Archive for February, 2012

Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last At Motoring Specialists

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012


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A while back, the Cash for Clunkers program was all over the news. Vacaville people could trade in their old vehicle for a new one that got better fuel economy and receive a government rebate.

A lot of Vacaville motorists had so-called clunkers that they wanted to keep. They’re good commuters, grocery getters or toy haulers. They enjoy that fact that they’re paid off, or soon will be. They would gladly like to keep their BMWs for 200,000 miles or more – as long as it’s economical to do so.

There are plenty of Vacaville drivers whose vehicles are running after 150,000 or 200,000 miles. We can learn from what they’re doing to keep our own BMWs on the road in CA.

Vacaville drivers of high-mileage cars often report a common denominator of never skipping an oil change. Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last At Motoring SpecialistsThat may sound a bit unsophisticated, but it’s really not. First off, oil is the life blood of your BMW’s engine and it needs to be clean to properly lubricate. Skipping oil changes leads to clogged oil filters and sludge that can damage your engine.

There’s another reason why the scheduled oil change is so important for Vacaville car owners. It’s simple – a Motoring Specialists professional is going to be looking at your car. All of your fluid levels will be inspected and topped off so they won’t get so low that damage can be done. If there is a significant fluid loss, let’s use brake fluid as an example, your Motoring Specialists technician can look for the cause of the loss and find the problem before it leads to an accident or costly repair.

Your Motoring Specialists advisor will also visually inspect your BMW for worn belts and hoses, uneven tire wear, leaking shock absorbers and more. Problems get addressed before they lead to repairs that cost more than the car’s worth.

And your Motoring Specialists advisor will be able to remind you of other services that the factory recommends you get done. Just think of that oil change the same way as you do about going to your Vacaville dentist for your six month cleaning and checkup. Don’t skip it.

Realistically, things are going to wear out as your BMW gets older. On the way to 200,000 miles you’ll go through several batteries, probably a couple of alternators and water pumps, a set of shocks and likely some brake rotors.

Of course, these things cost money, but they are far cheaper than new BMW payments. With proper service at Motoring Specialists and regular inspections, you’ll keep surprise repairs to a minimum and more money in your wallet.

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Power Steering Service At Motoring Specialists In Vacaville

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012


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Many Vacaville drivers have been hearing about new advances in power steering technology, specifically, electric power steering. Some very high-end cars have been featuring electric power steering for a few years. An electric motor directly provides the power assist to make steering easier. Undoubtedly we’ll see much more of this in Vacaville as full electric cars and electric hybrids become more common.

The vast majority of cars and trucks serviced at Motoring Specialists in Vacaville use a hydraulic power boost system. With hydraulics, fluid is pressurized by a pump which actuates a hydraulic cylinder to reduce steering effort. Some of these pumps are powered by an electric motor. Most pumps are powered by the serpentine belt driven by the engine.

Power Steering Service At Motoring Specialists In VacavillePower steering fluid has the necessary hydraulic properties and the ability to lubricate the internal parts. The power steering fluid also protects BMW components from rust and corrosion.

Vacaville car owners should be aware that manufacturers recommend that the fluid be replaced on schedule.
At Motoring Specialists, the old fluid is drained and the system cleaned thoroughly. Fresh fluid is then installed.

Unfortunately, many Vacaville people don’t realize how important it is to service their power steering, or even that it should be done at all. A neglected power steering system can develop leaks and the pump won’t last as long.

Signs that you may be having problems with your power steering include the need to constantly add power steering fluid, a loud whining from the pump, erratic power assist or high steering effort. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, have your power steering checked out at Motoring Specialists in Vacaville.

In addition to the pump and hydraulic system, there are mechanical parts in the steering system. The rods, arms, joints and knuckles that actually turn the wheels can become worn or damaged. A standard alignment service includes an inspection of steering components.

If you notice any play in the steering wheel, that the steering wheel is off center, or a noise coming from your front wheels, especially when turning, have your Motoring Specialists advisor do an inspection so the problem can be corrected. Waiting too long could cause uneven tire wear and may even lead to steering failure. Call Motoring Specialists today at 707-448-1282.

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