Blog

A regular oil change represents one of the simplest things you can do to maintain your vehicle. In fact, this routine maintenance stands as a requirement for your car’s smooth operation. While oil changes every 3,000 miles once were the standard, new technology lets drivers wait until 5,000 miles. If you’ve ever slacked off in the regularity of your oil changes, these benefits may provide the inspiration you need to get back on track.

Solution for Dirt and Grime

The oil in your engine will collect bits of dirt and grime over the course of its life. This debris can damage your engine, especially if you live in dry or dusty areas. Fresh oil cleans all of this junk from your engine, and prolongs its life as a result.

Better Performance

Since oil lubricates the internal parts of your engine, its upkeep becomes essential for a smooth ride. With fresh oil, your engine delivers better performance with less noise.

Better Mileage

The lubrication that oil provides also lessens friction in your engine. This gives your engine an easier time of things, and improves your overall gas mileage.

Extended Engine Life

All of the above benefits also help explain the number one advantage of regular oil changes: a longer life for your engine. Your car represents a major investment. Take care of it with periodic oil changes and scheduled maintenance.
If you need an oil change but can’t make it to a shop, let the mechanic come to you! At Rolling Auto Service, we can help you with regular oil changes in Venice, FL. To learn more or schedule service, call us today at 941-493-6511.

As a car owner, you obviously need to know a little bit about cars. While much of the information you may know about your car is strictly mechanical and maintenance based, today we’ll talk about a few vehicle fun facts! With decades of engineering and research, you can bet there are plenty of interesting facts to discuss:

• The first vehicle to run on its own power  was invented in 1769, and it was 8,000 pounds! Its primary use was to transport cannons across long distances.
• Before steering wheels, the first cars used steering levels!
• The Ford Model T was the most popular car in the world by 1915, making up for 55% of all cars in existence. The Model T still holds this record, and no modern car has held such dominance in the market.
• Running out of gas completely can permanently damage your fuel pump, so be careful to never let it happen!
• It is illegal to slam a car door in Switzerland.
• Most American vehicles honk in the key of F.
• If you could drive straight into the sky, at 60 miles per hour, you could reach the moon in less than a year, at 157 days.

There are many more interesting facts about vehicles out there, and there will surely be more to come. If your vehicle is in need of service, or if you have any questions, please give our experts a call at 941-493-6511 today! We have been working in the industry for years, and we can help you with any problem under the hood. 

Nothing is scarier than needing your car’s engine repaired. While it’s not something we ever want to deal with, our car engines are essential to the functionality of our car. But how exactly do we know when we need our car’s engine repaired? Below are a few signs to look out for.

Loud Noises

Our car usually makes a little noise when they are driving, but if you hear loud noises, knocking, when the car is running, then this is a clear sign that something is up with the engine. You car might have racked up a few miles or it hasn’t had it’s oil changed in a while; regardless of these things, it’s important to get your car’s engine repaired fast.

Exhaust Smoke is Intensified

Sure, a little exhaust smoke is normal coming from the tail pipe, but more than usual can spell major problems. There are three colors to look out for in regards to exhaust smoke: black, which means too much gas is burning, blue indicates there is an oil leak in the engine, and white means that cooling fluid is being burnt in the combustion chamber due to a coolant leak. If you spot these, call a mechanic immediately.

Decreased Power and Performance

A couple of things you need to look out for when you aren’t sure if your car is running properly. Does it take a while to warm the car up? Is it harder to get up to a certain speed? There could be several reasons that this is happening, but they all have to do with the health of your car’s engine.
If you need a complete engine overhaul in Venice, FL., call the professional mechanics at Rolling Auto Service at 941-493-6511.
 

Preparing to head out on the next great adventure this summer? Make sure your car is ready for the long road ahead. These tips will help you make sure your car is in top shape before setting out so that you don’t have to worry about ending up stranded far from home.
Prevent flat tires – You can’t predict whether you come across a nail in the road or some other obstruction that could leave you with a flat, but you can prevent flats caused by improper air pressure. Check the pressure in each tire and air them up if needed to make sure each one has the correct air pressure level before leaving.
Check the A/C – The last thing you want is the A/C going out while trying to get to your destination. Make sure the A/C is working properly and change out the air filter if necessary.
Check the battery – You want your vehicle to have plenty of battery power so that you don’t have to worry about a dead battery or needing a jump while away from home. Have the battery checked to ensure it has plenty of power and replace it if needed.
Test the lights – You’ll want to double check the headlights and highbeams and replace any bulbs if needed so you are prepared for any nighttime trips you might be making.
If you want professional auto maintenance for your vehicle before a summer road trip, contact Rolling Auto Service today! We come to you with our mobile automotive repair services in Venice, FL. Give us a call at 941-493-6511 to schedule maintenance for your vehicle today!

You probably already know that things are likely to last longer when they are taken care of. The same rule applies to your car. To keep your car going strong, avoid these four destructive habits.
1. Neglecting maintenance
Regularly maintenance is essential to the endurance of your car. This includes oil and filter replacement, transmission fluid, air filter and brake pad care. Regular maintenance may require a small investment of time and money, but it beats the cost of a new engine or transmission.
2. Discounting warning lights
When you notice a warning signal light up on your dash panel, make sure to take care of the problem as soon as possible. You can check your owner’s manual if you are unsure what the light means. These warning lights are to alert you of potential serious problems. Adhering to these signals prevent a bigger problem down the line.
4. Jerky driving
Jerky driving won’t destroy your car right away, but it will cause your engine, transmission and brake system to break down a lot faster. Cars that are abused typically have premature fluid leaks, broken seals and other mechanical problems.
5. Neglecting tires
For some cars, tires can get pretty expensive, so replacing them can be a pain. However, driving on bald tires is dangerous. If you tire blows out when you’re driving, you can lose control and cause a serious accident. If you drive with bald tires in the rain, you run the risk of hydroplaning. A new set of tires might seem expensive, but it’s worth your life and the expense of more serious car damage.

For regular car maintenance in Venice, FL contact Rolling Auto Service.

Have you ever driven over a pothole that was especially rough? Do you hear odd noises under your car when making a turn? Before you end up stranded on the side of the road, check your vehicle for these signs that you need suspension repair.

Rough Ride

This is perhaps the most common symptoms of a suspension issue, usually associated with bad shocks or struts. When the shocks or struts wear out, they cannot absorb the impact of the dips and bumps in the road. This can leave you feeling like you just rode a roller coaster after a drive to the store. Don’t overlook this discomfort! Bad shocks and struts can reduce safety and hinder your ability to stop quickly.

Uneven Tire Wear

Because your tires connect your vehicle to the road, they can tell you a lot about your car’s suspension. If your wheels are out of alignment, you might see single-side wear on your tires. Damaged suspension components can lead to cupping or scalloping on your tires, which may call for premature tire replacement. Don’t waste money on new tires; check your suspension!

Pulling or Drifting During a Turn

If you feel your car sway or pull to one side during a turn, you might have worn shocks. Not only is this annoying, it can increase your chances of a rollover accident. If you hear any knocking sounds, you might have bad tie rods or failing ball joints.
If you notice any of these signs that you need suspension repair, don’t ignore them! Call Rolling Auto Service for mobile suspension repair in Venice, FL at 941-493-6511!

Every driver on the road knows that the primary cause of car accidents in the US is distracted driving. Distractions are everywhere, such as cell phones, loose objects in the car, kids in the back seat, and even a great song on the radio. However, there are some causes that you can’t blame on distractions. Not every crash is avoidable, but here are a few causes you can avoid simply by taking good care of your car.

Check Your Tires

It is essential that you take good care of your tires. Your tires are obviously an incredibly important part of your vehicle, but due to the expensive nature of tires, many drivers delay replacing them. Did you know that you should be rotating your tires? This can help you prolong their lifespan, and save you from having to buy tires as often. When you do replace your tires, you should also have them properly aligned, so that your vehicle continues to run smoothly. If you don’t take pay attention to your tires, you may end up with a flat, or a total blow out while driving, which is a common cause for accidents.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Visibility is super important for safe driving. Obvious, right? Apparently not obvious enough! Many accidents during rainstorms happen due to insufficient windshield wipers. Windshield wipers tend to become dry and brittle as they age, making them relatively ineffective at removing obstructions from your windshield. It is important to check your wipers for signs of aging, and replace them as needed. When checking your wipers, be sure to check the wiper fluid levels under the hood as well! That way when unexpected obstructions appear when you’re driving, you can wash and wipe them away with ease.

Check Your Headlights

Another visibility hazard, dim headlights are a common cause for accidents. Always remember to check your headlights for proper alignment and brightness. Improper installation can leave your lights pointed off of center, which can be frustrating to other drivers, and affect how well you can see the road in front of you. Your tail lights are also important, as they ensure that other drivers can see you.

Follow these simple maintenance tips, and drive safer today! When in doubt about an issue with your car, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Our ASE certified mobile mechanic at Rolling Auto Service is here to help, serving Venice, FL and surrounding areas! When in need of a mechanic that can come to you, call (941) 493-6511!

Gas 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!

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.

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!
 

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.