Monday, December 7, 2009
We are finally in the new shop
To better serve our customers we have finally moved into our new and larger facility at 4808 Hargrove Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616. The new shop is just one block west off Spring Forest Rd (take a left on Hargrove and we are the 4th driveway on the left) from our previous location. We are not completely settled in yet, we have a few more things left on the to do list but we are up and running at the new location. Please come by and take a look around, we think you will be impressed.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fall Into Good Car Maintenance Habits
Fall into good car maintenance habits now, and keep your car in excellent condition for years to come.
While your vehicle might have cruised through warmer weather, cold weather can set in before you realize the leaves have fallen. It's important to remember that vehicles need seasonal adjusting if you don't want to get caught out in the cold. Autumn is a great time for automotive maintenance and repair. It gives us time to repair the wear and tear and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead.
Following a simple maintenance checklist will save you time and money by extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring safer operation. To keep your car in top shape and running smoothly as we transition into cooler months, here are four big tips to keep in mind:
Tires lose pressure every month, and more when the temperatures drop. To maintain proper pressure, check your tires monthly and make sure they're filled up to their recommended PSI rating (which can be found on the driver’s side door paneling, in the owner's manual or sometimes on the tires themselves). Drivers should also check the tread on the tires regularly for wear; replace excessively worn tires. If it has been over 5,000 miles since your tires have last been rotated, it is important to do so because there's a risk of having one tire wear more significantly than the others.
Lower temperatures can add stress on your engine. To prevent engine wear, change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. A switch to synthetic oil, if you're not using it already, will help your car operate more efficiently. Synthetic motor oils are specifically designed to protect your engine in wide temperature ranges. For example, synthetic 5W-30 flows rapidly to critical engine parts during cold start-ups, provides outstanding wear protection and keeps engines clean and running smoothly.
The cooling system (radiator) should be checked for leaks and low levels. Additionally, it should be flushed and refilled as recommended in the owner's manual. When checking, remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. While coolant may mostly be associated with warmer weather, a vehicle's coolant (or antifreeze) is equally important in the colder months to make sure the vehicle can withstand the temperatures. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is the usual recommendation.
If you haven't had your yearly-recommended basic tune-up, now's the time to have that done. Cooler weather will only make existing problems worse. A tune-up will correct engine problems such as stalling and diminished power, and will also ensure that fluid levels (for brakes, transmission, windshield washer, etc.) are topped off or replaced if needed.
Even if you prep your car for winter weather, a little planning can make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Carry an extra jacket, hat and gloves, along with a pair of boots, and keep blankets in the trunk. You should also keep some road flares on hand, as well as a flashlight, cell phone charger and portable shovel-just in case. Preparation now will make sure you keep your car performing well throughout the winter months ahead. Give Pinnacle Automotive Service a call to schedule an appointment today.
While your vehicle might have cruised through warmer weather, cold weather can set in before you realize the leaves have fallen. It's important to remember that vehicles need seasonal adjusting if you don't want to get caught out in the cold. Autumn is a great time for automotive maintenance and repair. It gives us time to repair the wear and tear and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead.
Following a simple maintenance checklist will save you time and money by extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring safer operation. To keep your car in top shape and running smoothly as we transition into cooler months, here are four big tips to keep in mind:
Tires: Good Pressure, Little Wear and Rotation
Tires lose pressure every month, and more when the temperatures drop. To maintain proper pressure, check your tires monthly and make sure they're filled up to their recommended PSI rating (which can be found on the driver’s side door paneling, in the owner's manual or sometimes on the tires themselves). Drivers should also check the tread on the tires regularly for wear; replace excessively worn tires. If it has been over 5,000 miles since your tires have last been rotated, it is important to do so because there's a risk of having one tire wear more significantly than the others.
Oil: Switch to Synthetic
Lower temperatures can add stress on your engine. To prevent engine wear, change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. A switch to synthetic oil, if you're not using it already, will help your car operate more efficiently. Synthetic motor oils are specifically designed to protect your engine in wide temperature ranges. For example, synthetic 5W-30 flows rapidly to critical engine parts during cold start-ups, provides outstanding wear protection and keeps engines clean and running smoothly.
Cooling System: Flush and Refill
The cooling system (radiator) should be checked for leaks and low levels. Additionally, it should be flushed and refilled as recommended in the owner's manual. When checking, remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. While coolant may mostly be associated with warmer weather, a vehicle's coolant (or antifreeze) is equally important in the colder months to make sure the vehicle can withstand the temperatures. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is the usual recommendation.
Connect with your Battery
Be sure the connections on your battery are free of corrosion and solid. If your battery is older (more than three years old), we can test it for you to make sure it will not leave you stranded on a cold winter morning.
Full Engine Tune-up: Systems and Fluid Levels
If you haven't had your yearly-recommended basic tune-up, now's the time to have that done. Cooler weather will only make existing problems worse. A tune-up will correct engine problems such as stalling and diminished power, and will also ensure that fluid levels (for brakes, transmission, windshield washer, etc.) are topped off or replaced if needed.
Even if you prep your car for winter weather, a little planning can make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Carry an extra jacket, hat and gloves, along with a pair of boots, and keep blankets in the trunk. You should also keep some road flares on hand, as well as a flashlight, cell phone charger and portable shovel-just in case. Preparation now will make sure you keep your car performing well throughout the winter months ahead. Give Pinnacle Automotive Service a call to schedule an appointment today.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Do You Qualify for These Discounts?
Happy Friday,
We offer discounts to several area employers and groups. We offer a 10% Discount of labor to the following businesses:
Wake Med Employees
Duke Employees
Coastal Federal Credit Union Employees
Carquest Employees
NC State University Employees (Wolfperks)
Just let us know before you check out that you qualify for the discount to save 10%
Have a Great Weekend
We offer discounts to several area employers and groups. We offer a 10% Discount of labor to the following businesses:
Wake Med Employees
Duke Employees
Coastal Federal Credit Union Employees
Carquest Employees
NC State University Employees (Wolfperks)
Just let us know before you check out that you qualify for the discount to save 10%
Have a Great Weekend
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pinnacle Automotive Service Recognized by the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Program
We are proud to announce that Pinnacle Automotive Service has earned the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition as prescribed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). There are only 44 shops in North Carolina and only 9 in the Triangle that have earned Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition. The Blue Seal of Excellence program is a recognition program for businesses striving to be the best, and willing to prove their commitment. ASE a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service by means of voluntary testing and certification for automotiverepair and service professionals.
To be eligible for this recognition, a company must have 75% of its automotive professionals ASE certified. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered. To remain in the program, a business must renew each year and confirm their professionals' certification status. Stop by, we will be glad to show you our credentials.
To be eligible for this recognition, a company must have 75% of its automotive professionals ASE certified. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered. To remain in the program, a business must renew each year and confirm their professionals' certification status. Stop by, we will be glad to show you our credentials.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
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