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!
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
You get in your vehicle, ready to go when you see the check engine light illuminated on your dashboard. You can’t help but start to worry — what is wrong with your vehicle? Is it something serious? Your thoughts begin to race, but you can think of your check engine light is your vehicle’s way of trying to talk to you, and the contents of that message can vary. It can be something minor as a faulty oxygen sensor, but it can also mean something more serious. Either way, it is essential not to ignore your vehicle and listen to your car when it is trying to talk to you.
Your check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics systems or OBD. The check engine light usually indicates when a particular component of your car isn’t working correctly. The typical response to seeing the check engine light symbol is to ignore it, put it off. However, the team at Dick’s Automotive highly recommends bringing your vehicle to our facility, so our technicians can perform a thorough inspection. Failing to have the underlying cause of the light can lead to potentially expensive repair bills and dangerous damage. It might seem like your engine is running normally, minus the check engine light on the dashboard, but your vehicle’s fuel injection, ignition, or emission controls could be malfunctioning. Ignoring your vehicle’s check engine light can severely affect both your safety and wallet.
When the check engine light is on, your vehicle will extra harder to compensate for the problem, which means your fuel economy will suffer, and your vehicle’s emissions can sky-rocket. Your car is easily one of the most significant investments you will make in your life. It makes sense to protect something so precious. When your check engine light begins to flash, don’t panic. Listen to what your car is trying to tell you — they need to see the qualified technicians at Dick’s Automotive.
Our technicians will perform a thorough inspection to identify what is causing your check engine light to illuminate. 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!
Summer Getaways Within Driving Distance of Clovis
This year, summer might be a little different, in the wake of COVID-19. However, that doesn’t mean you and your family shouldn’t enjoy your summer! We are fortunate to be located to many summer getaways within driving distance of Clovis. Before heading out to one of these picturesque destinations, we recommend checking out their website to see their hours and safety measures:
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Forestiere Underground Gardens: This historic landmark within driving distance of Clovis seems to be out of this world — maze-like passages weave underground. You can easily take a break from reality by heading out to this summer getaway.
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Mercey Hot Springs: This summer getaway involves tubs of hot mineral water. If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, this getaway is for you. You can frisbee golf, hike, or even go mountain biking.
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Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad: This ride will take you through the magnificent Sierra National Pine Forest. If you have a furry friend, even better because the train ride is pet-friendly. It is only an hour away from Clovis!
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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Nestled against the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, these two national parks are connected by a single road, leading to 866,000 acres. You can easily spend several days exploring this outdoor paradise.
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Huntington Lake: Huntington Lake is 80 miles northeast of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can rent a cabin or camp, while enjoying the water.
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Bravo Farms Kettleman City: Located on Highway 99 Tulare, Brave Farms is a fan-favorite roadside attraction. If you are looking for a wild west adventure, this place is for you.
- Shaver Lake: Shaver Lake is located within Fresno County. You can overnight camp, explore the little town of Shaver Lake, rent a cottage along the lake, and take advantage of the all the nature tucked along the lake, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
Before you embark on your summer adventure, stop by Dick’s Automotive for an inspection. We will make sure your vehicle is performing in tip-top shape. We want you to enjoy your summer getaway without any auto repair-related hiccups. 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!
Put a Stop to Forgetting Brake Maintenance
Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash
When it comes to your vehicle’s overall safety, brake maintenance is an absolute must. It is easy to think of dangerous scenarios in which you step on the brakes, and nothing happens. We like to think that brake maintenance is synonymous with safety, and at Dick’s Automotive, safety always comes first. Well-maintained brakes can be the difference in preventing an accident or a tragedy. Brake maintenance is one of the last services you should forget.
We all know that your brakes are responsible for stopping your vehicle, but how exactly does this system work? The friction between your tires and the road is actually what slows down and stops your car, and your brake pads and brake discs create the necessary resistance to stop your wheels from spinning. Every time you brake, you are advertently causing these discs to wear.
There are two essential components of brake maintenance: an experienced technician needs to inspect your brake fluid and brake pads and brake discs. Over time, your brake fluid will begin to degrade, and leaving this fluid in your vehicle can ultimately damage your brakes. Our technicians will drain your brake fluid and replace it if needed.
If you are hearing a noise when you brake or your vehicle is vibrating when you slow down to a stop, your brake pads and discs might need a little TLC. If you notice these signs, we recommend contacting the team at Dick’s Automotive right away. If the brake pads are no longer visible to the technician, they will most likely need to be replaced.
We can’t emphasize the importance of brake maintenance enough. Because they play such a vital role in securing the safety of you, your vehicle, and your passengers, you can’t cut any corners. Safety is always the top priority at Dick’s Automotive at Clovis, and brake maintenance is only one piece of the puzzle. 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!
Tips for Sanitizing Your Vehicle
We might not think that our vehicles can trap germs, but they can. In the era of a global pandemic, it is essential to sanitize our cars. We may unknowingly be transferring germs to the high-touch surfaces on our vehicles, after our trip to the grocery store or pharmacy. If you are an essential worker, the need for you to clean your vehicle is even higher. Either way, it is a good idea to take the time to sanitize your vehicle properly. Here are five tips for sanitizing your vehicle:
- Clean high-touch surfaces: Think of all the surfaces you touch more frequently, including your steering wheel, knobs, switches, screen, buttons, or anything else. We recommend cleaning these with a car interior cleaner, or you can also use an ammonia-based solution for the same effect. This is a relatively short process — it only takes 10 minutes!
Don’t forget about the low-contact areas too: Typically, your headliner, headrest, and window glass are low-contact parts, but they also require cleaning, and it can take as little as ten minutes to clean them. Make sure you don’t forget about your interior, and exterior door handles — these regions are regularly touched.
Clean your HVAC unit: Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit’s job is to circulate air throughout your cabin. We love to blast that air conditioning during summer, but you may be surprised to know that this unit can carry germs. It is a lot easier to clean this unit than it sounds — you can use a specialized cleaner or an ammonia-based solution to get the job done to spray your AC vents. Our team at Dick’s Automotive can also make sure your cabin air filter is performing in tip-top shape and doesn’t need to be replaced.
Vacuum out your vehicle: If you have one, we recommend using a portable vacuum cleaner to clean your cabin. If you don’t have one, you can still wash and scrub the floormates. You can also use a disinfectant liquid on the pedals, gear-lever, and handbrake lever. If you have leather seats, you can also use a disinfectant liquid or wipes. Soapy water can also do the trick. This process will take approximately 30 minutes.
It is easy for us to remember to sanitize our homes, but it is more of a challenge for us to remember to clean our cars. The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to remind you, along with provide you with any preventative maintenance or auto repair service you need. We don’t want you to worry about the safety of your vehicle during these trying times. 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!
Here is How We Show Our Love at Dick’s Automotive
We are currently living in a stressful time, and the team at Dick’s Automotive is here to support you each step of the way with our kind, courteous, and accurate service. Since 1971, Dick’s Automotive has built and maintained a loyal customer base from Clovis, Fresno, and the surrounding regions.
How do we show our love at Dick’s Automotive? The answer begins with our commitment to our family, both our personal family and then our extended family, also known as our customers. We are honest and upfront about the services your vehicle needs or doesn’t need, as we are driven, no pun intended, by integrity, hard work, and transparency.
The next part of the answer has to do with our technicians. Our technicians are either ASE-Certified or Master-Certified, which they means they had to undergo rigorous training and tests. When you visit Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, you can expect convenience, value, and time. We are affiliated with ASCCA and iATN. Our auto repair shop in Clovis is outfitted with state-of-the-art tools and technology, and our technicians make sure to attend regular training to stay on the cutting-edge of repair procedures.
At Dick’s Automotive, we truly care about you and your vehicle. We are here to play our part in keeping the streets safe in Clovis, Fresno, and beyond. We consider you part of our extended family, and we will service your vehicle as if it were our mother’s, uncle’s, or sister’s. We are committed to the health and well-being of our community, and the first step to ensuring this begins with your vehicle.
This how we show our love at Dick’s Automotive — we go that extra mile by being honest, respectful, and committed to the safety of you and your vehicle. During these tough times, the last thing you should worry about is the condition of your car. The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to help lift at least one of the burdens off your shoulders.
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 Engine Noises You Need to Pay Attention To
When your car talks to you, it would be smart to take a moment and listen, and we aren’t just talking about your vehicle’s speakers! Sometimes, our car will make an unusual noise, and it means something. If your vehicle is making an unusual noise, we recommend bringing your vehicle to our team at Dick’s Automotive right away. It is our job to decipher what that noise means, and we take our job very seriously.
If you are hearing any of these noises, we recommend bringing your vehicle to our auto repair shop in Clovis right away:
- Squealing or screeching when you brake: if you are hearing this noise when you brake, it can indicate that some part of your braking system is worn down, resulting in a pad not properly releasing, which in turn causes excessive heat and noise. This noise can mean that you need new brake pads, or your brake rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced. These repairs will make sure you can stop safely and quietly.
- Grinding sounds when you brake: If you hear grinding noises as soon as you step on the brakes, it usually means the pads need to be replaced or something is rubbing against the brake rotors the wrong way. Your brake pads may be extremely worn, or it can even indicate that your brake calipers or pistons are grinding against the rotor.
- Rumbling or rattling exhaust noises from under your car: If your vehicle sounds louder than normal, it may mean that there is a hole somewhere in your exhaust system. Exhaust system are usually simple — our team might reattach a loose pipe, replaced a corroded pipe, or attach a new muffler.
- Chirping or squealing noise from under your hood: Your vehicle’s serpentine belt is a single belt that transfers power produced from your engine to components throughout your vehicle, such as your air conditioning, power steering, and alternator systems. Over time, your serpentine belt can wear down and slip, which can result in a squealing sound.
- Growling or roaring noise when driving down the Clovis streets: Tires that are beyond their time will make a growling or roaring noise. However, this noise can also indicate a problem with your wheel bearings. Either way, our technicians will figure out the root cause of that pesky noise and put your mind at ease.
These noises can indicate a variety of different issues — sometimes they can signal a more serious repair or a simple fix. The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to be your vehicle translator, to figure out what your car is trying to tell us! 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!
