One of the most obviously important questions you have to answer is, “How are we going to get there?” Plane, train or automobile (or boat, if you want to be really adventurous)? Comparative cost will likely be a key deciding factor when it comes to choosing your mode of transportation, along with comfort and convenience of course.

If you elect to travel by car and your destination is a considerable distance from home, you might face the dilemma of whether to drive your own vehicle or to get a rental car. As with most things in life, there are pros and cons on each side, and your decision will be based on your unique circumstances as no two cars, budgets or travel itineraries are exactly the same!

Should you take your vehicle or invest in a rental as you travel this summer? Here are a few factors to consider:

Whether you lease or own

Since most leased vehicles have mileage limits built into the lease agreement, you may want to seriously consider getting a rental car for a long road trip (unless you rarely drive that leased vehicle). No need to incur hefty fees for exceeding the mileage cap in order to avoid rental fees!

The condition of your vehicle

If you have an older car with high mileage or known issues, do yourself a favor and take a rental, because nobody wants to spend their hard-earned vacation waiting for the tow-truck on the side of I-95. And hey, rentals are usually a maximum of one year old and many have pretty cool extras that your older vehicle doesn’t. Make the cool rental car part of your vacation!

However, if your vehicle is in good shape (pending a road trip check!) and you have no qualms about putting an extra few thousand miles on it, you probably don’t need a rental car.

Whether you prefer to pay now or later

No matter which way you slice it, driving a car a long distance, whether it’s your own or a rental, costs a pretty penny.

Many people are deterred from renting a car because of the assortment of extra fees rental places charge in addition to the per-day rate, but with a little research and deal-spotting detective work, you can save a lot of money by renting.

Rental costs are upfront (unless you get in an accident, and even then your existing insurance should cover the damages), while the costs of driving your own car are often hidden in the future; the extra wear-and-tear per mile draws the date for scheduled maintenance closer than it would be otherwise and puts a heftier number on the service receipt. The costs of taking your vehicle on a big trip even extend past maintenance fees, especially if you intend to sell it or trade it in eventually, because additional mileage drags down resale value.

If you do decide to take your vehicle on vacation, lessen the risk by keeping up with your regularly scheduled maintenance and by bringing it into American Pride for a road trip check about two weeks before you are set to leave. A road trip check involves the following:

• Tire inspection and refill as needed.
• Car-wide fluid level check and refill
• Inspection of all belts and hoses for cracks and wear
• Brake check
• Battery test
• Exhaust system inspection

We will make sure your car is safe to drive so you can focus on relaxing wherever the summer takes you. Call or contact American Pride today. Happy travels!

Catching possible issues now will save you a world of inconvenience in the coming months, and American Pride can help!  Let’s talk a little more about battery maintenance and how you can get the most life out of yours.

A car battery normally lasts about four years under ideal conditions (a battery that is housed in a mild climate, experiences adequate charging cycles, is supported by a reliable charging system and powers few extra items other than the ignition). Now, since most people do not drive in accordance with these ideal conditions, it’s fair to say that you should expect battery problems anywhere from the three-to-four year mark. With regular testing, this is something you can generally anticipate.

Factors that Affect Battery Life

• Extreme temperatures- Heat, like we said, drains battery life, while extreme cold can serve to prolong it.
• Poor battery connection- If a battery is not securely installed, it will have to work harder than it needs to, thereby depleting its life. Make sure all connections are snug and that there is no corrosion around battery terminals.
• Driving style- Lots of short trips and few longer drives lead to a chronically undercharged battery. Allow your car’s battery to complete its charging cycles by driving for more than 30 minutes at a time at least once a month.
• Electrical system issues- If the electrical system is running at too high of a rate, the battery can overcharge, resulting in depleted life.

Show some love to your vehicle’s battery this season by making a battery test part of your regular vehicle maintenance at American Pride. We’d rather see you drive in than be towed in, so if you have any doubt about your battery’s condition, don’t wait. Stop in today!

Have a fantastic weekend.

Between the late 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s under the regulatory guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency, vehicle manufacturers changed the type of refrigerant used in their A/C systems from R-12 to R-134A. Today, it is the standard refrigerant used in all new vehicles, and it will be until something even more environmentally friendly comes along.

To switch a car made for R-12 to R-134A, to retrofit it, is not as simple as recharging the A/C system with the new refrigerant. The two refrigerants have different chemical properties and require different lubricating oils to cool cars properly and without damaging the system components. What’s more, R-134A requires higher pressure from the compressor than R-12, and without a careful retrofit (including the addition of a high pressure cutoff switch), the new refrigerant will likely break the compressor.  The retrofitting process is different for every vehicle, even those whose manufacturers provide warrantied “retrofit kits” specific to the make and model.

Many classic-car drivers elect to retrofit their A/C systems to run on R-134A but the same number elect to continue using R-12 while it’s still available. Should you retrofit your classic car for R-134A? Consider these factors:

• Environmental impact of R-12. New use of R-12 was originally eliminated because it is a chlorfluorocarbon (commonly known as a CFC), a type of greenhouse gas that was depleting the ozone layer. If you have any extreme convictions about its use in your vehicle, though it’s not likely that your car will do a great deal of damage, maybe you should go ahead with the retrofit.
• Existing A/C problems. If components of your A/C system like the evaporator or condenser already need to be replaced, retrofitting the whole system makes sense.
• Cost. Since the requirements for a retrofit are not one-size-fits-all, the cost of the service (including labor) can range anywhere from $100 to $800 dollars, depending on the complexity of your car’s needs.

Another thing to remember is that retrofitting a low-performing R-12 A/C system won’t necessarily enhance its cooling power. This is even more true if you go for a lower-cost retrofit option that only includes replacement of the refrigerant channels and not the mechanical components like the compressor and evaporator. If your system can’t keep up with the demands of R-134A, it is likely that A/C performance will decline even further after the retrofit.

Deciding whether or not to retrofit an old but well-loved A/C system can be tricky. Let American Pride’s ASE-certified automotive air conditioning experts help you weigh the costs and the benefits. Maybe you just need a few A/C repairs rather than a full retrofit.

Call, contact or stop in to any one of our three locations today for the knowledge and peace of mind you need. Have a great weekend!

May is almost here and even warmer weather is surely on its way! That’s why we want to make sure that your car’s air conditioning system is in tip-top shape before the temps make driving sans A/C a real burden. Even a low functioning, or as we’ll see today, a stinky A/C system can make driving in the heat quite unpleasant and even dangerous.

If you’ve ever turned on your air conditioning during the summer and took a whiff of a wet, moldy scent coming from the vents, you know what we’re talking about. Where does that smell come from and, more importantly, how do you make it go away?! American Pride can help.

But before we get to it,  let’s take a look at a basic overview of the major A/C components:

So the air blowing from your car’s vents is plenty cold, but it’s not smelling like roses. In fact, it’s smelling rather a lot like mildew. Gross.

Most likely, the source of this problem is the growth of mold and bacteria on and under the surface of the evaporator. As cars age, leaves and other organic debris make their way into the evaporator core. Like we mentioned above, the evaporator’s job is to remove humidity from the cabin of the vehicle, so its warm and wet conditions provide the organic debris with the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Want to try and avoid this situation altogether? Make sure to turn off the A/C 4-5 minutes before you reach your destination, running just the fan so that the system can eliminate residual condensation.

It is also helpful to check for debris on and around the A/C system components every once in a while. That way you can apprehend the offenders before they become a real problem.

Now the big question: How do you get rid of the smell? 

Start by opening the hood and locating the evaporator behind the dash.

image courtesy of www.justanswer.com

Grab a can of Lysol and spray the surface of the evaporator. Then turn on the ignition and the  fan (not the compressor). Drive for about 20 minutes and let the system dry out. You can also buy odor-removal kits and pressurized foam disinfectants at auto parts stores if you so choose.

If you try the disinfectant route and the smell doesn’t go away, you might have a deeper problem. Keep in mind that it might be your A/C system’s drainage hose or valve that are blocked with debris, too. If that’s the case, it may be best to bring your vehicle to a professional like American Pride to clear out the system in a safe way. Accordingly, when you visit American Pride for a vehicle tune-up or A/C repair, we will check the condition of your air conditioning system, look for clogged debris and blockages, and make sure that all is clear by the time you drive off the lot.

Call or stop in today to make sure your vehicle’s A/C is ready for the dog days of summer, and check back next week for the third and final part in our Automotive Air Conditioning Series!

image courtesy of: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Are you feeling the heat yet? We know we are, and if your car’s air conditioning isn’t working up to speed, we’re willing to bet you are too. Take heart! American Pride Automotive is here to handle all of your vehicle’s A/C system issues and make sure that you stay cool this summer wherever the road takes you.

Over the next few weeks, the Everything Auto Blog will be all about automotive air conditioning and possible issues your A/C system might face as the weather continues to get hotter.

The first problem we will consider is one that many drivers run into when they first turn on the A/C after a long winter:

Air is blowing, but it isn’t cold! 

If your A/C seems to be operating normally (i.e. no hissing sounds or other alarming noises) but is blowing a bunch of hot air, it’s likely that your vehicle is low on refrigerant and in need of a recharge.

It’s a common misconception that cars gradually lose refrigerant over time due to evaporation. The truth is,  if your vehicle’s refrigerant is low, you’ve got a leak in the system that needs repair. Taking your vehicle to a mechanic for a simple A/C recharge without repairing the source of the leak is a waste of your time and money because the new refrigerant is bound to leak out again. This means that though air is blowing cold as you drive away from the repair shop, chances are that it will be warm again by the time you start your car the next morning!

Unsure if your car’s A/C problem is related to low refrigerant? Turn on the ignition and the A/C and listen closely. You should hear the clicking of the compressor clutch engaging, and if it clicks frequently (or not at all), you can be fairly certain that the car is in need of repair and a recharge. It’s important to repair an air conditioning system leak as soon as you notice the signs. Ignoring it for too long can cause total compressor failure (which is a lot more expensive to fix).

Safety note: Unless you are an ASE-certified mechanic, do not try to repair your vehicle’s air conditioning system yourself. Refrigerant gases are highly pressurized and can seriously injure you if handled improperly.

If you think your car’s air conditioning refrigerant is low, bring it into American Pride. We specialize in A/C repair and maintenance, and we will fully inspect/repair all system components before sending you off with a recharge. Not having any A/C issues? Keep in mind that experts recommend you have your your air conditioning system inspected every two years in order to prevent more serious problems later.

Give American Pride Automotive a call, or stop in. We’re happy to help. And remember to check back next week for more Everything Auto A/C tips!

Pollen. It’s causing the resurgence of allergies and the regrowth of flowers (yin and yang, right?), and it is also most likely all over your vehicle. Turning blue cars green, red cars orange, and white cars a lovely yellow, pollen endlessly frustrates those who are meticulous about keeping their vehicle’s exterior clean and shiny.

Pollen on your windshield can even cause a visibility hazard, especially if your windshield cleaning mechanisms are in need of maintenance. Low wiper fluid and worn wiper blades will make it nearly impossible to push the pollen completely out of your field of vision.

Pollen aside, the season’s increase in frequency of showers and thunderstorms (check out our “Blame it on the Rain” series for tips on safe driving and smart vehicle maintenance in bad weather) makes Spring the perfect time to check your wiper fluid and replace wiper blades!

If you need another reason to give your windshield components a check up, remember that worn blades can cause you to fail your state inspection. Call American Pride if you would like our experts to make sure your wiper system is in working order and repair/replace any faulty components.

If you prefer to make upgrades and minor repairs yourself, follow these steps for replacing worn wiper blades and refilling wiper fluid. We promise that DIY wiper maintenance is a lot easier than DIY engine coolant replacement!

Replacing Your Wiper Blades

Let’s start with the more challenging of the two tasks, replacing wiper blades. Your blades need replacement when the wipers no longer completely clear the windshield in rainy weather and leave streaks of water where they didn’t previously. If you’re still unsure, take a look at the rubber part of the blade. If it’s cracked, dry and without a “rubbery” texture, it’s time to change the blades. A good rule of thumb is to replace your blades every six months, or twice a year.  We’ve included a video below in lieu of a step by step written description.

Consult your owners manual for your vehicle’s wiper blade measurements in order to buy replacements of the correct size. Note that the two blades on your car may not be the same size. One is usually longer than the other.

A safety note before you begin: When handling wiper blades, remember that they are spring loaded. Take care when pulling them out away from the windshield because they can snap back and crack the glass. It’s smart to put a folded towel on the windshield under the blade, just in case. 

This process is easier to follow with visuals than with words. Watch this short video from expertvillage for a quick rundown of how to change your wiper blades. It also includes some tips on preserving the life of the blades.

Refilling Your Wiper Fluid

When it’s time to refill your windshield wiper fluid, a warning light will probably pop up on your dashboard. Another clue will be when fluid no longer sprays on command.

Buy manufactured wiper fluid and be sure to follow all instructions for use on the bottle.

With a cool engine, lift your vehicle’s hood and look for an opaque tank with a cap. The cap will likely have either a windshield icon or some variation on the phrase, “Washer Fluid Only.”

Remove the cap, refill the fluid almost to the top of the tank, replace the cap securely, close the hood and….you’re done! Great job.

Give American Pride a call, contact us via our contact form, or stop in to see us for any and all of your car repair needs. Now get out and enjoy the weather!

American Pride can inspect your radiator system and flush/replace antifreeze, but if you want to do it yourself for the first time, take a look at our handy guide.

*Safety notes:

• Antifreeze is highly toxic. Dispose of it into a container with an airtight lid and take care to not let any wash into storm drains. Check local regulations regarding safe disposal of coolant (Find your Hampton Roads area hazardous waste disposal site here) and keep it away from children and animals!
• Never remove a hot radiator cap. Despite its name, coolant can get VERY hot and will burn you if you don’t flush the system when the engine is cool.
• Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles throughout the whole process.

What you will need:

• 1-2 gallons of antifreeze (Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer recommended type and brand.)
• 2 gallons of distilled water
•  A garden hose
• Radiator flush solution (optional)
• A disposable drainage pan
• A funnel
• A few large, sealable containers

Ok, let’s flush that cooling system! As you proceed, stay on the lookout for cracked or worn hoses and plugs that may need replacement.

1. Drain the old coolant

Place your disposable drainage pan under the vehicle, below the radiator. Assuming that you’ve lifted your hood and have the owner’s manual on hand, find the radiator drain plug. It will be along the bottom of the radiator and might be a screw plug, a bolt plug, or a petcock. If it’s a screw or a bolt, remove it completely. If it’s a petcock, open it all the way and let the old coolant drain into the pan.

Once all the coolant has drained, close the petcock (or replace the screw/bolt) and use the funnel to transfer the old fluid to one of the sealable containers.

2. Flush the system

It’s flushing time! Remove the radiator fill-cap and, if you choose to use it, pour in a container of flush solution.  Then take the garden hose and fill the rest of the upper radiator with water. With the drainage pan under the radiator, open the petcock and allow the water to pour out. Repeat this process until the water comes out clear. Dispose of the rinsing water like you did the old coolant in a sealable container. Close the petcock.

3. Add fresh coolant

When you’re certain that the system is squeaky clean, you can add the new coolant. Unless your car calls specifically for premixed 50/50 antifreeze, fill half of the compartment with distilled water and the other half with the unmixed antifreeze. Do not replace the radiator cap just yet!

4. Bleed the system

Now it’s time to “bleed” the system, which is merely the process of eliminating air pockets from the radiator system. With the radiator cap off, start your engine. Let it run for about 10 minutes and then turn your heater on to its highest setting for about another 10. Turn your vehicle off and let the engine cool.

5. Tie up loose ends

Carefully add a little more antifreeze to replace any lost in the bleeding process and replace the fill-cap.  You’re almost good to go, but wait!

Double check that no coolant has leaked under your car. Even a small puddle can make its way into storm drains or prove fatal to curious animals. Collect the sealed containers and get them to a hazardous waste disposal facility ASAP. And make sure you wash your hands, even if you wore gloves.

Flushing and replacing your coolant on a regular basis can help you avoid the dreaded smoking engine and maximize your car’s performance for the long term. American Pride recommends changing antifreeze every two years (but check your owner’s manual for the maker’s recommendation). When you bring your vehicle to us for this service, we don’t stop at just draining and refilling your coolant. Instead, our team performs a full radiator inspection and flushing service that includes:

• System inspection and pressure test for leaks
• Addition of flush chemicals to the radiator
• Power-flushing system through flush machine
• Refilling system with proper amount of anti-freeze
• Addition of sealant/lubricant to the system
• A 6-month/6,000-mile warranty

Does your radiator system need a tuneup or perhaps some repairs? American Pride is here to give you expert service and answers to any automotive questions you might have. Call, contact us or stop in today.

You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong?

Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what?

First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it to dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydrolocked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine.

Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips:

1. Take no chances on puddles

Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system.

2. If you must take a chance, take it slow and steady

When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off.

3. Keep a roadside emergency kit handy

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include:

• 12-foot jumper cables
• Four 15 minute road flares
• Two quarts of oil
• A gallon of antifreeze
• A first-aid kit.
• Find the rest of the list here

We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.

image: freedigitalphotos.net

At American Pride, we are all about keeping you and your family out of harm’s way. We do this by giving you the expert care and car care tips you need to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable. As Spring approaches, we want to offer drivers some advice about the hazards of wet weather. In two parts, “The Everything Auto Blog: Blame it On the Rain” series will help you stay safe in even the stormiest spring weather.

Rainy spring weather means two things for drivers in Hampton Roads: 1) Summer and warm weather are on their way (load up the beach chairs!), and 2) Decreased visibility, slippery roads, and occasional flooding.  Heed the following tips to make certain your car is ready for the dangers posed by spring showers.

1. Check the tread on your tires

Be confident that your vehicle can traverse the slipperiest of terrains by replacing worn tires as soon as possible. A thin tread is no match for water deeper than itself and can pose great risk to you and your family, especially when rain first starts coming down.

To check your tread depth, the Care Care Council recommends placing a penny in the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s whole head, it’s time for new tires. Quickly and at a reasonable cost, American Pride can replace your tires and double check to make sure your alignment and suspension systems are working properly. Don’t take a chance on worn tires.

2. Check your brakes

Your brakes are an important defense against accidents in conditions when visibility is decreased.  If they’ve been squealing, your brake pads have likely worn down and it’s time to replace the pads before they are ground to the rotors. Call or stop in at American Pride  to get a brake check and, if need be, get your brake pads replaced.

If your car is not equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and you are driving in wet weather, be sure to brake lightly in slippery conditions and if you lose control of your vehicle, don’t press on the brake as it will lock and make matters worse. Conversely, cars with ABS should brake firmly in a skid.

After passing through a deep water hazard, be sure to check that your brakes aren’t saturated. It’s best to avoid such hazards altogether, but doing so can be especially difficult at night. We’ll focus on what to do if your car stalls in deep water next week.

3. Keep Your Windshield Wipers Ready For Action

Fresh windshield wipers and wiper fluid can make all the difference on a rainy, hazardous day. Wiper blades are a cheap but vital vehicle component and you should replace them once a year in order to maximize visibility.

Is your car ready for warmer days and the rainstorms that come along with them? Check back next week for more tips and tricks for driving in nasty weather, and call or contact American Pride if you have any questions about vehicle repair or maintenance. We’re here for you!

Image Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We’re all familiar with the car sale adage, “A new car loses its value the minute you drive it off the lot.” It’s the kind of thing you know but don’t care about at the time because hey! You got a new car! But chances are, you are going to sell that car in a matter of years and understanding how to preserve its resale value during ownership is key. Here are few tips on preserving your car’s worth while still enjoying vehicle-ownership (a beautiful thing).

Drive Safely

This is first and foremost for any driver looking to preserve not only a car’s value, but also the health and safety of everyone who gets in for a ride. Aggressive maneuvers, excessive speeding and distracted driving all dramatically increase accident risk, and car accidents sharply decrease vehicle value and serve as huge red flags for future prospective buyers. Even a car that looks good-as-new when repaired after the accident still depreciates in value

Of course, accidents happen even when we take steps to prevent them. If you do get in a wreck, however minor, be sure to keep all police reports, insurance reports and mechanical service records and be ready to offer an explanation of the impact on the vehicle.

Keep it Shiny and Clean Inside and Out

Aesthetic appeal is obviously a big deciding factor for anyone buying a car, especially a used car. They want a vehicle that has been well-taken care of and looks just about as good as new. How can you make sure that your car’s exterior stands the test of time?

• Park in the shade and away from other vehicles if you can. This helps avoid paint fading and unnecessary dents and dings.
• Wash your car once a week (either by hand or at a mechanical car wash) and use a cleaning recommended by the car’s manufacturer. Dish detergent tends to strip away paint sealant.
• Polish your vehicle once a month.

When it comes to the interior, the best thing you can do is enforce a no-eating-or-drinking policy. It’s a tough policy to follow with a busy lifestyle, but a clean and nice smelling vehicle is worth it. If that is totally out of the question for you, be sure to keep a bag in the car for trash (and maybe initially choose a car with a dark interior). Getting the vehicle professionally detailed every few months is also wise.

Pay close attention to regularly scheduled maintenance

Lest we sound like a broken record, keeping your car in good running order by going to a trustworthy mechanic for tune-ups, regular oil changes and repair is one of the best things you can do to help your car maintain its value. Along with safe driving, vigilant car care and maintenance will make all the difference in a vehicle’s resale value.

It’s important that you keep a folder of records from every visit to the mechanic in order to show prospective buyers hard evidence of the car’s history of attentive care. When you bring your car to American Pride Automotive, we provide honest service and detailed records of auto maintenance and repairs.

Perhaps you are on the other side of this discussion and looking for a new-to-you used car. In that case, American Pride has an impressive inventory of cars whose previous owners took all the steps above to preserve the beauty and functionality of their vehicles. Call, contact, or come in to American Pride today to see what we have to offer. In the meantime, you can check out our inventory of used cars here.

Enjoy your weekend!

image: freedigitalphotos.net