Automotive Tips from AUTOMaster

• » Saves you money
• » A more dependable vehicle
• » A vehicle that retains that "New Car Feel"
• » Less chance of a costly breakdown
• » A safer vehicle for you and your family
• » Doing your part for cleaner air
• » A car worth more at trade-in or sale
• » An intact warranty

Car manufacturers create detailed maintenance schedules outlining specific operations to be performed on various components and systems...these services are done at different mileage intervals to insure proper operation and to help prevent premature wear. The manufacturers also indicate specific services that must be done to maintain the factory warranty.


We all know about Oil and Filter Changes, and to rotate the tires. Many consumers today are aware of timing belts that need service, and the need for cooling system services.

However, there are many "new" services that you may not be aware of, or that you may feel don't pertain to your particular vehicle. Some of the "newer" services include a Throttle Body Service, Intake Cleaning, Brake Fluid Flush, Differential Service, and replacing that Cabin Air Filter.

What are some of these services, and how do they benefit you? Let's take a look at a few of the most common services:

Here in Colorado, the roads are kept snow and ice free with a compound called Magnesium Chloride, a liquid compound that makes roads look damp when it is a liquid and leaves a white residue when dry.

Mag Chloride is sprayed on roads before storms or freezing temperatures, and it prevents ice and snow from sticking to the road for up to 2 weeks at a time. It is also makes the road very slippery when it is applied before a storm or cold actually arrives.

Mag Chloride works much better than sand or salt, it costs less, causes less road damage and it is easier on the environment.

Mag Chloride is very corrosive and it is recommended that after driving in conditions where Mag Chloride has been used that you wash your car as soon as possible with soap and water. Waxing your car before inclement weather can you cars finish resist the corrosive effects of Mag Chloride.

Engines today are fuel injected, computer controlled and highly efficient. It doesn’t take much to throw the whole efficient system out of whack. Fuel injectors spray fuel into the cylinders before spark from the ignition system detonates the fuel and creates the explosion that turns the engine. The fuel injectors, when performing correctly, spray a superfine mist… the finer the mist, the quicker the atomization of the fuel, which promotes more efficient performance and fuel consumption. The MOTORVAC Complete Fuel System Service keeps the fuel system clean and helps keep performance and fuel efficiency at peak levels. The service takes almost 2 hours, and the fuel system is cleaned by running a highly concentrated cleaner through the entire fuel system from the MOTOVAC machine. The procedure cleans injectors from the top side, where the fuel enters, and from the bottom side, where carbon created by combustion clogs up the injectors. The service also helps break up carbon deposits on valves and the tops of pistons. Once the service has been completed, the throttle body is cleaned and minimum airflow is set to OE specifications. This service should be performed every 2 years or 30,000 miles.