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January 26, 2012
Maybe you’ve done well with your New Year’s resolution…or maybe you haven’t. Either way, St. Louis AAMCO encourages you to add another to the list – be aware of the scheduled maintenance your car, truck or SUV needs to stay happy and healthy! While your vehicle’s owner manual will give you all of these specifications, we wanted to provide some suggestions that you just may overlook!
We suggest every two years or 24,000 miles. Our transmission filter and fluid change service includes: transmission fluid drain, fluid refill, filter replacement and leak check.
Keep an eye out for batteries three years old and older. We throw in alternator and starter work in our Power System Service which includes: battery, alternator, starter and starter component testing and replacement, plus fuse locator service and replacement.
Having St. Louis AAMCO doing a brake fluid flush about once a year is ideal, but when it comes to specific brake system repairs and checks, it’s best to bring it into your nearest St. Louis AAMCO location if you’re experiencing some trouble. From there, our Brake System Service should cover any problems!
We think it’s best to check once a year. Leaks, damage or loose mounting hardware can arise and cause big trouble. Our Shocks and Struts Service covers all aspects of the system when you need it.
While cracks, leaks, looseness or glazing can occur on those belts and hoses at any time, we suggest a check and possible replacement at least every four years. Typically between every 36,000-60,000 miles, these items need attention. St. Louis AAMCO’s Tune Up Service includes a thorough check!
Some of the more common (and less overlooked!) maintenance services include:
Fuel, engine, cabin air filter replacement, coolant/antifreeze check, headlight and taillight bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, windshield washer and power steering fluid refill and of course, the undeniable oil and filter change.
You’re in luck. St. Louis AAMCO can be your one-stop for all these maintenance tasks. Stop in and see us at any of our locations to get taken care of!
January 12, 2012
The last thing you want when St. Louis is well into freezing temperatures is a car battery that’s dead. But if it’s any comfort, your car battery is working extra hard during these months to make sure you need to get where you’re going, but the extreme conditions do make it difficult. There are many factors that can contribute to the cranking, clicking or dead silence you hear when trying to start your car. Here are a couple STL AAMCO hears often!
Neglect
Alright, not in the way you may think! Your car battery is charged by your car’s alternator. During winter, the alternator is busy powering your front and rear defrosters, the heat to keep you warm and your headlights. After each demanding trip with work from the alternator, your car battery wasn’t able to gain a full charge. Tip: Make sure your alternator is at full capacity.
Quick Trips
Let’s be honest, no one likes to get out and about too much when the temperatures are almost unbearable. So when we do have to make a trip, usually we don’t want to go far. Your car battery isn’t able to warm up and retain any charge when it’s consistently turning on and off. Tip: If you can warm up your car before heading out, you’re giving the car battery a bit of a break!
So what can you do to avoid being stranded while trying to leave for work or head home from the grocery store?
Charge Up
If you have a garage, park your car in there to protect the car battery from the cold. According to the Battery Council International, a fully-charged car battery only has two-thirds of power available once temperatures drop to 32F.
Be Cautious
Even after your car starts after a few tries, in most cases there is still an issue with the car battery. In other cases, if you notice your headlights or taillights dimming, and then brightening occasionally, the alternator may be on its way out.
STL AAMCO has multiple ASE-Certified technicians readily available to give your car a check. We aren’t just transmission experts – call us today or schedule your appointment online!
November 22, 2011
Pretty soon that defrost button is going to be pushed almost each and every morning. And while we may dread the St. Louis cold, our cars won’t necessarily enjoy it either unless you’ve prepared them for the elements. Just as we have certain needs throughout the year, our cars are no exception!
Here is a list of items to consider checking as the cold temperatures close in!
Battery
The last thing you want is getting stuck somewhere in the cold with a car that won’t start. Make sure your battery is fully charged and working correctly.
Shocks and Struts
Did someone say potholes? Ensuring the condition of your shocks and struts makes for a smoother, safer ride.
Wiper Blades
Once that sleet and snow hits, wiper blades are essential. Not only are you saving yourself a headache, but you’re keeping yourself and other drivers safe.
Brakes
Brake pads especially need attention as they’ve thinned out from summer travels. Ice, sleet, snow, rain – you name it. Be prepared to stop quickly in nasty conditions.
Headlights and Taillights
It’s a sad loss when the days become shorter. Headlights and taillights become a constant. Make sure they’re working, especially when conditions make visibility a challenge.
Fluids
Key fluids include antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission. And we suggest a splurge on some de-icing windshield washer fluid! It can be quite calming when the sleet is coming down hard!
AAMCO St. Louis is ready and willing to help with your vehicle’s winter preparation and care. Be sure to schedule an appointment at any of our area locations before freezing temperatures are here to stay and we get that first storm!
September 16, 2011
In addition to general maintenance that car owners must perform for the upkeep of their vehicle, Illinois and Missouri have some specifications as well. Odds are you’ve heard a thing or two about Emissions Testing!
Emissions Testing was enabled as a continuing effort to regulate the amount of pollution emitted from motor vehicles in the St. Louis and Metro-East areas. With motor vehicles being the leading source of air pollution in our area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated certain counties in both states to undergo an emissions and safety inspection. These areas include St. Louis City, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Louis and St. Charles counties, as well as the majority of Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties in Illinois.
How do I know if my vehicle needs Emissions Testing?
More often than not, the Missouri or Illinois Secretary of State will issue the need for emissions testing (when necessary) prior to renewing your license plates. As a general rule, all 1996 and newer gas-powered passenger vehicles require testing. Diesel-powered vehicles that require testing differ from state to state. To see the required and exempt vehicles list, please click your appropriate state: Missouri or Illinois.
There are several locations in the St. Louis and Metro-East area. Testing for Illinois is performed at an Air Team test station at no cost. Locations can be found here. In Missouri, testing can be performed by certified repair and diagnostic shops of your choice. The emissions testing fee in Missouri should not exceed $24 and the safety inspection should not exceed $12. Results from your tests should be brought along when renewing your license plates. Various AAMCO locations throughout the area can provide testing, such as St. Charles Center, Oakville, Arnold (safety inspection only) and Ballwin. Be sure to check with your nearest location!
What is my vehicle fails?
If your vehicle fails, the inspector will provide a Vehicle Inspection Report containing detailed test results. In most cases, repairs need to be made in order to retest and successfully pass. These repairs can be performed by a professional or by the car’s owner. In some cases, a waiver can be provided if a vehicle fails the first test and the re-test. State specifications can be found here: Missouri or Illinois.
We want our current and potential customers to know that AAMCO is always ready and willing to diagnose and provide repairs, or just answer a simple question about your vehicle. The years we’ve put in provide us with great experience and suggestions to pass along.
August 11, 2011
Are you on Facebook? Well AAMCO St. Louis is, too!
AAMCO St. Louis has been involved in the social media world for some time now, but we’re kicking it up a notch. Facebook and Twitter are ways we can connect with you and provide some customer service, all while you’re on the go and can’t manage to make a quick phone call. So
 AAMCO St. Louis on Facebook? You bet! we encourage you to join our turf.
Our AAMCO St. Louis Facebook business page was recently put in place so we can provide car care tips, maintenance suggestions, stories about the auto industry, answer questions you may have, provide the customer service you deserve, and, of course, inform you about any current or upcoming specials! Who doesn’t love a special?
Car care is our thing, but that goes right along with providing our loyal customers with top-notch customer service and the opportunity to call on us any time you need. We’re confident that Facebook and Twitter can be a means that we further those lines of communication, provide that customer service and ensure you’ll call on us for whatever you may need.
AAMCO St. Louis strives to deliver information we think our customers could benefit from. But we know in order to best serve you, we need your input! Facebook and Twitter allows us to deliver answers you may have about car care, maintenance, brakes, transmissions, oil changes – you name it. We want you to know you can count on us!
The next time you’re fumbling around on Facebook and you just so happen to remember you needed to bring your car in for an oil change, tune-up, recharge – head on over to the AAMCO St. Louis page for information. If you link to our website, we make it even easier to get your car in with the ability to schedule your appointment online. It’s one more way we’re trying to best serve you!
August 3, 2011
Temperature gauge got you down? With temperatures like we’ve seen in the St. Louis area, it’s no secret that the possibility of your car overheating or replacing the water pump is a troubling thought. While most modern cars have the technology to avoid overheating and the temperature gauge remains regulated, older cars may not be as fortunate. Although in some cases, a modernized car may not be a match to situations such as stop-and-go traffic or a hilly commute.
It’s easy to get in our car and put the AC on full blast after it’s been sitting in the heat for an extended period of time. The heat is nearly blistering and you want relief! But it’s important to monitor the status of your car during these extreme conditions. Your belts and water pump could be working overtime. If a malfunction indicator light appears and you find the temperature gauge is consistently climbing, follow these steps in order to tend to your car overheating trouble.
 Regular maintenance checks can avoid this! Shut off your air conditioner and open your windows.
One contributor to your car overheating is the engine having to work too hard – give it a break!
If the temperature gauge continues to rise, turn on heater and blower.
It may seem like the most awful thing to do in the current heat, but it will allow the heat to transfer from the engine to the passenger compartment. Hang in there, it will decrease the chances of the car overheating!
If possible, shift to neutral or park and rev the engine a bit.
The speed increase of the water pump and fan draws more liquid and air through the radiator and, in turn, assists in a cool down.
Coast as much as possible.
Especially when you’re in stop-and-go traffic, consistently accelerating and braking causes the engine to work harder and maintain an elevated temperature.
If the temperature gauge keeps climbing, pull over to safety.
The suggestions above may not work for every situation, so be cautious. Once pulled over, open the hood and let things cool down. Remember to never open the radiator cap while the engine is overheated. If you must add water, try to make sure you add it after the engine has cooled as much as possible.
Adding water is just a quick fix to an overheating car. Replacing a water pump or belt is routine maintenance for your car. Be sure to bring your car to the closest AAMCO location for us to take a look. Whether the water pump is leaking coolant or a belt is deteriorating, we can provide you with the answers to get back on the road.
July 19, 2011
 It may be time for a tune-up. That is if you’re wanting to get the most out of your car, truck or SUV. With high temperatures, a tune-up can increase performance, maximize your gas mileage and the overall lifespan of your vehicle. You’re specific driving habits can determine when is the best time for a tune-up. In some cases, you may detect the need for a tune-up when your gas mileage worsens by 10% or more or you’ve put on an extra 15,000 miles. AAMCO offers a full-service work up of your vehicle. Check out what’s included in our tune-up service!
- Overall inspection and adjustment of all operating systems
- Installation of new spark plugs
- Inspect choke, throttle, spark plug wires, distributor cap, idle speed adjustment
- Performance check to ensure no presence of computer system trouble
- AAMCO’s 36-Point ProtectCheck Inspection
Be sure to check your car’s owner manual for any tune-up specifications. To make your AAMCO visit even easier, you can schedule services online at your preferred location. As always, any questions – give us a call. So what are you waiting for? Starting saving money on trips to the gas station and get in for your tune-up!
June 29, 2011
We’re sure the idea of using an arc instead of your vehicle to navigate the flash flood waters of the St. Louis area has crossed your mind once or twice in the past couple weeks. Floodwaters covering the roadway are quite an annoyance, but they’re also not something that any driver should take lightly. The truth of the matter is, you are potentially putting yourself in extreme danger, and the damage to your car can be significant. Practicing preventative roadside safety before you even encounter a flooded roadway could keep you and your vehicle from danger. Here are some points AAMCO has compiled to keep you aware of the risks.
 See a warning? Turn around! Often times, you may believe the water on the road is shallow enough to cross, but as AAMCO suggests – don’t risk it! Water has the power to hide dips and uneven roadways, so you’re exposing yourself to further danger. A simple six inches of water can reach of bottom of most passenger vehicles and has the power to cause stalling or loss of traction control. Anywhere from six inches to one foot of water can surpass the tire of a vehicle and cause it to float, and two feet of rushing water can completely relocate a car, truck or SUV. If you have the ability to safely exit the vehicle after it stalls, do so as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Any amount of excess water entering your vehicle can potentially cause an issue. If your car stalls or shuts down while in water – do not try to restart it. This can ultimately cause further ‘flooding’ problems. Be sure to wait for roadside assistance. By steering clear of flooded roadways, you’re avoiding electrical, mechanical and even interior battles that you’ll face.
Following a battle with a flood, our best advice is to have the vehicle transferred to an AAMCO facility so we can assess any damages. Again, starting your vehicle following flood damage can cause additional problems!
While it may be a rare occurrence to encounter a flooded roadway, sometimes other car problems such as that awful flat tire, can arise while on a long trip or a simple trip to the grocery store that may unexpectedly require a little roadside safety. It’s important as a driver to practice efficient roadside safety and have information on necessary resources for roadside assistance. You not only need to care for your car, but for yourself and other motorists as well.
Whether you find yourself amidst a flooded roadway or stranded because of a flat tire, remember these few essential roadside safety tips:
- Immediately turn on your emergency signals.
- Pull as far to the right shoulder as possible.
- Turn off your car to avoid wasting gas and potentially worsening the reason for the break down.
- Reference your list of contact numbers for roadside assistance.
- If it’s safe, stay in your car with the doors locked until roadside assistance arrives.
- Be aware of your location if you need to call for roadside assistance.
- Do not try to change a tire if it is too close to the roadway with passing motorists.
Furthering your roadside safety preparedness, it is wise to have an emergency roadside kit on-hand with items such as flares, flashlight, batteries, gloves, blanket, emergency triangles, a small tool kit, Fix-a-Flat tire inflator and first-aid kit. And of course, a list of AAMCO locations!
Keep safe this summer St. Louis, and remember, AAMCO is here to serve when you need us.
June 3, 2011
The extreme temperatures in St. Louis are forcing us to reach for the A/C dial in our vehicle to get that much-needed blast of cool air. But what happens when nothing happens when you flip the switch? Call or visit your nearest AAMCO, of course. The last thing you want to do is wait until it is 99 degrees with no relief!
For a limited time, customers can receive a FREE Air Conditioning Quick Check with the coupon found on our Specials page. We’ll visually inspect hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks, check temperature readings, check that your compressor is operating properly, and inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.
If necessary, air conditioning services provided by AAMCO include:
- Inspection of air conditioning components for possible damage
- Refrigerant evacuation and recharging
- Repair and replacement of your compressor, evaporator, condenser or electrical controls
- Repair and replacement of your air conditioner fan
As always, every car, truck or SUV will receive our 36-point ProtectCheck Inspection. Give us a call with any questions regarding your A/C or be sure visit us today!
May 17, 2011
Nothing ruins a summer road trip faster than car problems. As you plan for Memorial Day getaways and summer vacations, don’t forget that your car plays a critical role in getting where you’re going.
Warmer weather can alter car parts and your engine’s efficiency. A coolant check is a critical step in a pre-trip review to ensure the engine will not overheat on long drives. If the liquid mixture is dirty or old, a radiator flush may be needed. If you are planning on hauling something with your SUV or truck, such as a boat or an RV, be sure to take this pre-vacation step into consideration .
A long car ride can be miserable if it’s a long hot car ride with a broken air-conditioner. Ensure yours is in perfect working order before you leave.
The ice and snow of winter are harsh on your car’s brakes, which can result in damage that continues into the summer. Essential not only to your car’s success, but also to your family’s safety, brakes should be checked on a regular basis, especially if you are hauling any equipment or baggage for your trip.
All of these problems can be avoided by visiting your local AAMCO. A certified technician can check your car several weeks before a big trip to avoid any unexpected road trip troubles.
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