If you’re like most car owners, you don’t want to think about the possibility of needing car repairs or expensive service, especially at the dealership. You may already understand the benefits of using local auto repair shops, but you probably don’t realize the importance of developing a good relationship with a car service shop in Sussex. Local auto service shops are often your best option, but you need to feel like you can trust them to handle your needs.

If you live in or travel to an area prone to cold, snowy winters you may wonder what type of tires you should equip your vehicle with during the winter months. You may ask yourself or your auto repair shop, “Do I need snow tires or will winter tires work in bad weather?” 

Keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance can help ensure your car passes the emissions test on the first try. California has some fairly rigid standards for emissions and many other states follow their lead because according to federal law, other states can adopt California’s automotive emissions rules because they are stricter than federal regulations.

Car owners are constantly looking for ways to reduce their costs so they can afford to repair their car when they need it. Unfortunately, the dealership is the last place you should turn to for these services. Local car repair shops can provide the same level of service at the dealerships, while keeping more money in your pocketbook. Before you search for “auto repair shops near me,” consider these benefits to finding a dealership alternative.

The Internet has created a global marketplace that makes it easier to buy products from just about anywhere in the world. This has created tension for local businesses that rely on people in their neighborhood to support their company. While services, such as local auto repair shops, still thrive, it’s important for consumers to consider the impact of a “shop local, buy local” approach.

Contrary to popular belief, an oil change is not something just anyone can do. At least, it’s not something just anyone can do well. Often, vehicle owners are more focused on getting an inexpensive oil change, rather than one of good quality. A quick Internet search for an ‘oil change near me’ will produce hundreds of results for quick lube shops. While the swift in and out service these types of shops provide may be appealing to those with busy schedules, you may be better off spending a little extra time and money taking your car elsewhere.

Testing vehicle fluids is an essential aspect of car care and maintenance. Fluids are vital to the efficiency of your vehicle and ensuring it is performing at its best. With these tips on how to check car fluids, you’ll know what needs to be changed and when.  

It almost always happens at the worst time. You’ve got somewhere to be at a certain time and your car won’t start. Perhaps it’s the middle of winter, dark outside and the last thing you want to do is wait hours for a tow truck because you didn’t know what the normal life of a car battery is so yours has died and won’t take a charge.

Knowing the average life of a car battery can help you determine when to replace it. With the right care, your battery could last for more than five years. Unfortunately, improper usage, lack of maintenance and extreme weather conditions could reduce the life of a car battery to just three years.

Don’t let a dead battery ruin your day. Here are a few key ways to determine if car battery replacement should be on your to-do list:

You’ve probably heard the terms shocks and struts, but you may not be sure what are car struts and shocks. These important components are part of your suspension system and designed to keep the wheels in contact with the road for greater stability and a smoother ride. While you may not have the ability to change them yourself, it’s important to learn when to replace shocks and struts so you can take your car in at the appropriate time.  

You turn the key in the ignition, but your car refuses to turn over and roar to life. Once you reach this point, you may feel frustrated and angry you didn’t know when to replace your car battery. Understanding the normal life of a car battery can help you avoid situations like this. Instead of waiting until your battery dies before you replace it, you can buy a new one before the car battery life is depleted.