get better gas mileage. That means spacing your oil changes out just right and getting other maintenance done at the right time. This manual is in place for a reason—use it.  

If you want more tips on getting good gas mileage, ask the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center by calling (215) 755-1270 with your questions or to make an appointment. We’re here to help your car stay in the best possible shape for as many years as possible. Visit us at our shop at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 as well. We will help you with your gas mileage, minor or major repairs, or any question you have. The experts at SAR want to help you with any car-related issue and gas mileage is one that will affect your life greatly. 

May 14
0

What To Do When the Technician Says You Need Auto Service

By | Auto Service | No Comments

If you aren’t a car buff, it can be hard for you to keep up with what your vehicle needs, what you need to do and when. If you’re not one to know everything there is to know about auto service in Philadelphia, PA, you don’t know what to do when you take your vehicle in and the technician says it needs this, that or the other done to it. Are they telling you the truth? How do you know? Here are some tips to help you out.

Tip 1: Consult the Owners’ Manual
If your technician says you need a certain thing done, you could check the owners’ manual to see if it is really recommended for your vehicle at this time in its mileage. If you’ve just gone over 100,000 miles, for example, it might be time to flush out some fluids and the manual will recommend that. You’ll feel better about having the work done if what your technician says it matches up with your owners’ manual’s advice.

Tip 2: Get a Second Opinion
There’s nothing wrong with hearing what a technician has to say and then taking your vehicle elsewhere for auto service to see if they tell you the same thing. If two technicians agree, you probably really do need the repair done. If the second technician doesn’t mention it, ask. They might be the more honest one of the two.

Tip 3: Go to a Reputable Repair Shop to Begin with
If you need maintenance on your vehicle or another type of auto service, the best way to believe your technician is to choose the right technician in the first place. There are a number of ways you can go about doing that. Perhaps ask your family members and friends in the area where they take their vehicles and what their experiences are like. If you can fund an honest, reputable auto service shop, then you know the technician is telling you what you need and not something that isn’t true.

Tip 4: Know Your Vehicle
You don’t have to know all of the parts and how they operate, but you know what your vehicle feels like when you drive it. When there are changes in a negative way, chances are you need something and you are more likely to believe those reports when they come back from the auto service technician.

Whether you need an oil change in Philadelphia, brake repair, or something more serious, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are here to help. We take pride in our honesty. We understand that not everyone deals with cars on a daily basis like we do. We’re willing to show you what’s wrong with your vehicle and explain things until you have a good handle on it. We won’t pull anything over on you…ever! Give us a call at 215-755-1270 or visit our shop at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Mar 19
0

Need Tire Services?

By | Auto Service | No Comments

Your tires aren’t something you think about, even though you use them every time you get in your vehicle. They are a huge part of propelling you down the highway and you need them to work well. Sure you notice them when one of them goes flat or blows completely, but do you pay much attention to them otherwise? You should! Here are some of the tire services you can get from Schafer’s Auto Center to keep your tires in peak condition so they will last as long as possible.

Alignment
You want your tires to last and you can maximize their lifespan by keeping your vehicle aligned well. This isn’t a service you have to get very often, but you will want to have it when you get new tires and if your alignment gets knocked out of whack for any reason. This can happen in an accident If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or another, it might be misaligned.

Flat Tire Repair
If you have a lot of construction on your street, it’s possible to pick up a nail in your tire. You could have a puncture, a slow leak, or even a leaky valve stem. Rather than wait for the tire to blow and continuously stop at the gas stations to fill it up with air, it’s best to get it fixed before it wears itself out completely. You can often fix flat tires and use them for much longer.

Tire Rotations
Whenever you get an Philadelphia , PA oil change, SAC will do an 80-point inspection on your vehicle. Every vehicle has recommendations for tire rotations, but generally, you will want to get your tires rotated every other oil change. You’ll get better gas mileage and a smoother ride, and the tread on the tires will have a longer life as well.

Balancing
When you get your tired rotated, they’ll need to be balanced as well. You’ll drive more safely and see less wear and tear on the tires. This tire service protects your investment in your tires.

New Tires
When you’ve driven your tires for many, many miles, the time might come to buy new ones and you can get just what you need from SAC. We can also include some of the above services to get the tires rolling in the right manner under your vehicle.

Whether you need new tires, a flat fix, or something in between, Schafer’s Auto Center is here for you. We’re a family owned and operated business that has been in the Philadelphia area since 1954. We can fix anything, including tires. Give us a call for an appointment at 215-755-1270. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm. With local, hard working, honest people on your side, you’ll know we truly care about your car issues and not just about the bottom line on the bill. Our shop is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re happy to help with your tire services.

Mar 05
0

What You Get from a Tune-Up Service

By | Auto Service | No Comments

It’s easy enough to tell when something is really wrong with your vehicle. It starts making weird noises, the dashboard lights are on, and things aren’t running smoothly. But you want to keep your vehicle in working order before those major problems hit. That’s where a tune-up service comes in handy. If you have a tune-up service in Philadelphia on a regular basis, you can avoid those major issues altogether. Technicians notice anything small going on and get it fixed before it becomes a larger problem. You save time; you save money; you save hassles. It’s a no brainer. When you bring your vehicle in to Schafer’s Auto Center, here are a few things you can expect from a tune-up service.

Oil Changes
One of the first things SAC will do for your vehicle is simply an oil change. By draining the oil, replacing the filter, and putting in new oil, your engine will feel much better and run like a dream. We will also check and top off other fluids as well as check your tire pressure and include an 80-point inspection free with any service, including the oil change.

Brake Checks
The tune-up service also includes a brake inspection. Brakes are highly important to the safety and security of any vehicle and at SAC, we have 57 years of experience inspecting and repairing brakes. We will take a look at the brakes and diagnose any problems that are coming your way.

Diagnostics
There are plenty of things that can go wrong with a vehicle and the tune-up service may turn out a problem that needs to be looked into further. If SAC sees something fishy, we’ll go into detail and use one of our three different information systems to help the technicians figure out what’s going on quickly and easily so we can fix it in no time.

Inspections
Schafer’s Auto Center can also include a yearly Pennsylvania state and emission inspection with a Philadelphia tune-up service so you can get it all done at once. It’s a simple, easy, one-stop process when you bring your vehicle to us.

Rotations and Alignments
Part of your tune-up service should also include tire elements including tire rotations so they will wear evenly. We can also align and adjust your tires to ensure everything is lined up properly within your vehicle.

Get a Tune-Up Service from SAC
Schafer’s Auto Center is here to help you with everything from tire rotations and oil changes to exhaust checks and brakes. We’ll take care of any tune-up service you need and warn you if anything is starting to look worn and will need a repair soon. You can avoid a lot with that type of information. Give us a call for your appointment today at 215-755-1270. Our shop is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148, and we’re here to answer your questions and keep your car running smoothly for as long as possible.

Feb 12
0

Transmission Problems to Notice

By | Auto Service | No Comments

There’s nothing quite like having transmission issues to send you into a state of panic. You know they can be very expensive and, at the very best, inconvenient. You never need transmission repair at a good time, right? But if you own your car long enough, sooner or later, you’ll probably have to get transmission repair in Philadelphia. It’s best to know what to watch for so you understand when you need a mechanic. Transmission issues, if they aren’t fixed, will just get worse. Watch for these signs of transmission problems to help yourself save time and money on repairs.

-The Check Engine Light

The first sign that something might be wrong (or is about to go wrong) is the check engine light. That light can mean any number of things, including possible transmission repair needs. The sensors on your vehicle tell the computer if something strange is happening and some of those sensors sit on the transmission. They pick up tiny things that you will never notice or feel. It’s never a good idea to ignore that Check Engine Light.

-Whining, Humming, or Clunking

You don’t want to go to the auto shop and make the sounds your vehicle is making in order to describe to a technician what’s wrong, but when you hear these noises, it could be the transmission. It can be hard to identify transmission repair needs based on sound, but if you hear something like this that you haven’t heard before, get it checked over.

-Shaking or Grinding

Your car shouldn’t shake or jerk and you shouldn’t hear any grinding noises. These are indications that you need transmission repair. The grinding will occur when you shift if you have a manual transmission. With an automatic, you might have trouble getting into gear when you start moving. Get things checked out before it gets worse.

-Neutral Noise

When your car is in neutral, if it makes bumping sounds, you might have low or dirty transmission fluid. That’s easy enough to fix. Top off the fluid and if that doesn’t work, change it out. There could also be some worn parts that need to be swapped out of the transmission.

Not every car owner is a car expert and we understand that you don’t necessarily know everything about every part of your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to changes in how your car operates so you know when to bring it in for help. Keep up with your regular tune-ups and oil changes and with any luck, Philadelphia , PA transmission repair needs will be caught far enough in advance that you won’t have any trouble with them at all. In order to get the professional help you need, make an appointment at Schafer’s Auto Center by calling 215-755-1270. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re happy to help with tune-ups, oil changes, transmission repair, and any other car maintenance or repair need you have over the years.

Jun 19
0

How to Know You need an Oil Change

By | Auto Service | No Comments

You have a busy life, right? You can’t always think of everything that needs to get done around you. Maintenance is often overlooked when you get bogged down with work and family commitments. So how do you know when your car needs an oil change? There are several ways to tell that you need to find a place to take it in Philadelphia in order to get the oil change done fast!

  1. The Oil is Black and Gritty

If you feel like you are due (or overdue) for an oil change, just take a glance at the oil in your vehicle. The original color is a honey brown. It will darken after a few weeks of use. But if you start to see particles mixed with the oil, you need to get it changed. Too much grit will overload the filter and contaminate the engine with all sorts of junk.

  1. Your Engine is Running Louder

You know what your car usually sounds like. When your oil isn’t lubricating the engine anymore, it will start to rub, grind, and make odd noises. The louder the noise, the faster you need to visit Schafer’s Auto Center.

  1. You Can’t Remember Your Last Oil Change

If you got your oil changed a few months ago, chances are you will at least vaguely remember getting it done. If you can’t remember when it was last done, you probably need to make an appointment and get your vehicle in. Get it changed and then write it down so you can remember for sure next time.

  1. Oil Levels Drop

Your engine will eat the oil eventually. If you haven’t changed it in a while, your engine will start to eat the oil and you will see the levels drop. It will start to overwork the engine and things won’t run smoothly for long. Get it changed to get the levels back up to where they need to be.

  1. Simply Mileage

Most oil needs to be changed in every 3,000-6,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. Keep the sticker from the shop on your window and when you hit the right number, take it in. It’s a simple way for you to keep track of the timing of those important oil change in Philadelphia.

When it’s time for an oil change, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270 and make an appointment to bring your vehicle in. We’ve been in the business since 1964, and you can trust us to change your oil quickly and effectively. We’re conveniently located on one of the biggest and busiest streets in the city, so it’s easy to stop by and get that oil changed as needed. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re looking forward to helping you with your vehicle. Besides oil changes, we can fix just about anything on a car or even a light truck. With honest, hard-working people on your side, you can’t go wrong.

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