How To Maintain A New Car
So you got a new set of wheels – congratulations! You’re going to want to hang onto it as long as possible, so you’ll want to keep it maintained as well as you 
can. Here are some suggestions:
First, read the owner’s manual carefully and stick to manufacturer’s recommendations for service intervals. There are certain things that are critical enough that failure to adhere to recommendations can void a new car warranty. Don’t let that happen!
For instance, just about every manufacturer recommends synthetic oil for their engines; it provides better protection in just about every respect, and it’s more stable at high and low temperatures. If your owner’s manual prescribes a 10,000-mile oil change, stick wi ...[more]
Uh Oh…My Check Engine Light Is On
So you come out to start your car one morning and the Check Engine light on the dashboard comes on…and doesn’t go back off again. You can’t really notice any difference in the way the car runs and drives, but it’s on anyway.
What does it mean?
Since the late 80s, most engine functions have been controlled by a central drivetrain computer. This includes emissions controls, fuel metering and delivery, ignition timing, shift points and many other elements of drivability and performance. The drivetrain computer relies on information from a chain of sensors that monitor exhaust composition, camshaft position, throttle position and many other factors.
The voltage readings from any of the ...[more]
A/C Problems Demystified
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Receiver/dryer
- Thermostatic expansion valve
- Evaporator
- Refrigerant
- Blower
Questions You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask Your Auto Repair Tech
Often, drivers are mystified by how their cars actually work. It’s to be expected. Even an older car is a complex machine with many sub-assemblies that all work together to move it down the road.
As a result, drivers tend to be a little intimidated by auto repair and often tend to not inform themselves by asking the necessary questions of a tech or a garage. Too often, that ends up being a big mistake. Here are some examples of the kinds of things you really should know before any auto repair work starts:
- Does your shop work on any kind of vehicle? Of course, most shops can service a product from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and the other leading ma ...[more]
Differential Service: Too Often Neglected by Drivers
Winter Safety Tips – Don’t End Up In the Ditch!
What Does Your Check Engine Light Mean? Milstead Automotive
When your car's "Check Engine" light comes on, it's usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. But in many cases, it means at minimum that you'll be visiting your mechanic to locate the malfunction and get the light turned off.
The Check Engine light, more formally known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. Older vehicles may not have this, but any newer vehicle is equipped with a tiny all-knowing computer that will be your lifeline in communicating any problem with how the engine is running. Your Tire and Automotive service department can diagnose the problem, but there are ways to preview what the problem might be.
Prior to 1996, carmakers had their own engine diagnostic systems ...[more]
Tire Tips to Prepare for Fall
As the first leaves of fall drop in Spring, TX, Milstead Automotive is eager to assist customers in preparing their tires for seasonal travel. Through comprehensive tire repair and installation, Milstead Automotive is prepared with the highest quality products and machinery to quickly service tires for fall. Shop Milstead Automotive’s complete selection of brand name tires including: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear and Michelin Tires. Trust Milstead Automotive tire specialist for all tire services this season for improved vehicle safety and motility.
As leaves accumulate on roadways they can provide dangerous or slippery conditions for drivers as tires can easily lose traction. Driving on wet leaves is similar to driving on ice as surface structure is not stable and can quickly cause an accident. Reduce chances for traction loss ...[more]
Do You Ask the Right Questions? - Milstead Automotive
by: Amy Milstead
Your mechanic or auto repair technician should possess the same qualities that you expect from your doctor and dentist; namely trust and reliability. Car owners have a lot at stake when seeking vehicle maintenance and repairs, it's very important to find the right auto repair technician. There are three categories of inquiries you should make about his business: the skill level of the workers, the price of the work being done and, finally ...[more]
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