Category Archives: Factory Scheduled Maintenance

Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

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When it comes to cutting back and saving money, a great place to start is with your car. Vehicles can be a major expense since they require routine maintenance, regular fuel fill-ups, fluid changes, and basic protection, to ensure performance and reliability. All of these automotive requirements cost money, making car care an important part of investment protection. If you are taking care of your car to the best of your ability, you are already on the right path. However, adding a few more car care tips and tricks to improve your car maintenance acumen can’t hurt!

Continue reading to learn some vital automotive care and maintenance tips that can help you stay safe and save money.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Everyone wants to preserve as much fuel as possible in order to save money on gasoline. Here are the best ways to ensure you are:

☑ Slow down a little when you drive, and avoid revving the gas.
☑ Remove excess items from the trunk to reduce vehicular weight.
☑ Stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance and minor repairs.
☑ Carpool as often as possible.
☑ Use alternative transportation, like bikes, buses, Ubers, and more.
☑ Use the proper fuel grade.

Tire Care

Without proper tire maintenance, you can risk damaging several other areas of your car or truck, as well as, reduce its overall performance value. Three aspects are most important when it comes to the tires on your car or truck: matching the proper tire-type to your particular vehicle, purchasing high-quality tires, and regular tire maintenance. Be sure to regularly check your tire tread. Here in Indiana, the tire tread minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. Use the “penny test” to assess your tire tread. Simply insert a penny into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Car Cleanliness

Believe it or not, keeping your car clean will help it last a lot longer! This includes routine interior cleaning, such as vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing, as well as, exterior cleaning, including the under body, windows, wheels, bumper, and all other exterior areas. Eliminating dust, dirt, and debris improves a vehicle’s performance, safety, and of course, appeal. For this reason, try to clean your car once every month. In fact, see our recent blog, “How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain” for a fun alternative to the car wash!

Factory Scheduled Car Maintenance

Factory scheduled car maintenance is vital to the overall performance, safety, and longevity of every vehicle. And it also helps with the budget since it prevents costly breakdowns and repairs. Scheduled car maintenance includes routine fluid changes, filter replacements, brake service, tire service, battery service, alignments, and more. Proper auto care reduces toxic emissions and fuel consumption, and supports a safer, more efficient operation. All this is eco-friendly and better for the environment. Check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s suggested service schedule, and talk to your mechanic about your car’s individual needs.

Regular Inspections and Early Detections

Be sure to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a licensed mechanic. Brakes, lights, and other important components need regular inspection and service to ensure driving safety and efficiency. To determine how often your vehicle needs serviced, refer to your car’s manual, or ask a licensed auto mechanic in your area. See our blog, “Where Can I Find My Car’s Service Maintenance Schedule?” for help.

Indianapolis Automotive Maintenance and Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

Quick Review on How to Flush a Car Radiator

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When you get in your car and turn the ignition, the engine fires up and the car instantly begins producing heat.  It continues to produce high levels of heat as you drive. The job of the car’s radiator is to cool the engine so that it doesn’t overheat. It does this by transferring heat through the process of thermal heat exchange. If a vehicle has a larger engine; for instance, a truck, then a larger radiator would be needed to withstand the extra power and heat production.

Generally, radiators are manufactured with aluminum.  This is because it is durable, lightweight, and disperses heat evenly, more so than other metals. It is important to have a general understanding about radiators in cars, trucks, and any other type of vehicle you intend on working with.  Do-it-yourself car maintenance can be risky if you do not know what you are doing. 

If you have a good comprehension on cars and regular maintenance, then continue reading to learn tips and advice on proper ways to flush a car’s radiator. If not, then call a professional auto repair company that can instruct you with the right information for radiator repair and service.

Indianapolis Radiator Repair and Service
Indianapolis Radiator Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Considerations When Flushing Your Car’s Radiator:

It is crucial to clean out your radiator routinely.  Solid deposits can build up inside the radiator causing the entire system to function irregularly.  This can lead to your car overheating or more serious damages.  A clean radiator stays much cooler as well.  Luckily, radiator flushing doesn’t cost much and is pretty easy to do as long as you are familiar with DIY car maintenance! 

First, be sure you have all the necessary equipment and products to get the job done correctly and safely.  These items would typically include a funnel, a cloth rag, coolant, flush solution, a bucket or coolant catcher, and a Phillips screw driver.

Never start a radiator job on a hot car or engine.  Let the system cool down entirely.  This could take up to two or three hours depending on how long the car was driven prior.  Spilling hot coolant on you can be very dangerous, and lead to second, and possibly third, degree burns.  

Avoid leaving coolant exposed and out in the open.  Pets, animals, and even children can be harmed by ingesting the fluid.  You see, coolant has a sweet smell and taste, which can attract these types of victims.  Always be responsible with coolant disposal as well.

UH OH. Didn’t work? Enlist an ASE licensed mechanic for the job! Professional car radiator flushing is fast and affordable!

Indianapolis Car Radiator and Exhaust Services

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE certified automotive radiator service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide comprehensive automotive service and repair for all make and model vehicles, as well as, free estimates, free advice, and auto repair coupons! Schedule an appointment for a free estimate, today!

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

What is Car Maintenance Insurance?

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Routine factory scheduled maintenance is necessary for all cars and trucks. Without routine car maintenance, a vehicle is not safe to drive and will quickly deteriorate, incur damage, and eventually become inoperable. For this reason, many drivers look into insurance options to combat the high price of regular car maintenance, especially those who have invested in luxury vehicles. The more expensive or high-priced a vehicle is, the more costly and frequent the maintenance will be. This is not always the case, but it is very common.

Continue reading to learn how car maintenance insurance works, and where you can get the best deals on auto service near you.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Understanding how car maintenance insurance works is not difficult. There are two primary concepts or objectives behind auto maintenance insurance. First, this type of policy is meant to ensure that a vehicle still receives the benefits of recommended factory maintenance after its warranty is void. Second, car maintenance insurance is often used as a tool to persuade car buyers to purchase an extended warranty.

Dealership Insurance

When a person buys a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to include a complimentary vehicle maintenance package with the purchase of an extended warranty. When a person leases a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to offer free car maintenance services so that the car stays carefully monitored during the leasing agreement, and is returned in good condition when the lease is over.

Extended warranties are good for anyone who expects to have a major car repair over the next several years that is too expensive for them to repair. This is the gamble car buyers take when purchasing extended warranties.

Third-Party Insurance

As for third party car maintenance insurance, or insurance policies purchased outside of a car dealership, these work just like health or homeowners’ insurance policies. You simply outsource a reliable insurance carrier, purchase a policy, and pay a monthly premium. When your car needs serviced, you just take it to an auto repair shop that is accepted by your insurance policy. The policy will pay for all, or a portion, of the maintenance bill. Generally, there is very little cost left for the owner to pay for.

Vehicle maintenance insurance carriers can drop car owners if they do not comply with the recommended factory scheduled maintenance time intervals. This will result in the owner being entirely responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. Talk to a licensed mechanic, or review your owners’ manual, for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Need a North Indianapolis Auto Mechanic?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis car maintenance and repair services you can trust. Our ASE certified car mechanics provide a wide range of automotive services for all make and model vehicles, foreign and domestic. Schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts!

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

How to Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Deicer

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Here in Indiana, you just can be too sure about the weather. The Groundhog saw his shadow on February 2nd, yet the snow still came soon after anyway. And just because the snow is almost melted away doesn’t mean that it wont soon be back. For this reason, we must all be prepared. One thing you can do to be ready for the next snowstorm is make your own windshield wiper deicing solution. So, next time your car’s windshield is taking too long to defrost, just whip out your trusty, homemade deicer, and watch in fascination just how fast it works. You will be asking yourself why you haven’t used this method all your life!

Continue reading to learn how to make your own, fast-acting windshield wiper deicer.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846317-475-1846

What You Will Need

There really isn’t an easier and more effective solution to make than this homemade windshield deicer. That’s because you only need two ingredients and a plastic spray bottle. Which ingredients? Well, only readily available ones that you likely already have on hand: rubbing alcohol and water! You can also use Isopropyl alcohol if you do not have rubbing alcohol. Be sure to get a plastic bottle that is large enough to hold the total volume of liquid this recipe calls for, which is 24 ounces, or 3 cups.

☑ Rubbing Alcohol – 2 Cups (16 oz)
☑ Room Temperature Water – 1 Cup (8 oz)
☑ 32 Ounce Plastic Spray Bottle

How to Make Your Deicing Solutions

Combine 1 part water with 2 parts rubbing alcohol (or Isopropyl alcohol) into your plastic bottle. You can use the measurements listed above to make a 24 ounce solution, or you can simply use the 1:2 ratio to make your own amount of solution.

To use your solution, simply spray your windshield generously while your car’s defrost is on. Then watch as the frost melts away!

Store your solution in your car. Rubbing alcohol won’t freeze until the climate reaches 28 degrees below zero! So, it will always be ready for use, no matter how cold it is outside.

Looking for Quality Car Maintenance Service in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto repair and car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing. See our coupon, below!

Do Manual Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage Than Automatics?

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Gas mileage is huge these days in the car buying market. Everyone wants to do good by the environment as well as their wallets. So when people are shopping around for a new vehicle, the common question concerning transmissions is guaranteed to arise. Should you buy a manual, stick shift car, or a more simple, modern-day automatic? The question has stimulated debates for decades, and is still, for the most part, quite undecided. This is because there is a thin line between which type is better for fuel economy.

Continue reading to learn more about transmissions and fuel consumption, as well as, what to do if you are concerned about your vehicle’s performance.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Gas Mileage Factors to Consider

Manual or automatic? That is the question; right? Well, the answer depends on many factors, namely the make and model of the vehicle, and the manner or style of driving you intend on doing. You see, in older automatic transmissions, a torque converter is used to couple the engine between gears, which in turn, burns more fuel and therefore, affects gas mileage. Oppositely, manual transmissions do not use a torque converter, but rather, a clutch.

So, if you are looking to buy a used, older vehicle, a manual might be more fuel efficient than an older, automatic transmission vehicle. On the other hand, newer make and model automatic transmissions are manufactured with an overdrive top gear that reduces RPM’s at high speeds, like on the interstate. They are also designed with 5, 6, or 7 speeds. All of these features allows for easier and smoother highway cruising and better gas mileage.

As for the type of driving a person does, manual and automatic transmission choices will differ. For example, if a person lives in a busy city area with constant stop-and-go traffic, a manual transmission vehicle could save on fuel (up to 2 MPG) because automatics tend to use more energy under these circumstances. If a person does a lot of interstate traveling, and prefers a new model vehicle, an automatic is a better choice for improved gas mileage.

How to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Wish to improve your fuel consumption in order to get better gas mileage? It all starts with proper car care and diligence. By staying current on inspections, oil changes, engine cleanings, tune-ups, tire rotations, and additional maintenance needs, you can make an instant and meaningful impact on your vehicle’s gas mileage. Another effective way to reduce fuel consumption is to simply drive more efficiently. This means carpooling when you can, avoiding engine revving, avoiding abrupt starting and stopping, and reducing your speed. All these combined can instantly increase your gas mileage by burning less fuel per mile.

If you believe your vehicles fuel consumption is experiencing problems, take it to a licensed mechanic for professional fuel system service and repair. Trained Indianapolis car mechanics retain the proper tools and equipment to diagnose fuel system problems and much more.

Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Care

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

The Process of Automotive Catalytic Conversion

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Did you know that your car’s catalytic converter is made from a highly valuable precious metal, platinum? But that’s not the only attribute that makes this automotive component so valuable. When it comes to vehicular safety and performance, a catalytic converter is more of a precious asset rather than a precious metal.

Continue reading to learn more about catalytic converters, including how they work.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Harmful Automotive Emissions

Vehicles use fuel, usually gasoline or diesel, to operate. These fuel sources are made from petroleum, and contain more than 150 different chemicals, including hydrocarbons and additives. When burned in the engine of a car, they create harmful gases and emissions that are threatening to our environment, and planet as a whole. These include carbon monoxide, which is a highly poisonous gas, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), and nitrogen oxides (which cause smog).

History of Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters weren’t always an automotive standard. In fact, they weren’t made a standard in the automotive manufacturing industry until 1975, after laws changed regarding cars and air pollution. Today, catalytic converters are on all automotive assembly lines, as they play a vital role in meeting national emissions control standards since many states actively govern the amount of emissions permitted for a car to be registered.

How Do They Work

Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices that serve the sole purpose of transforming harmful emissions produced by a car engine, into less harmful pollutants. They “convert” toxic gases and pollutants before they leave a car’s exhaust system by using two types of catalysts. A catalyst is a chemical that causes a particular chemical reaction to speed up without itself changing in the process. In the case of a catalytic converter, the chemical reaction to speed up is the removal of the harmful emissions.

As mentioned, catalytic converters are made primarily from platinum, but they can also contain palladium or rhodium. These metals make up the two catalysts used to convert harmful gases and emissions produce by the engine. The first catalyst uses a chemical process called reduction, which just means oxygen removal, to attack nitrogen oxide pollution. It does this by breaking down the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen gases, which are less harmful.

The second catalyst uses an opposite chemical process called oxidation, which adds oxygen, thus turning carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Although two catalysts are used to make safe conversions, there are actually three chemical processes going on to accomplish the entire job. The third is another type of oxidation that turns unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust into water and carbon dioxide.

Two-Way and Three-Way Converters

Some cars will have two-way catalytic converters, which use the first two chemical processes of reduction and oxidation. Then there are other vehicles that have a three-way catalytic converter, which means they use all three chemical processes to change harmful gases and emissions into less harmful ones.

Catalytic Converter Maintenance and Repair

The responsibility of ensuring your catalytic converter is in optimal condition at all times is a vital one. Be sure you are taking good care of your vehicle, and taking it in for regular inspections and factory scheduled maintenance. Refer to your owners’ manual for instructions on your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis auto mechanic about your questions and concerns.

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for the best prices on professional auto services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of car repairs and scheduled maintenance services for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

FAQS About Auto Service and Maintenance

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Do you want to know the secret to making your vehicle last a really long time? It’s proper auto maintenance and care, and it’s not really a secret at all. In order to get your vehicle to last you for years, and run in good condition, you must be serious about routine auto maintenance and proper auto care. Not only can you increase your vehicle’s lifespan, you can protect yourself from costly breakdowns and huge repair bills.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about auto care, and perhaps learn a little more about what it takes to protect and preserve your vehicle.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics
ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

When Do I Change the Oil in My Car?

Several factors will influence the length of intervals between oil changes and other factory scheduled maintenance. These factors can include the region you live in, the type of car you drive, the type of fuel it uses, your driving habits, its total number of miles, its overall condition, and more. It is best to consult your owners’ manual or a licensed mechanic for specific recommendations. However, the standard “rule of thumb” is to change your oil every 3,000 or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

What Fluids Do I Put in My Car?

There are seven vital fluids that every vehicle requires for safe and optimal performance. These include windshield wiper fluid, coolant, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, and power steering fluid. They all require periodic flushes and refills, and most need to be done by a trained mechanic. You should be able to add your own coolant and windshield wiper fluid, hassle-free.

How Do I Check Car Tire Inflation?

In vehicles equipped with TPMS, a light will illuminate on the dashboard to indicate unsafe tire pressure detection. This light will remain on until the air pressure imbalance is resolved. Those without a modern tire pressure monitoring system in their vehicle are left to use manual tire gauges to measure tire pressure. You can choose between a digital gauge or a “pop-out” style gauge. In order to use a tire pressure gauge properly, be sure to begin on a “cold” car that has not been driven in the past few hours. Then just refer to the manufacturer instructions for a step-by-step guide on how to use your tire pressure gauge.

How Do I Check Tire Tread on My Car?

Use the penny test to measure your car’s tire tread. What is commonly referred to as the “penny test” in the automotive service industry, is a simple and effective method of assessing a tire’s tread. And you really only need a penny to do it. Once you have your penny in hand, insert it into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires. It’s that easy!

Which Side is My Gas Tank On?

If you want to prevent the onset panic of pulling up to a gas pump and being unsure of which side your fuel tank is on, simply look at the gas pump icon on your dashboard. Near the fuel gauge or icon, you will see a small arrow, usually without a handle, like these “ƒ„.” Whichever side the point is facing is the side your fuel tank door is on.

Where is My Car’s Maintenance Schedule?

the first place to look for your vehicle service maintenance schedule is the owner’s manual. Generally, this comes with the paperwork when you purchase your car. In most of the time it’s located in the glove compartment, but it can also be located in the trunk, under a seat, or in a pouch behind a seat. If you didn’t purchase a car brand-new, the manual is usually in the glove compartment. If it’s not there, and it’s not anywhere else, download a generic vehicular maintenance schedule online or visit a bookstore or library’s automotive section. You may also be able to visit your local auto repair shop and get free information regarding your vehicles service maintenance schedule.

Do I Need to Use a Certified Car Mechanic?

You never want to use an unlicensed or unofficial car mechanic when you need work on your car. Additionally, you do not want to blindly choose a mechanic either. The best decision you can make to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and warranty-standards is to take your car to a skilled, ASE-certified automotive mechanic. See our blog, “Why is it Important to Use an ASE Certified Car Mechanic?” to learn more about the importance of finding skilled car repair work.

Where Can I Get Trusted Indianapolis Auto Repair Service?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

When Should I Rotate and Balance My Car Tires?

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A car truck is a highly significant asset in a person’s life. Regular maintenance and care is vital in order to sustain proper overall performance and promote longer-lasting life. One component of every vehicle that requires routine care and maintenance is tires. They are several benefits to keeping up with you are car trucks tires; including safer driving, better handling on the road, increased gas mileage, and much more.

One way to achieve these advantages for your vehicle is to routinely rotate and balance your tires. A common question about rotating and balancing tires concerns how often it should be done. The answer to this question is fairly simple but very important. Tires require professional maintenance and inspection at least once every year.

Continue reading for more details about how often you should rotate and balance the tires on your car or truck.

Indianapolis Auto Mechanic
Indianapolis Auto Mechanic 317-475-1846

The Basics of Tire Rotation Service

Fortunately, rotating and balancing tires on any vehicle is one of the easiest maintenance requirements and tasks when it comes to automotive care. Although it’s one of the simplest, is also one of the most important and valuable. Rotating your tires involves rotating each tire to a new spot on a vehicle so they wear down and even fashion. Many people wrongly assume that entails rotating a tire on a car’s axle in a spinning motion.

The reason we want to rotate and balance our tires is so that they wear evenly as we drive. If we don’t, certain tires will wear down faster or slower than other tires. This can cause problems on the road in various ways. You see, your vehicle’s tires are inevitably going to deteriorate over time as we add on mileage. However, assisting this process in a way that protects your car is important. Also, front tires commonly wear out before back tires because that’s where the engine is located, and the engine is the heaviest component inside a vehicle. This is just another fact that should convince you more about the significance of tire rotation and balancing.

Recommended Tire Maintenance Schedule

When it comes to how often car or trucks tires should be rotated and balanced, your car owner’s manual should retain instructions and recommendations. The common practice is to have your vehicles tires serviced every time you get your oil changed. This is a good way to remember how often to have the service done. As for numbers, it’s typically said to have your tires serviced every six months or every 7,500 miles. Many people are known to wait longer until they reach their 10,000 mile marker to have their oil changed and the tires rotated and balanced. This is also okay, especially for people who don’t drive as often.

Tire balancing and tire rotation is not for the inexperienced. It’s very important that you outsource a professional automotive technician for proper vehicle maintenance and repair. Tire care, especially rotating and balancing, requires extensive automotive knowledge and experience; as well as various tools and complex equipment. Be sure your mechanic is licensed, experienced, and can provide a wide range of automotive services.

Licensed Indianapolis Auto Mechanics

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

4 Automotive Hacks That Will Improve Driving Safety

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The weather is going to turn on us very quickly, as the last day of summer is quickly approaching. If you are a habitual driver, it is wise to take all the necessary precautions to ensure you are managing the road, safely. This priority is especially important for those who drive others around, such as children, elderly, or car pools.

Continue reading to learn 4 impressive car hacks that will instantly improve your level of safety on the road!

Indianapolis Auto Maintenance
Indianapolis Auto Maintenance 317-475-1846

Spray-On Rain Repellent

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Tire Tread Penny Test

Almost all states have a mandatory minimum for tire tread depth. In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! Fascinating isn’t it? If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Toothpaste Headlight De-Fogging

Headlight fogging is not just unpleasant to look at, it is also unsafe. But you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars having your headlights replaced or restored, so long as you have an extra tube of toothpaste lying around! That’s right; by applying standard, baking soda-based toothpaste to your headlights with a microfiber towel can remove the oxidization in the plastic. If you don’t want to use toothpaste, opt for some baking soda and water instead.

Weatherproof Your Weatherstripping

Your rubber weather-stripping is important for interior insulation, but also for function. Unfortunately, it is prone to deterioration. To slow down the rate of rubber weatherstripping deterioration, and thus, having to replace your seals, try applying WD-40 once a month.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

3 Options for Homemade Engine Degreaser

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Engine degreasing involves removing the buildup of dirt, oil and grease inside a car engine compartment. Removing this accumulation is beneficial for several reasons. Not only does it make your car engine look brand new, it enhances performance and efficiency, which in turn, saves you money on fuel, repairs, replacements, and more. In fact, a cleaner engine runs cooler, which is better for all interior automotive systems.

Best of all, you do not have to spend your hard earned money on expensive engine cleaners to get the job done right. You can make your own engine degreasing solutions with a few common household ingredients. There are several recipes to choose from, so the one you choose will largely depend on what you have one hand and what you are comfortable applying to your vehicle.

Continue reading to learn the top three most recommended recipes for homemade engine degreaser, as well as, what to do if you are experiencing car engine troubles.

Engine Repair and Service
Engine Repair and Service 317-475-1846

❶ Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda

For this engine degreaser, you will need ¼ cup of sodium carbonate washing soda, also known as washing ash. You will also need one gallon of warm water. Simply combine the two ingredients until they are fully incorporated, then transfer it to a plastic spray bottle. Do not use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a substitution because it will not clean as effectively.

❷ Kerosene Degreaser

This recipe may sound strange, but kerosene works well to remove grease and gunk from engines. For this engine degreasing solution, you will need kerosene, water, and liquid dish soap. Combine one part kerosene with four parts water, and then add a few drops of soap. Then transfer to a plastic spray bottle. Just be very careful working with and storing this solution, as kerosene is highly flammable.  

❸ Ammonia Degreaser

For this engine degreaser recipe, you will need to mix two parts ammonia, two parts water, and one part liquid dish soap into a plastic spray bottle. Be sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It is important to be very cautious when using this degreaser because ammonia is caustic and can harm the eyes, nose, throat, and mouth.

Using Your Engine Degreasing Solution

The first step to using your engine degreaser is to ensure your car engine is off and completely cooled. You will also need to don some protective gear, such as work gloves, safety goggles, and apron. Once your engine is cool and you are geared up, it is time to apply your solution with a stiff bristled scrubbing brush.

Start by generously coating the engine compartment with your degreaser. Let it to sit for a few minutes, then use your brush to scrub the solution in, one small section at a time. Do your best to avoid hoses and wiring, as strong cleaning chemicals can damage them if they are delicate. Finish by thoroughly rinsing your work areas with clean water, and then patting it all dry with a microfiber cloth.

Do You Have Car Engine Problems in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for car engine service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, automotive service coupons, and more. Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto repair, today.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846