Author Archives: Rolling Auto Service

Gas Mileage Tips

PHOTO OF GAS MILEAGEGas mileage. This debate has gone on and on for quite a while. While all cars come with an initially listed fuel economy, there has been an epic quest for many to improve this number. At Rolling Auto Service, we have a few tips on how to keep and improve your vehicle’s gas mileage that are inexpensive and guaranteed to work.

Gas Mileage Tips

  1. Watch The Gas Pedal – The temptation, especially when you are in a hurry, is to press on the gas pedal to hurry when the stop light turns green. Slamming on the gas pedal actually wastes gas. Press lightly instead. It may be slower to gain speed, but you will gain better gas mileage.
  2. Maintain The Speed Limit – Much like pressing on the gas pedal, people tend to exceed speed limits on highways and streets when they are in a bit of a hurry. However, maintaining the speed limit will spend less gas.
  3. Plan Your Trips And Errands Route – While it sounds silly, deciding on the most efficient route to complete your daily tasks will better optimize your fuel consumption. Whether it is starting at the furthest point or making a big circle back to your home, find the route that works for you!
  4. Keep Your Car Healthy – This one is key! Cars come with a fuel economy listed at time of purchase. If you keep the car maintained and have service completed regularly, it will remain or even improve in fuel efficiency. However, when service goes to the wayside, your fuel economy can plummet.

When you need vehicle service in Venice, FL, call Rolling Auto Service today at (941) 493-6511!

When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are an important fixture of your vehicle. They help you see when it rains and keep your windshield clean. However, you may not realize there is a problem with your wipers until rain is pouring. Keep in mind that it’s always better to perform preventative maintenance rather than waiting for a problem to arise. Here are a few indicators that will alert you that it is time to replace your windshield wipers.
Venice, FL windshield wipers

When Was Your Last Replacement?

If it’s been six months to a year since you last replaced your wipers, it’s probably time for some new ones. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to replace them before they stop working well to avoid getting stuck in a storm with faulty blades. Replacing them once per year reduces the likelihood of encountering problems with them later.

Streaks and Gaps

If you notice streaks on your windshield during rain and begin to realize your windshield wipers aren’t helping you see any better, it’s probably time for a replacement. Another indicator is gaps in wiper coverage. Even as the wipers travel over the surface of your windshield, they don’t pick up all the moisture. The whole point of windshield wipers is to increase your ability to see. If they stop doing what they’re meant to do, replace them. Your eyes will thank you.

Noise

Your wipers may be screaming at you to change them out. If you’re plagued with an annoying scraping noise when you turn on your wipers, it’s time to replace them. It’s important to replace early. Otherwise, your wiper can eventually break off the arm, which can actually cause damage to your windshield!
You can call our mobile auto service anytime at 941-493-6511 for all your Venice, FL windshield wiper replacement needs! We’ll travel to you, providing excellent and convenient customer service!
 

Maintaining the Brakes on Your Vehicle

The brakes on your car are some of the most important safety features available for you to use. It is vital to keep your brakes well maintained and replace the brake pads as needed. Not sure where to start with brake maintenance? Here are some tips to keep your car running properly and safely.
You’ll know when the brake pads need to be replaced when you hear a high pitched squealing noise every time you use the brakes. A small metal indicator will eventually touch the rotor when the brake pads have worn down too low to continue to be effective. In some rare cases, this indicator can break off or wear down to the point that it does not make the noise alerting you to change your brake pads. You can still tell the brake pads need to be replaced if you notice it takes longer to come to a complete stop or you have to push the brake pedal down further than usual in order for the brakes to engage.
The rotors typically do not need to be replaced nearly as often as your brake pads. Rotors can develop grooves that can cause new brake pads to wear out quicker and can cause your tires to wobble. Sometimes, you can have them removed and ‘turned’ in order to smooth them out again, but if the rotors are worn down too much they’ll just have to be replaced.
If you need your brakes inspected and the brake pads replaced, call Rolling Auto Service today. Our team of automotive specialists will have your vehicle improved in no time.
Don’t have time to go to a local auto shop? Rolling Auto Service will come to you for automotive repairs right at home in Venice, FL.

Benefits of Tire Maintenance

Row of TiresKeeping your tires maintained with proper inflation and the occasionally rotation will keep them in great shape and reduce the chances of you being stranded on the side of the road. Here are a few benefits of keeping your tires maintained:
Fuel Savings
Keeping your tires at the correct pressure can actually save you money at the gas pump. Check the recommended PSI for your tires and keep them maintained at that level. For every 2 PSI under the recommended level, you are losing 1% of your vehicle’s miles per gallon.
Avoid Highway Troubles
An under-inflated tire is more likely to suffer from a blow out, leaving you stranded on the side of the highway. It also creates the risk of losing control of your vehicle and causing a wreck.
Save Money on Tires
Take your vehicle in to have the tires inspected to make sure the tires are balanced and aligned properly. It is important to have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles or so to prevent uneven tire wear. Doing these things will help keep your tires in good shape making them last longer so you won’t have to replace them often.
If you need vehicle maintenance in Venice, FL, contact the automotive experts at Rolling Auto Service today! Whether it’s tire trouble, engine failure, or a dead battery, we have the tools to get your car up and running again. The best part is we come to you! Call now if you need automotive repairs done right at home.

A Look at Auto Suspension

shock-absorbers-300x225Your vehicle’s suspension system primarily composed of two larger components: the struts and the shocks. These components work together to absorb changes in road force as y our vehicle travels over changes in terrain, such as dips and bumps. By absorbing this force, the suspension system compensates for differing terrain and provides a level of comfort for the driver and passengers. The suspension system also helps maintain constant contact with the road as your vehicle travels through turns, so it is not only vital for comfort, but for safe driving. The shocks make use of hydraulic fluid to compensate for these changes in terrain, helping to minimize the amount of bounce felt by your tires.
The struts help to stabilize the car and keep the wheels in contact with the road by pushing them back down as they bounce up. This constant force and motion will ultimately cause parts of your vehicle to wear down and they will need replacement. We recommend regular inspection and service of your suspension system to avoid breakdowns or major, expensive repairs in the future. Like any part of your vehicle, this malfunction can occur at an unforeseen time, leaving you stranded on the side of the road on your way to an important appointment. When this happens, give Rolling Auto Service a call and we will come to you!  Call us at 941-493-6511.

3 Tips for Top Summer Performance

If you plan to travel by car this summer, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is firing on all cylinders (pardon the pun)! This is the most important time of the year to get your car tuned up and topped off. Here are three tips for maximizing your car’s summer performance.

Air Up Your Tires

To get the most fuel efficiency from your car, you’ll need to make sure your tires are fully inflated. This is a good time to check your tires for damage, bulges, or low tread. Always carry a spare with you when you travel.

a photo of a mechanic working on an engineTop Off the Fluids

This is a fairly easy task that doesn’t take long. Check the reservoirs for washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc. Also check your oil level. It might be a good idea to get an oil change before you go on a long road trip.

Hire a Pro

This is a great time of year to get a professional tune-up. A professional will let you know if they notice potential problems, and they will know how to fix them. We’d be thrilled to be your choice for car repair! Just give us a call, and we’ll get some trained eyes on your car to make sure everything’s working smoothly.

Sticking to Schedule with Routine Maintenance

oil change materialsEach and every vehicle requires a degree of regular maintenance to stay in working order. Regular oil changes, tire service, and brake checks are all important, but a trained mechanic will know many of the precise aspects of maintenance that will help your specific make and model perform best. To help you remember your scheduled maintenance, we walk through several of the safety and mechanical benefits here.
Your engine is central to being able to drive. No engine means no traveling, so taking deliberate care of your engine is critical to keep your car running. One of the most important processes in engine maintenance is changing your oil: without clean oil to lubricate the metal parts of your engine, it is destined to overheat or grind the parts to ruin.
But without functional tires, your engine would be useless. Be sure to have your tires rotated to different positions on your car to allow your tires to wear down at similar rates. Tires with a similar, safe level of tread are important for control, and to be sure you are not surprised by tires that do not respond properly to your inputs while turning and braking.

Scheduled Maintenance at Your Convenience

There are many crucial points of maintenance to keep your car running its best. Call our ASE certified team today at 941-493-6511 for scheduled maintenance and repairs that come to you!

The Importance Of Your Transmission

If you’ve ever tried to work on your car yourself, you’ve probably experienced how overwhelming it can feel to keep up with all the parts and how they work together. Don’t worry, the professionals can help you, and your knowledge just might come in handy. Understanding your car’s parts can help you keep up with their health. Here, we’ll quickly go over the importance of your transmission.
transmission picture
 
 
 

What it does:

Your transmission tells your engine how much power to put out; it can’t just run full blast all the time. Today, automatic transmissions have become the norm; they change gears based on the speed of the car.
Don’t let transmission damage go without repairs; the longer you wait, the more likely the damage will require extensive repairs or replacement, which costs a ton of money. If you notice a problem like gear slipping, bring your car by a shop immediately.
 
We offer expert repair services, and we come to you! Don’t bother with the hassle of other auto shops. Want to know more about us? Give us a call today at (941) 493-6511!

Know Your Car's Fluids

engine oil The best way to ensure that your vehicle stays running efficiently is to know your car’s fluids. By being an informed car owner who knows what to look for when checking and changing your car, truck or SUV’s fluids, you will be able to better care for your vehicle. Simply, cars are becoming increasingly advanced pieces of machinery, and these machines require various fluids for continued effective operation. This makes maintaining proper fluid levels all the more essential for car owners.

Motor Oil

Every car owner should be familiar with their manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to change the oil in their car, truck or SUV. While conventional advice has been to replace your engine oil every 3,000 miles or roughly every three months, newer cars may not require such frequent oil changes. Always refer to your owner’s manual for details about your vehicle. 

Transmission Fluid

The transmission in your vehicle allows you to select the gear you want to be in while driving. This is important because a car that can’t shift gears is impossible to drive. Regardless of the type of transmission that is installed in your car – manual or automatic – you will need to ensure adequate levels of clean transmission fluid for proper transmission operation. Clean and fresh transmission fluid is red and brown or black fluid indicates that it is time to replace your transmission fluid.

Brake Fluid

Without brakes, driving would be unsafe because drivers would be unable to stop their vehicles. Brake fluid is part of the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle. The fluid allows the brake pump to operate smoothly and apply pressure on your wheels to slow your vehicle and bring it to a stop. Brake fluid should be a golden color, and fluid that has become discolored and now appears brown or black needs to be flushed and replaced.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering is one of the most helpful advances driving technology. It gives drivers greater control over their vehicles while driving, especially through difficult low-speed turns. Because power steering fluid is contained within a closed system, you should not lose much fluid. If you notice a drop in fluid levels, you may have a leak and your vehicle may need to be serviced by a professional.

Boosting Your MPG

cars on highwaySpending money on gas is a necessary evil. Here we have detailed a few tips to hopefully put more time in between your trips to the pump, thanks to simple car maintenance and safe driving practices that all drivers can put to use.

Utilizing Safety and Simple Maintenance

The way you drive and care for your car have a huge impact on your gas mileage. Driving carefully and calmly improves gas mileage by keeping a steady speed. Avoid frequent acceleration and braking – these maneuvers are dangerous and degrade gas mileage. Following the posted speed limit can also help improve fuel efficiency. Many vehicles achieve optimal fuel mileage between 45 and 60 mph, so driving the posted speed limit (or slightly below if safe) on the highway can help optimize your car’s fuel economy.
Check your tire pressure monthly to help your car maintain fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires reduce the workload on your car and avoid excessive wear on your tires. Also, using your car manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can increase your mileage by 1-2%.
There is no substitute for regular maintenance and tune ups on your car to help with fuel efficiency and the longevity of your vehicle. For expert car and truck repairs, call us today at 941-493-6511!