Every Car Needs an Emergency Kit!

A car emergency kit should be a must-have for every driver, no matter if you just use a vehicle for errands and short distances, or are prone to long road trips. Although an auto mechanic should still see your car even if you're able to handle something with the engine or emissions in the moment, it always helps to have certain tools or supplies readily available. Here's a list of important items to include in a prep kit:

• Fire Extinguisher with Class B or C rating: the ratings reflect the extinguisher's ability to handle agents such as gasoline (B) or electrical components such as batteries (C).
• Jumper cables
• Tire gauge and spare tire
• Extra oil and funnel: oil changes may pop up when least expected
• Wool blanket and extra weather appropriate clothing
• First-aid kit: you never know when bandages may be needed because of general auto maintenance or anything that can happen while away from home
• Basic tool kit: you shouldn't handle a brake job, but it's always a plus to have a couple of screwdrivers, wrenches, pairs of disposable or thick gloves, and pliers, along with duct tape and some bungee cords
• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Mobile charger: always make sure you travel with a fully charged cell phone
• Flashlight: check the batteries, and pack spare ones too. Not all emergency auto repairs happen during the day or in well-lit areas

If something happens while you're on the road, let Auto Clinic of Franklin take a look. Whether it turns out to be a simple tune-up, or something more extensive, we'll review the problem, and make sure that all is back to working order. Our staff has decades' of experience with domestic and Asian imported cars, and can handle every level of automotive treatment. Contact us immediately for your vehicle's diagnosis and repair!

Cars Also Need to Be Ready for Back to School!

School's back in session, and that means new or returning schedules for commuting. Whether you're doing pick-ups and/or drop-offs, are the student yourself, or have handed the keys to a student, it's important that the car be in tip top shape. Here's a list of what you should be checking for your car, that's just as important as picking up the necessary classroom supplies:

Tires: Check the air pressures and treads, and go over each for any damage or potential for damage, such as a stuck nail or piece of broken glass.

Lights: Make sure that every light works and is bright enough. Headlights, taillights, and turn signals need to be functioning, and if the check engine light has been coming on, don't wait any longer to have it inspected.

Cleanliness: Even though it's never a good thing for clutter to take over your car's interior, it's especially apropos for a clean space at the beginning of a new school year. It also allows for any scratches, dents, or rips to be noticed and fixed. Polishing the exterior is a good idea too, and extends to the windows and replacing the windshield wiper blades.

Battery: It never hurts to double check that all's good with the car battery.

Fluids: Check that various fluid changes are in order. You want leaks, as well as fresh levels, to be taken care of.

Heating: Now's the time to check for any necessary heating repairs, so the car stays nice and toasty when the cooler weather sets in!

Emergency Kit: Always have a kit handy, which includes a spare tire, flashlight, jumper cables, and essential tools.

Let Auto Clinic of Franklin run a diagnostic, and see to it that you're ready for whatever road schedules the school year has you on. Contact us today!

Oil Leaks Need to be Looked At Right Away

Any driver who has had to do an oil change, has also most likely dealt with an oil leak. You notice yellowish-brown to black fluid from where you park, and perhaps even smell a strong odor or see the car's tail pipe emitting blue smoke. Although it may seem like simply a matter of wiping up spills and dealing with fumes, it should be further checked by a professional, to insure nothing else is wrong. If the oil pressure warning light and/or the check engine light has come on, there's an increased risk to the engine's functionality, and potentially the need for engine repair.

Our top notch certified mechanics at Auto Clinic of Franklin can diagnose and treat any problem or concern your car may be undergoing. In regards to oil issues, one of the following may be the cause of the leak:

• Oil filters need to be replaced
• Oil drain plug may need re-tightening or replacement
• Valve gaskets have shrunk or hardened, creating the leak from the engine.
• Filler cap isn't staying on strong enough to contain the pressure

We'll do a thorough inspection, to correct what we can. Remember, if not addressed right away, oil leaks can damage other parts of your vehicle, and at its most extreme, lead to a fire.

Auto Clinic of Franklin has over two decades of experience with comprehensive auto repair and maintenance. We've worked with all makes and models of imported and domestic vehicles, and serve an extensive client base surrounding Franklin, including Bellevue, Brentwood, Fairview, Nashville, Nolensville, Springhill, Thompson Station, and Triune. We know how precious your vehicle and your time are, which is why our services center around honesty, integrity, fair prices, and turnarounds that are as quick as possible without compromising quality. Contact us at 615-794-9890, to schedule an appointment right away!

Are You Keeping up Your Car's General Maintenance?

For many drivers, as long as the car turns on and runs relatively smoothly, the idea of auto repair is an afterthought. Maybe a little polish and shine here and there, keep it covered during inclement weather, remember inspections, and that's about it. You don't need to think about having a reliable and trustworthy auto mechanic.  

You may be able to get away with minimal care, but only for a short time. Consistent general maintenance is vital to keeping your automobile “baby” in first rate shape. Here's a brief list of what you should be doing, and why it's important that your vehicle be in the hands of ASE certified technicians when needed:

Tires: Make sure that the pressure stays constant, and that you know how the tread wear is. Balances and rotations should also be done on a scheduled basis.

Brakes: Keep track of brake pad wear and tear, and don't lapse on getting new ones installed.

Engine: Watch for when the timing belt has reached its maximum mile performance level.

Fluids: Stay aware of how transmission, brake, and windshield fluids are, as well as oil changes, antifreeze, and coolant.

Battery: Routinely check for signs of cleaning or replacement.

Miscellaneous: Even if a problem develops well before the relevant season, have heating and air conditioning repairs done as soon as possible, so you're not worrying about it when the temperatures rise or drop. Windshield wipers should be replaced when obviously worn, and recommended tune-ups should never be ignored.

Auto Clinic of Franklin handles every aspect of repair and maintenance for domestic, as well as Asian imported vehicles. Give us a call at 615-794-9890, or stop on in at 156 Old Carters Creek Pike, Franklin, to let us know how we can help keep your car in top quality shape!