"You Auto Know" - ... ideas to retain your sanity by knowing how to avoid - those avoidable problems.... Here is an example:

"You Auto Know"

The maintenance intervals for our vehicles are dependent on the conditions in which we drive them. “Normal Driving Conditions” are defined as steady driving in non-extreme weather or environments. For those of us in the North and in urban areas, we are driving under “Severe Driving Conditions”. Some of those being stop & go traffic, short commutes, extremely hot or cold weather. In these situations, the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is shorter than the “Normal Driving Conditions” schedule. Check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

"You Auto Know"

With our daylight hours getting shorter –Ask a friend to help you check to be sure that all vehicle lights, including brake & turn signals are working. Take a moment to clean that back-up camera light & lens.

"You Auto Know"

Before winter arrives: Be sure to check that the tread on your vehicle’s tires is adequate to drive safely on wet, snowy roads. Stock up on windshield washer fluid and be sure that your vehicle’s windshield wipers are in great condition. Check your vehicle manual & your maintenance records to be sure that the maintenance is up to date!

"You Auto Know"

The Car Care Council has a free car care guide that you can safely download or just read online. It is a great resource.

"You Auto Know"

With the holidays coming up, birthdays and anniversaries to plan for, there are some unique ideas to consider for your young driver or race fan in your life! They may not only put smiles on their faces but may save their lives as well.

Teen Training – “Driver’s Edge” is a half-day, hands-on, driver-training program. Teens learn defensive driving techniques and respect for traffic safety from professional race car drivers. The best part – it’s free! Some insurers may give you a break on insurance rates after taking this course. Visit www.driversdedge.org.

Dashing Through the Snow – Remember spinning donuts in the wintery parking lot and worrying if you were going to get caught? The Bridgestone Winter Driving School is perhaps the most fun you can have in the snow, while providing life-saving skills. The school teaches drivers of all ages the skills to safely drive in snow, sleet and ice. Visit www.wintedrive.com.

Cars and Critters!

Did you know that soy oil is used to make wire insulation on virtually all vehicles & the critters love it? Yep, those squirrels and mice think they have found a bonanza! To help avoid attracting the critters, always store your dog food and bird feed in closed containers when kept in the garage. Avoid leaving food in your vehicle. Especially important if you live where your vehicle is parked outside, consider spraying your vehicle wheel wells and the front grill of the vehicle with "Critter Riddder". And as much as you might enjoy them, don't feed the squirrels!

"You Auto Know" - More problems associated with critters: you might notice electrical issues, or an odor coming through the vents. It could be a problem starting your vehicle... or a check engine light. These little creatures can create havoc just about anywhere. It's not unusual for us to see these problems monthly or more often. We have many vehicles with nests under the hood! Thankfully not causing any damage, but periodically being there up front, in "person" to greet the tech upon opening the hood!

"You Auto Know" - Critters nesting under the hood... using the engine compartment as their home - which means... you guessed it, using it as their toilet too. Urinating so much that it has shorted out and ruined expensive vehicle parts. Just love those little critters! If your vehicle sits outdoors, it could be beneficial to consider spraying your vehicle wheel wells and the front grill of the vehicle with "Critter Riddder".

Just good information! "You Auto Know" - our thoughts to keep the health of your vehicle and ... keeping in mind our goal of "Peace of Mind" ... ideas to retain your sanity by knowing how to avoid - those avoidable problems....

"You Auto Know" -about our plan to avoid car repair insurance expense - If your vehicle has less than 75,000 miles - Click here to read all about it! https://www.bgprod.com/lpp/

"You Auto Know" - As you drive on your various errands, have you noticed how many tail and brake lights are out? "You Auto Know" that is something we check on every oil change we complete, that, among many other checks. For the full list of services we provide with an oil change, see our website - dakotak.com - once there, click on the triple bar on the upper left, then choose Automotive Services, and lube, oil & filter with a basic inspection.

"You Auto Know" - It's a myth that only dealerships can handle warranty-related maintenance! We proudly provide the same quality services at a lower cost. Trust our highly skilled, knowledgeable technicians to keep your vehicle running smoothly based on manufacturer requirements. Make your appointment today for expert service that won't break the bank!

The Story of Batteries:

Although Benjamin Franklin first used the term "battery" in 1749, an Italian fellow, Luigi Galvani in 1780 discovered that applying connected pieces of iron and brass to a frog's legs caused the legs to twitch. This was the initial discovery behind the development of the battery.

Seeking a more stable way to examine electricity by utilizing zinc and silver plates, the first true battery was invented by the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800. It wasn't until 1866, that Georges Leclanché invented the first dry battery, filing a patent and further perfecting the design, winning a prize at the Paris World Fair.

Which brings me to what - "You Auto Know" - Where the battery is in your vehicle? Of course, under the hood... not necessarily... but even if under the hood, it could be buried under a number of components! It could be under a car seat - either front or rear seats or in the wheel well or in the trunk of your car - buried to the point that it is almost impossible to check its viability without major labor to get to it. Check your manual to determine its location. If your vehicle is more than four years old, the next time you have it serviced may be a good time to have it checked, & possibly replaced. Don't get caught with a dead battery when it is avoidable! Tires - the old and the new:

Each year the US generates approximately 300 million scrap tires! They are ground and made into shoe soles, floor mats, dock bumpers, running tracks, playgrounds, horse arenas, pavement, garden mulch. blended with coal to produce fuel and more. 17% was put in landfills, which is something that must be avoided.

There is a cost to recycle - Part of what you pay when buying new tires will include a tire recycling fee, generally $3.50 (this is the amount we are charged to have the tires hauled away) and the Illinois tire tax $2.50 per tire.

Which brings me to what - "You Auto Know" - If your vehicle has locking wheels, do you know where the wheel lock key is? Many individuals will drop off their vehicle for tires or brake work, not knowing that they need this key!