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How Can I Extend the Overall Life of My Vehicle?

Apr 30, 2020
How Can I Extend the Overall Life of My Vehicle?

A vehicle is a big investment, and being able to keep your vehicle running at its best throughout the years can help you get your money's worth and ensure the highest resell value if you choose to trade in or sell your vehicle at some point. 



Daily driving can definitely take a toll on your vehicle, especially if you find yourself stuck in traffic on the daily. A daily commute in traffic actually takes the biggest toll on our vehicles due to the constant stop and go. So, if you are a daily driving, you may find that your vehicle needs maintenance more frequently. This is necessarily a bad thing, but will help you avoid major issues over time. 


Below are some helpful tips on how to extend the life of your vehicle and increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency:

 

Safe Driving

Giving yourself plenty of time to slow down or stop behind the vehicle in front of you actually protects your vehicle. When you drive the speed limit, you’ll increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and you’ll be much safer on the road. 


Regular Maintenance & Inspections


Making sure your vehicle is always properly maintained is a great way to extend the life of your vehicle. When you have regular inspections or service, you avoid major repairs and unwanted breakdowns that can happen when a car is poorly kept. Be sure to be aware of your vehicle's recommended services and bring your vehicle into Grove Street Auto Repair when you're due for maintenance. 


Good Tires


Tires are actually a huge culprit in decreasing fuel efficiency, and are important to your safety on the road overall. When your tires aren’t properly inflated, it takes your vehicle more effort to move. Plus, under inflated tires or misaligned wheels can cause your tires to wear out prematurely, costing you money on a new set 


Minimize A/C Use


This is just a suggestion, not a necessity, but if you can help it - try rolling down your window once in a while rather than blasting the A/C. The A/C actually uses up fuel and power from your engine, and if you don't need it, don't use it! 


Keep a Clean Car


A dirty car or a stuffed trunk can actually decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency. This is because your vehicle requires more effort to run and has to carry a heavier load. Plus, a clean car means a better overall condition, making your vehicle worth more over time. 

We hope that these tips are helpful for understanding a few things you can do in order to extend the overall life of your vehicle. If you ever need a service or repair, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle into the experts here at Grove Street Auto Repair for friendly service. 


A black and white photo of the interior of a car.
22 Mar, 2024
Experience reliable A/C repair at Grove Street Auto Repair. Beat the heat with expert diagnosis, transparent pricing, and preventive maintenance tips to keep your car cool and comfortable all summer long. Schedule your service today!
aer advanced european repair logo on a dark blue background
04 Dec, 2023
Greetings from Grove Street Auto Repair! We have exciting news to share! On January 2nd, 2024, Grove Street Auto Repair will be expanding and adding to the family!! Please welcome Advanced European Repair! This facility will be dedicated to the service and repair of European vehicles and is located just 400 feet away from our current location. The address is 527 Beaver Street in Franklin, on the corner of Grove Street and Beaver Street. Why are we adding to the family? Over the last several years, we have seen a large increase in the number of European vehicles being serviced at Grove Street Auto Repair. Since our humble beginnings in 1998, our customer base has grown every year and we already have the tooling and technical expertise to service European vehicles. Now with Advanced European Repair down the street, we can continue to serve the needs of our European clients. Advanced European Repair will have the same expert vehicle knowledge, same great customer service and the same great processes that have helped us grow over the last 25 years and will help us to continue to grow into the future. What can you expect at AER? AER is your local dealer alternative, without the inconvenience of the typical dealership experience. Clear and honest communication -You will receive frequent updates as well as a comprehensive health report emailed or texted to you with pictures and clear explanations of the work we recommend. Convenience - We make it easy to do business with us with free loaner cars, online appointment requests, easy drop off and pick up options and more. Transparency - You will be a part of the repair process from start to finish. If you have any questions, please email us or give us a call. We wish you and your family a very happy, healthy holiday season. Sincerely, Patrick, Jean, Chris and the team at Grove Street Auto Repair Visit the website at Advanced European Repair .com
01 Oct, 2023
Introduction & Answers: Your car's braking system is one of the most critical safety components you rely on daily. From brake pads to brake rotors, these components work together to slow down and stop your vehicle, ensuring a safer driving experience. Recognizing early signs that your car might need new brakes or brake maintenance is crucial to avoid potential accidents and costly brake repairs. In this blog post, we will delve into key indicators that can help you assess the condition of your vehicle's brake system. Squeaking or Squealing Noises: The Brake Pads Are Calling One unmistakable sign of brake wear is a high-pitched squeaking or squealing noise emanating from your brake assembly when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. This noise is often caused by worn brake pads, where a small metal indicator comes into contact with the brake rotor. If your ears catch this auditory clue, it's an immediate signal to schedule a brake inspection. Grinding Sounds: Metal on Metal Is Bad News If you notice that the squeaking has escalated to a harsh grinding noise when you use the brakes, you're likely dealing with a more severe brake issue. This grinding sound often means that the brake pads are completely worn, and metal components within the brake system are rubbing against each other. This is a critical stage of brake wear that can lead to extensive brake system damage and high repair costs. Don't delay; act quickly if grinding is present. Reduced Braking Performance: It’s Not Just About Brake Pads When your car takes a longer distance to come to a full stop or you find yourself pressing the brake pedal harder than usual, you're experiencing reduced brake performance. This inefficiency could be related to several issues, such as worn brake pads, brake fluid leaks, or even damaged brake lines. If your vehicle shows any of these symptoms, it’s time for a comprehensive brake system check. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal: The Rotors Are Speaking Feeling a pulsating or vibrating sensation through the brake pedal usually indicates warped brake rotors. These rotors can become warped due to excessive heat or uneven brake pad wear, affecting your car's stopping ability. Replacing or resurfacing the rotors might be necessary to restore optimal brake performance. Dashboard Warning Lights: Your Car's SOS Signal Modern cars come equipped with a brake warning light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, your car’s onboard computer has detected an issue with the brake system components, possibly related to brake fluid levels or brake pad condition. Never ignore this automated alert; consult a certified mechanic for a brake system diagnosis as soon as possible. Unusual Smells: The Scent of Overheating Brakes A burning or chemical-like smell while driving, especially when you use the brakes, could indicate overheated brake components. Overheating can cause reduced brake effectiveness and even lead to brake fade—a sudden loss of braking power. Conclusion: Keeping your vehicle's brake system, including brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid, in top condition is essential for your safety. Ignoring any of the signs we've covered could risk both accidents and expensive brake repairs. If any of these indicators ring true for your car, don't hesitate to get a brake system evaluation from us at Grove Street Auto Repair in Franklin, MA. Our ASE-trained mechanics will conduct a thorough brake inspection and provide a detailed status report, ensuring your continued safety on the road. Book your free brake inspection today ! Need a loaner vehicle? Just let us know when you schedule your appointment .
Brakes For Breasts 2023 Logo
19 Sep, 2023
Brakes for Breasts is an organization that unites the hands of Independent Auto Repair Shops during the month of October. As a participating shop, Grove Street Auto Repair will provide their customers with free brake pads and the customer simply pays for the labor and any other parts that may be needed. Grove Street Auto Repair will then match the cost of the brake pads and donate the total amount to the Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. Our industry stands united to put the Brakes on Breast Cancer!
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