Car Questions

Ask Tommy questions about problems with your car. We answer basic car repair questions to complicated problems that nobody has been able to fix. For more information about our repair services visit our car repair page.

Teaching Your College Drivers About Car Maintenance

September 11, 2024 – 8:03 pm

Whether your college student is off to West Chester University, Chester County CC, or another nearby university, one of your top priorities is ensuring your child’s safety, both on and off campus. While your student may be excited about the newfound freedom of driving, it’s crucial to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills to maintain their vehicle properly. Teaching your college drivers about car maintenance not only helps them stay safe but also saves money and fosters responsible driving habits.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance is essential for the longevity and performance of a vehicle. Neglecting tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections can lead to costly repairs down the line. Educating your college driver about the significance of these maintenance tasks can help them avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep their car running smoothly.

Understanding the Basics of Car Maintenance

Start by teaching your student the basics of car maintenance, including:

Oil Changes. Explain how often to check and change the oil based on their vehicle’s requirements.
Tire Care. Tire maintenance is an important and easy aspect of car care. Show them how to check tire pressure and tread depth regularly, highlight the importance of rotating tires, and give them hands-on instruction for changing a tire.
Brake Inspection. Teach them to listen for unusual noises and understand when brake pads need replacement.
Fluid Levels. Discuss monitoring fluid levels, such as coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Air Filters. Explain the importance of replacing air filters periodically to maintain engine efficiency.

Encourage them to refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules tailored to their car model – if they have any questions, our team at Tommy’s is nearby and would be happy to help!

Car Maintenance Tips for College Students

Budgeting for Car Maintenance

College students often operate with limited budgets, making it essential to understand the financial implications of car ownership. Discuss the typical costs associated with routine maintenance and potential repairs (and the benefits of efficient driving), encouraging them to set aside funds specifically for these expenses.

Creating a Savings Plan

Suggest establishing a dedicated savings account or fund for car maintenance. This approach helps prevent the need to use their general funds for unexpected repairs. Encourage them to contribute a small amount each month to build a cushion for future expenses.

Developing Maintenance Habits

Establishing good habits is crucial for ensuring your college driver stays on top of their car’s maintenance. Teach them to incorporate regular checks into their weekly or monthly routine.

Creating Car Maintenance Reminders

Teach them to set reminders in your student’s phone calendar to help them remember the essential tasks mentioned in this blog.

Empowering Your College Driver for the Road Ahead

By teaching your college student the importance of regular car maintenance and providing them with tools and resources, you’re helping them stay safe on the road while fostering lifelong responsible driving habits. Empower your college driver to take an active role in maintaining their vehicle; this knowledge will serve them well throughout their college years and beyond. For routine maintenance or service, or if your student has questions about their vehicle, contact Tommy’s today.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Auto Tips, Maintenence Questions | Comments Off

Summer Driving Tips

June 14, 2024 – 12:10 pm

Temperatures are heating up and one of the best ways to escape the heat is by taking a drive. Whether you set off to the beach, a nearby tourist destination, or you decide you want to spend some time in an air-conditioned car – a summer drive can be the refresh you need. Before you gas up and hit the road, there are some summer driving tips to consider.

Making the Most of Your Summer Drive

Getting caught up in the excitement of a road trip can mean you overlook some important things. One of the worst things that can happen during a road trip is having your vehicle break down on a hot summer day. To avoid this mishap, we highly recommend checking the following before you head out.

The Cooling System: Take a look at the coolant container under your hood and top it off if necessary. If you need to add coolant more than once in 6 months, or if you smell a sweet burning odor, you probably have a leak. Also, if you can’t remember the last time your coolant was flushed, it’s a good idea to have that done. Dirty fluid can clog parts of your cooling system and cause your vehicle to overheat.
Tire Pressure: Be sure you check your tire pressure on all tires and make sure it is in the recommended range. Remember that there is a difference between the maximum pressure listed on the tire and the recommended pressure (for every 10 degrees tire pressure increases by one pound). If your tires were filled in the freezing cold this winter, they may be over pressurized in the summer heat. For those of you packing your car to the brim for vacation, it’s not a bad idea to look for recommended tire pressure for “heavy loads” in your owner’s manual. If you’re taking a long trip, you should invest in a full-size spare tire if you don’t have one already.
The Oil: Driving long distances in excessive heat puts a lot of stress on your motor oil. If you are due for an oil change, don’t wait until after your trip. Oil that has been used for more than 3,000 miles breaks down more easily and can put more wear on your engine. If you are taking a heavy load or towing a trailer, some car manufacturers recommend using a thicker type of oil that is better suited for the heat.
The Air Conditioning: Turn on your AC to make sure you are getting nice cold air out of the vents. If it is not as cold as you remember, it is probably time to have your AC recharged. If you are getting cold air, then your AC system is working and there is no need to get it checked. If your AC is not working and you think you can tough it out, be careful. In some newer cars, the AC is tied to several other components that may not function correctly if the AC is in need of repair.

Get a Vehicle Check-Up at Tommy’s This Summer

If you don’t have the time or the knowledge to check the major elements of your vehicle before you take your summer drive, it is important to trust someone who does. Tommy’s has the experience and the reputation to keep your vehicle road-worthy – no matter the season or the temperature. Here are some things we routinely check:

The Cooling System: Including the radiator, coolant, belts, hoses, cooling fans, heater core and water pump.
Tires: Check tread depth, uneven wear, and tire pressure.
The Front End: Check ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering components.
Change the Oil: Look for leaks.
Check the Air Conditioning System: Refrigerant level, compressor clutch, and belts.
Check the Tranny: Are you close to the recommended service interval? Is the fluid nice and clean? Any leaks?

Ready to cool off, see new sites, and maybe take a dip at the beach? Schedule your vehicle inspection or oil change today.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Auto Tips, Driveability | Comments (0)

Make Sure Your Battery Doesn’t Leave You Out in the Cold

March 4, 2022 – 6:12 am

It can be one of the most miserable experiences in a person’s life . . . dealing with a dead battery on the side of the road in frigid temperatures. As cold temperatures set in, it is crucial to inspect your battery before you end up in that situation. If you have a dead battery, your vehicle will not start. This can happen because of cold weather or a battery that is worn out. Because a battery is such a simple part of your car, it is easy to forget this vital inspection when cold weather sets in.

Increasing the Life of Your Battery

Once you purchase a new car battery, you should have between 7 to 10 years of life in it. This depends on how many times the battery is used and what kind of conditions you use it in. Starting a vehicle in temperatures below freezing will shorten your battery life considerably. There are some ways to lengthen your battery life, though.

Turn off accessories when not in use, this includes your radio, headlights, overhead lights, etc.
Keep your vehicle warm by parking in the garage.
Purchase heating pads that are made specifically for your battery to keep it from succumbing to the frigid temps.
Apply anti-corrosion to the battery terminals to prevent anything that may prohibit conductivity between the battery and the battery cables.
Test your battery at any local automotive shop if you have concerns that your vehicle is not turning over (starting) as smoothly as it should be.
Make sure your car has a properly functioning alternator and voltage regulator. This will help keep your battery charged to the optimal level and prevent an abnormally short service life.

Ways to Kill a Battery

Whether it is from nature or neglect, a battery’s life can be shortened in a few ways. A lot of batteries die due to weather. When the temps dip below freezing, your oil becomes thicker (think about water turning into honey at 32 degrees). This slows down the conductivity of your battery, making it hard or impossible for the vehicle to start. Here are some ways to kill your battery:

Listening to the radio without turning your vehicle on. Most people will turn their radio or overhead lights on when they are working in the garage or hanging out at a park because they don’t want to waste the gas (and with prices of fuel rising, who can blame them)- but doing this without starting the car will kill your battery, leaving you stranded. Here’s hoping your friends brought their own vehicles!
Don’t start it. No one wants to go out in cold weather, but leaving your vehicle sitting in the cold for days without starting it can actually kill your battery – for good. The longer you wait to start your vehicle the more likely it is that you will have battery issues.
Overheat your battery. If your car does not want to start and you continue to crank on the starter, it will eventually overheat your battery. Doing this means you will need to replace the battery entirely.

Getting ahead of the problem is the best way to prevent being stranded on the side of the road, or being left at home without a running vehicle. Remember, that if you maintain your vehicle properly, your battery should last 7-10 years. If you aren’t sure how old the battery is, take it to an auto shop to have them test it. Depending on how much you spend, your battery will usually come with a 48-84 month warranty. Be sure to ask about this the next time you purchase a battery.

Just in case you have a battery problem, it’s always good to remember how to jump a car.

Have questions about your battery? Give us a call (610) 696-2633.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Battery & Starter, Maintenence Questions | Comments (0)

5 Fluids Your Car Needs to Survive the Winter

October 21, 2019 – 11:59 am

Winter is here- which means it’s time to prepare your car for harsh temperatures. No matter the season, your car requires certain fluids to operate properly. Make sure your car is running right by visiting a trusted mechanic to check the following:

1. Oil

Your vehicle is a complex machine that is made up of several different parts; oil lubricates the parts found in your engine. Over time, the oil in your car becomes dirty, which makes your car work twice as hard to operate smoothly. To ensure your car receives clean oil, you should get your oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles.

In fact, changing to a different oil all together may be necessary. When temperatures drop in the winter, your car requires a thinner oil to operate effectively. Thicker oils can harm your engine because the viscosity makes your oil pump overwork to reach all the parts it needs to lubricate the engine.

We all travel at some point during the holidays and car maintenance may be the furthest thing from our minds, but it is important to remember. If your car continues to run on dirty oil, you may be asking Santa for an expensive engine cleaning!

2. Anti-Freeze

Anti-freeze is a genius liquid that keeps your engine’s cooling system running. In colder temperatures, your cooling system is vulnerable. However, if you add this substance, you could be saving your car from serious radiator damage.

Make sure to purchase a ready-mix version, also known as an engine coolant. Be careful when purchasing a concentrated form. This variety means you will have to do some diluting; you want your system to carry 50% water and 50% antifreeze.

Check with your mechanic about your car’s requirements! Manufacturers may have different recommendations depending on the make, model, and year of your car.

3. Brake Fluid

Brake fluid matters because this is what keeps you safe on the road! It is required by law that you pass a brake test, but in extreme weather conditions, you will want to make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape.

A mechanic can easily assess your brake fluid for you. If your fluid levels are below the lower marking indicated on your brake fluid reservoir, this could mean your brakes are worn or leaking.

Don’t take a chance this season! High functioning brakes become particularly important during unpredictable winters.

4. Automatic Transmission Fluid

Like oil, transmission fluid keeps all the bells and whistles in your car running appropriately. Generally, you should change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Some cars have sealed transmissions, which means a professional will have to refill this for you.

5. Windshield Wiper

Worn wipers are the worst, especially during inclement weather! Your wiper fluid reservoir requires two blends throughout the year: a summer blend and a winter blend. It’s imperative to make this switch; if not, your windshield fluid will freeze to your windshield in temperatures below 32 degrees.

Is it time to visit us for a check-up? Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Driveability | Comments Off

How to Jump A Car

December 11, 2015 – 11:32 am

The holidays are full of cheer, bright lights, and wintry weather. But did you know winter weather could also mean a dead car battery?

Snow isn’t the only piece of winter that can take a beating on your car. When the temperatures drops, so does your battery power. In fact, when the temperature dips below freezing, your car’s battery loses 33% of its power. When the temperature falls below zero, you car battery can lose over 50% of its power.

It’s not too late to winterize your battery. Follow these tips:

Test the Battery. We recommend testing your car’s starting and charging systems every 6 months.
Charge It. Use a battery charger to maintain the proper charge levels. A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze in the cold.
Check Up. Make sure you inspect your battery cables, posts and fasteners.

Feel free to give Tommy’s a call if you need help winterizing your car.

By Tom Reisch | Comments (0)

The Importance of Wheel Alignment

June 4, 2013 – 9:48 am

Q: What’s the deal with wheel alignment? Should I really be concerned about it?

A: The answer is yes. If you notice your car seems to drift to one side of the road, you may need to get your tires checked. If your vehicle has properly aligned wheels, then you will travel straight and true. Plus, wheel alignment is considered standard auto maintenance and proper adjustments help to reduce tire wear.

Tommy’s Automotive provides Chester County wheel alignment services, which we consider an important part of routine maintenance. The process involves adjusting a vehicle’s wheel angles. Properly aligned wheels help to cut down on a vehicle’s rolling resistance. This means that your car won’t require as much power or fuel to move. Additionally, if you have your tires in place, your car will be better protected from normal wear and tear.

By Tom Reisch | Comments (0)

Alicia's Mitsubishi

June 22, 2010 – 8:57 pm

Q: I have a 2001 mitsibushi galant es. when ever i hit 45 or 50 mph it jerks and sometimes when i park it just cuts off. what could be the problem??

A: Thanks for the submission Alicia. There are a few components that can cause a similar problem. One of them is a transmission issue, a part of the transmission called the torque converter is designed to “lock up” at highway speeds to help out with fuel economy. If the converter gets stuck locked on it can cause the car to stall when coming to a stop. The other main cause that comes to mind is a faulty EGR valve. This component is designed to reduce emissions when the engine is under a load, but if the EGR sticks in the open position at the wrong time it can cause a jerking condition, and or stalling concern. Is the check engine light on? If so this could narrow it down easily. The best bet in this situation is to have a technician drive the car and perform some basic diagnostic tests. Let me know what fixes it. Good Luck!

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Driveability | Comments (0)

Battery/Starter Problem

May 18, 2010 – 9:22 am

Q: I own a 1990 Buick Century, 6cyl. I bought a new battery and 2 battery cables. When I attempted to connect the cables to the battery, the engine cranked-like it was trying to start- as if I turned the ignition key. What’s wrong? – RT

A: It sounds to me like you need to check your connections. If your cable from the battery to the starter is installed incorrectly then the starter could be powered whenever the battery is connected instead of just when the key is turned. I know that if one of the cables connecting to the starter is at all touching the other terminal on the starter it will cause this problem.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Battery & Starter | Comments (0)

My axle boot is torn

May 9, 2010 – 10:18 pm

Q: My right front outer CV axle boot is torn. The car rides fine right now. How long do you recommend I go before replacing the boot/axle?

A: The purpose of the boot on a CV axle is to retain the grease that lubricates the axle joint. When the boot tears the grease is thrown out of the joint while driving. The axle will not last long without the proper lubrication. There is no way to tell for sure how long it will last, however there is a way to tell when it absolutely must be replaced. If it starts making a clicking noise when turning it is on its last leg and needs to be replaced asap.

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Drivetrain | Comments (0)

Question from Larry

March 24, 2010 – 7:50 pm

Q: I have 2003 Pontiac Vibe that makes a low, high pitched noise. It only happens when the car is warmed up, not when cold. If I shift from D to Neutral, it stops. Any ideas on what to check for?

A: If its only noisy in drive it could be transmission related. Does it make a difference if the car is moving or standing still? Does it make noise in reverse? Email me @ tom@tommysautomotive.com

By Tom Reisch | Also posted in Car Noises | Comments (0)