:: Overview
In order to keep your new car warranty valid, S&B offers an array of maintenance services to manufacturers specifications. S&B utilizes an invoicing system that will keep track of your vehicle's history and will send out reminder cards for service. S&B Auto is happy to provide a maintenance schedule to its customers so they can keep their vehicle up-to-date. With the high price of gas it's important to have your vehicle running at top performance. With our state-of-the art computer systems S&B can do that for you.
:: Maintence Oil Change
Our Maintence Oil Change also includes a 10-Point Safety Check:
1. Check Hoses
2. Check Tire Pressure
3. Check Front End
4. Check Fluid Levels
5. Check Cooling System
6. Check Lights
7. Check Wipers
8. Check Tires
9. Test Drive Vehicle
10. Check Exhaust
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:: Helpful Tips
A few helpful tips on how to keep your automobile at it's top performance.
- Belts & Hoses. Driving around with worn belts and hoses is a prescription for a breakdown. Even the best ones eventually wear out. Better to replace them at regular intervals, before one fails and leaves you stranded.
- Belts are expected to run more accessories than ever. And usually in cramped engine compartments at high temperatures. With conditions like these, no belt can last forever. Check your owner's manual for replacement recommendations. If no mileage interval is given, we recommend that most vehicles have their belts replaced every four years of service, even if the belts look "ok." That's because belts often fail on the inside where it's impossible to determine the condition.
- Hoses. Aside from obvious external signs of wear which signal the need for an immediate replacement, we recommend that hoses be replaced every four years. That's because hoses often fail from the inside out. If your vehicle is four years old or older, there's a good chance your hoses are nearing the point of failure. Check your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval. Your particular vehicle might need replacement more often or the hoses could last longer, so it's best to ask S&B Auto for advice.
- Tire Pressure. It's important to have the proper air pressure in your tires, as underinflation can lead to tire failure. The "right amount" of air for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual.
1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool — meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (NOTE: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare. (NOTE: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.)
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE: Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 dearees of temperature change.
- Tire Alignment. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid treadwear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Front-wheel-drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble such as "pulling" or vibration. Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.
- Tire Rotation. Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. Consult your vehicle owner's manual, the tire manufacturer or your tire dealer for the appropriate rotation pattern for your vehicle. NOTE: If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation. Before rotating your tires, always refer to your vehicle owner's manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000-8,000 miles.
- Tire Tread. Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1 /16 of an inch in order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test: place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire. Built-in treadwear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch.. When you see these "wear bars," the tire is worn out and should be replaced. Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible.
