Preparing Your Car For Spring

​It is important to maintain your vehicle for spring after the snowy winter season in Malden, MA.  During the winter season,especially in Massachusetts, the ground is usually covered in road salt. Road salt can cause the vehicle metal to rust faster. The first step I recommend to taking care of your vehicle is to remove road salt from the vehicle. Use a garden hose and spray the under-body of the vehicle to remove any potential road salt. Next, spray water on the brake and wheel well to remove any potential salt which can cause the brake to rust faster and it can also be potentially dangerous. Have our mechanics inspect the brake system to check the rotors, brake caliper, and brake lines. In addition, the under-body, suspension system, and freeze plug should be inspected for potential rust that can cause issues such as coolant leaks.

Next, I recommend replacing the wiper blades. Normally during winter season the wiper blades are used more often due to rain and snow therefore wearing it out quicker. The battery should be inspected for voltage, condition of the battery for battery casing cracks, and potential acid leaks. We use a volt meter and check the battery voltage; if the voltage is below 12.2 or the battery itself is leaking then it is time to replace it. The alternator should also be inspected and it should produce over 13.5 volts with the engine running. Moreover, the drive belt should be inspected for potential damage and cracks. Rust and condensation can cause all sorts of problems so next I recommend inspecting the ignition coil for potential rust that may accumulate. If there are rust and condensation it can potentially cause a misfire. Furthermore, the cooling system such as the radiator should be inspected for possible cracks. During extreme low temperature the radiator and heater core can crack and possibly start to leak. The radiator and radiator overflow tank should be filled to the top with coolant.
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Moreover, the radiator cap should be inspected for rust. If there is rust it is time to replace it. Next, replace your snow tires for all season tires. Snow tires are only designed for cold season. Since spring season is much hotter this can affect the performance of the snow tire and cause it to wear out at a much faster pace. Now since you have finished your inspection, it is time to give your car a new shine. We recommend using car wax to protect your car from the spring sunshine. 

Contact Eli & Gary's Automotive Service for any of the above mentioned services or for an inspection of your vehicle.  Call (781) 321-0880 

​When your check engine light goes on there could be many different things causing it.  To diagnose the on-board computer we use a tool that connects to your cars computer that helps us diagnose the issue your car may be having.  Here are the most common reasons that cause your check engine light to go on.

• A dirty or improperly installed Mass Airflow Sensor - An improperly installed or dirty air filter can cause your check engine light to go on.  Additionally you will experience poor fuel economy and your vehicle will eventually stall.
• Loose, Broken, or Faulty Gas Cap - One of the most common reasons why check engine lights go on is because your gas cap is not screwed on tightly.  Read your gas cap!  It usually says tighten until you hear a click.
• A dirty Oxygen Sensor - When your oxygen sensor gets dirty over time it will cause your check engine light to go on.  Left untreated can lead to poor fuel efficiency and even damage your catalytic converter.
• Spark Plugs can fail over time especially in older cars.  Older cars should replace spark plugs about every 30,000 miles.  New cars should replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles. 

Get your check engine light diagnosis at Eli & Gary's Automotive Services today. 
Call (781) 321-0880