Today in our Star Auto Authority blog, we’re going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your SUV isn’t the only aspect of your life in Vernon Hills with recommended intervals: Let’s start with twice yearly dental cleaning. And physical exams. How about laundry, mowing the lawn and paying the bills?

Now, what would happen if you didn’t follow these intervals? Well, you’d get more cavities. You’d probably not become aware of health issues that benefit from early detection and treatment. And you’d have to wear dirty clothes, be embarrassed by your overgrown lawn and have your utilities shut off.

We all realize there are some things in life that we have to take care of regularly. If we don’t, there are negative consequences. Our quality of life takes a hit and it inevitably costs more money.

So why is it so hard to remember to follow regular preventive maintenance on our SUVs? Probably a couple of reasons. One is that automotive maintenance items just don’t seem that urgent. Everyone in Vernon Hills can see our dirty shirt, but no one knows how dirty our transmission fluid is. It’s easy to put off. The other reason is that we’re just not as familiar with automotive maintenance, so it’s a bit intimidating.

From a practical standpoint, Vernon Hills people don’t need to memorize their SUV owner’s manuals. You can let your Star Auto Authority advisor remind you of the manufacturer’s recommendations: he has checklists of what the manufacturer recommends and can find potential problems when he inspects your SUV. You really can rely on Star Auto Authority professionals to help you make good car care decisions.

For Vernon Hills drivers who want to be more proactive with their SUV care, here are some simple ways to remember what has a maintenance interval.

First: Fluids. If it’s liquid, it’s got a replacement schedule. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc.

Then think tires. They need air, rotation, balancing, and alignment. And while you’re thinking tires, think brakes and shock absorbers.

And what makes your SUV go? Air and fuel. Air filter replacement, fuel filters and fuel system cleaning. Of course there are more items, but if Vernon Hills car owners remember to take their car or truck in to Star Auto Authority for these things, their service advisor will help them with the rest.

And if you don’t follow recommended service intervals? You use more gas, your SUV doesn’t perform as well, your safety is compromised and you’ll spend more money in the long run. So it’s the same as everything else: The quality of your motoring life takes a hit and it ends up costing you more.

Reason enough for me to follow recommended service intervals.

Aside from the safety considerations (which should be enough), a misaligned vehicle will slurp excess gas due to the extra friction that misaligned wheels generate.

Considering how vital proper alignment is to a safely and efficiently operating vehicle, it’s imperative that a wheel alignment be performed by expert auto technicians. A free alignment with the purchase of new tires may be less than you bargained for.

At Star Auto Authority, all alignments are performed on state-of-the-art Hunter Engineering Co. wheel-alignment equipment.

But at Star Auto Authority, all alignments are performed on state-of-the-art Hunter Engineering Co. wheel-alignment equipment. This technology ensures an extremely accurate four-wheel alignment.

Prior to setting the alignment, an experienced, ASE-certified technician inspects the vehicle for worn or loose steering and suspension components.

Finally, all vehicles are road-tested to confirm other aspects of the vehicle are performing as designed. This includes confirming tires are balanced so no vibration exists and ensuring the steering wheel is properly centered.

Your wheel alignment can be knocked outside of acceptable parameters due to several factors, including damaged tires, wheels, shocks and struts. These parts often become damaged after a vehicle strikes a pothole—hardly a rarity on Chicago-area streets and highways.

The following checklist provides a list of symptoms that might very well indicate a vehicle’s alignment requires correcting. (Please note: these factors also can indicate steering-system or suspension-component damage.)

If your car exhibits any of the following signs, bring it to Star Auto Authority for a complimentary inspection:

• Vehicle pulls left or right.
• Vibration at any speed, particularly if the steering wheel also vibrates.
• Vehicle “rolls” or sways on turns.
• Vehicle’s front-end dives when braking.
• Vehicle shakes or shimmies at highway speeds.
• Vehicle’s rear end squats when accelerating.
• Vehicle “wanders” when trying to drive straight or you struggle to keep the vehicle moving straight.
• Vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road.
• Vehicle “bottoms out” or thumps on bumps.
• Vehicle sits lower in the front or rear.
• Loss of directional control during sudden stops.

While certain factors—driving style certainly a top contender—have been proven to greatly impact mpg, a lot of grade A baloney has been sold to consumers over the years.

Over the years, some absolute whoppers have developed over what does and doesn’t affect gas mileage.

Proponents of these ideas might be well-intentioned—after all, gas prices are nothing to scoff at—but they’re not well-informed. To clear up some misconceptions, we’ve compiled a list of gas-mileage untruisms. The following ideas are all, pardon the expression, “outta gas.”

Myth #1: Dirty air filters slurp gas.
Reality check: OK, this one has some merit…in the past. Older engines did suffer at the hands of a dirty air filter, but computer-equipped modern engines govern the air/fuel ratio so effectively that the air filter no longer is a huge part of the equation. Caveat: A dirty air filter might negatively impact acceleration.

Myth #2: Open windows waste fuel.
Reality check: Here’s the theory: Rolling down the windows to get a face full of wind at 55 mph and above negatively impacts a car’s aerodynamics. The problem is that tests have failed to indicate this affects gas mileage. Theory debunked.

Myth #3: It’s important to warm up the engine.
Reality check: Again, this has an element of truth…if you’re driving a vintage DeSoto. If you’re operating a modern vehicle—no way. Today’s fuel-injected, computer-run engines are a heckuva lot snappier at the get-go. Sitting in your vehicle, idling the engine every morning is only wasting gas. For a detailed explanation, click here.

Myth #4: Premium gasoline provides improved fuel economy.
Reality check: Visit a gas station and you’ll typically see three grades of gas listed on the pump: regular, midgrade and premium, with octane ratings typically 87, 89 and 93, respectively. Certain vehicles—hot-running sports cars and luxury vehicles—require premium, which helps prevent “pre-ignition,” a situation where the air/fuel mixture in an engine cylinder ignites before a spark plug fires. High-octane fuels also help ensure high-performance engines realize their full power. However, the bulk of the vehicles on the road don’t run nearly as hot and aren’t susceptible to pre-ignition. They’ll do fine with regular-grade gas and won’t perform better or achieve better mpg using premium gas. Get into the nitty-gritty on this subject by clicking here.

Myth #5: If it ain’t got a red Pegasus or yellow seashell, it’s trash gas.
Reality check: Companies such as Mobil, Shell and BP don’t have a monopoly on good gas (even though they might like to.) Here’s the real deal: Independent filling stations purchase their gas from name-brand oil companies, so their fuel doesn’t differ from the more expensive big-corporation version. Seashell and Pegasus gas might contain engine-cleaning additives, however, but experts say their absence shouldn’t impact most cars.

Myth #6: Low-rolling-resistance tires are the way to go.
Reality check: Not so fast, there. Tire rolling resistance is the amount of energy required to roll. Lower resistance=higher fuel economy. But this simple—even simplistic—view ignores the bigger picture of what we rely on tires to do: aid in stopping, provide safe handling and avoid hydroplaning. Experts warn that certain tire models achieve their low rolling resistance by sacrificing wet-weather performance and decent tread life. It’s best to relegate rolling resistance to a minor consideration when purchasing tires. Instead, buy a safety-focused set and keep them properly inflated to maintain safety and realize maximum mpg.

Had enough of this nonsense? To find ways to truly maximize your mpg, read “Guard against the guzzle: Gas-saving guidelines” and “Lead foot? Pack rat? 13 ways to save gas by changing your driving habits.”

One of the more recent car-world trends is manufacturers offering customers so-called “free maintenance” packages. Sounds like a great deal, right? Well, maybe. Debate exists among experts as to whether these programs save consumers money or are just a new-fangled Barnumesque ploy to push cars off dealer lots.

Hmmm. Well, maybe.

The plans vary by automaker. For example, Audi’s plan offers free maintenance for the first 5,000 miles. Cadillac’s plan is considerable more ambitious, with the freebie treatment extending to 50,000 miles. Scion’s plan covers 25,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. At least 11 other carmakers offer their own version of the “free maintenance” concept.

Still, longevity is only one factor to be considered. The plans vary widely in terms of what services are covered and what’s excluded.

It’s  important to realize that a free maintenance program isn’t the same as a car care schedule. That is, it’s not always a clever idea to rely on what the free program covers as a guide to how to map out your vehicle’s maintenance.

For example, MINI’s 36,000-mile/3-year free program seems generous enough, but its coverage raises concerns among auto experts. For example, MINI only covers oil changes every 15,000 miles or once per year. While debate exists over whether its best to change the oil at 3,000 miles or 5,000 miles, few, if any, automotive technicians are comfortable recommending an oil change every 15,000 miles.

That’s when “free” isn’t so, well, free. Case in point: One automotive technician we know who owns a MINI pays for oil changes every 5,000 to 6,000 miles and returns to the dealer once a year for the free oil change provided under the “free” maintenance plan. Not exactly free or terribly efficient.

This MINI plan also doesn’t cover tire rotations—essential for safety and obtaining the full life out of a set of tires. Again, if a driver were to rely on the “free maintenance” plan to guide maintenance decisions, that motorist would eventually be driving on a lumpy set of tires.

In fairness, the plan does include free brake pads, rotors and wiper blades. That’s not a bad deal for those drivers who will need new brakes in the first 36,000 miles.

It boils down to: Do your research. Understand the limitations of a particular automaker’s maintenance program. Read the owner’s manual, and learn what is recommended vs. what is covered under your maintenance plan. Of course, at Star Auto Authority, we’re happy to offer truly free advice about your maintenance needs. Then you can make an educated decision on whether a “free maintenance” program is truly a free ride or merely a ploy to take you for a ride.

Take a look at this comprehensive overview of current free maintenance programs.

But maintenance and safety are intertwined, and many young drivers are only seeing part of the picture because they aren’t taught how to deal with things like flat tires, breakdowns and maintaining proper fluid levels.

Basic under-the-hood understanding can go a long way toward ensuring a breakdown doesn’t become dangerous or deadly.

So in addition to prepping teens for their driver’s license exam, we are fans of giving youngsters a primer on proper car care, which we like to call “Car Care 101.” And with the start of the school year rapidly approaching, we think it’s an ideal time to prep your high schoolers and college kids for potential trouble on the road.

Maybe this doesn’t seem like a big deal. After all, most teens are merely a cell phone call or text away. But how about those slightly older teens who drive to college or take weekend trips? Imagine their routes complicated by a flat tire in the dead of night or during the iciest winter day. Perhaps they’ll be outside cell phone range or have a depleted phone battery when a problem strikes.

Basic under-the-hood understanding can go a long way toward ensuring a breakdown doesn’t become dangerous or deadly. Some simple car know-how can also keep a developing situation from turning costly and hazardous.

Check it & fix it

Nasty events, such as tire blowouts, dead batteries, overheated engines and mucked up windshields, can be avoided by regularly conducting a simple six-item checklist. The following should be checked often:

1. Oil level
2. Tire pressure
3. Battery terminals (look for corrosion or signs of fuzzy growth on the terminals)
4. Coolant level and condition (be wary of brown, sludgy coolant)
5. Windshield wiper fluid and blades
6. All lights and turn signals.

While an oil change might be outside the skill (or interest) level of the average driver, important emergency response activities can be accomplished by even the most mechanically challenged individuals. There’s no better time than the present to teach younger drivers how to: change a flat tire, jump start a battery, and replace light bulbs and windshield wiper blades.

Easy-to-remember gimmicks also come in handy, such as checking tire wear using a quarter. Here’s how it works: Grip the coin at its base using the forefinger and thumb so President’s Washington’s head and “United States of America” are visible. Put the top of Washington’s head into one of the tire-tread grooves. So long as any part of the former President’s noggin is covered, the tire still has a safe tread level. But if any space exists above the George’s head or any of the wording is visible, those tires need to be replaced. (Until recently, this test was conducted using a penny. But then Tire Rack conducted a tread-depth study, which gave credence to using a quarter instead. Learn more here.)

Young drivers also would do well to know about the fuse box. Things like car horns and headlights (in addition to just about anything else electrical in a vehicle) can stop working simply because a fuse has blown. Often, all it takes is replacing a fuse to correct the problem. Of course, if a fuse repeatedly blows, you should consult your auto technician.

A flashing Check Engine light is also serious business—typically indicating a misfire that could wreck a catalytic converter. While this isn’t likely to leave you stranded, you do want to take it in for diagnostics as soon as possible. If the Check Engine light illuminates but doesn’t flash and the vehicle still runs OK, it’s probably fine to drive to your destination and make an appointment at Star Auto Authority for service.

Finally, with gas prices not exactly cheap this year, many drivers—young and old—are tempted to top off their gas tanks. Bad idea. Spillage is, of course, an issue. However, jamming as much petroleum into a car’s gas tank can make an engine run poorly. That’s because gas requires space to expand. Filling it to the brim could very well force the extra gas to evaporate into a vehicle’s vapor-collection system, affecting engine performance.

To quote Einstein, a “little knowledge” supposedly is a “dangerous thing.” But when it comes to cars, a little can go a long way and keep young drivers going safely on their way.

When the rubber meets the road, the shocks and struts withstand the brunt of the punishment dished up by bumps and potholes.

When shocks or struts aren’t in tip-top shape, your vehicle’s less hardy parts face the danger of destruction. That’s why keeping these first-line defenders in a strong position is so important to your automobile’s integrity.

When shocks or struts aren’t in tip-top shape, your vehicle’s less hardy parts face the danger of destruction

With so much on the line, it’s vital to have superior parts installed by top-shelf automotive technicians.

Taking time
At Star Auto Authority, you’re assured your new shocks or struts will be installed properly and your vehicle correctly aligned by automotive technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Unlike the rush-in/rush-out/poor-service guys, we take the time to road-test vehicles before and after any service. Unless a facility truly is a full-service facility, your vehicle will not undergo a comprehensive inspection that is the norm at Star Auto Authority.

Our 3-36 warranty means we stand behind not only our work, but the parts we use. We never resort to using cheap shocks or struts to make a quick buck. We want you as our customer for life and that means we’re willing to go more than the extra mile to make sure you’re entirely satisfied with your purchase.

In fact, if you put our full-service facility up against franchise competitors, such as Midas, we’re still extremely close in price. However, you need to look at the whole picture, not merely the puzzle piece the other guys want you to see.

What often occurs is that when preparing a shock/strut repair estimate, the discounters don’t include all the parts that should be inspected (and often replaced), such as upper strut mounts and sway bar links. If these “wear parts” aren’t replaced as needed, noise or poor performance is the result, either very soon are within the year. This means a costly second repair that could have been avoided had proper inspection and service been conducted. Sometimes, these discount outfits don’t even align the vehicles they “service.”

So, if you’re tired of being jostled on the road or at the service counter, stop by Star Auto Authority for service that will guarantee a smooth ride.

Well, at Star Auto Authority, looking at the “big picture” when inspecting and repairing vehicles isn’t a new-fangled idea, but it does set us apart from many other car-care operations out there.

"This won't hurt a bit."

Most individuals have one doctor they see annually for checkups, preventive health care and to address their aches and pains. It’s rare to visit a specialist unless directed to do so by your family physician. After all, the family physician has regular contact with his patients and has the advantage of possessing a big-picture view of an individual’s medical history.

One-stop shop
Expert automotive care is much the same way. Consumers are better off bringing their cars to one, trusted full-service facility for their maintenance and repair needs vs. going to a quick-lube outfit for oil changes, another shop for brakes and still another place for major services.

A full-service facility, such as Star Auto Authority, isn’t limited in scope. Unlike specialty frantic-paced shops, we have a panoramic view of your vehicle and understand how its various systems work together, much like a primary-care physician who wouldn’t think of measuring your blood pressure without also taking your temperature. When was the last time a quick lube employee told you your brakes required attention? (It’s simply not on their radar screen.)

We conduct a thorough road test and visual inspection on a regular basis, unlike the quickie guys who only offer cursory inspections. In this way, Star is able to identify maintenance needs, as well as developing problems or acute repair needs. This helps patients…er, uh…our clients plan and save for upcoming repair needs so they aren’t burdened with unexpected expenses that can prove a financial hardship. Our inspections also reduce the likelihood of a never-convenient breakdown.

Costly consequences
It’s a fact: Repairs cost more than maintenance. Just as it’s a better idea to prevent heart disease through diet and exercise than to have to undergo a triple bypass, it’s best to be fully informed about your vehicle’s health and take appropriate action vs. being hit with costly repairs and a towing bill to boot when that car conks out.

Count on Star Auto Authority to be your vehicle’s physician.

Today’s new car warranties tend to fall into 3-year/36,000-mile, 4-year/50,000-mile or 5-year/60,000-mile versions, although there are some that are even longer. These warranties were fine during the trade-in-often days of better economic times, but the average vehicle age currently is hovering around 10 years.

With people holding onto their vehicles longer and witnessing that odometer exceed the 100,000-mile mark, it makes sense for many drivers to invest in an extended warranty, which picks up where a factory warranty leaves off. Certain policies offer coverage up to 100,000 miles, while others offer protection beyond even that number.

Extended warranties can be cost-effective ways to keep that car running right, provided you choose the right auto-service facility.

Like any type of “insurance,” an extended warranty has pros and cons, many of which depend largely on the warranty company, as well as the individual circumstances and the future plans of each driver.

Save $$$
At Star Auto Authority, where we process claims with 99% of the extended warranty companies, we’ve found service contracts not only save drivers thousands of dollars, but they can provide peace of mind. Still, many consumer advocates advise against purchasing an extended warranty. This might be because getting your money’s worth from such warranties relies on the level of auto service you seek.

For example, the quick lube shops are focused on fast oil change turnaround while adding a new air filter or possibly a fluid flush to your bill. They’re not geared toward top-notch inspections—like Star Auto Authority—that can uncover needed repairs covered by an extended warranty. Plus, we know from experience which components your warranty covers and which ones you’ll need to pay for out-of-pocket.

A full service facility, such as Star, handles all aspects of your claim. We contact the warranty company and obtain approval for the repair. Customers don’t have to be involved in this process and certainly aren’t asked to pay upfront for covered repairs. Once a warranty provider gives a repair the thumbs-up, they work with Star directly.

Of course, if you seek service from an outfit that doesn’t routinely inspect vehicles for needed repairs or handle warranty claims for its customers, then those consumer advocates just might be right about extended warranties being a waste of money.

Picking a policy
Those who believe an extended warranty is the right choice have some decisions to make when picking the policy that’s best for them.

• Conduct some research on the underwriting companies you’re considering. Are they reputable organizations or new to the field? Not every provider is on fantastic financial footing, and some consumers have been stranded without coverage even after paying for it.
• Would you buy an extended warranty from this guy?
• You don’t need to purchase a service contract when purchasing a vehicle, since the car will be covered by a factory warranty. You’re under no obligation to purchase a plan offered by the car dealership.
• The best time to purchase a policy is typically before that factory warranty expires. This enables the vehicle to qualify for a “new car” policy, which provides better protection at a better price than “used car” coverage. Speaking of getting more bang for your buck, select a warranty with “exclusionary” coverage, which is the most common policy type. It covers all components except a few exceptions. By contrast, non-exclusionary coverage specifies components that are covered; a failed part that isn’t listed will cost you.
• Purchase a policy permitting the holder to select the repair facility. Some policies require buyers to return the selling dealership. This type of stipulation is easily avoided by not purchasing a warranty through a dealership. Also, seek a policy that doesn’t cap labor costs or at least pays a minimum of $100 per hour, which is in keeping with Chicago-area rates.
• Avoid policies that charge a deductible per procedure. Instead, purchase a policy that charges one deductible per claim. For example, if you have a $50 deductible per claim and you’re addressing three warranty repairs in one service visit, you’ll pay a $50 deductible. If your deductible is charged per procedure, you’ll wind up doling out $150 for the same three repairs.
• Be aware that extended warranties won’t cover all repair costs in all situations. Diagnostic procedures are not always covered and rarely are covered entirely. A warranty company will cover the labor and parts for replacing a wheel bearing, but might not cover the time required to diagnose the condition.

So, if your sights are set on a longer haul than the automaker had in mind, consider the merits of an extended warranty.

When a transmission fails, it’s usually a four-figure affair to fix it. But you can fight back: flush.

New vs. old: The transmission fluid on the left is the color you want to see. The sample on the right has seen better days.

Automatic transmissions contain a maze of passages through which transmission fluid must pass to ensure smooth gear-shifting. Unfortunately, transmission fluid deteriorates over time, turning from its original bright red to gray, brown or even black as dirt and metal particles from wearing gears contaminate it. When this fluid isn’t flushed regularly or thoroughly, it’s unable to build up sufficient hydraulic pressure to properly shift gears.

It’s important to distinguish between a transmission service and a transmission flush. Typically, a simple service involves draining—not flushing—the system, which only replaces some of the fluid. This means new fluid will be mixed in with old, quite possibly contaminated, fluid. During a service, some disassembly is required—fluid-pan removal and filter cleaning or replacement—increasing the risk of human error.

A flush, on the other hand, doesn’t require disassembly and will replace all the transmission fluid. The filter won’t need replacement since the pressure used during flushing is sufficient to clean it.

A service typically only replaces a few quarts of trans fluid that’s found in the body of the transmission. However, the typical transmission holds roughly 12 quarts, much of which is found in the torque converter, plus lesser amounts in the trans cooler and cooler lines. Without a flush—which uses pressure to remove every drop of old fluid—the bulk of old fluid will remain inside your vehicle’s trans.

One of the biggest benefits a flush offers is that it can uncover latent transmission-system problems, including compromised seals and cracks, before they have a chance to turn into big-dollar repairs.

Spending $150–$300 on a flush can save the $1,500–$3,500 it will cost to rebuild or replace a transmission.

If you’re unsure how frequently your fluid should be flushed, check your maintenance schedule or contact Star Auto Authority.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects 34.8 million individuals will travel 50 miles or more from home during the upcoming long weekend, representing a 1.2 percent (or 500,000 travelers) increase compared to the 34.3 million people who traveled during the 2011 holiday.

AAA defines the Memorial Day holiday travel period as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

The organization predicts that 1.8 million Illinoisans will be traveling during the weekend, a 0.8 percent increase compared to last year. Slightly more than 1.6 million will be driving—a 0.7 percent increase vs. 2011.

“The overall domestic economic picture continues to improve slightly,” said Brad Roeber, AAA Chicago Regional President. “However, American consumers faced a new challenge this year as steadily increasing gas prices throughout the spring significantly squeezed many household budgets.”

Perhaps less fresh in consumers’ memories is the fact that current Illinois gas prices are cheaper now than they were one year ago. AAA reported in mid-May that average statewide prices were $3.91 compared to $4.27 last year at the same time.

“Americans will still travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but many will compensate for reduced travel budgets by staying closer to home and cutting entertainment dollars,” Roeber said.