How To Keep Your Car Cool During the Summer
Keeping your car cool is not just a matter of safety, but survival. A recent study conducted by Stanford found that during the summer, a car can heat up by an average of 40 degrees in a couple of minutes. This may be worrisome because it puts you and your pets/children in a dangerous spot. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, child heat strokes can occur at just 70 degrees. On the other hand, your car can heat up to 96 degrees.
To help you prevent this, we’ve prepared a list of basic steps you can take to ensure your, your car’s, and your family’s safety.
- Park in shady areas: This is a must. If you can’t park into a garage and have to use a public parking lot, then do whatever you can to park under a tree or in an area with weaker sunlight. If you can’t do that for obvious reasons, don’t worry, we got you covered!
- Use a sunshade: Let’s be hones: Finding a great parking spot is a nightmare. It’s far easier to get a quality car sunshade. Good car sunshades cover the most significant piece of glass of your car and block up to 95% of sunlight! And the best part? Sunshades (even the best ones) are cheap and affordable!
- Tint your windows: If you are not fond of sunshades, a great alternative is to tint your windows. While tinting your windows doesn’t prevent light from coming in, it does block the UV and thermal rays, which do most of the damage. We’d suggest letting a professional do the tinting, but if you are a hardcore vehicle enthusiast, you can do it yourself!
DISCLAIMER: Different states allow different tinting degrees, so before you do anything, refer to your state’s window tinting guide.
- Cover your dashboard: A good dashboard cover can help block further sunray spread, but we suggest that you have also either tinted your windows, used sunshade, or parked in a shady spot beforehand.
- Wrap your steering wheel: Another useful thing to do is to wrap your steering wheel, because we all know how hot our steering wheels can get in the Clovis sun.
- Cover your whole car: Yes. Sometimes that’s what you gotta do! Even if you have sun shades a cover on the interior of your vehicle, the car paint can still be damaged from the extreme outside heat. When you want to keep your car cool during the summer, covering it completely might be the most practical thing to do.
If you are suspicious and feel that the summer has damaged your car in some way, but you can’t uncover it, don’t hesitate to contact us and set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians, and we will perform an inspection to make sure your vehicle is happy, healthy, and ready for the journey ahead. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Fun in the Sun: Best Summer Road Trips in Clovis
We can’t believe how fast the year is going by! It is almost summertime. Not only will the temperatures be rising, but the pandemic is almost coming to an end. The team at Dick’s Automotive thinks this is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the open road. Fortunately, Clovis is centrally located near many summer road trips.
To help you make your destination more effortless, we have compiled a list of the best summer road trips in and near Clovis (all of these drives are easily reachable on day trips from Clovis)
- Yosemite National Park
- Hume Lake
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Mono Hot Springs
- Huntington Lake
- Bakersfield
- Los Padres National Forest
- Big Sur
- Pinnacles National Park
- Monterey
- Santa Maria
- Sacramento
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
Before you embark on your road trip, we encourage you to stop by Dick’s Automotive for an inspection. This way, we can make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready to go for your next adventure. If you decide to go on any of these trips, please let us know how it went!
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians, and we will perform an inspection to make sure your vehicle is happy, healthy, and ready for the journey ahead. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Keep Your Vehicle Hydrated By Checking These Fluids
No matter who, where, or even what you are, we all have to drink fluids to stay hydrated and survive. Your vehicle is no different. Regardless of make, mileage, or model, your vehicle needs certain fluids to stay performing in tip-top condition for the long term. If your vehicle is low on fluids, its overall performance and driveability will be negatively affected. To ensure your vehicle stays safe, the team at Dick’s Automotive recommends staying on a routine maintenance schedule.
To keep your vehicle healthy and hydrated, it is essential to have these fluid levels inspected by a professional:
- Oil: We have all heard of this fluid, but you might be surprised to learn how many individuals forget to have this fluid inspected. Your vehicle is made up of thousands of moving parts, and all these parts need to stay lubricated, which is where oil comes in. When your vehicle doesn’t have enough oil, your engine might succumb to expensive and dangerous repairs.
- Transmission Fluid: Your transmission is easily one of your vehicle’s most complicated components. Without transmission fluid, your transmission system might start to break down, as transmission fluid works the same as oil — it keeps your transmission properly lubricated.
- Radiator Fluid: Coolant can be found in your radiator fluid, and coolant keeps your engine cool. Your vehicle’s radiator fluid will be tailored to your vehicle’s make, along with the time and temperature of the year.
- Brake Fluid: One of the systems most crucial to your overall safety is your braking system. Without properly working brakes, you could easily find yourself in a potentially dangerous and scary situation. Brake fluid regulates both the high pressure and temperature in your braking system.
- Power Steering Fluid: If your vehicle doesn’t have enough power steering fluid, you might not be able to steer straight through the streets of Clovis. This fluid is imperative to keep you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road safe.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians, and we will take a look at your vehicle’s fluids to make sure your vehicle is happy, healthy, and hydrated! We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Let’s Make Sure Your Windshield Wipers are Ready for April Showers
Now that spring is here, we are starting to see the sun shining, the flowers blooming, and the world becoming alive again after winter. Even though we might be seeing more blue skies, we do have to be wary of spring showers. We have all heard of the saying — “April showers bring May flowers.” Your windshield wipers need to be ready for the upcoming downpour, as they are your first line of defense.
When driving in the rain, you can’t see as well, and you will be driving on a slippery, wet road. To deal with these road conditions, your windshield wiper needs to be performing correctly. If you are experiencing any of these signs, your windshield wipers, most likely, need to be replaced:
- You notice the rubber on your windshield wiper blades is cracked or broken.
- When your windshield wipers are being used, you see streaks left behind.
- You hear a chattering sound when you use your windshield wipers.
- You see that your windshield wipers are not reaching some spots on your windshield.
- The actual metal part of your windshield wiper is bent.
At Dick’s Automotive, we put your safety first. If you believe your windshield wipers need to be replaced, don’t hesitate to contact our team for windshield wiper replacement. We don’t want you driving in an April shower without properly working windshield wipers. Together, we can make sure you and your vehicle are ready for these upcoming spring showers.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians for windshield wiper replacement. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Difference Between Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filters and Engine Air Filters
Modern vehicles have types of air filters — cabin air filters and engine air filters. It is no surprise that many of our clients think that these air filters have similar functions, but these filters perform quite different tasks in reality. If you stick to a regular maintenance schedule, our technicians will keep an eye on both your cabin air filter and engine air filter.
Let’s start with your engine air filter. What exactly does it do? Your vehicle has an intake system which essentially draws air into your engine. To keep debris and dust out of your engine, your engine air filter ensures clean air only reaches your engine. If your engine air filter is not well-maintained, it may not be working correctly, and debris, dust, and grime can potentially enter your engine and wreak havoc on other parts of your engine. Our technicians will check your engine air filter at our shop and recommend a replacement, if necessary.
Your cabin air filter might look like your engine air filter, but it has a very different responsibility. Your cabin air filter is located at the mouth of your heater box and filters out any dust, soot, pollen, or other allergens from entering your cabin. This filter makes sure you are breathing fresh and clean air in the cabin of your vehicle. It is essential to bring your vehicle to Dick’s Automotive for regular cabin air filter maintenance because it can quickly become inundated with particles.
With Spring almost here, it is even more important to keep a close eye on your cabin air filter, as we don’t want harmful allergens from reaching your cabin. Our technicians will also inspect your engine air filter to ensure you ready to go for the upcoming season. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
What to Expect When Bringing Your Vehicle To Dick’s Automotive
Since 1971, Dick’s Automotive has been a staple in Fresno, Clovis, and the surrounding communities. We are honored to be the trusted source for auto repair in the region, as we are honest and upfront each step of the way. Regardless of your vehicle’s make, model, or mileage, our technicians will be open and upfront each step of the way. When you are bringing your car to Dick’s Automotive, you can expect to receive a level of unparalleled service.
At Dick’s Automotive, we care deeply for you and your vehicle. Our first commitment is to God and his words. Our second commitment is to our family, both our personal and extended family we call our customers. With these commitments, we strive to keep your vehicle performing in tip-top shape so that you can drive safely and smoothly through the Fresno and Clovis streets.
At Dick’s Automotive, the name of the game is convenience, value, and time. Our technicians are ASE-certified Master technicians and are dedicated to the proper diagnosis and repair of your vehicle. Our technicians continue to attend regular training and work with shops across the country to stay up-to-date with the latest repair services.
Above all, you can expect our technicians at Dick’s Automotive to go above and beyond for you and your vehicle, whether that means ensuring you can pick up your car after hours or performing a thorough and extensive repair designed to secure your vehicle’s safety. Hard work, integrity, and transparency are the foundation at our shop.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
New Year’s Resolutions for Being a Better Car Owner
2020 was a year like we never expected. The team at Dick’s Automotive is so appreciative of each of our clients who continue to choose our shop for service. We couldn’t be more grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year for your next service. We want to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!
The team at Dick’s Automotive wants you to get the most out of 2021, and the best way to start the New Year off on the right foot is coming up with resolutions. We are here to help, as we have compiled New Year’s resolutions for being a better car owner:
- Pay close attention to preventive maintenance. To keep your vehicle running in pristine condition for as long as possible, regularly scheduled visits at Dick’s Automotive is of utmost importance. By routinely servicing your vehicle, we can prevent bigger and often more costly problems from happening.
- Drive courteously and kindly. This year has been hectic, to say the least. We know how easy it is to feel frustrated while driving, but the team at Dick’s Automotive encourages you to take a moment, breathe, and remember to treat other drivers on the road how you would want to be treated.
- Don’t forget about your fluids! Just like you need fluids to stay happy and healthy, your vehicle does too! Certain fluids in your vehicle, including your oil, brake fluid, and coolant, need to be serviced at regular intervals. The team at Dick’s Automotive can help you stay on top of maintaining these essential fluids.
- No more distracted driving. Did you know that, on average, nine people die a day from distracted driving? We can’t emphasize this enough — put your phone away, and keep your eye on the road. Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving; but it also includes eating and drinking and changing your music while driving.
- Safety first for your little ones. If your child is age eight and under, they should be in a car seat, and if your child is age 12 and under, they should be in the back seat. We recommend following these rules for optimal safety.
Together, we can start 2021 off on the right foot by bringing your vehicle to our shop for preventive maintenance. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Christmas Tree Transportation Tips
December is officially here, which means we are putting away the pumpkins and other fall decorations, and we are taking out the Christmas decorations, which include ornaments, wreaths, and of course, Christmas trees. On average, 30 million Americans purchase a live Christmas tree. Picking out the perfect tree for your home is all part of the fun, but events can take an unexpected turn if you don’t transport your tree correctly.
If you don’t secure your Christmas tree safely, you run the risk of your Christmas tree damaging both your vehicle, passengers, and others on the road. AAA reports that 44% of Americans did not correctly secure their Christmas tree in 2019. The team at Dick’s Automotive wants everyone to have a safe holiday season, which is why we have compiled these Christmas tree transportation tips:
- Use the right vehicle. If possible, we recommend transporting your Christmas tree on top of a car that has a roof rack. If you don’t have a roof rack, you can use the bed of a pickup truck, an SUV, van, or minivan, where you can lay the tree carefully inside.
- Every detail counts, including tie-downs. Make sure to use rope or nylon ratchet straps to secure your vehicle. Lightweight twine won’t do the trick.
- Protect your tree by wrapping the tree in netting. Any loose branches can be secured with rope or twine.
- Protect your vehicle too! We recommend using an old blanket to prevent your vehicle’s paint and finish from being scratched.
- Tie your tree down! You should trie your tree at its bottom, center, and top.
- Don’t forget about the tug test. Before you leave the Christmas tree lot, make sure to give your vehicle several strong tugs to ensure it is thoroughly secured and will not blow away.
- Slow and steady wins the race! If possible, try and take any backroads. Any roads with higher speeds will lead to significant airflow that could potentially damage your Christmas tree and might even jeopardize your tie-down.
- Last but not least, be careful when removing your tree so you don’t damage your vehicle.
We don’t want you to worry about your vehicle on your trip to pick out your perfect Christmas tree! Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
5 Reasons Why We are Thankful for Our Cars
We can’t believe how quickly time is flying by. Thanksgiving is almost here! The team at Dick’s Automotive thought it would be the perfect time to take a moment and recognize how much we appreciate our vehicles. Just think of a day without your vehicle — it would be much more stressful! Our vehicles are our trusty sidekicks.
At Dick’s Automotive, we also wanted to stay how grateful we are for you and your vehicle. We cherish the relationships we have formed with our clients throughout Clovis. We look forward to the opportunity to continue serving you and service your vehicle for many more Thanksgiving.
Here are five reasons why we are thankful for our cars:
- A car is synonymous with freedom. All you have to do is put your key into the ignition, and you can go anywhere. When our vehicles aren’t performing correctly, we can’t help but feel trapped in stranded. We are grateful that our vehicles allow us the freedom to go wherever we choose.
- Nowadays, our vehicles are inundated with safety technology, which means our cars are safe. We can rely on our vehicles to get us to and from our destinations.
- With proper maintenance, our vehicles are reliable. The team at Dick’s Automotive is proactive, performing preventative maintenance ahead of time to catch problems before they turn into bigger ones.
- Think of all the special moments you have shared in your vehicle. Maybe you received a phone call learning a job opportunity, took a road trip with a friend, or had a touching conversation with a loved one. Our cars are like our second homes, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them.
- It is easy to take our vehicles for granted, but think of how much we rely on them to get us to the grocery store to pick up items for dinner, take your daughter to her soccer game, or visit your grandmother for a socially-distanced lunch.
Why not show how thankful you are for your vehicle by bringing it to the team of technicians at Dick’s Automotive? Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
How the Ashes From California’s Fires Affect Your Air Filters
Photo by Patrick Campanale on Unsplash
Since we live in California, we are familiar with the fires that are raging throughout our state. We are all dealing with these fires’ effects, but the fires don’t just affect our health, but they affect our vehicle’s health too. Your vehicle is made up of several intricate parts, and each component has a specific task. Your cabin air filter is one of your engine’s parts that is affected by the fires.
Your cabin air filter is responsible for reducing the risk of outside contaminants and particles from entering the interior of your vehicle, including smoke, ash, dust, and other debris.
When your cabin air filter is dirty, your filter has to work that much harder and the risk of particles and contaminants entering your cabin is higher. A cabin air filter filled with grime has a chain reaction, as you and your passengers might find themselves breathing compromised air.
When your cabin air filter is first installed in your vehicle, it will be a pristine, glowing white. However, with all the smoke and ash in the air, your cabin air filter will most likely turn dark. If your cabin air filter is dirty and not working correctly, your health will be affected, too, as particles have a higher chance of entering your cabin. When you bring your vehicle to Dick’s Automotive, we will perform a thorough inspection. We sincerely care about our customers’ well-being, and we want to make sure you receive extra TLC during this time.
We recognize that we are living in stressful times, but the team at Dick’s Automotive is here to help ease your worries. Bring your vehicle to our shop, and we will carefully examine your cabin air filter for any signs of wear or tear. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
