Why Changing Your Air Filter is Crucial for Your Car's Performance

2024-09-19

When we think about keeping our vehicles in good shape, most of us jump to oil changes, brake jobs, and tire rotations. But there's another key piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: your car's air filter. Believe it or not, this simple component plays a major role in your engine's health, fuel efficiency, and even the air you breathe inside your vehicle. Let's break down why changing your air filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep your car running smoothly

1. Boosts Engine Performance

Your engine thrives on air. Specifically, clean air. Over time, your air filter gets clogged with dust, dirt, and road debris. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your engine work harder than it should, especially when you step on the gas. Changing out your air filter allows the engine to breathe properly, giving you smoother acceleration and better overall performance.

2. Improves Fuel Efficiency

Here's something you'll want to pay attention to: a clogged air filter can hurt your gas mileage. When the engine isn't getting enough air, it compensates by burning more fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, swapping out a dirty air filter can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 10%. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks at the pump, a new air filter might be a quick fix.

3. Extends Engine Life

Dirt, dust, and debris have no place in your engine. A good air filter keeps these contaminants out, preventing wear and tear on critical components like the pistons and cylinders. By replacing your air filter regularly, you're adding years to your engine's life and avoiding some pretty costly repairs down the road.

4. Reduces Harmful Emissions

Not only does a dirty air filter mess with your engine's performance, but it also affects your vehicle's emissions. A restricted air filter leads to an improper air-to-fuel mixture, causing incomplete combustion and higher emissions. If you care about keeping your car eco-friendly, a new air filter helps cut down on pollutants.

5. Improves Cabin Air Quality

For vehicles with cabin air filters, these little guys are your first line of defense against pollutants, allergens, and road dust that can make their way inside your car. A fresh cabin air filter keeps the air you and your passengers breathe cleaner, which is especially important if you have allergies or drive in areas with high pollution.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

The general rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but that can vary depending on your driving conditions. If you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic or on dusty roads, you might need to swap it out more often. Checking your air filter during routine maintenance is a smart way to stay ahead of the game. At Vans Auto Service, we take care of air filter replacements as part of our regular maintenance packages. Don't let a dirty air filter drag down your car's performance and fuel economy. Swing by the shop or book your next service online today. Your engine will thank you!

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes: Protecting Your Engine's Lifespan

2024-09-03

Regular oil changes are one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks you can do for your vehicle. It's easy to overlook, but skipping this routine service can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs down the road. Let's dive into why regular oil changes matter and how they protect your engine's lifespan.

Engine oil is like the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates all the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine from overheating. Over time, however, oil can break down and become contaminated with dirt and debris, which reduces its effectiveness. When oil isn't changed regularly, it can lead to increased engine wear, poor fuel efficiency, and eventually, significant engine damage.
Avoiding regular oil changes might save you a little time or money in the short term, but it can cost you a lot more in the long run. Keeping up with this simple maintenance task is essential for ensuring your engine remains in good health and performs at its best.

Not all oils are created equal. That's why Vans Auto Service uses AMSOIL synthetic oils, which are designed to provide superior protection under all driving conditions. Whether it's extreme temperatures or everyday stop-and-go traffic, AMSOIL products maintain their performance to keep your engine running smoothly.
To meet different needs, Vans Auto Service offers three AMSOIL oil change packages:
Silver Package: Ideal for everyday drivers seeking reliable protection. This package includes AMSOIL OE synthetic oil, a new oil filter, and a thorough vehicle inspection.
Gold Package: Perfect for those looking for enhanced performance. This package features AMSOIL XL synthetic oil, a premium oil filter, and a comprehensive multi-point inspection.
Platinum Package: For ultimate engine protection, the Platinum Package includes AMSOIL Signature Series oil, a top-tier oil filter, and an in-depth inspection of all critical components.

Using high-quality oil is crucial for your engine's performance and longevity. AMSOIL products are engineered to handle tough conditions, providing superior protection, better fuel efficiency, and a longer engine life. It's an investment that pays off by keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

Don't wait until your engine is struggling-regular oil changes are essential for maintaining your vehicle's health. With the AMSOIL oil change packages at Vans Auto Service, you're getting top-notch protection and peace of mind.

5 Indicators Your Suspension Requires a Check up

2024-03-05

A vehicle's suspension system comprises various components, including springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, and struts, among others. Ever wonder if your suspension needs an inspection? Here are five indicators to watch out for, helping you decide whether your suspension needs any work done:

1. Noticeable Drifting or Pulling While Turning:

• During turns, if you experience unusual pulling or drifting, it could signal potential suspension issues. A car with suspension problems can pull to one side or drift out of its lane, even when the steering wheel is held straight. This can be caused by worn or damaged suspension components affecting wheel alignment.

2. Uneven Tire Tread Wear:

• Uneven tire tread wear, characterized by sporadic bald spots instead of a uniform pattern, may indicate significant suspension problems. If you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires, particularly excessive wear on the inside or outside edges, it could indicate suspension issues. Misaligned wheels or worn suspension components can cause uneven tire wear in a vehicle.

3. Sensation of Dips or Dives Upon Braking:

• Experiencing lurching or dips and dives when braking may indicate worn-out shock absorbers, a vital component of your vehicle's suspension system. These symptoms suggest that your shock absorbers are no longer effectively dampening the movement of your vehicle's springs, affecting its stability and braking performance. To address this issue, it's crucial to have your shock absorbers inspected and replaced if necessary.

4. Difficulty in Steering:

• Experiencing difficulty in steering your vehicle could be a sign of underlying suspension issues. Proper steering functionality is essential for safe and effective maneuvering on the road. If the issue is left unaddressed, your ability to make turns will be severely impacted. Seeking assistance from a reputable car repair service is advisable to diagnose and address any suspension-related concerns promptly.

5. Strange Noises:

• This includes clunking, knocking, or creaking sounds when driving over bumps or during steering maneuvers. Noises such as these can indicate problems with suspension components like bushings, ball joints, or control arms. These noises may suggest loose or worn parts that need expert attention sooner rather than later.

Require Suspension Work?

At Van's Auto Service, we're your go-to specialists for suspension inspection and repairs. We understand how crucial a healthy suspension is for a smooth and safe driving experience. That's why we offer comprehensive services to diagnose and fix any suspension issues your car may have, ensuring a comfortable and confident ride on the road.

Visit us today at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC or call at 828-692-6046 for a complete suspension inspection and get back to enjoying your ride!

Preventive Auto Maintenance For Severe Driving

2023-02-16

Reduce the Effects of Severe Driving On Your Car

Are you an "aggressive" driver? Everyone answers "no" to this question because "aggressive" has become associated with road rage incidents. Today we replace "aggressive" with the word "severe." Severe driving is often unavoidable.

8 Types of Severe Driving

1. Moving quickly through curvy roads in and around East Flat Rock
2. Traversing gravel or sandy roads
3. Driving in extreme heat, on icy roads or roads with a deep snowpack
4. Executing multiple lane changes in stop-and-go traffic
5. Consistently driving 10 mph or more over the speed limit
6. Short time dependent commutes around East Flat Rock
7. Truncating a safe following distance resulting in frequent braking
8. Driving with heavier loads such as a cargo or passenger van or towing a trailer

While most motorists have experienced "severe" driving on occasion, for other drivers it is an unavoidable part of their daily commute. If you are a severe driver, take extra care to avoid excessive wear and tear on your car, SUV or truck. Severe drivers are more likely to experience an inconvenient breakdown.

Increase Your Preventive Maintenance Intervals On These Six Important Items:

1. Replace your motor oil and oil filters
2. Top off or replace your coolant
3. Have your brake pad thickness and brake fluid inspected regularly
4. Check your tire tread depth
5. Replace your windshield wipers
6. Monitor your transmission and steering fluid

Other ways to avoid excess wear and tear on your car from severe driving involve slowing down, avoiding quick starts and stops, and removing heavy items left in your car's trunk or truck bed. Remember gas mileage decreases rapidly when you drive above 60 mph.

Stop by Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock and let our pro mechanics help you develop a preventive maintenance plan that matches your driving style. Call today at 828-692-6046 or come by the service center at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC, 28726.

5 Regular Auto Maintenance Items That Save Real Money

2023-01-15

Save Money And Time With Simple Preventative Maintenance From Van's Auto Service

A little auto maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your wallet from high-cost auto repairs in the future.

Schedule regular auto maintenance for these five essential systems

1. Brakes, including brake pads, brake fluid, calipers and rotors
2. Tires, including tread wear, proper inflation, front end alignment and balancing
3. Belts, including serpentine, starter and timing belts
4. Hoses, including cooling and radiator hoses
5. Fluids, including oil, transmission, steering, brake, antifreeze and wiper fluids

At Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock we keep your car running smoothly and efficiently to save you both time and money in and out of the repair shop. Many drivers overlook how services such as a simple oil change can increase fuel efficiency and save you money at the gas pump.

Come by Van's Auto Service at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC, 28726 and discuss an annual vehicle maintenance plan with us today. Spreading maintenance items out over the course of the year can help make auto maintenance expenses more affordable. Ask us about Van's Auto Service coupons and rebates on items such as tires for additional savings.

Call Van's Auto Service today at 828-692-6046.

Should I Replace My Car's Spark Plugs?

2022-10-01

The Two Instances When You Should Always Replace Your Spark Plugs

Let's talk spark plugs. A common question we hear at Van's Auto Service is, "Should I replace my spark plugs?"

A spark plug performs a critical task for your vehicle's engine. Without a spark plug your car or truck's engine cannot work. Properly working spark plugs also deliver added fuel efficiency. Most owners manuals say to replace the spark plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. In many cases spark plugs last longer than the driver's ownership of the car.

So, when should you replace your spark plugs?

1. If you just purchased a used vehicle
2. At least every 80,000 miles

Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it is best to go ahead and replace the spark plugs. You have no idea if the previous owners were "severe" drivers. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine. Severe driving can place even higher demands on the spark plugs and engine.

Many used car dealers boast an extensive multi-point inspection plan prior to the sale of any car but many of these plans don't cover spark plug integrity. Because a failed spark plug can mean disaster for your new purchase it is best to get them replaced by the qualified technicians at Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock.

At Van's Auto Service we recommend replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark. Many car owners delay spark plug replacement until the engine starts "missing." An engine that is "missing" will typically result in a jerking feeling when accelerating. Spark plugs that are severely worn out will create a pinging or knocking sound. These fouled, worn-out spark plugs can lead to extensive engine damage that is expensive to fix. Therefore, replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark is very important.
Three Indicators Your Spark Plugs Need To Be Replaced

1. Rattling, pinging or knocking noises when accelerating
2. Missing, hesitating or jerky feeling when driving
3. Slow acceleration or chugging

Sluggish and reduced performance also causes poor fuel economy. Save money at the pump by taking care of your vehicle's spark plugs.

Come by Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock if you just bought a used car or your vehicle is approaching the 80,000-mile mark to have your spark plugs replaced by one of our qualified pro mechanics. Call today at 828-692-6046 or stop by our service center at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC, 28726.

Don't Forget to Replace Your Car or Truck's Belts

2022-10-01

Remember to Change Your Belts

Drivers in East Flat Rock are busy and it is easy to forget that belts are tirelessly working to keep your engine running. A worn-out belt is a break down waiting to happen. Avoid being stranded on the side of the road and get your belts inspected each time you get an oil change at Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock.

Your car or truck's belts are essential for many of the vehicle's critical components such as water cooling, air conditioning and the alternator. Serpentine belts are used to turn the alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Often when serpentine belts brake your vehicle will stop working completely.

Come to Van's Auto Service to get worn or frayed serpentine belts replaced. Replacing belts when cracked, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear is very inexpensive when compared to having your car or truck towed to our repair shop.

Listen for signs of belt problems. Noise like rattling or slipping in the belt system is a sign of wear. Use your nose to tell you if a belt problem is imminent. The smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt.

At Van's Auto Service when we replace a worn serpentine belt, we check all the components in the serpentine system such as tensioners and pulleys. A typical serpentine belt replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Why risk being stranded when a bad belt can be diagnosed with simple routine maintenance? Get Van's Auto Service to replace your car or truck's serpentine belts as directed by your owner's manual and avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.

Call Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock today at 828-692-6046 to schedule regular maintenance such as belt inspection.

Owning A Car Is A Hidden Cost For College Students

2022-10-01

Car Ownership - A Hidden Cost for College Students in East Flat Rock

Public transportation, Uber or Lyft may be an option for students attending college in large cities but for students attending colleges in small towns the only option may be owning a car. This is particularly true for students attending community colleges where commuting to campus is the only option.

College is expensive and owning a car while attending school is an added expense. Here are the top six expense categories college students should plan for:

1. Fuel
2. Financing
3. Parking permit, annual taxes and registration
4. Insurance
5. Maintenance
6. Tires

Parking permits, licensing, registration and taxes are unavoidable. However here are some recommendations for managing other costs.

• Consider using a gas app that helps you track down the best price in town for gas. Many local gas and convenience stores offer a reward card just for gas.
• Revisit your auto loan. College may be a good time to consider a less expensive car. Call your local credit union and ask them about financing. Some financial institutions offer lower interest rates for car owners who sign up to have their monthly payments deducted directly from their bank account each month.
• Shopping for car insurance may also create a significant savings. If you switch to a less expensive car you may need less coverage. If you are driving less on average this may also lower your insurance costs. Keeping a clean driving record while you are in college can help keep your insurance rates low.
• Come by Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock and let us help you create a solid auto maintenance plan. No one wants to miss class because their car wouldn't start. Regular maintenance on your car will help prevent high-cost car repairs in the future. Maintenance items such as oil changes can also increase fuel efficiency saving you additional money at the gas pump.
• The cost of tires can be a jolt to a college student's budget. Plan to buy tires by setting aside a little money each month. Save on tires by taking advantage of manufacturer rebates.

Call Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock today at 828-692-6046 or stop by our service center for preventive auto maintenance services at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC, 28726.

Van's Auto Service Knows What Older Cars and Trucks Need

2022-10-01

Take Your Older Car or Truck To Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock For Preventative Maintenance

The consumer price index for used cars and trucks jumped up by 40.5% from January 2021 to January 2022. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is rising as many owners of older cars decide it is cheaper to hang on to them than to buy one today.

As cars get older, they need more maintenance and repair. Drivers in East Flat Rock must be more diligent about preventative maintenance. Replacing a bad O2 Sensor costs $250.00 on average. This may increase or decrease based on the make and model of your car or truck. However, performing recommended auto maintenance such as air filter replacement and spark plug replacement can extend the life of your O2 sensor.

Kelly Blue Book reports the average vehicle age in the US is 13.5 years. After five years of ownership the chances of a breakdown or service issue increases dramatically unless drivers are vigilant about preventative maintenance. Come by Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock and let us help you set up a preventative maintenance plan for your car or truck. Sticking to a maintenance plan will minimize the chances of breakdowns, increase fuel efficiency and decrease any future repair costs.

The Top 6 Auto Preventative Maintenance Items to Plan for Today

1. oil change
2. oil and fuel filters
3. belts and hoses
4. brake system components
5. brake and transmission fluid flushes
6. tires and alignment

Van's Auto Service in East Flat Rock is dedicated to helping busy car owners prioritize preventative maintenance. We make it easy with convenient, affordable and friendly service. Call today at 828-692-6046 or stop by our service center at 2109 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC, 28726 and speak to one of our technicians.