Snider's Car Care's blog provides reliable answers you can act on today. At Snider's Car Care in West Branch we understand you want a quality resource, delivered monthly with high caliber auto maintenance tips, superior gas saving options and best in class repair guidance. For additional advice, come by our service center at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661 today or call 989-345-3936 to ask one of our auto repair experts.
2024-03-05
A vehicle's suspension system comprises various components, including springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, and struts, among others. Ever wonder if your suspension needs an inspection? Here are five indicators to watch out for, helping you decide whether your suspension needs any work done:
At Snider's Car Care, we're your go-to specialists for suspension inspection and repairs. We understand how crucial a healthy suspension is for a smooth and safe driving experience. That's why we offer comprehensive services to diagnose and fix any suspension issues your car may have, ensuring a comfortable and confident ride on the road.
Visit us today at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI or call at 989-345-3936 for a complete suspension inspection and get back to enjoying your ride!
2023-02-16
Are you an "aggressive" driver? Everyone answers "no" to this question because "aggressive" has become associated with road rage incidents. Today we replace "aggressive" with the word "severe." Severe driving is often unavoidable.
8 Types of Severe Driving
While most motorists have experienced "severe" driving on occasion, for other drivers it is an unavoidable part of their daily commute. If you are a severe driver, take extra care to avoid excessive wear and tear on your car, SUV or truck. Severe drivers are more likely to experience an inconvenient breakdown.
Increase Your Preventive Maintenance Intervals On These Six Important Items:
Other ways to avoid excess wear and tear on your car from severe driving involve slowing down, avoiding quick starts and stops, and removing heavy items left in your car's trunk or truck bed. Remember gas mileage decreases rapidly when you drive above 60 mph.
Stop by Snider's Car Care in West Branch and let our pro mechanics help you develop a preventive maintenance plan that matches your driving style. Call today at 989-345-3936 or come by the service center at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI, 48661.
2023-01-15
A little auto maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your wallet from high-cost auto repairs in the future.
Schedule regular auto maintenance for these five essential systems
At Snider's Car Care in West Branch we keep your car running smoothly and efficiently to save you both time and money in and out of the repair shop. Many drivers overlook how services such as a simple oil change can increase fuel efficiency and save you money at the gas pump.
Come by Snider's Car Care at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI, 48661 and discuss an annual vehicle maintenance plan with us today. Spreading maintenance items out over the course of the year can help make auto maintenance expenses more affordable. Ask us about Snider's Car Care coupons and rebates on items such as tires for additional savings.
Call Snider's Car Care today at 989-345-3936.
2022-10-01
Let's talk spark plugs. A common question we hear at Snider's Car Care is, "Should I replace my spark plugs?"
A spark plug performs a critical task for your vehicle's engine. Without a spark plug your car or truck's engine cannot work. Properly working spark plugs also deliver added fuel efficiency. Most owners manuals say to replace the spark plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. In many cases spark plugs last longer than the driver's ownership of the car.
So, when should you replace your spark plugs?
Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it is best to go ahead and replace the spark plugs. You have no idea if the previous owners were "severe" drivers. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine. Severe driving can place even higher demands on the spark plugs and engine.
Many used car dealers boast an extensive multi-point inspection plan prior to the sale of any car but many of these plans don't cover spark plug integrity. Because a failed spark plug can mean disaster for your new purchase it is best to get them replaced by the qualified technicians at Snider's Car Care in West Branch.
At Snider's Car Care we recommend replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark. Many car owners delay spark plug replacement until the engine starts "missing." An engine that is "missing" will typically result in a jerking feeling when accelerating. Spark plugs that are severely worn out will create a pinging or knocking sound. These fouled, worn-out spark plugs can lead to extensive engine damage that is expensive to fix. Therefore, replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark is very important.
Three Indicators Your Spark Plugs Need To Be Replaced
Sluggish and reduced performance also causes poor fuel economy. Save money at the pump by taking care of your vehicle's spark plugs.
Come by Snider's Car Care in West Branch if you just bought a used car or your vehicle is approaching the 80,000-mile mark to have your spark plugs replaced by one of our qualified pro mechanics. Call today at 989-345-3936 or stop by our service center at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI, 48661.
2022-10-01
Drivers in West Branch are busy and it is easy to forget that belts are tirelessly working to keep your engine running. A worn-out belt is a break down waiting to happen. Avoid being stranded on the side of the road and get your belts inspected each time you get an oil change at Snider's Car Care in West Branch.
Your car or truck's belts are essential for many of the vehicle's critical components such as water cooling, air conditioning and the alternator. Serpentine belts are used to turn the alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Often when serpentine belts brake your vehicle will stop working completely.
Come to Snider's Car Care to get worn or frayed serpentine belts replaced. Replacing belts when cracked, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear is very inexpensive when compared to having your car or truck towed to our repair shop.
Listen for signs of belt problems. Noise like rattling or slipping in the belt system is a sign of wear. Use your nose to tell you if a belt problem is imminent. The smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt.
At Snider's Car Care when we replace a worn serpentine belt, we check all the components in the serpentine system such as tensioners and pulleys. A typical serpentine belt replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Why risk being stranded when a bad belt can be diagnosed with simple routine maintenance? Get Snider's Car Care to replace your car or truck's serpentine belts as directed by your owner's manual and avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.
Call Snider's Car Care in West Branch today at 989-345-3936 to schedule regular maintenance such as belt inspection.
2022-10-01
Public transportation, Uber or Lyft may be an option for students attending college in large cities but for students attending colleges in small towns the only option may be owning a car. This is particularly true for students attending community colleges where commuting to campus is the only option.
College is expensive and owning a car while attending school is an added expense. Here are the top six expense categories college students should plan for:
Parking permits, licensing, registration and taxes are unavoidable. However here are some recommendations for managing other costs.
Call Snider's Car Care in West Branch today at 989-345-3936 or stop by our service center for preventive auto maintenance services at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI, 48661.
2022-10-01
The consumer price index for used cars and trucks jumped up by 40.5% from January 2021 to January 2022. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is rising as many owners of older cars decide it is cheaper to hang on to them than to buy one today.
As cars get older, they need more maintenance and repair. Drivers in West Branch must be more diligent about preventative maintenance. Replacing a bad O2 Sensor costs $250.00 on average. This may increase or decrease based on the make and model of your car or truck. However, performing recommended auto maintenance such as air filter replacement and spark plug replacement can extend the life of your O2 sensor.
Kelly Blue Book reports the average vehicle age in the US is 13.5 years. After five years of ownership the chances of a breakdown or service issue increases dramatically unless drivers are vigilant about preventative maintenance. Come by Snider's Car Care in West Branch and let us help you set up a preventative maintenance plan for your car or truck. Sticking to a maintenance plan will minimize the chances of breakdowns, increase fuel efficiency and decrease any future repair costs.
The Top 6 Auto Preventative Maintenance Items to Plan for Today
Snider's Car Care in West Branch is dedicated to helping busy car owners prioritize preventative maintenance. We make it easy with convenient, affordable and friendly service. Call today at 989-345-3936 or stop by our service center at 962 W Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI, 48661 and speak to one of our technicians.