NOT sure your vehicle needs Regular Maintenance!
- 38% of vehicles have low or dirty engine oil.
- 54% have low tire pressure.
- 28% have inadequate cooling protection.
- 19% need new belts.
- 16% have dirty air filters.
- 10% have low or contaminated brake fluid.
- Comfort Systems
- System Diagnosis
- Heater Core
- A/C Compressors
- Browser Motors
- A/C System Service
- Maintenance
- Oil and Filter Change
- Chassis Lubrication
- Transmission Service
- Cooling System
- Tire Rotation
- Electrical System
- Shorts Diagnosed
- Batteries
- Alternators
- Starters
- Air Bag System Diagnosed
- Brake System
- Inspections and Diagnosis
- Disc Brake Service
- Drum Brake Service
- ABS Diagnosis and Repair
- Master Cylinder
- Cooling System
- Leaks Diagnosed
- Overheating Diagnosed
- Water Pumps
- Starters
- Air Bag System Diagnosed
- Engine Performance
- Drive ability Diagnosis
- Fuel Injection Service
- Computer System Diagnosis
- Maintenance Tune-up
- DEQ Repair
- Steering/Suspension Systems
- Struts and Shocks
- Rack and Pinion Service
- Component Replacement
- Engine Service
- Oil Leaks Diagnosed
- Timing Belts
- Timing Chains
- Head Gaskets
- Engines Replaced
- Drive train System
- Clutches Replaced
- Transmissions Replaced
- CV Axles Replaced
- Leaks Diagnosed
- Makes of Cars
- Domestic
- Imports
- Light Trucks
- SUV's
- Mini Vans
(Also due at 9,000 / 21,000 / 27,000 / 33,000 / 39,000 / 51,000 / 57,000 / 69,000 / 81,000 / 87,000 miles.)
• Premier 27-point courtesy check
• Drain and renew engine Oil and Oil filter
• Adjust tire pressure
• Check brakes and record %
• Top off all fluid levels
• Lubricate suspension, doors and hood
• Road test and written evaluation
Inspection of: pcv, emission system, coolant protection and pH Air breather and filter, belts and hoses, engine coolant and fan operation.
(Also due at 22,000 / 37,500 /52,500 / 97,500 / 112,500 /127,500/142,500 miles.)
• Premier 27-point courtesy check
• Drain and renew engine oil and oil filter
• Install engine protection kit with roadside assistance (fuel and oil additive)
• Adjust clutch Check brakes and record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Top off all fluid levels
• Fuel and oil additive
• Check A/C and heater operation
• Lubricate suspension, doors and hood
• Road test and written evaluation
Inspection of: pcv, emission system, coolant protection and pH Air breather and filter, belts and hoses, engine coolant and fan operation, suspension and steering components, exterior and interior lighting, exhaust system, brake lines and hoses, suspension alignment and tire wear, CV joints and boots
(Also due at 45,000 / 75,000 / 105,000 / 135,000 miles.)
• Premier 27-point courtesy check
• Drain and renew engine oil and oil filter
• Install engine protection kit with roadside assistance (fuel and oil additive)
• Adjust clutch
• Check, clean, adjust brakes and record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Balance front tires
• Service battery, including pads
• Check charging system
• Top off all fluid levels
• Check A/C and heater operation .
• Lubricate suspension, doors and hood
• Check spark plug condition
• Replace air filter
• Reset engine maintenance light
• Road test and written evaluation
Inspection of: pcv, emission system, coolant protection and pH Air breather and filter, belts and hoses, engine coolant and fan operation, suspension and steering components, exterior and interior lighting, exhaust system, brake lines and hoses, suspension alignment and tire wear, wiper blades, rear defroster operation, CV joints and boots.
(Also due at 60,000 / 90,000 / 120,000 / 150,000 miles.)
30 POINT INSPECTION
1. Tire condition/front
2. Tire condition/rear
3. Alignment (2 & 4 wheel)
4. Steering/suspension components
5. Rack & Pinion, pump, hoses & fluid
6. Front brake linings
7. Rear Brake linings
8. Brake hydraulic system & fluid
9. Emergency brake adjustment
10. Axle shafts & boots/u-joints
11. Front struts/shocks
12. Rear struts/shocks
13. Muffler
14. Exhaust pipes & hangers
15. Engine or transmission leaks
16. Rear differential fluid or leaks
17. Condition of access/drive belts & adjustment
18. Transmission fluid
19. Coolant sample
20. Radiator and hoses
21. Heater hoses
22. Battery & terminals
23. Battery cables
24. Tune-up components
25. Filters (air, fuel & pcv)
26. Engine oil
27. Headlights and adjustment
28. Lights (brake, tail, turn signals, etc)
29. Wiper blades
30. Factory scheduled maintenance
Inspection of: pcv, emission system, coolant protection and pH Air breather and filter, belts and hoses, engine coolant and fan operation, suspension and steering components, exterior and interior lighting, exhaust system, brake lines and hoses, suspension alignment and tire wear, wiper blades, rear defroster operation, shock absorber operation, strut and shock condition, vehicle suspension height, suspension springs, engine/transmission mounts, cam belt, secondary ignition wires, CV joints and boots.
Nationwide Tire Protection Coverage
The Freedom Plan is the most comprehensive tire protection package in the industry. It offers you the confidence nationwide that wherever you drive you are only a phone call away should a problem arise.
Customer benefits include:
- No-charge Replacement for the first 12 Months or 12,000 Miles, whichever is to the customer's advantage
- Roadside Assistance for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles
- Limited Treadwear and Road Hazard Warranty
- Flat Repairs, Rotations & Safety Inspections at no-charge (some exclusions may apply)
For assistance with a Freedom Plan warranty, call our warranty hotline number at 800-473-1939.
For additional information and exclusions, please refer to your Freedom Plan document or contact your local ACCC dealer for details.There are three areas to consider when trying to attain or beat the EPA mileage claims for your vehicle—reducing parasitic losses, maximizing engine efficiency and changing your driving style. Don't look to any single item for a massive mileage increase. It's a game that requires discipline to find many small improvements that will add up to possibly a 10-15 percent overall increase in fuel economy.
What are the parasitic losses that affect fuel mileage? Anything that impedes the movement of the vehicle down the road such as (tire) rolling resistance, wind resistance, brake drag, wheel alignment and driveline friction. Some items like wind resistance are difficult to avoid. However, tire rolling resistance, brake drag, wheel alignment and driveline friction can all be optimized for a sizeable gain in mileage.
Tire Pressure | Back To Top
The first place to start any mileage self-help program is to purchase a tire gauge, keep it handy, and use it often. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend tire inflation pressures that are a compromise of comfort and safety. In the vehicles owners manual are listed a range of tire inflation pressures usually to compensate for loaded and unloaded conditions. One of the most important changes you can make is to keep your tires inflated at the highest recommended level. If the manual gives only a single inflation pressure, read the information on the sidewall of your tires concerning maximum safe inflation pressure and add 3-5 pounds of air making certain not to exceed the stated maximum inflation pressure noted on the tire. Keep a close eye on your tires for uneven tire wear. Greater tread wear in the center means too much pressure. If this happens, rotate the tires and slightly reduce air pressure.
Brakes & Alignment | Back To Top
Most brakes drag, but how much is too much? This varies from vehicle to vehicle and it's best left up to an expert at a brake or tire shop to decide, but the good news is that the inspections are usually free. Typical problems are calipers that are not fully retracting because they need to be replaced or rebuilt, or drum brakes that are incorrectly adjusted. While you're there, have the wheel alignment checked and aligned if needed. A modern car typically requires 10-20 road horsepower to maintain a cruise speed on level ground. Improper wheel alignment, a dragging brake or tire pressure that is too low could double the required road horsepower, cutting fuel economy by as much as 20 percent.
Synthetic Lubricants | Back To Top
So far the items we've talked about are free or are service procedures that you would perform to keep your car safe and operating properly. However, reducing driveline friction is going to require an investment above normal maintenance. The best way to reduce mechanical friction in the drivetrain is to replace petroleum-based lubricants with more expensive synthetic lubricants that have been proven to greatly reduce parasitic drag in engines and differentials. Several NASCAR teams have used zero-weight synthetic oils in their qualifying engines for years because of the horsepower it frees up. Expect to pay up to four times as much for synthetic as petroleum lubricants, however, you get some of that back in longer oil change intervals and longer engine life and easier cold weather starting. This is an area where you really have to do the math and decide if synthetics make sense for you.
Fuel System | Back To Top
Engine efficiency is as critical to fuel economy as reducing parasitic losses. Today's modern computer-controlled, electronically fuel injected engines do a great job at monitoring and adjusting fuel/air ratios for maximum performance and efficiency, but there are still a few things we can do to optimize their performance. Several items need to be regularly serviced. Keeping the air cleaner clean or upgrading to a lower restriction filter element will prevent the choking (richer fuel mixture) effect. Adding fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank every 5,000 miles will ensure that the injectors properly atomize the fuel for consistent combustion and efficiency. Another overlooked component in the fuel injection system is the oxygen (O2) sensor. It is really the brain that tells the computer how much fuel to send to the engine. Replace every 50,000-60,000 miles to keep your engine running at peak efficiency.
Tune-Ups | Back To Top
Naturally, regular tune-ups that include maintenance of the ignition system and emissions system are very important, but some parts are often overlooked. Engine misfires in today's engines are usually caused by of one of two items: plugged fuel injectors or bad spark plug wires. Misfires take a toll on performance and mileage, no matter how slight. It's a good idea to replace spark plug wires every 50,000-60,000 miles, depending on how severe your driving conditions are.
Driving for Miles | Back To Top
Nothing you do mechanically will have as much effect on fuel mileage as the way you drive. Acceleration requires more horsepower and additional fuel, so how hard and how fast you accelerate determines how much fuel you'll burn. The key is to accelerate smoothly and evenly, staying with traffic, and look ahead so you can anticipate when you will need more power to climb a grade so that you can slowly increase your speed. World famous race driver Jackie Stewart described it best as driving as if there was an egg under the gas pedal.
Another driver-controlled item that has a big influence on mileage is the air conditioning. Air conditioning is one of those parasitic losses that can be eliminated by simply turning off a switch. This is a big one—usually worth 1-2 mpg. Turn on the vents and crack the windows for a huge fuel saving.
We've covered most of what makes sense in the quest for better fuel mileage. There are other major changes such as special gear ratios and torque converters that may provide even larger fuel economy improvements. But when you pencil out the total cost involved, you would have to own the vehicle for 10-15 years to see a return on your investment. A better plan is to trade your vehicle in on a newer, more fuel-efficient model.
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2008
By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content EditorWhen most people think of rampant fuel-inefficiency, the vehicles that usually come to mind are big, bad SUVs. Those who grouse about this country's dependence on oil from foreign nations often point accusing fingers at these towering haulers.
But not all SUVs deserve to be tarred as profligate gas-suckers. Take this bunch, for example. These are the 10 sport-utility vehicles offering the best gas mileage.
Rankings were ascertained using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel. To be more specific, we tapped the EPA's combined fuel-economy formula: 55 percent of city mpg rating plus 45 percent of highway mpg rating. The rating for each SUV below is expressed in mpg as a city/highway ratio.
All ratings apply to base models equipped with manual transmissions, except where indicated otherwise with an asterisk. All ratings apply to 2WD models, with the exception being the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Each model was allowed only one appearance on the list. The exceptions are the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, which make repeat appearances as a result of being available in both gas-electric hybrid and regular gasoline versions.
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Ford Escape Hybrid — 34/30*(tie) The Ford Escape Hybrid offers a potent hybrid drivetrain and a roomy interior. |
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Mazda Tribute Hybrid — 34/30*(tie) Exceptional mileage makes the Mazda Tribute a king among hybrids. |
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Mercury Mariner Hybrid — 34/30*(tie) Like its corporate twins, the Tribute Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions. |
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Saturn Vue Hybrid — 25/32* The Saturn Vue Hybrid's affordable price makes it one of the true bargains of the hybrid bunch. |
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 27/25* Performance and fuel economy achieve harmonious coexistence in this sterling Toyota. |
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Lexus RX 400h — 27/24* The RX 400h is expensive, but it offers all the quickness and luxury you'd expect from a Lexus. |
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Jeep Compass — 23/28 The Compass comes armed with a low price tag and the sort of compact dimensions that enhance maneuverability. |
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Ford Escape — 22/28(tie) Even without the benefit of a hybrid powertrain, the Escape is thrifty enough to earn a place on our list. |
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Mazda Tribute — 22/28(tie) Ditto for its twin, the capable Tribute; this Mazda also offers a long list of safety features. |
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Nissan Rogue — 22/27* Turn to the Rogue for a carlike driving experience and a well-crafted cabin. |
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans of 2008
By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
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Like it or not, high gas prices are here to stay. Naturally, this uncomfortable reality has begun shaping our vehicle purchases. Mighty gas-chugging SUVs aren't the runaway sales titans they once were. In this revised landscape, the new heroes are perfectly ordinary hybrids and four-cylinder subcompacts, revered not for their looks or quickness, but rather, their frugality. If you're in the market for one of these models, you're in luck. We've put together a list of the 10 most fuel-efficient sedans currently sold in the U.S.
We arrived at our rankings using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel. More specifically, we utilized the EPA's combined fuel economy formula: 55 percent of city mpg rating plus 45 percent of highway mpg rating. The rating for each vehicle below is expressed in mpg as a city/highway ratio. All ratings apply to base models equipped with a manual transmission, except where indicated otherwise with an asterisk.
Each model was allowed only one appearance on the list. The exception to this rule is the Honda Civic, which appears twice as a result of being available in both gas-electric hybrid and regular gasoline versions.
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Toyota Prius — 48/45* On the market since 2001, the noble Prius has come to be definitive of the hybrid category. It takes top honors as the most fuel-efficient sedan on the market. |
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Honda Civic Hybrid — 40/45* The Civic has built a huge following by offering poise and practicality at a reasonable price. The Civic Hybrid is an even better deal, taking these two traits and melding them with a hybrid's supreme frugality at the pump. |
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Nissan Altima Hybrid — 35/33* Who says hybrids can't be fun to drive? The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a fuel-sipper that manages to offer an engaging experience behind the wheel. Keep in mind, though, that it's only available in eight states. |
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Toyota Camry Hybrid — 33/34* The Camry stands as a benchmark family sedan. The Camry Hybrid offers everything that its four-cylinder sibling does, plus a money-saving hybrid engine. |
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Toyota Yaris — 29/36 Yaris sedans start at just over $12K, making them bargains both in terms of price and fuel-efficiency. The car's hallmarks are the versatility of its interior and its amenable handling. |
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Honda Fit — 28/34 The Fit's compact size means that parking in tight urban spaces is never a problem. Its reasonably sporty handling means that driving is never a chore. |
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Toyota Corolla — 28/37 With over 30 million models sold, the Corolla holds the distinction of being the best-selling car on the planet. It's also one of the most fuel-efficient. |
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Honda Civic — 25/36* Behold the mighty Civic, titan of the small-car category. Its longstanding popularity comes on the strength of its spacious cabin, poised handling and superb safety ratings. |
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Nissan Versa — 27/33* The Versa is one of the more impressive recent entrants in the subcompact category. For a starting price of just over $12K, it offers amenities usually found in luxury cars costing thousands more. |
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Kia Rio — 25/35* The universally competent Rio has done a lot in terms of upgrading the image of both the Kia brand and economy cars in general. Its fuel-efficiency is icing on the cake. |
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Sold by all U.S. vehicle manufacturers, flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), or a mixture of both. There are more than 6 million flexible fuel vehicles on U.S. roads today, but many FFV owners don't know their vehicle is one.
A state resident who purchases gasoline blended with 85% ethanol (E85) or biodiesel blends of at least 99% (B99) for use in an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) qualifies for an income tax credit of $0.50 per gallon, up to $200 for each AFV that is registered in Oregon and owned or leased by the resident. For the purpose of this tax credit, an AFV is a motor vehicle that can operate using E85 or B99. This incentive is applicable for tax years beginning after January 1, 2007, and before January 1, 2013. (Reference House Bill 2210, 2007, and Oregon Revised Statutes 315)
Available Flex Fuel Vehicles
Flex Fuel Versuses Gasoline Calculator
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
Biodiesel
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
Electricity
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
Hydrogen
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
Natural gas
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
Propane
For more information visit www.eere.energy.gov
An ASE Certified Technician is Your Assurance that a competent professional is servicing your vehicle! At Metro Car Care all technicians are ASE Certified to provide you with the highest level of service possible!
ASE—Certifying the Automotive Professional
Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.
Certification Benefits Motorists
ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.
How Certification Works
About 100,000 technicians sit for ASE tests each May and November at over 750 locations. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE-certified. Those who pass a battery of exams (and fulfill the experience requirement) earn Master Technician status.
The tests, developed by industry experts with oversight from ASE's own in-house pros, are administered by ACT, the same group known for its college entrance exams.
There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. There are eight tests for auto technicians alone: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions. (There are also exams for collision repair technicians, engine machinists, parts specialists, and others.)
ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates.
Finding ASE-Certified Technicians
Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area(s) of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area. Employers often display the blue and white ASE sign as well. Businesses with a high level of commitment to ASE (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special "Blue Seal of Excellence" recognition from ASE.
Choosing the Right Technician
As with other professionals, automotive technicians often specialize. So it's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes, engine repair, or air conditioning.
For a free brochure on how to select a repair shop, send a business-sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Choosing the Right Repair Shop, ASE, Dept. W-6, 101 Blue Seal Dr., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175.
Choosing a Repair Shop Checklist
Here are some tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on finding a good repair establishment:
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
- Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
- Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
- Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
- Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
- Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
- Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
- Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
- Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
- Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty.
As an American Car Care Center Metro Car Care gives you Coast-to-Coast Nationwide Limited Service Warranty Protection.
As a consumer, feel confident that the service work performed at any of our over 1,100 dealers nationwide comes with our “Coast -to-Coast� Nationwide Limited Service Warranty. If you are traveling and there is not an American Car Care Center near you, you will be referred to an affiliate location through our nationwide warranty center.
This warranty covers most services for a minimum of 6 months or 6,000 miles - whichever is to your advantage. The following services have extended warranty coverage:
| Steering and Suspension Parts........ | 12 Months or 12,000 Miles |
| Brake Services................................. | 12 Months or 12,000 Miles |
| Brake Package............................... | 36 Months or 36,000 Miles |
| MacPherson Struts and Shocks....... | 12 Months or 12,000 Miles |
| Alignments..................................... | 6 Months or 6,000 Miles |
| Wheel Balance............................... | 6 Months or 6,000 Miles |
We help with your transportation while your vehicle is being serviced:
- Complimentary local shuttle service to your home or work.
- We can arrange pickup and delivery of your vehicle.
- On site low cost rental cars.
- Computerized repair history on your vehicle.
- E-mail reminders of upcoming needed maintenance work.
- Frequent phone updates regarding costs and progress (if desired).
- We use seat, floor & fender covers to protect your vehicle.
- We have secure over night storage for your vehicle.
- We are authorized to do the maintenance required to keep your new car warranty in compliance.
- We handle most major extended warranty programs
- We provide a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty on most repairs, when new parts are used.
- We take care of warranty issues without original sales receipt.
- 90 days same as cash financing available, O.A.C
- Combined Labor discounts on related repairs.
- See our Promotions page for latest web specials.
- We offer fleet discounting to qualified businesses.