QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)
Posted May 26, 2019 9:12 AMEverybody's got friends like this. You know, the kind who, the minute they get in their vehicle and turn the key, the sound system is deafening. They just love to hear that music, sports, news… anything but the sound of the vehicle itself.
And maybe you're that person, too. Here's something to consider: your sound system might be drowning out some valuable clues that could help you diagnose problems with your vehicle, problems that need to be dealt with. So, turn down the volume and listen for these things:
- A clicking sound when you're braking or turning—You could be missing some parts in your braking system, or it could be damaged. That sound could also signal that components are just plain worn out.
- Rattling under the hood—If it sounds like metal clanking against metal, you could have something serious going on, maybe an overheating engine or your timing needs adjusting. That knocking sound could also be as simple as you've been using lower octane gasoline than is recommended for your engine. Time to get that checked out.
- A squealing or high-pitched sound coming from the engine compartment. Could be a belt is loose, wearing out, dried out or cracked. A pulley might be failing or a bearing might be on its last legs. Better to have that fixed now than be stranded somewhere later.
Here’s our All Things Automotive & Diesel Service suggestion - set a regular weekly alarm in your smartphone alerting you to listen to your vehicle once a week for five minutes. Just five minutes without the music or the sports show or public radio… whatever your taste is. You can even use your smartphone to record any noise you might be hearing. Between that and your description to your service advisor, a All Things Automotive & Diesel Service technician should be able to diagnose the source of the noise and get your vehicle sounding healthy again. Do it before that noise turns into the sound of a serious problem.
Who knew a little quiet time could be so useful?
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
NOT JUST ANOTHER CUSTOMER (Finding the Right Service Facility)
Posted May 22, 2019 5:05 AMYou might remember a hit TV sitcom that was set in a bar, a place where "everybody knows your name." The idea, of course, is people feel more comfortable where they aren't just another customer among many; they're special because their relationship goes back a few years.
That comfortable relationship can extend to professionals you deal with, too. Think of your accountant, your dentist, your doctor. Most people try to stick with the same person or firm in those businesses. They have grown to know their work over the years and they've learned to trust their professionalism, the quality of their work and their track record.
Ideally, you should have that same relationship with your automotive service facility, like your friends here at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service. You may have tried several facilities over the years until you found one that did good work at a reasonable price. The longer your relationship with your service facility, the better the people there understand your wants and needs.
And you trust them to only perform repairs you really need and not try to sell you parts and services you don't.
For most of us, it's a great feeling when you walk in the door and you're greeted with a smile. That goes for us at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service as well. That history you've established by regularly going to one facility for service and maintenance helps you feel more confident about the work they do. And, at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service, we appreciate your loyalty as a customer. Maybe it won't be exactly like that TV sitcom place, and maybe not "everybody knows your name." But your service advisor will, and you won't feel like you're just another customer.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
