Tag: VA

Does the Brand of Gas You Use Matter?

Many car owners have wondered to themselves on occasion “Does the Brand of Gas I Use Matter?”

We’re here to tell you that the answer is yes.

The reason being that some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine.

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These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably

more detergent additives than is required by the EPA. Several vehicle manufacturers recommend using Top Tier gas so they and their dealers don’t receive complaints from owners about poor performance or fuel economy caused by carbon deposits, fouled fuel injectors or other issues.

Most major oil companies have adopted the voluntary Top Tier standards for detergent additives, including Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Phillips 66, Texaco and Valero, among others.

The vehicle manufacturers claim that using other brands of gas over time can allow carbon deposits to form in combustion chambers, which can cause engine knock or pinging (premature fuel ignition), and on intake valves, which can impede valve operation.

This doesn’t mean you should never use anything except Top Tier gas, although using Top Tier gas as often as is practical and economically feasible is a helpful. If you choose to use other types of gas in your vehicle, periodically adding a fuel system cleaner should do the trick.

2007 HUMMER H3

This attractive 2007 Hummer H3 is not going to disappoint.
Privacy Glass, Speed Sensitive Volume, Anti-Theft System, Power Windows… this SUV has it all!
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Headlight Maintenance 101

When is the last time you changed your headlights?

Headlights are an active safety item and are the first line of defense on a vehicle; if drivers cannot see objects on the road, they cannot react. To prevent this, drivers must be proactive about headlight maintenance. Proper maintenance maximizes the amount drivers can see down road and side road, which can mean additional reaction time, helping you to avoid hazards that cause accidents.

To spread further awareness on automotive care, owners should follow four best practices when it comes to proper headlight maintenance

  • Understand the choices in headlight performance levels: When it comes to headlights performance, many consumers should know that there are a variety of choices available on the market to help suit their individual needs. For instance, there are options available that offer brighter down road visibility or whiter light which improves contrast and helps drivers distinguish objects on the side of the road better than basic headlights.
  • Replace before burnout: All too often, vehicles with a burned out headlight can be found traveling on dark roads, posing a risk to both the driver and others on the road. With one headlight out, drivers are essentially seeing half as well as they potentially could. If a vehicle owner cannot remember the last time headlights were changed, it may be time for replacements.
  • Always replace in pairs: It’s very important to replace headlights in sets of two. Since headlights dim over their lifetime, a new bulb paired with an old bulb will create an uneven field of vision, which can be a major distraction on the road for both drivers and oncoming traffic.
  • Do it yourself: Changing a vehicle’s headlight bulb can be a simple process that doesn’t require a mechanic or service professional. In fact, various online guides and resources exist to help consumers swap out headlight bulbs in a matter of minutes. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for bulb/headlight replacement procedures, needed tools and safety precautions. Always wear safety glasses and work gloves, as well.

Spring Clean Your Car!

With winter in the rear view mirror, it’s time to start planning your spring cleaning.

Yes – that applies to your vehicles as well!

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Trading road salt for clean dry roads is definitely an incentive to get your car looking just as great as the weather.
Here are 5 tips that will make spring cleaning a breeze so you can set the wheels in motion and cruise into warmer sunny days in style!