I have never been one to tear into automotive repair. I learned at a young age that my fat fingers are not designed to fit in places were auto-service folks need to reach.
Yes, I am that guy who attempts to save a dollar or two by changing his own spark plugs only to discover that a spark plug will break when you put to much muscle behind it. With only six, I continue to attempt to change plugs only to break another one before limping into a garage to admit my lack of knowledge and letting the professionals get it right.
Knowing all this and understanding that today's trucks need more care than I could ever give, I choose to take even the smallest repairs to a service technician. Today's vehicles aren't like your grand dad's. Between onboard computers and high-tech, state-of-the-art bells and whistles, today's vehicles need trained professionals to work on them. Men and women that spend their lives attending training and workshops to make sure they are on the cutting edge of today's vehicle technology. These are the folks that should be working on your vehicle.
For those of you that have the knowledge and time to work on your vehicles, god bless.
So for those like me, who often times forget what side of the truck the gas goes in, here a few pointers.
Having your vehicle ready in time for hunting season is a twofold bonus. It means that you'll be ready for the coming winter season and also the hunting season.
Phil Troxell, service manager at Busti Auto, sees every type of vehicle at this time of yea and he points out that one of things folks often overlook is fluid changes.
''While it's important make to sure your vehicle has good tires, one of things that folks don't think of checking is vehicles fluids,'' he said. "Making sure the vehicle has the oil changed, along with checking and, if need be, changing your brake, transmission and coolant fluids will help in making sure your vehicle is ready for the extreme temperatures that winter months in Western New York can dish out.
"The extreme heat difference that a vehicle's engine experiences is no more relevant than during the winter months.''
From starting your vehicle after its has sat in sub-zero temperatures all night and letting the vehicle ''warm up'' to the stop-and-go driving like most folks do first thing in the morning, your vehicle's engine is under extreme pressure.
Another key to a making sure your vehicle is in top running order is flushing the radiator fluid. Along with changing transmission fluid and oil, flushing the radiator fluid is important.
"The best way to keep your vehicles engine in top condition is by routinely flushing radiator," Troxell shares. "Keeping the vehicle radiator and its fluids fresh and checking any possible leaks will help keep your engine in top running order."
Tires, fluids are all important, but the one that will make sure your vehicle starts every time you turn the key is a good battery.
"One of the biggest mistakes I see folks make is not having the proper battery in their vehicle," Troxell states. "Yes, every vehicle needs to have the proper-size battery. An under-size battery may be less expensive, but in the long run you'll have problems in extreme weather conditions."
He added, ''One final thing, for folks that use a trailer to haul their quad or sled. It's important that know the trailer needs to be inspected every year.''