Back to School Vehicle Maintenance
Back to School Vehicle Maintenance
The back-to-school season is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to start preparing your vehicle! There are a few things you can do to make sure your car is ready for the busy school year. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important vehicle maintenance tasks that you should complete before sending your kids back to school.
How can I get my car ready for the back-to-school season?
We know it’s hot outside, but let’s take a look at a few steps you need to take to get your vehicle ready for the back-to-school season. The most important thing is to make sure you properly maintain your vehicle. Here are some of the tasks you should complete:
Check your oil and tires – You should change the oil in your car every 5,000 miles, so make sure to do this before the back-to-school season. Make sure you inflate your tires to the correct level. You should inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level.
Check all the fluid levels – you should check the levels of oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and antifreeze to make sure they are all within the recommended ranges.
Clean your vehicle – you don’t want to skip this one! This is important for a few reasons. First, it will make your car look nicer. Second, it will help keep the interior in good condition. And third, it will help keep the windows clear while you drive.
Start the school season off right
Start the school season off right and get your vehicle ready for the ride. After all, our vehicles are all about getting us to and from our dreams and goals, take care of them, and they will take care of you!
If you’re looking for a team of experts to help service your vehicle, then look no further than Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA! We have a team of experienced and qualified technicians who can help get your car ready for back to school. We offer a wide range of services, including oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and more. Please contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
How to Beat The California Heat
Can you feel it? Yea, we know you can; summer is here. And in the California Central Valley, that means one thing; heat, and lots of it! With temperatures regularly exceeding over 100+ degrees, now is the time to examine some ways to beat the heat.
What Can I Do To Keep My Vehicle Cool This Summer?
Service Your A/C System – The number one way you can beat the heat this summer is by servicing your vehicle’s A/C system. Your A/C system is a complicated network of physical machinery and fluids that work in concert to keep you cool in the cabin. Bring your vehicle to your trusted auto repair shop, and service your A/C system today!
Consider Tinting – California has specific laws regarding tinting and exactly what is allowed; you can easily find the details by googling “California Tinting Laws.” That being said, tinting your windows is an excellent way to reduce the intensity of the sun’s rays and the heat they introduce into your vehicle. People with fair skin can get a dermatologist’s note that allows them to have a darker window tint, which can help if you are exposed to the sun on long drives! Most importantly, tinting can really cool your vehicle down!
Stay Cool On Your Road Trips
Stay cool this summer (as cool as possible in the Central Valley heat, haha), and try out some of the things we listed! Nothing puts a stop to a family road trip faster than a busted A/C system. And tinting your windows will make a difference to the overall comfort of your extended drives.
Rely on Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, Ca, when you need help with your vehicle’s A/C system! Dick’s Automotive is a family-owned and operated local Central Valley business featuring ASE-Certified auto mechanics and a commitment to the community. Please contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out in Clovis, CA
The sun is out, and the fun is in!
The California Central Valley is absolutely stuffed with awesome summertime activities and destinations. It gets hot around here, VERY hot, and we know how to beat the heat! Pick one of these summertime day trip destinations, and you are sure to have a blast!
The Island Waterpark
Fresno and Clovis’ favorite summertime getaway is the Island Waterpark! Just north of Fresno, this huge waterpark boasts a dizzying array of slides, pools, and leisurely activities. Take a rest in the lazy river and let the waters cool you down!
This spot is great for all ages and is family-friendly. It is handicap accessible, they have food and drinks on-site, and you can spend the entire day lounging with the ones you love. Set the day aside because you’ll probably end up spending the better part of it here!
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Beat the summer heat in Baldassare Forestiere’s cavernous underground gardens! Yes, you heard that right, this man built an underground garden working for 40 years on the incredible structure, beginning in 1906, over 100+ years ago!
The temperature in the underground gardens remains temperate year-round, and you can really appreciate the beauty of the structure when you remove yourself from the Central Valley’s punishing rays! This is a site that is not to be missed, and you won’t soon see anything like this again!
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
This is a Central Valley favorite! Any day of the summer, you will see families and friends alike taking to the water with jet skis, boats, kayaks, and more! You can reserve a camping spot, find a day-use area, or simply park and walk down to the lake with the family!
We recommend bringing some food and setting up at one of the many BBQs in the area. Grill up some food, pop the top on your drink of choice, and watch the sun go down over beautiful Millerton Lake. As a bonus, you can stop at Table Mountain Casino on your way out, it is only five minutes away, and you can loop that road back into Clovis/Fresno!
Whichever option you choose, your summertime day trip to beat the heat will please all parties. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is up for the ride and bring it to your trusted auto repair center of choice!
Don’t hesitate to visit Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, Ca, when you need to get your vehicle ready for the summertime day trips! Our fully staffed team of ASE-Certified mechanics makes it their mission to get you back on the road ASAP! Please contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
Preparing Your Vehicle for the Worst
What should I do when my vehicle breaks down?
Ok, the worst has happened. Well, not the worst! A simple breakdown isn’t nearly as bad as a collision, but it can absolutely ruin your day. Knowing the difference between a minor issue and a major issue is important, and you want to have a good idea of how your vehicle feels when it’s in prime condition.
When you notice your vehicle starting to have problems, pull over before they worsen. Especially during the summer months when our temperatures regularly exceed 100 to 110 degrees. Pay attention to your vehicle’s temperature gauge and pull over if it’s spiking. Look for smoke coming out of the hood or exhaust and any strange sounds or feelings your vehicle produces.
If your vehicle does break down, pull over immediately if possible. If it is not, remove yourself from the vehicle and get to safety. When it is safe, return to the vehicle and push it to the side of the road, call your trusted auto repair center, and they will assist you.
How can I prepare my vehicle for a breakdown?
You can do a few things to prepare your vehicle for a breakdown. Here are some of our suggestions!
- Always have a spare tire
- Always have a jack & wrench to install your spare tire
- Make sure your vehicle’s fluids are topped off and healthy
- Pay attention to strange sounds and have them investigated
- Pay attention to strange smells and have them investigated
What are some things I should watch out for on the California Central Valley roads?
The California Central Valley has some unique obstacles you should consider during your drives. Our area is home to a huge amount of agricultural fields, being one of the fruits and veggie baskets of the United States!
Those same fields produce a lot of pollen, and our rural roads can be prone to water runoff and potholes. Make sure to look after your vehicle filters, especially your air filter, and be extra careful when navigating the agricultural areas. People tend to drive very fast down the backroads, and some are littered with potholes.
Stay safe on your summer road trips, and spend plenty of time with your family. Breakdowns happen to everyone; at some point, things go wrong. But if you follow some of these tips and make sure you have an auto repair center you trust, things shouldn’t be too bad!
Call Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, when you experience a breakdown, and we will be there for you. We can set you up with a vehicle tow and assist you in the next steps. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
Surviving a Breakdown
My Car Broke Down, What Do I Do?
We all know that at some point, our trusty vehicles will face hard times. Breakdowns are inevitable, and most of us have our own horror stories with them. Now, there are some things that we can do to help reduce the impact a breakdown has on us, and there are some things to consider as we move forward. This month, let’s look at what to do when our vehicle breaks down and how we can help prevent that in the future.
Who Do I Call?
Before you panic, there are plenty of people and companies out there willing to help. If you can’t drive your vehicle at all, call your insurance company. Any insurance company worth its weight will help you arrange a tow service to a trusted repair center of their choice. Of course, you can decide where your vehicle goes, but many insurance providers have repair vendors that they contract with.
We also suggest that you consider a AAA membership. AAA has different membership tiers, all of which come with their perks. Many of them include towing services, sometimes for more than 100 miles! Take it from us; this can really help reduce the burden and stress from a breakdown.
What Can I Do To Avoid A Breakdown In The Future?
This is where preventative maintenance and a healthy relationship with your trusted auto repair center of choice come in. It is so much easier to prevent a breakdown if you have a better picture of where your vehicle currently stands.
By that, we mean bringing your vehicle to an auto repair center and having them examine it for where you might want to invest some preventative care. Auto repair centers have some amazing ways of giving you a deeper picture of your vehicle, one you can’t easily see at home.
Some of the services and tools that an auto repair center might use include:
DVI – Digital Visual Inspections or Digital Vehicle Inspection (depending on who you ask) lets mechanics interface with you directly. Allowing them to attach detailed reports, photos, videos, and suggestions for future vehicle repairs. It gives you an ultra-deep and personal understanding of your vehicle’s current health.
Code Readers & Scanning Tools – While many people own a small code reader that they use at home, not a lot of people have the education to interpret the data they present. It is one thing to have the tool, but it is another thing to have the tool and the lifetime of experience to put that data to use!
Pre-Purchase Inspections – What’s worse than a breakdown? A breakdown in a used vehicle you just bought! We all know what a “Lemon” is (a car you buy, not knowing that it is actually in terrible condition), but it can be very difficult to actually spot what makes a ”Lemon.” A pre-purchase inspection includes a vast list of checkpoints and procedures that ensure you know exactly what you are buying; this will help you avoid a breakdown in the future.
So, stay safe on the roads and find yourself an auto repair center you can trust to help keep you safe. Breakdowns happen; we can’t avoid that, but we can minimize how often they happen by staying on top of our vehicle’s health and wellness!Bring your vehicle to Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, and we will help give you an idea of where your vehicle currently stands. We can perform in-depth testing and provide you with a service schedule that should keep you on the road for many years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
Breathing New Life Into an Old Vehicle
How Can I Make An Old Vehicle Feel New?
Our vehicles are like our family members. They accompany us on all of life’s trials and tribulations, they see our successes, and they see our failures. Through it all, they get us from point-A to point B; over time, it takes a toll on our old friends. They deserve some attention and maybe a second shot at feeling young again.
As our vehicles age, their components wear down; for a myriad of reasons. Oxygen plays a negative role in a vehicle’s life. Steel oxidizes over time and loses its structural integrity. If you combine that with a lifetime of weather damage, water stress, and bouncing around, our old friends have seen better days. There are a couple of simple things you can do to breathe some new life into your old vehicle.
Replacing Your Filters & Fluids Will Breathe Life Into Any Vehicle.
Most of us know that it is important to replace our filters and fluids. However, simple upkeep like this gets overlooked, and it is even more important as your vehicle gets older, and interior components begin to wear down. You want the filters to keep harmful particulates out of your older vehicle components and fluids to remain clean and smooth. Doing so will help keep your older vehicle in its best condition and even breathe a bit of new life into it.
An Interior Detail Makes Your Car Feel New Again.
How many of us have gone our whole lives without ever paying for interior detailing in one of our vehicles? It makes so much sense that we should clean and care for our vehicle’s interior, but it is an easily overlooked expense when it comes time to pay for work. The exterior gets all of the attention, but we are here to tell you, it is worth it! A high-quality interior detail can include professional cleaning, polishing, buffing, vacuuming, and even shampooing! Shampooing your seats will have them looking (and smelling) like you remembered when you first bought them.
Take care of your old friend the same way they took care of you all these years. Consider it as a spa day for your vehicle; they are sure to be feeling great after these treatments. When it’s time to look after your filters and fluids, make sure you take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop.
Don’t hesitate to rely on Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, when you need help breathing new life into your vehicle. The California Central Valley trusts us as their go-to family-owned and operated auto repair center in Clovis, CA. Please contact us today and make sure to schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
Day Trip Dates in The California Central Valley
February is all about spending time with the ones you love and showering your family with affection. With Valentine’s day just a couple of weeks away now is a great time to start planning something special. The Central Valley is full of all sorts of hidden gems that are just a short drive away; let’s find some of them together.
The California Central Valley is famous for its humble beginnings and hard-working people. A land built on the backs of blue-collar individuals with a dedication to friends and family. What better way to continue that tradition than to gather them up and visit some of the places that make us so special? Here are three amazing day trips in the California Central Valley:
Kings Canyon National Forest – One of the most beautiful places on the planet and quite under-visited, compared to Sequoia National Forest and Yosemite. Known as “The Land of The Giants,” you’ll find some of the biggest redwood trees on planet earth, towering waterfalls, pristine conifer forests as far as the eye can see, and charming mountain towns featuring fantastic food and drinks. This is not to be missed, and we suggest you make it #1 on your list!
Gilroy Garlic Festival – Get your garlic cravings out of the way for the whole year with this one! Just a 2-hour drive outside of Fresno, and you’ll find a town and festival dedicated to some of the best garlic on the planet. You’ll find all sorts of unique garlic treats and products that you won’t find anywhere else. Specifically, look for the garlic ice cream… that’s right…” garlic ice cream.” We guarantee that you won’t be seeing this one soon after you leave, haha!
Forestiere Underground Gardens – Ok, we snuck this one on the list! It isn’t technically a “day trip,” it is only about 15-20 minutes from Clovis, CA, but man, is it worth it! The gardens open again in mid-March; we suggest that you start planning your trip now because you won’t see anything like it outside of Fresno! A true underground garden built by one of Fresno’s most beloved residents. Baldassare Forestiere dug his underground wonderland out of pure hardpan with nothing but his willpower and strength, creating an underground labyrinth of old-world fruit trees and other plants. You gotta check this out!
Now, before you head out on one of these amazing day trips, let’s take a look at the vehicle! Nothing puts a stop to a day of fun faster than a breakdown. So make sure you have a team to back; so you and your family can spend your much-needed time together without any issues. Bring your vehicle to your trusted auto repair center of choice and get it ready for the fun ahead.
Don’t hesitate to visit Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, when you need help getting ready for your day trip. Dick’s Automotive has been a fixture of the Clovis and Fresno communities for decades, focusing on high-quality work backed by integrity. Please contact us today and make sure to schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
You and Your Vehicle in the New Year
When you look back on 2021 and think of all the things you accomplished, how do you feel? This is the season of new beginnings and New Year’s resolutions, and why should we extend that to our vehicles? Everybody’s goals are different; this is a great time to sit down and plan out how to meet yours! Let’s not forget that our vehicles are the things that drive us to and from those goals; the better they function….the more we can do!
It’s all too easy to forget about our vehicles as we go about our days. The constant pressures of work, school, and family life put a big burden on our time. While this is okay in the short term, minor problems become prominent as the months add up. That is why we propose a three-step process to get ourselves back in line and set a future goal. We want to finish this year stronger than we started, so let’s get started!
- What Works and What Doesn’t? – This is the most critical step in the process; what isn’t working? Take a spin around your vehicle and see what could use improvement. Check your tire tread and ensure the tires look good. Check the windshield wipers for functionality. Check your oil and see if it needs service. Beyond that, have you noticed any squealing, grinding, sudden stops, or strange acceleration issues? You might have an issue with your brakes or transmission; you want to check that right away!
- How Can We Improve? – After we take care of the basics and look into the more serious things, what can we upgrade or improve in the coming year? Again, this is a great time to look at your tires and brakes! Consider investing in a quality set of both; it will pay off in the long run and keep you safe in the surprise Central Valley downpours.
- Dream Goals! – Now that we got the boring stuff out of the way, let’s dream big! What are the dream goals you have for your vehicles in the future? Have you always wanted to raise your truck? Maybe you want window tinting; to beat the Clovis heat this summer? Or, perhaps you want that brand new vehicle you have always dreamed of owning?! Whatever your desire is, take some time and plan to achieve that dream! Everything is attainable; you have to figure out the route to get there!
So, dare to dream this season and begin the steps to get you where you want to go. We know how stressful life can be, especially with this ongoing pandemic and all of the headaches that it brings. However, nothing makes a bad situation better, like achieving a goal you set long ago. Make sure to find an auto repair center that you can trust to help you with those pressing issues; as you find them.Come to Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, when you need an auto repair center to help you meet your New Year’s vehicle resolutions. Dick’s Automotive is a family-run business serving the Clovis and Fresno community with high-quality care and service. Don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment today. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and say hi!
10 Holiday Gifts for the Car Lover in Your Life
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to get your car lover the gifts they wait for all year!
Shipping delays and shortages will be worse this year than last, so now is the time to start thinking about what to get your loved ones.
Finding the perfect gift for the vehicle fanatic in your family can be challenging. It can get confusing between the myriad options out there and not knowing precisely what they might like. So, we thought we would help you out by making a list of 10-holiday gifts for the car lover in your life.
- Dash-Mount – Not only is this a useful and affordable gift option, but it can also help keep your loved one safe on the road. It is all too easy to grab your phone and look directly down at it when using your GPS. A good dash-mount will position the phone in a safe location, making your GPS experience much safer.
- GPS – If you have a family member that loves the outdoors and wants access to detailed GPS maps, far off the beaten path. You can’t go wrong with a physical GPS. Garmin makes excellent options that are more detailed than what your phone GPS provides; beyond that, they don’t lose reception.
- Keychain Accessories – There are tons of cool keychain accessories out there. Some examples are door openers, window breakers (for emergencies), and customized keychain nametags. Google “keychain accessories” and look through all the cool stuff available.
- Emergency Kit – A roadside emergency kit can contain MREs, road flares, survival blankets, flashlights, batteries, and so much more. This is the perfect gift for anyone that likes to prepare.
- Key Finder – There is nothing more frustrating than losing your keys with no way to find them. Brands like “Tile” make key finders with embedded GPS locators you can access from an app on your phone. Say goodbye to the endless mornings searching for your keys.
- Trunk Organizer – This is perfect for the person that likes to have everything in its designated spot or for someone who has trouble finding things when they need them. Trunk organizers are a great way to keep your vehicle sorted.
- Tire Inflator – Tools and gadgets have come a long way in the last 5-10 years. We now have access to affordable wireless tire inflators that are the shape and size of your household drill.
- Car Care Kit – Armor All makes a great “Premier Car Care Kit” that will satisfy the vehicle lover in your family. The kit costs around $40 and contains everything you need to detail the inside and outside your vehicle.
- Car-Guy Shirts – Nothing says “car-guy” like some vehicle merchandise. Find out what your loved ones’ favorite vehicle brands are and find some cool swag for them to wear.
- Vacuum Cleaner – Portable vacuum cleaners are now available in models that run off our vehicle’s power sources. You can charge them with your cigarette lighter and USB ports, and they run wirelessly. This is a great gift for someone who cares about the appearance of their vehicle’s interior and wants to keep it looking brand new.
Hopefully, some of these options get your gears turning and help you decide on a fun gift for the car lover in your life. Don’t wait too long to order; shipping delays are here, and item shortages will likely worsen. Take some time now to order your gifts so that they will be here in time. Beyond that, visit your local certified auto repair center if you need help getting to the holiday party this year.
So, before heading to the holiday dinner, visit Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA! Contact us to schedule an appointment today to meet our passionate crew of master technicians! Also, visit us on our Facebook page and say hi!
How to Handle Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving in the California Central Valley conjures up images of autumn leaves by the roadside, persimmon cookies in the oven, and cinnamon-scented candles in a family home. The holiday season is a time to snuggle up and enjoy each others’ company. Winter weather sneaks up on us in California; it’s best to get a handle on it ahead of the Holiday season!
The colder months in California’s Central Valley remain relatively dry most of the time, but winter conditions can and do creep in! The abundance of farmland surrounding us means we are susceptible to washed-out roads and flash floods in farming areas. All that tilled earth makes for an excellent mud soup recipe, haha! So before you head out to spend time with family, check out our ideas on how to handle Thanksgiving travel!
Prepare a Road Kit – A road kit is a bag, container, or loose collection of items that keep you prepared in case of an emergency or unplanned event! It does rain in the central valley, and sometimes we aren’t prepared for the situation. Some ideas of things to have in a road kit include: flashlights, batteries, space blankets, flares, paper towels, Fix-a-Flat, ice scrapers, etc.
Check Your Spare Tire – This is a great time to take a look at your spare tire and make sure it is ready for you if you need it! Check your spare tire’s pressure and fill it to the proper PSI; if it needs it. If you don’t have a spare tire, consider purchasing one, so you can be prepared for the road ahead. Nobody wants to get stranded with a flat, sitting on the side of the road, missing the thanksgiving turkey, haha!
Check Your Lights – Our lights are easy to overlook in our daily routine, but it is never more important than on those long road trips to visit family and friends! Inspect your headlights, fog lights, brakes lights, turn signals, and interior car lights. If any of them are out, make sure to replace them before you and the family head out this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is full of fun, food, and fantastic time with family and friends. However, nothing puts a stop to all that faster than getting stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to change your tire! Keep you and your family safe this holiday season by double-checking some of the things we listed here, and consider having your vehicle inspected by a trusted auto center before the trip!
If you need help getting your car ready for the Thanksgiving get-together, visit Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA! We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service in the Clovis/Fresno area, and we would love to help you and your family safely hit the road. Contact us to schedule an appointment today, and we will make sure you and your family hit the road safely this Thanksgiving!
