4 Automotive Hacks That Will Improve Driving Safety

Posted on September 17, 2019 by autorepair

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 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.

What You Need to Know About Auto Repair Insurance Claim Work

Posted on September 6, 2019 by autorepair

After a car accident, you will need to have your vehicle repaired, whether through your own insurance policy, or an at-fault driver’s. Regardless of whose insurance carrier is covering the cost of your automotive repairs, there are some things you need to know about the process. This is especially important if you are planning to skip repairs and pocket the check, instead.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about having your car repaired after filing an automotive insurance claim.

Safety Inspection Automotive Service 317-475-1846

Passing on Repair? Be Careful

Can a person file an automotive insurance claim, receive a check, and then pass on getting their repairs done? The answer is, it depends. If you have a loan in your vehicle, you must have the vehicle repaired. Furthermore, most insurance policies require that drivers have all repairs carried out by a pre-approved mechanic. Failing to adhere to policy regulations like these will put you in breach of your insurance contract, as well as your loan contract. Such breaches can lead to lawsuits, restitution, and other legal hassles.

Additionally, many insurance companies will only continue to insure a driver if they continue with physical damage coverage, such as comprehensive coverage or collision coverage. If you accept a check from an automotive insurance claim, and then never have the vehicle repaired, the insurance company will no longer insure that vehicle. So you must choose: pocket the cash or keep your insurance. Sure, you can get a new carrier, but it might be difficult since the previous claim will be on your record. You will likely have to opt for higher insurance premiums or lower-quality coverage.

How does an insurance company know what you did with the cash? Well, standard procedure is for them to send you a check for the repairs, made out to both you and the pre-appointed mechanic. IF the repair never takes place, when the insurance company follows up on the claim, the mechanic will notify them that the repair was never completed.

Don’t Want to Report the Damage?

If you don’t want to report your vehicle damage to your automotive insurance carrier, you don’t have to, unless you have a loan on the car, as mentioned earlier, or if another vehicle was involved. If you and you alone were involved in the car’s damage, and you own your vehicle, you can forgo making a claim without any legal repercussion. However, it is strongly encouraged to have your vehicle fully inspected by a licensed Indianapolis mechanic to ensure it is still road-safe. This is especially important if you use your vehicle to transport children.

Trusted Automotive Inspections in Indianapolis

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 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!

How to Make Your Own Hanging Car Air Freshener

Posted on August 28, 2019 by autorepair

Hanging a new car air freshener on your rear-view mirror is a great feeling, and you get some pleasurable aroma therapy. But just as soon as you open your new scented ornament, the clock starts ticking down to the moment you need to replace it with a new one. Rather than continuing the cycle of tossing out old air fresheners and buying new ones, you can simply make your own with a few humble supplies. With your own car air freshener, all you have to do is reapply your fragrance to revitalize that pleasurable aroma therapy and fresh smell!

Continue reading to learn what you need to get started!

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

What You Will Need:

✅ Thin Wooden Ornament of Your Choice Scented
✅ Essential Oil of Your Choice
✅ Small Glass Dish
✅ Small Paintbrush
✅ Small Sealable Plastic Bag (i.e. Ziplock®)
✅ Small Drill or a Thick Nail and Hammer
✅ Old Towel or Napkins
✅ Twine

Notes: When shopping at your local crafts section, opt for a wooden ornament that already has a string attached for hanging. Otherwise, you will need to also purchase some twine, and drill a hole (or hammer a hole) through the top of the ornament so that you may loop the twine string through the hole and create a hoop for hanging.

Trick: Rather than buying a new wooden ornament to fragrance, you can use an old car air fresher (like the tree-shaped ones) instead!

Instructions:

➀ After you make your hole and attach the twine for hanging, you are ready to take the next step in the process of making your own car air freshener! Here is what to do:

➁ Lay out an old towel or spread out some napkins for a safe work surface.

➂ Pour your essential oil into a small glass dish.

➃ Dip your paintbrush into the dish of essential oil and then “paint” the surface of the wooden ornament. Generously cover the entire top surface and the sides, then flip it over and paint the back side.

➄ Once you have painted all sides of the ornament, place it inside a re-sealable plastic bag and allow it to absorb all the oils overnight.

➅ The next day, hang your car air freshener in your vehicle and hit the road happy!

RE-APPLICATIONS: After a few weeks, you can freshen up your homemade car air freshener by simply dabbing it with a cotton swab with more essential oil. If you like, you can change up the scents, or combine them to create new ones

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. 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

Check Out the Current Auto Repair and Service Specials at Northeast Auto!

Posted on July 31, 2019 by autorepair

Here at Northeast Auto Service, we offer comprehensive automotive repair for all make and model vehicles, both foreign and domestic, specializing in major engine work. As ASE certified factory trained mechanics with decades of experience, you can rest assure that your vehicle is in the hands of true industry professionals who care about quality.

Get the Best Deals This Summer!

Our ASE certified factory trained mechanics provide a wide selection of professional auto repair services for all make and model vehicles, including both foreign and domestic. In addition to the latest technologies and premium auto parts, we retain the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver outstanding workmanship that stands the test of time, all while keeping your passengers and you safe.

Bet of all, when it comes to a budget, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why competitive pricing has always been a priority for us. So you will certainly be satisfied with our economy-based prices, as well as our automotive repair coupons and discounts!

Auto Repair Coupons and Discounts

Any customer, first or repeat, can get 50 dollars off any service or repair that exceeds 250 dollars! This is an amazing value that no other automotive repair shop can beat! More deals include: Buy 4 oil changes and get one free, 50 dollars off ignition tune ups and fuel injection service, 25 dollars off each brake axel repair or 50 dollars off complete brake repair, and a fee safety inspection any time!

Schedule a Free Estimate TODAY!

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can afford. 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.

ASE Certified Mechanics 317-475-1846 — Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

How to Quickly Cool Down the Inside of Your Car

Posted on July 11, 2019 by autorepair

This summer heat has many people avoiding the great outdoors at all costs. However, most of us have no choice but to commute around town for everyday life responsibilities, like work, school, kids, errands, and more. And in this heat, no one wants to deal with discomfort in the middle of a busy day, especially a sweltering car. After sitting in the heat, the interior temperature of a car can rise quickly, and even reach temperatures higher than the outside climate. Fortunately, there are some easy and effective methods you can rely on to cool down the inside of your car on a hot summer day.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to make yourself, your passengers, and your pets feel much more comfortable when hopping into the car in hot, humid weather.

Consider Your Safety First

As mentioned, there are many ways to cool off the inside of a car on a hot day, most of which do not require any additional costs or major adjustments. The most important part about dealing with a hot car interior on a regular basis is to consider safety. You never want to put yourself, a child, or a pet inside of a hot car for any period of time; even just for a minute. If a car is very hot, allow it to cool down before entering. Also be sure to have clean, bottled water on hand to avoid dehydration and to help ease the discomfort of feeling hot in a car.

Here are Some Ways to Cool Down a Car as Fast as Possible:

☑ Use a Windshield Cover

Windshield covers are available at any local automotive store, department store, home improvements stores, and online. They are inexpensive and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and level of quality. Choose one that works best for your windshield shape, and see how well it blocks out the sun during the day. Your car interior will be much cooler with this cover.

☑ Park in Shady Spots

By parking under a tree or in a large shadow, you instantly prevent your car from becoming as hot as it could be on a hot day. Use this habit, along with other methods, to get your car to a safe and comfortable temperature in no time at all.

☑ Roll Down Your Windows

As soon as you get to your car, open the doors and roll down all the windows. While you are implementing other strategies, this allows the hot air to escape and the wind to blow through the car. Allow the car to air out for a minute or two, or however long you can stand waiting. Then if you have it, proceed to turn on your air conditioning, but not to the max setting. See below.

☑ Turn On the Regular AC Mode

Turn on your air conditioning, but not to the max mode. You do not want to blast hot air from your vents. Instead, put your AC on low, and then after a minute or two, increase the speed of the fans. Once you have felt a cool down, turn your AC to your desired, default setting.

☑ Have Your Car Serviced

If you want to keep cool in your car this summer, be sure that your car’s air conditioning is prepared to perform at top efficiency. Routine car maintenance is the best precaution to take to avoid summer breakdowns. Not only will a mechanic ensure your AC is tuned and charged, they will be able to catch and reverse any small issues that might affect your air conditioning down the line. And this is important since no one wants to be left without air conditioning on a hot summer day!

Trusted Indianapolis Car Maintenance

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto air conditioner 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. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

How Much Does Alternator Repair Cost?

Posted on June 28, 2019 by autorepair

If your car’s electrical systems are acting up, it could be due to a failing alternator. There are many signs of a malfunctioning alternator, such as dimmed lights, short battery charge, or in more serious cases, the smell of burning plastic due to burning wiring or internal components. If your car is exhibiting these same signs, you are in need of immediate alternator repair or replacement. Fortunately, alternator repair is not as expensive compared to other major automotive repairs, like engines and catalytic converters.

Continue reading to learn more about alternator repair costs, including the difference among new, used, and refurbished alternators.

Indianapolis Alternator Repair 317-475-1846

Your car’s alternator is important because it converts the revolutions of the engine into electrical energy, which in turn, recharges the car battery and allows for all your electrical systems to operate. Such systems include your interior and exterior lights, stereo, GPS, wipers, spark plugs, and more. Basically, if your alternator stops working, eventually your car won’t drive.

Alternator Repair Prices

The price to repair a failing alternator depends on several factors. Such factors include the make and model of your vehicle, as well as, the extent of damage to the inner components and more. On average, the cost to repair is less than the cost to replace, as a new alternator will run anywhere from $200 to $600, not including parts and labor. You can opt for a refurbished or used auto part, which will save you a lot of money. Refurbished alternators will likely come with a 1 year warranty too, so they come recommended, but used parts may suddenly break down at any time, so tread carefully.

As for the cost to repair or install an alternator, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400, depending on the above-mentioned factors. Luxury and exotic vehicles will be more expensive to repair, while older cars may be easier, which means paying less in labor. Just be sure to choose a reputable and professional Indianapolis auto repair shop to ensure you are getting quality work at a fair price.

Indianapolis Alternator Repair

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE certified alternator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide comprehensive automotive electrical repair and service 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!