Niper's Auto Repair

Niper's Auto Repair Our company is based on the belief that our customers needs are of the utmost importance. As a resul We service and repair all makes and models.

We are your one-stop shop for all of your auto repair needs servicing the Portage and surrounding areas. We use only quality replacement parts when repairing your vehicle. Thinking about purchasing a used vehicle? Let us examine the vehicle to make sure that you aren't getting someone else's problem.

Vanderbilt Arctic Claw Tires: Features: * High traction tread design* Deep lateral and notched circumferential grooves* ...
11/07/2016

Vanderbilt Arctic Claw Tires:

Features:

* High traction tread design
* Deep lateral and notched circumferential grooves
* Patented "Snow Groove"
* Studdable winter tire
* Carries RMA Severe Snow symbol
* Enhanced stud retention

Benefits:

* Balancing wet and dry performance with a quiet ride
* Maximize water and snow evacuation
* Provides superior snow and ice traction
* For superior ice traction
* For superior winter traction

Call today to order yours, 814-713-8075

11/07/2016

November inspections are due. Check your stickers. Call 713-8075 to make your appointment.

11/19/2015

Servicing Your Vehicle

•Replace the spark plugs in your engine regularly. This way, the air and fuel mixture will burn cleaner and more efficiently.

•Improve the intake/output system. By allowing gas to get in and exhaust to get out of your vehicle you will improve the vehicle's overall performance and gas mileage.

•Reduce friction. Use high-quality or synthetic motor oil.

•Check your oil! Low oil makes your engine work harder.

•Change your filters. Dirty filters can sometimes increase the amount of fuel your vehicle uses by as much as 10 percent.

•Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Check regularly to ensure your tires are fully inflated and your alignment is good.

•Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks. A lot can go wrong with a car. Damaged spark plugs or transmission problems can also contribute to poor gas mileage.

11/19/2015

How To Improve Your Car's Gas Mileage

Here are some of the things you can do to ensure improved gas mileage for your car:

Driving Habits

•Keep your car clean. Mud on the undercarriage can weigh a significant amount and slow you down.
•Consolidate your daily trips and errands. This will also save you the cost of restarting your engine, which uses a lot of gas.
•Avoid air conditioning when possible. However, when driving at higher speeds, having your windows open also creates drag.
•Don't throttle the gas or brake pedal! Sudden starts or stops use more gas than gradual changes in speed.
•Don't idle for too long. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
•Limit car warm-ups in winter.
•Clear out the trunk. More weight equals more drag.
•Avoid high speeds. We know this is almost impossible to resist but you can improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.
•Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing use it as soon as your speed is high enough.
•Use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed is ideal for improving your gas mileage.

07/30/2014

How to Save Money on Gas:

Keep your engine properly tuned (Fuel economy benefit 4%)

• Fixing a vehicle that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emission test can improve gas mileage by 4%.

• Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40%!


Keep tires properly inflated (Fuel economy benefit 3%)

• You can improve your gas mileage by 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4% for every 1 psi drop in pressure in all 4 tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer too.

Dirty or substandard engine oil (Fuel economy benefit 1-2%)

• You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2% by changing your oil according to your vehicle manufacturer's service schedule and using the correct grade of oil.

Drive Sensibly (Fuel economy benefit 5-33%)

• Aggressive driving (Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Sensible driving is safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the speed limit (Fuel economy benefit 7-23%)

• While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. By observing the speed limit you can help save gas.

Remove excess weight (Fuel economy benefit 1-2%)

• Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Avoid excessive idling

• Idling gets 0 mpg. Generally the larger your engine the more gas you are burning while idling.

Use cruise control

• Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use overdrive gears

• When you use overdrive gearing, your vehicle's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine ware.

05/15/2014

"Spring" Into Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Now that winter is just a memory, millions of Americans will take to the roads to enjoy the warmer weather. Spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.

Whether you're driving across the country or driving across town, we recommend checking the following vehicle components before embarking on your next trip:

Exterior:

* Wiper blades play an extremely important role in increasing visibility. Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.

* Check the tires. A simple test to check tire tread depth is to insert a penny into the tread of the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head sticks out, your tires are starting to show signs of wear and should be replaced. Also check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, which could indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

* Give your car a good washing from top to bottom. Use a product
specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both.

* If you find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as possible. For a quick fix until you can get some touchup supplies, dab a little clear nail polish on the scratch.

* Spring is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make sure there are no foreign particles on the paint.

Under the Hood:

* A good rule of thumb is that a change of season equals a change of oil. Changing your car's oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, will ensure that your car operates at peak efficiency.

* Get a tune-up if necessary. The following systems should be inspected:

Battery, charging and starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control including onboard diagnostic checks, fuel, ignition and emissions.

* Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention,
including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. The antifreeze/coolant should be refreshed every two years.

* Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical
system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps that appear to be in poor condition may need to be replaced.

Under the Vehicle:

* Spring is a good time to check the entire brake system, including brake linings, rotors and drums.

* Check the shocks or struts for signs of physical damage, such as leaking, rusting, or dents. Also be aware of the warning signs that you may need them replaced: vehicle rolls or sways on turns, front end dives when braking, rear end squats when accelerating, vehicle sits lower in the front or rear, a loss of directional control during sudden stops, and the vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding and rough road.

* If you notice any fluid puddles or stains under your vehicle, it is a good idea to have it inspected. There are several fluids that can leak from the vehicle including antifreeze/coolant, battery acid, brake fluid, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, gear oil, power steering fluid, shock and strut fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.

05/15/2014

10 Auto Tips for a More Reliable Car:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure once a month against the number on the inside of your driver-side door. Also, check your tire pressure in the morning when the tires are cold. Proper tire pressure can save you money at the pump and extend the life of your tires. Don't forget your spare!

2. Change The Air Filter every six months -- it's the lungs of your car. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve your fuel economy.

3. Replace Your Wiper Blades every six months. Eight percent of your driving decisions are based on visibility. If you live in colder climates, use winter wiper blades that will keep the blades on the windshield when you need it most.

4. Recognize the Check Engine Light. This can cause your automobile to pollute and can destroy a fuel economy by as much as 40 percent. When that light is flashing, pull over immediately, shut off the engine and call a technician. It's serious.

5. Change Your Oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Your engine works very hard and is the heart of your car, so be sure to visit your mechanic and get your oil and oil filter changed. Also, check your oil once per month. .

6. Use Coolant or Anti Freeze to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also has rust inhibitors to protect the inside of your engine. Have your mechanic check all fluid levels when your oil is changed and replace standard coolant/anti-freeze every other year.

7. Check Your Lights. Have you noticed your headlights aren't as bright as they used to be? Headlight bulbs should be replaced every other year, and are low cost and easy to replace. As they dim over time, you can even lose your night vision. Don't forget to check your tail lights so you can also be seen.

8. Keep an Emergency Safety Kit in your trunk in a box or duffel bag. The kit should include items such as:
• Jumper cables or battery jump starter
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Tire inflation product
• First aid kit
• Flare and safety triangle
• Road service card - especially good if you travel
• Maps
• Extra washer fluid
• Basic tools

9. Extend the Life of Your Car. Cars are your second most expensive investment. By following the owner's manual, your car can be counted on to last 10 or more years and well beyond 100,000 miles. Routine maintenance can help your car achieve its potential.

10. Get the Right Technician. With many years experience in servicing the maintenance needs of his customers, Niper's Auto Repair can be trusted to provide you convenient, expert service.

01/30/2014

New Year’s Resolution: Take Care of Your Brakes!

Start the New Year right by taking care of your vehicle. Most vehicle owners know their vehicles well enough to notice when something isn't quite right, especially when it applies to their brakes. It's easy to hear the sound of metal against metal, squealing or high-pitched screeching when stepping on the pedal. These are some of the first signs that you may be headed towards a possible brake replacement. Brakes don't just fail—they deteriorate. When one element of the system wears out, it seems to take the rest with it.

There are a few basic facts about brakes to remember:

•Brake Pedal Pressure -
The pedal pressurizes the hydraulic system that pushes the pistons out of the calipers, making contact with the brake pads and pressing them against the spinning rotors. The friction caused by the contact of the pad on the rotors converts energy into heat, causing the vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.

•Brake Pads and Rotors -
The most common components of brakes to wear out are the pads. Fortunately, they are a simple inexpensive fix. The next components in line for wear are the rotors. When a brake pad is worn down to its backing plate, it will eat grooves in the rotors. If the rotors become too thin or too badly damaged, they cannot be machined properly.

•Silence the Screeching and Squealing -
Your mechanic can determine where the squeal is coming from by eliminating serious system problems during an inspection of the braking system. Unfortunately, the squeal or screeching may persist even after your mechanic has determined that they are fully functioning. There may be no guarantee that the noise can be totally eliminated, but you can be assured that your brakes are functioning properly in spite of the noise.

11/05/2013

Car Alignment: Are you getting a bad steer?

Most vehicle owners and car drivers probably think that when their vehicle pulls to one side or the other, there is simply a car alignment problem. Not so. It’s often the prelude to more serious problems if left unnoticed and uncorrected. When car wheels are not properly aligned, engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, and other vehicle components can all be adversely affected. Because this is not the road you want to go down if you are a conscientious and wise driver and vehicle owner, make sure you schedule a wheel alignment sooner rather than later.

The longer a car is driven without attention to proper car alignment, the larger the expense of the repair will be when the issues are finally corrected. According to research, the average automobile is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If you drive your misaligned car 15,000 miles without repair, the resulting wear on tires alone is the equivalent of the car dragging the tires sideways for over 68 miles. It’s wise and financially prudent to repair your car’s alignment early. Ignoring the problem will likely require you to prematurely replace tires and other parts.

There are several symptoms and signs that indicate that your vehicle is in need of a wheel alignment:
•uneven or premature tire wear
•steering pulls to one side
•car feels “loose” during driving
•vibrations in the steering wheel or column
•steering wheel is out of center when the car is driving straight
•decreased gas mileage

Most vehicles should be aligned every 10,000 miles. The automotive industry is rapidly changing, so depending upon the age, make, and model of your car, there could be very different requirements to ensure your wheels are aligned. Many newer cars consist of four-wheel steering and have very complex electronic suspensions with equally complex wheel alignment issues.

If you suspect your vehicle is in need of an alignment, have it checked as soon as possible. It will be worth your time and money and give you peace of mind as you head down the road.

09/20/2013

Your car exhaust - What to watch for:

Common Signs of Wear

• Exhaust manifolds and gaskets: cracks or small holes could cause exhaust leaks, affecting both safety and performance

• Oxygen sensors: cracks, damaged wires, or blocked intakes could cause incorrect fuel/air mixture adjustments and poor fuel economy

• Catalytic converters: overheating, dents, clogs, or corrosion could cause air pollution, excessive noise and rough idle

• Resonators and mufflers: excessive rust or holes could cause air pollution, excessive noise and a rough idle

• Pipes, hangers, clamps, and brackets: excessive rust or broken bolts could cause parts to hang dangerously low, resulting in a hazard for the people driving behind you.

Your exhaust emission system does all of its important work while hanging precariously from the bottom of your vehicle. So to help keep your car running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently, we recommend having your exhaust system checked out at least once a year.

08/07/2013

Tips to Prevent Transmission Problems:

Automobiles are designed to provide many miles of service. However, if you keep your vehicle long enough, you will eventually start experiencing shifting problems. As one of the most important components of your automobile, its main function is to carry the engine's power to the drive axle by using different gears. The car would only go forward in one gear without these gears helping the engine rotate at different speeds. Transmission services should be performed on a regular basis to help prevent an untimely and costly transmission repair. Check your owner's manual for the recommended service.

Here are a few preventative measures to help prevent transmission repair:

1. Regularly check the fluid level and quality. For vehicles with a dipstick, it can only be checked by a mechanic in an auto repair shop. If the fluid level is too low, there is most likely a leak somewhere that will require a transmission service. Take care of a small leak before it becomes a bigger leak!

2. Change the fluid as often as recommended in your owner's manual or when it becomes too dark (more brown than red) or dirty.

3. Many of the newer vehicles are sensitive to fluid types, so replace it with the same type as specified in the owner's manual or on the dipstick.

4. Never shift into Reverse or Park while the engine is running at high RPMs. This will eventually result in a major transmission repair.

5. In many cars, transmission damage can occur if towed with the traction wheels on the road. Also, if you are towing a heavy trailer, consider installing an additional fluid cooler and change the fluid more often. Consult your owner's manual for the correct towing procedures.

It's that simple! Proper transmission service prevents transmission repair!

06/03/2013

Cars are so reliable these days, it's easy to forget that things can still go wrong. Of these potential issues, overheating is a big one. A lot of factors can cause a car to overheat, including low coolant, long drives (especially in warm weather) and congested traffic. No matter what the cause, however, a situation can quickly become out of control if you don't know what to do when your vehicle's temperature rises.

1. The first step is to know if your engine is overheating. You can determine this in a variety of ways, but the best way to tell is to consult the temperature gauge. Once the engine is warm, a car's temperature gauge should read just below the midpoint line between cold and hot. If you notice the needle rising towards hot, it's probably not an emergency but definitely time to take action.

2. Next turn off the A/C and turn on the heat. It might seem counterintuitive, but turning on the heat blows hot air away from the engine, allowing it to cool.

3. If the temperature starts to fall, drive to your destination and let your car cool down. If it's not cooling down, or steam is coming from under the hood, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible.

4. Next, check the coolant level in the radiator. Make sure to wait until the car has completely cooled before attempting to open the hood. Once cooled, slowly twist off the radiator cap, being careful to avoid any hot steam.

5. If needed, add coolant. Inspect both the radiator hose and any heater hoses for leaks, blocks, or disconnections.

6. Restart the engine while carefully monitoring the temperature gauge. If it doesn't go down, call a tow truck.

Overheating can put your personal safety at risk and cause extensive damage to your car. Your safest bet is to always to be prepared, so make sure your car is equipped with coolant, a tool kit, a working flashlight and water.

Address

425 Main Street
Portage, PA
15946

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18147138075

Website

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