Category: News

When to Replace Your Brake Pads

Trying to figure out exactly when to replace your brake pads can be tricky. How often you should replace your brake pads varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type of car you’re driving, your driving habits, and where you drive most frequently.

If you’re driving in urban settings a lot and find yourself pumping your brakes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you might need to switch them out every 30K-35K miles. If you live in a more rural area where you can drive for miles without hitting the brakes, they can last for more than twice that mileage.

Routine maintenance is always important in keeping a car in good shape. If you’re ever in doubt, ask one of our mechanics at Perfection Automotive to check out your brake pads. There are a few warning signs to look out for that will tell you your brake pads are in need of repair.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

The most likely reason your car is shaking when you brake is because gunk, grime, and debris has built up between your brake pads and your brake rotors. This is a sure sign that you’re due for a brake pad replacement as brake pad wear can be dangerous if not attended to.

When you apply pressure to your brake pedal, it pushes the brake pads and rotors together in an effort to stop the vehicle. This pressure exerts heat onto your rotors causing them to warp over time. Much like your brake pads, it is equally important that you keep tabs on your brake rotors, which should be replaced every 70K miles or so.

Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake?

If your steering wheel is shaking, that also indicates an issue with your brake rotors rather than your brake pads. A warped brake rotor will create an uneven surface for your brake pads to press against, shaking your steering wheel in the process.

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Brake pads and rotors wearing down is a major cause of brake squealing. When brake pads wear down completely, the metal beneath is exposed and the sound of it rubbing against the rotors can cause a loud squeaking noise.

This is bad as it is a sign that your pads are having difficulty gripping the rotors and stopping the vehicle, making them less effective. You’re going to want to get your brakes immediately checked out by a certified technician at Perfection Automotive if you are experiencing this issue.

Why Is My Brake Light On?

If your check engine light is on, that indicates there’s an issue with your vehicle’s engine. Therefore, your brake light coming on indicates a problem with your braking system.

Your brake light on your dashboard looks like a red exclamation point inside of a circle with parentheses on both sides of the circle. Your brake light turns on if your brake fluid levels are low, your car senses a problem with the parking brake, or there’s a problem with your vehicle’s Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS).

Brake fluid powers the various mechanisms of your braking system. Without enough braking fluid, your vehicle’s brake line will fill with air and decrease the amount of pressure you can apply to your brakes. This is extremely dangerous since it will prevent you from making an emergency stop if you have to.

If you are experiencing any mechanical issues with your vehicle, bring it in to the car repair experts at Perfection Automotive. We’ll get your brakes back to working order so you can hit the road with confidence.

How Often Should You Be Changing My Tires?

Driving around with worn out tires is extremely dangerous. Did you know that approximately 35% of auto accidents in the United States are caused by tire problems? That’s around 15,000 auto accidents per year. That’s why it’s extremely important that you get your tires checked regularly, particularly during harsh weather seasons.

A general rule of thumb is that you should replace a tire once it reaches 50,000 miles or six years of use, whichever comes first. Each type of tire is different and how well you take care of your tires will make the difference in how much time you’re able to get out of them.

How Long Does It Take to Change a Tire?

A trained professional at Perfection Automotive can change a set of four tires in about an hour. That’s around 15 minutes per tire.

Tire Tips

There are a number of things that car owners should do to keep up the maintenance of their tires and extend their life spans including checking tire pressure, rotating tires, and changing tires when necessary.

Tire Pressure

For starters, you should regularly check the air pressure in your tires. Checking them at least once a month is recommended, and many gas stations have tire pressure stations that allow you to check and fill your tires with air.

The tire pressure warning light will alert you if your tire pressure has gotten too low. Tire pressure often gets low during cold weather months when the air from your tire can drain quicker. A nail or other kind of puncture in your tire can also cause this light to go off, which would require a visit to Perfection Automotive to fix.

What Does Rotating Tires Do?

Rotating your tires is a great way to slow down the wear down of your individual tires. That’s because the weight of your car is more distributed towards your front tires than your rear tires. In a front wheel drive vehicle, your front tires are doing a lot more of the work as well. Regular tire rotations regularly prevent uneven tread wear and help each one last longer.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

You should be getting regular tire servicing and rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first. Generally, it’s smart to get your tires rotated during your regular oil changes since the timelines for those two regular services are quite similar.

Perfection Automotive offers free tire rotations every time you purchase a set of tires through our shop.

How Long Can You Drive On a Spare Tire?

Keeping a spare tire with you will give you peace of mind and ensure that a flat tire won’t require an expensive tow trip to Perfection Automotive.

You should be careful not to go too far on a spare tire. We recommend not driving more than 50 miles on a spare tire and also to drive under 50 miles per hour if you’re using a spare tire. In other words, make sure that your first and only trip on a spare tire is to our auto repair shop so we can properly outfit your car.

Changing Your Tires in Sterling, Virginia

For any help with your car’s tires or any other service request, give the experts at Perfection Automotive a call. Our family-owned operation has a half century of experience serving car owners from all across Northern Virginia.

What to Do If Your Check Engine Light is Flashing

It’s the one thing every car owner fears: the check engine light coming on. One factor that makes the check engine light so worrying is that the light itself doesn’t tell you what’s wrong with the vehicle. Is it something serious or something harmless? We’re here to help you break down exactly what could be the cause of the issue.

One thing to know is that there’s a fairly major difference depending on whether your check engine light is on consistently or if it’s flashing intermittently.

Check Engine Light is Flashing

If your check engine light is flashing on and off, you have a much more serious issue on your hands. Stop driving your car immediately and get it towed. Take it to get inspected by our Northern Virginia auto repair experts at Perfection Automotive. We’ll run a full automotive diagnostic to determine the cause of the problem.

A flashing check engine light often signifies that your engine is misfiring. This indicates a problem with your engine’s fuel, spark plugs, timing, compression, or some other mechanical failure.

If you continue to drive your car under these conditions, it will cause unburned fuel in your vehicle to be dumped into the car’s exhaust system. This can do a lot of damage to your car’s catalytic converter – which can be very expensive to replace – and eventually to the engine itself.

Reasons Your Check Engine Light is On

If your check engine light is illuminated consistently, it is often a less serious issue (but can still be a significant problem!)

Loose Gas Cap

One very common reason that your check engine light is on is if you have a loose gas cap or a broken gas cap seal. If you recently filled your car up with gas but didn’t secure the gas cap, small amounts of gas will leak out of the cap which sends an alert signal to the car and sets off the check engine light.

The first thing you should do if your check engine light comes on is to secure the gas cap. If that is the only issue, our experts at Perfection Automotive can easily cycle the light off to give you peace of mind again.

CONCERN LEVEL: Low. Your car will not lose significant amounts of fuel or gas with a loose gas cap, but the gas cap is meant to serve as protection for your engine from dirt, dust, and other particles that could otherwise get into your vehicle’s interior and cause problems.

Bad Battery

A failing or corroded car battery will cause your check engine light to turn on. This is one of the more common reasons your light will come on. A broken or undercharged battery won’t be able to send enough power to the engine to turn your vehicle on.

CONCERN LEVEL: Moderate. Your car battery is only needed when turning the car on. This means that while the check engine light is on, you don’t run the risk of further damaging your car by driving it around. However, you may discover any day that your car won’t start, which could lead to a lot of personal headaches for you if that happens at an inconvenient time or place!

Air Intake System

Another very common problem that can cause your check engine light to turn on is an issue with the engine’s air intake system. If there is excessive air in the system caused by a hole in an air hose or a loose hose, that will send warning signs to your engine system.

CONCERN LEVEL: Moderate. Your car can still run for a short amount of time without getting this problem fixed, but it can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if left unattended to. Your engine will become damaged without the air intake system filtering out harmful debris.

O2 Sensor

Another potential issue that could cause your check engine light to turn on is if your car’s oxygen sensor is faulty. The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen in your car’s exhaust. It then sends those signals back to the engine control computer. When that link is broken or when your engine senses something is wrong with the O2 sensor, the check engine light can come on.

CONCERN LEVEL: Moderate. These are relatively inexpensive to repair, but a broken O2 sensor will make your car sound rough when running. Eventually, it will also lead to the breakdown of other essential functions in your vehicle, so you’ll want to get this issue addressed quickly.

Clogged/Dirty Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is responsible for protecting your engine from harmful toxins by turning them into less harmful chemicals like water or carbon dioxide. If yours is damaged, clogged, or dirty, your O2 sensor will sense the problem and turn on the check engine light.

CONCERN LEVEL: Extreme. A failing catalytic converter cannot protect your engine from these harmful chemicals which could eventually lead to irreparable damage to the engine itself. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, but an engine is even more expensive to replace.

If your check engine light is on or if you have any other car concerns, bring your vehicle in to the repair shop at Perfection Automotive. We’ll run a full diagnostic on your vehicle to find out exactly what needs to be done to solve the issue.

Purchasing a used car can be a lot like walking through a minefield. Everyone has heard the horror stories. Even the term “used car salesman” is a euphemism for an untrustworthy person.

So how do you avoid buyers’ remorse when purchasing a used car? You need to ask smart questions. With that in mind, here are 12 questions you should ask before you buy a used car.

1. Why Are You Selling the Car?

If you’re thinking of buying a car from a private seller, it’s important to figure out why they’re trying to get rid of their vehicle. Most sellers will anticipate this question, but you should keep a watch out for an answer that raises any red flags.

For example, if they mention that the car has been giving them issues or “isn’t worth the time to fix,” you’ll want to investigate that further. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-ups if you have any concerns.

If you’re buying the car from a dealership, you could swap this question out for “how did you obtain this car?” or “why did its previous owner sell the car to you?”

2. How Long Have You Owned the Car?

At this point you’re trying to get a sense of the car’s history. The longer they’ve had it, the more they should know about the car. If they’ve had the car for a long time but provide vague answers to the rest of your questions, that should set off alarm bells. If they’ve had it for a short time, then it would be even more important to know why they’re trying to part with it so soon.

3. How Many People Have Owned This Car Before?

This question will also reveal a lot about the car’s history. It’s likely the current owner only has information on their personal history with the vehicle. Therefore, the fewer previous owners, the better. If the seller has a vehicle history report, that should answer this question as well as a few others we have further down the list.

4. Has the Car Been in Any Accidents?

Accidents happen. But they can also cause internal and external damage to the vehicle that might not have been fully addressed or that could lead to future problems. Get a report on the car’s accident history to find out exactly what happened and what was repaired as a result.

5. Do You Have the Car’s Title in Hand?

Hopefully you won’t have to jump through too many logistical hoops to get the title. If you do, you’ll want to know ahead of time so know what you’re in for if you buy it. A good rule of thumb is that you should have the title in hand before you make your first payment on the car.

6. Does the Car Have a Maintenance Record?

The better the car has been taken care of over the years, the less likely it is to break down for you in the future. If they have service records, that’ll allow you to see whether they have taken it in for regular oil changes and repairs as needed.

7. What Parts in the Car Were Recently Replaced?

If a major part of the car has been swapped out or fixed recently, that’s one fewer thing you’ll have to worry about in the near future. Engine parts, batteries, catalytic converters, transmissions, and camshafts are just some of the big things you’ll want to check for. Some of these parts (like the engine) are expected to last throughout the life of the vehicle, so it’s unlikely they will have been replaced. But it’s always good to check.

8. What is the Car’s Mileage?

Luckily this question is very easy to find an answer to, especially if you have the ability to see the car in person. Do some research on the particular make and model of car that you’re looking to buy and find out the expected lifetime mileage. You can measure that against the car’s current mileage to determine how long you expect the car to last for you.

If you’re buying from a private seller, you should also beware odometer fraud. Tampering with a car’s odometer is illegal, but there are ways to detect fraud.

9. Has the Car Ever Been Used for Food or Animal Transportation? Did its Previous Owners Smoke?

Before you buy the car, you’ll want to know if it’s going to have any interior scents or stains. The smell of food and smoke is difficult to get rid of and can be unpleasant to some people. Ideally you’ll be allowed to inspect the vehicle inside and out before you make a commitment to purchase it.

10. Can I Test Drive the Car?

If possible, always take the car for a test drive before you commit to it. You may discover problems you didn’t think to ask about or you may discover the car doesn’t deliver on certain aspects you were hoping it would.

For instance, you should be paying attention to any concerning sounds the car makes while you drive. Does the car handle well? Do all of the various features work (headlights, cruise control, backup camera if present, radio, etc.)? Is the brake too sensitive or not sensitive enough? Make a mental note of anything that seems out of the ordinary.

11. Is There a Reason This Car Couldn’t Make a Cross-country Trip Tomorrow?

This is always an interesting question. It also addresses a lot of potential concerns. Hopefully the person selling the car is able to give you a confident “yes” to this question. You might rephrase the question by asking, “If needed, would YOU take this car on a cross-country trip tomorrow?” You might get a more honest answer from the seller if they have to put themselves in your shoes.

12. Can I take the Car to Perfection Automotive for a Pre-purchase Inspection?

A “no” to this question would be a pretty major red flag. At Perfection Automotive, we can perform pre-purchase inspections for all cars in order to find any hidden problems the car might have. A PPI is the easiest way to avoid getting ripped off by a used car seller. We especially recommend these if you’re buying a car without a warranty on it, since you’d be responsible for any repairs needed the moment you purchase the vehicle.

If you have any concerns about a vehicle you’re about to buy, bring it in to Perfection Automotive. We’ll make sure that everything is in working order before you make a binding commitment.

Get out the ice scraper because winter is here!

Cold temperatures, road salt, snow, slush, and ice present unique challenges for car owners and their vehicles. If you fail to winterize your car, you may find yourself in an expensive, and potentially, dangerous situation. Avoid the hazards and hassles by performing these winter car checks.

First, What Does Winterizing a Car Mean?

Winterizing a car is an auto maintenance practice that prepares your car for winter driving and eliminates the potential risks posed by cold weather. It involves checking various aspects of a car’s performance. Inspecting and fixing problems with tires, brakes, the coolant system, and wiper blades are all ways to keep your car in working order during the winter months.

How to Winterize Your Car from Tires to Fluids

From rubber to water, many common materials used in car manufacturing are particularly susceptible to cold weather degradation. They freeze, rust, and wear out more quickly with winter driving. For proper winter car care, be sure to check these parts of your vehicle.

Tires

Starting with the most important part of a car to check: the tires. Without properly working tires, the risk for slipping and sliding during inclement weather greatly increases. This is one of the most dangerous things to neglect during cold weather. However, there are two main aspects of your tires to prioritize.

• Tread Depth: You can think of tire tread depth as the deepness of the grooves in your tires. These grooves allow the tire to adhere to the road which keeps your car controllable. Tread depth can be assessed at home using the penny tread test. However, because it’s so important for safety if you’re a novice it’s best to allow our professionals to check this for you.

• Tire Pressure: As temperatures change, so does the air pressure in your tires. In fact, with every 10-degree change in temperature your air pressure changes by 1 PSI. Proper air pressure during the winter is vital for tire traction and driving ability. The ideal air pressure levels can be found in your owner’s manual but sometimes it’s easier to allow us to diagnose and correct tire pressure changes.

Car Battery

Winter is particularly hard on car batteries because extreme temperatures cause additional stress that milder weather does not. If you park your car outside during the cold months, this stress is amplified. To make sure your battery has enough juice to last through winter, you’ll want to get a battery test and have Perfection Automotive fix and prevent any car battery terminal corrosion.

Coolant System Service

Another essential part of winterizing your car is winterizing car coolant systems. While this isn’t required yearly, don’t skip an annual inspection. For optimal winter performance, your coolant system may need a complete flush and a pressure test. Belts, coolant hoses, connections, and clamps also need to be inspected to be sure your car is safe. Any of these aspects of the coolant system could fail at any time of year, but the wintertime is the worst because you’ll be stranded in a freezing car waiting for help. Don’t risk it!

Wiper Blades

Wiper blades should be replaced twice a year but this is often overlooked by the average car owner. When driving during the winter, decreased visibility becomes incredibly problematic. If your wipers are old, freezing temperatures and ice can tear the rubber rendering your wiper blades ineffective. To avoid losing sight of the road, you’ll need to make sure your car’s windshield wipers are up to the cold-weather challenge.

Fluid Levels

The most notable fluids associated with winterizing your vehicle are anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid. The anti-freeze in your car needs to have a ratio of 50% water and 50% anti-freeze. Making sure you have the right ratio and the right levels requires diagnostic tools and specialized training. Enlist an honest and qualified auto technician at Perfection Automotive to help you with this winterizing step.

Conversely, windshield wiper fluid is simpler. However, it’s important to drain your old wiper fluid and replace it with a winter formula. Winter driving necessitates a clear windshield and clearing snow and ice from your windshield requires more fluid. So, make sure you stay on top of your car’s fluid levels this winter season.

Winter Car Service

Does all of this seem overwhelming? It’s a lot to think about, we know. Let Perfection Automotive winterize your car for you this season! We’ll make sure your car is safe to drive and winter-ready for one low price.

Have more questions about how to winterize your car? Want to schedule a winter service appointment? Contact us today!

What is a Car Battery Terminal?

To explain car battery terminal corrosion, we’ll start with the fundamentals – your car’s battery. The car battery stores electricity that powers vital elements of your vehicle including the ability for your car to start. The battery cables transmit electricity from the battery to power the electrical components of your vehicle.

Car battery terminals are the intermediary between the car battery and the battery cables. All three components- batteries, battery cables, and battery terminals- must each function properly for the vehicle to get electrical power. The car’s battery terminal ends are located on the end of the battery cables. Bolted directly to the battery post, terminals are simply understood as the place where you attach jumper cables. As a battery terminal ages, it becomes susceptible to corrosion.

Spotting Car Battery Corrosion

It’s fairly easy to check for corroded battery terminals because they are usually visible without any specialized tools or training. However, corrosion of the battery might hide under the battery cover. For this reason, it’s best to bring your car to Perfection Automotive when you suspect corrosion. Nonetheless, quick spot checks for corrosion are a best practice for any car owner.

To spot check for corrosion, first pop open your car’s hood. Car battery corrosion appears on terminals as a greenish-blue, sometimes white-tinged, substance. Corrosion takes a hairy appearance but always avoid touching it with your bare hands as it can cause skin damage. Corrosion may also present itself as fluid leaking from the battery terminals or onto the case. Don’t touch this either.

The Science of a Corroded Battery Terminal

For starters, car battery terminal corrosion commonly occurs in older model cars or in cars with a battery that’s aging. However, new cars and certified preowned cars are also susceptible to battery corrosion as well. The causes of corrosion are numerous but they all start with how metal interacts with other chemicals.

Chemicals like copper sulfate, sulfuric acid (or battery acid), and hydrogen gas are all normal byproducts of good battery function. However, they should not come in contact with anything outside of the battery. Simply put, when corrosion occurs these various chemicals interact in one way or another with the metal on the terminals. This causes the metal to undergo chemical changes that produce the corrosion you see.

How to Prevent Corrosion

To prevent battery corrosion, get regular inspections of the battery unit. At Perfection Automotive, we include complimentary battery terminal inspections during every service appointment. Not only do we check your battery for corrosion, but we also apply a protectant called an anti-corrosion. This works to inhibit the ability for corrosion to form. Additionally, we test your battery to be sure it is in peak performance. If we spot corrosion during this service, we clean and fix it.

What Happens if You Don’t Fix It?

When you see corrosion, you should immediately try to fix it. If you don’t, your car will likely have problems in the immediate future. Corrosion causes your car battery to significantly decline in terms of performance. Your car may develop trouble starting and you might need to ask a stranger from the grocery store parking lot to jump your car. Eventually, your car battery will need to be replaced. However, you can fix corrosion issues before you need a battery replacement as long as you know it’s there.

How to Fix Corrosion

The most effective fix for corrosion is to not have it in the first place. This is why Perfection Automotive checks your battery terminals, cables, and the terminal ends at every service. Corrosion can develop in places you can’t see without removing your battery cover. Additionally, it can be difficult and dangerous to remove stubborn corrosion because of the caustic chemicals involved. Don’t try this at home unless you’re an expert.

When we spot corrosion, we leap into action beginning with cleaning the corrosion off. Here is how we clean battery corrosion.

1. Disconnect Battery: This task can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. There is a risk for electrical shocks and chemical burns. Unless you’re a professional, we don’t suggest trying this at home.
2. Check All Battery Elements: Under some circumstances, corrosion results in irreparable damage to your battery. We double-check all of the elements making sure they work perfectly.
3. Prepare Baking Soda Solution: We use a baking soda and water solution but sometimes stronger chemicals are needed to destroy stubborn corrosion.
4. Remove the Corrosion: We use a specially-made, skinny wire brush created specifically for this job which removes corrosion until it is completely gone.
5. Reconnect Battery: Reconnecting the battery is just as difficult as disconnecting. Let us take care of this for you with our complimentary battery terminal end service.

Avoid the hassle that comes with replacing your car battery by staying vigilant about checking for car battery terminal corrosion. Whether you found corrosion or you need a helping hand to check for it, Perfection Automotive is here to help. Each service appointment includes complimentary testing and preventative maintenance of your battery.

Have more questions? Give us a call. Need other work done? Get a free estimate now.

In almost all situations, synthetic oil is better for your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind. However, there are some instances where it might not be your best choice. Although it happens, these instances are few and far between. Knowing when to use synthetic and when to use regular oil is complicated. But, we’re here to help you understand so you’re an informed customer and synthetic motor oil expert.

Why Synthetic Oil is Better

First, let’s explain the difference between synthetic and conventional oil. Regular oil is made from a petroleum base that becomes thicker at low temperatures and thinner at high temperatures. This viscosity variation is a problem for regular motor oil. Thus, chemical additives are incorporated with the petroleum base oils. The chemical additives break down over time in a process called oxidation thermal breakdown.

The good news is that synthetic motor oil is made to match the oil thickness that your engine needs. Synthetic motor oil that is specifically designed for your engine type brings many advantages.

1. Fewer Oil Changes

Unlike conventional motor oil, you don’t need as many synthetic oil changes when you choose a high quality synthetic. It is recommended that you change this oil type every 5-7 months or 5,000 – 7,000 miles.

2. Saves You Money

While synthetic motor oil does cost more, it can save you money in the long run. Instead of paying $40 four or more times a year, you can pay one oil change price to last you all year! It may be more expensive but you’re saving money in the long run. Not to mention, using synthetic oil can greatly impact the negative wear and tear on your car.

3. Keeps Engine Cleaner

When you choose full synthetic motor oils, you choose a healthy car. Conventional motor oil creates sludge problems in your vehicle’s engine which circulates through your engine’s parts. These sludge problems eventually lead to a shorter life for your engine and its parts.

Synthetic is made from a more chemically stable base that does not cause these sludge problems like regular motor oil. In fact, synthetic brands that we use, like Mobil 1, will clean up any past sludge problem your engine encountered. Think you might have a sludge problem? Call us today to find out.

4. Better Performance in Hot and Cold Temperatures

At high temperatures, regular oil will evaporate and break down. Highway driving to your summer vacation might result in more frequent oil change needs and decreased performance levels in your vehicle. Likewise, conventional motor oil at low temperatures takes a while to begin flowing through your engine to protect it.

Full synthetic oil remains the correct thickness whether it is flowing through a hot engine or a cold engine. It begins protecting your cold engine the second you turn the ignition in the dead of winter, and it stays the perfect viscosity through highway summer driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Synthetic Oil Worth It?

People always ask us if using synthetic instead of regular oil is worth it. We usually come back with a resounding: Yes, it is! You not only save money by getting less frequent oil changes, but you also save time. Trade-in hours of auto shop YouTube watching for more productive tasks when you switch to synthetic motor oil.

How Long Does Synthetic Last?

Synthetic oil can last up to 1 full year or 10,000 miles. To put that in perspective it would take 4 cross-country road trips before you would need an oil change. However, there are many factors to consider when developing your oil change schedule. At Perfection Automotive, we pride ourselves on honest and fair advice to ensure your car is safe and efficient. We’ll never suggest oil changes you don’t need. So, bring your car in today and we will assess and develop the perfect synthetic regime for you.

What’s the Best Brand of Synthetic Oil?

At Perfection Automotive, we only use the best. After 45 years in the auto industry, we identified Havoline and Mobil 1 as the best brands of synthetic motor oil because they offer higher viscosity and superior protection. However, there are many reasons to use Havoline instead of Mobil 1 and vice versa. We take a holistic approach to your vehicle’s care and always consider the specific needs of your car before choosing which brand to use.

Considering making the switch to synthetic but don’t know where to start? Contact us for an estimate or give us a call so we can save you money, time, and peace of mind.

Purchasing a car is a huge investment. Let our expert mechanics help you make the best choice with a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI).

WHAT IS A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION?

Perfection Automotive will inspect the entire vehicle for evidence of mechanical, structural or cosmetic issues and investigate to determine if there was any previous damage. We highly recommend a PPI when purchasing a vehicle without a warranty or when the vehicle is located in different city. If there is no warranty, you will assume all the risk if there are any major mechanical problems. As a buyer, it’s your right to get a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Typically, a non-binding offer to purchase and a refundable deposit are available to you before the inspection.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

A thorough interior and exterior diagnostic including a safety check is followed by a road test. The engine, wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, dashboard, fluids, transmission and exhaust are all examined closely. Our mechanics check for flood damage, smells and confirming the equipment and options are actually included in the vehicle. Your (almost yours!) car will be put up on the lift to check for broken or rusted components and leaks. The road test helps us evaluate engine and transmission operation, steering, braking and listen for unusual sounds.

 

WHAT IF THE VEHICLE HAS DAMAGE?

The goal of a PPI is determine if any previous damage was fixed properly and that the car has been maintained. A vehicle with some damage history can be deal and a way for you to purchase a premium model. The extent of the damage can be a negotiation tactic when determining price with the seller. We will tell you the expected future investment the vehicle will need.

A trained eye by our trusted mechanics will help you avoid serious problems. Knowing what’s happening under the hood could save you a great deal of time and money. Pre-Purchase Inspections are quick, affordable and allow you to confidently buy a used car.

Keep your car running smoothly and avoid major problems with regular maintenance for your vehicle. It will save you money and headache in the end! Not sure what you need? Check out the below list or just ask Jason and he will make sure your car is getting what it needs to be safe and riding smoothly!

3 MONTHS/3,000 MILES

• Fluids
  • Engine oil level
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid level
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
• Tires
  • Pressure check and inspection
• Hose inspection
• Drive Belt inspection

6 MONTHS/5,000 MILES

• Oil & Filter Change
• Tire Rotation
• Lights
• Fuel filter
• Battery
• Cabin & Engine Air Filters

12 MONTHS/10,000 MILES

• Synthetic Oil and Filter Change
• Alignment
• Brakes
• Replace Wiper Blades

Buying a new car is an exciting time, but it is also full of questions. Good thing we have the answers! A pros and cons list is always a great way to start when making a big decision. If purchasing a used car, it is beneficial to look at Certified Pre Owned vehicles. They are usually less than three years old with low mileage and no history of major damage. These vehicles pass strict inspections and get a new warranty that extends the original factory warranty – plus, save you some money! At Perfection Automotive we see all makes and models of cars and we are happy to help guide you in your next car buying experience!

NEW CAR

Pros

• Dealerships complete the paperwork
• Easier to get the color and model you want
• Warranty protection
• More fuel efficient
• Equipped with the latest technology
• Dealership sales and specials
• Less expensive to finance
• No miles
• That new car smell!

Cons

• More expensive to purchase
• More expensive to insure
• Significant depreciation when you drive off the lot
• Low resale value

 

CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR

Pros

• Less expensive to purchase and finance
• Less expensive auto insurance and taxes
• Can purchase a nicer vehicle for your money
• Depreciation is less
• Good resale value
• Have access to reviews of historical reliability on the vehicle
• Access to a warranty

Cons

• Time researching car’s history
• More compromising on make, model and features
• Higher priced financing