Overview of the Workings of a Timing Belt

The timing belt is an important component of your engine. The timing belt has been a feature in vehicle engines since the 1970s. The timing belt replaced the timing chain in that time period. The timing belt was preferred because it is lighted and less cumbersome than a timing chain.

The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and the crankshaft. The camshaft closes and opens the engine valves. At the same time, and in a coordinated manner, the crankshaft manages the operation of the engine pistons.

The timing belt needs to be replaced over time. The owner’s manual sets forth the recommended time for replacement, usually between 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

If you need assistance with your timing belt, or require some other type of service, visit our service pros at Kurt Johnson Auto Sales. We’re located in DuBois, PA and can schedule a service appointment at your convenience.

Here is Some Basic Information About Brake Fluid

Whenever you step behind the wheel, you expect your brakes to be fully functioning. There is a certain assumption that you make, and part of that involves having enough brake fluid. You might not realize just how important this is. You could have a new set of brakes, only for them to be inoperable because your brake fluid has drained out.

If brake fluid goes dry, your brakes will immediately stop working. There is no grace period. You will need to make sure that you have enough fluid each time to decide to drive a car or truck. This is what you need to stop when needed.

You will not want to depend on your emergency brake until you can get to a mechanic. This brake is designed for slow speeds and when you have plenty of notice before needing to stop. If you need any help with your vehicle, just stop by Kurt Johnson Auto Sales.

The Truth About Motor Oil

At Kurt Johnson Auto Sales, we understand that there is a lot of misinformation about the motor oil in your vehicle. Therefore, we want to take some time to set the record straight about how to best keep your engine lubricated. For instance, you may have heard that you can’t go back to conventional oil after using a synthetic blend.

However, it is generally safe to switch between conventional and synthetic blends based on your needs and preferences. You may have also heard that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. The truth is that you may be able to go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes depending on your driving habits.

Regular oil changes can help your vehicle run for 100,000 miles or more without any major problems. To learn more about motor oil, feel free to contact us in DuBois, PA online or by phone.

The Sturdy Built Robust Winter Wipers

Windshield wipers must be trusted to take care of you. You need to have the right type of wipers for the season you are going to be dealing with. This could mean changing out the wipers for the season depending on the place you are at. Fortunately, those who live where there is snow and ice are going to benefit from winter wipers.

For the winter, you have wipers that have soft rubber thanks to the special design. Therefore, you do not have to worry about any stiffness when you are dealing with especially cold and snowy days in your vehicle.

Winter wipers are also sturdy in their design. One major factor in the sturdiness of the winter wipers is that they only have one moving part. This also keeps it from having any exposed parts. You can find winter wipers at the nearest store in your area.

When to Choose Winter Tires

For those of you that are not sure whether you should get winter tires or all-season tires, then there are a few signs that you should look out for that will let you know when you should get either. Winter tires and all-season tires will do well in different environments.

If it is not that cold yet or you are living in an area where it rarely if ever snows, then you might be okay with all-season tires. For one thing, the all-season tires have treading that is meant to have enough flexibility to handle the summer and the somewhat cold winter days.

For those of you that live in the icy and snowy areas, you are definitely going to need winter tires. For one thing, the winter tires are made up of rubber that is designed to remain flexible in the cold. At the same time, they have patterns that are designed to bite into the snow.

How Can You Get Rid of Pet Hairs?

Is there any functional value to the static electricity created on a birthday balloon? When you rub the balloon around inside your car, you’ll see it picks up pet hair. As odd as the process sounds, at least it helps get annoying dog and cat hair out of the vehicle’s interior. Of course, you can try other methods if you wish.

Spraying water inside the car won’t clean away pet hair. However, if you run your rubber glove-covered hands over things, the pet hair may come off the upholstery. The process might be cumbersome but, if it works, then trying it wouldn’t be time or effort wasted.

Vacuuming works well with the right attachment. Is there a bristle brush at the end of the vacuum hose? The brush might pick up all the unwanted hair stuck to the seats.

At Kurt Johnson Auto Sales, we want you to know important steps for keeping your car clean. If you have maintenance concerns, contact our service department in DuBois, PA.

Driving a Properly Aligned Vehicle

When the wheels of a vehicle have been knocked out of alignment, they can cause a vehicle to start to shake and vibrate when traveling at higher speeds. If you suspect that the vehicle that you drive around DuBois, PA is out of alignment, it’s best to get the issue examined and addressed in a timely manner. Kurt Johnson Auto Sales believe that having a vehicle properly aligned can prevent a variety of future issues.

The three angles measured during an alignment are the camber, caster, and toe. Each car manufacturer provides specifications for the wheels so that they are properly aligned with the vehicle and each other. Hitting obstructions or holes in the road can cause one or more of the wheels to come out of alignment. When this happens, excess pressure can be put on bearings and tires can start to wear unevenly if the issue is not taken care of.

What is Car Wax?

Kurt Johnson Auto Sales of DuBois, PA wants to make sure that you are as informed as possible about how to care for your car and extend its useful life. That is why we felt it necessary to give you a quick overview of car waxing.

The main purpose of this wax that you are putting onto the exterior of your vehicle is to protect the clear coat of paint against a variety of contaminants that could begin to eat away at it. This wax does a great job of repelling water when it rains and keeping dust, dirt and other materials from sticking to the outside of your car or truck.

Many experts suggest that you should wax your car at least three times per year to see noticeable benefits. This number can, of course, be higher if you live in an area where your car will frequently be exposed to higher levels of dust or rain.