Twin Lakes Auto Service

11/25/2019

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. Winter storm, bad weather and messy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter. Drivers are urged to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE SNOW
*Stay Home: Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it is better to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
*Drive Slowly: Always adjust your speed to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
*Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly: Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. And take your time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember, it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
*Increase Your Following Distance: Increase your following distance to at least 6 seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop quickly.
*Know Your Breaks: Whether you have antilock breaks or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply fir, steady pressure on the break pedal.
*Don’t Stop If You Can Avoid It: There is a big difference in the amount of force it takes to start moving from a full stop versus ow much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
*Don’t Power Up Hills: Applying extra gas on a snow covered road will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little extra force going before you reach the hill and let the motion carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly. Don’t stop while going up a hill. There is nothing worse than trying to get up a hill on an icy road.
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER
*Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, and medications.
*Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
*Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your car at all times.
*Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
*Do not use cruise control when driving on snow or ice.
TIPS FOR LONG-DISTANCE WINTER TRIPS
*Be prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a Respectable Auto Repair Shop before hitting the road.
*Always Check the Weather: Check the weather before you leave and along your route when possible. Delay your trip if bad weather is expected.
*Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, notify others your destination and estimated time of arrival.

IF YOU GET STUCK IN THE SNOW
 Stay in your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in severe weather.
 Don’t over exert yourself: When digging out of your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
 Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your car or place a cloth at the cop of a rolled up window. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
 Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the car while the engine is running.
 Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Bring pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
 Conserve fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill.

10/10/2019

Don't let your car get overlooked, get it serviced today.
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Twin Lakes Auto Service
(928) 778-5966 twinlakesautoservice.com

09/03/2019

GAS vs. HYBRID vs. ELECTRIC VEHICLES – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU
Week 3 OF 3

The first hybrid vehicle was built in 1899 by engineer Ferdinand Porsche. It was called the System Lohner-Porsche Mixte, it used a gasoline engine to supply power to an electric motor that drove the vehicle’s front wheels. Hybrid vehicles did not become widely available until the 1990’s with the release of the Toyota Prius. At first they seemed unnecessary doe to the low cost of gasoline, but with the increase prices of petroleum, automakers are releasing more and more and are now received as a core segment of the automotive market.

PRO’s AND CON’s OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE–

PRO’s
• Cleaner energy, because hybrids run on a combination of gas and electricity, they emit less pollution than gas-only vehicles.
• Hybrid vehicles are lighter in weight and have a smaller gas engine, that means that the gas mileage of a hybrid vehicle is higher than a gas only vehicle.
• Hybrid vehicles typically get 48 to 60 mpg, but that’s only about 30% to 35% better than a fuel efficient gas powered vehicle.

CON’s
• Hybrids are more expensive to insure because they are worth more than a gas only vehicle. They also have more expensive parts to replace like the battery pack.
• Hybrid vehicles may cause cancer as they emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). The greater amount of time you spend in your car, the greater the risk.
• If you run out of gas you will typically only be able to drive a mile or 2 on electric power alone, unless your engine is on and charging your hybrid electric battery, it will totally discharge.
• A Hybrid battery can last for 10 years or approximately 150,000 miles but replacing a battery could cost from $3,500 to $4,500.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

08/30/2019

GAS vs. HYBRID vs. ELECTRIC VEHICLES – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU
Week 2 OF 3

Electric Vehicles (EV) have become very popular, those who want to protect the environment and go green love electric vehicles. But are you surprised to learn that the EV is not a new invention. The EV dates back to the early 1800’s. In the early 1900’s, American inventors returned to the EV and around that time William Morrison created what many consider to be the first practical electric vehicle, although it still lacked the distance of a gas powered vehicle. The Hybrid vehicle was also created around this time to solve a number of issues with the EV.

Today’s electric vehicles are more popular they have been in the past, with many capable of driving fairly good distances on their batteries.

PRO’s AND CON’s OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE –

PRO’s
• The engines are very quite and the ride is smooth.
• There is no reason to visit a gas station and electricity is much cheaper than gasoline.
• There are no emissions so it is safer for the environment.

CON’s
• An EV average trip is around 100 mile per charge, some vehicles can go up to 200 miles per charge.
• The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle can take as little as 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging station.
• EV’s still face a big hurdle, the number of charging stations available.
• The replacement cost of a battery could range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the year and model of your VEHICLE.
• Purchasing an EV isn’t cheap, the additional cost primarily comes from the battery.
• Electric vehicles may cause cancer as they emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). The greater amount of time you spend in your car, the greater the risk.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

08/19/2019

GAS vs. HYBRID vs. ELECTRIC VEHICLES – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU
Week 1 OF 3

Although the history of the self-powered steam engine vehicle dates back to 1769, the first gas powered vehicle was designed and patented in 1879 and built in 1885 by Carl Benz in Mannheim, Germany. Carl Benz began the first commercial production of motor vehicles with an internal combustion engines.
Gas Fueled vehicles had its fair share of competition from steam driven and electric vehicles, but with greater availability of gasoline and oil lubricants and the favorable publicity from automobile racing, the gas powered vehicle claimed superiority over its competitors.
PRO’s and CON’s OF A GAS POWERED VEHICLE
PRO’s -
• With gas stations and auto repair shops around every corner, owning a gas powered vehicle is both convenient and easy.
• Gas powered vehicles are cheaper to purchase, even with government rebates on electric vehicles, gas powered economy vehicles are cheaper.
• Gas powered vehicles are able to travel greater distances, some economy vehicles can go up to 400 miles per tank before needing to be refueled.
CON’s -
• One of the biggest drawbacks to using gas is the amount of pollution introduced into the environment.
• According to the Department of Public Health, inhaling gas fumes may lead to confusion, dizziness, headaches and breathing difficulties.
• Gas relies on fossil fuels and yes, the supply on earth is dwindling. As such, people are calling for alternative fuel methods to be used sooner rather than later.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

08/05/2019

TIRE SAFETY: CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR WEAR AND TEAR

Tires are the only thing between your vehicle and the road. Tires are critical to a vehicle’s handling and traction and vitally critical to vehicle safety. When tires are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle is at its maximum. On the other hand, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, the possibilities of a blow out or losing control increase greatly.
Tires naturally lose 1 to 2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect will eventually result in a tire that can not support the weight of the vehicle and its occupants. When this happens, you are at a greater risk of an accident.

TREAD – Tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear as well as cuts along the sidewalls. To check the tread, use the PENNY TEST, it is a simple, yet effective way to check tread. If you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, you should replace your tires.

PRESSURE – Correct tire pressure is good to your wallet as properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by 3%. Under inflated tires are under stress and will wear uneven causing you to have to replace them sooner.

ALIGNMENT – If your car is shaking or pulling to one side, it could be a sign of an alignment issue. If your tires are wearing uneven or at an accelerated rate, it might be a good idea to have your car’s alignment checked.

TIRE ROTATION – Unless your car manual has a specific recommendation, it is usually recommended to rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear.

CAN YOU REPAIR THAT PUNCTURE IN YOUR TIRE?
Tires can only be repaired in the tread area and should not be over 1/4” in diameter. Quick repairs do exist, but long-term repairs can only be completed by removing the tire and applying a patch to seal the inner liner and the tire should be inspected for further damage.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

07/29/2019

EXTREME SUMMER HEAT CAN BURN UP CAR BATTERIES

Summer’s extreme temps can destroy a car’s battery. If the heat is wearing you down, it is likely taking its toll on your car’s battery too. You should periodically have your battery tested and replaced, if necessary. Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows to high a charging rate, which is a slow death for a battery. Most car owners think that severe winter cold destroys batteries, but in fact it is the summer heat that is the real culprit. Many battery problems start long before the temperature drops. A few simple steps can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.
• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate, over charging can damage a batter as quickly as undercharging.
• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
• Always replace a battery with one that is rated at least as high as the one that came in your vehicle originally.
• Keep your battery clean. Dirt can be a conductor, which drains battery power. As corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

The average life of a car battery is between 2 and 5 years. Fully charged batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or above. When the engine is running, the measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts. It is time to replace your battery when you notice the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start, low battery fluid level, your batter is swelling or bloating, your battery is leaking or your dash lights or head lights are dim or do not come on. If your battery light comes on while you’re driving, your alternator is about to go out. You may only have minutes before your engine shuts off.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

07/22/2019

COLD FACTS ABOUT YOUR CAR’S A/C
How did we ever get by without air conditioning in our cars? It’s a feature we sometimes take for granted until, suddenly, all you feel is hot air. Fixing a broken A/C can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the year, make and model of your car. Over the years the old R-12 refrigerant or freon has been replaced by R-134a. It is supposed to be environmentally safer than its predecessor. If your car needs major repairs to the air conditioner, you can expect to replace the refrigerant, oil in the compressor in addition to the old parts. The two refrigerants are not inter-changeable. You can not add R-134a to your older A/C without flushing the system first. Furthermore, some freons on the market are a mixture of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keeping this in mind, when your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you are damaging the ozone layer. Annual inspections of you’re A/C unit can help prevent costly repairs. Many automotive shops offer A/C inspection specials when summer arrives.

Here are 6 reasons your car might be blowing hot air!

1. Your Car is Leaking Refrigerant: A leaking A/C unit can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact location. The most common place for a leak can be found at the hose pump manifold, hose connections or the hose itself. If you cannot find the it, you can use a leak detector kit with dye or one of the oldest ways to detect a leak is by using the bubble method. To do this, apply a soap solution to the areas where you suspect a leak. Typically, any escaping refrigerant produces bubbles at the point of the leak. If it is small enough, you or your mechanic can use a sealant to seal the leak.
2. The Condenser is Blocked: The condenser is supposed to re-cool hot refrigerant once it has been compressed. If the condenser is blocked by debris from the road, then it will be unable to properly cool the refrigerant, this will cause the A/C unit to expel hot air until it eventually overheats and breaks.
3. The Condenser is Broke: If nothing is blocking the condenser, it may be broken. A broke condenser can be caused by a puncture from debris going through the grill and damaging it. If you notice punctures, the only way to fix it is to replace it. Can you drive with a broken condenser, Yes, until you want to turn on your A/C.
4. Electrical Issues: Electrical issues are perhaps the most difficult problem to diagnose. A blown fuse, broken temperature sensor or the frayed wires are just some electrical issues. Wires can be prone to fraying and corroding, especially being exposed to the outdoor elements.
5. Faulty Cooling Fans: Cooling fans are designed to come on as soon a certain temperature is reached. Some cars have 2 electric cooling fans, one for the condenser and one for the radiator. If one or both fans are not working properly, your condenser will over time only emit hot air. One reason a fan might not work could be a failed motor, if the motor fails, the fan will not spin.
6. Broken A/C Belt: When you’re A/C belt breaks, slips or just wears out, everything it controls from the power steering pump, alternator and A/C stops working. Even worse, the parts it controls can become severely damaged. It is recommended to run you’re A/C system on full blast for at least 15 minutes once a month, regardless of the outside temperature. This will keep your compressor fresh and extend its overall lifespan.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

07/15/2019

SYMPTOMS OF A SICK COOLING SYSTEM

With the hot summer temps on the rise, knowing the symptoms of a sick cooling system are crucial to your summer driving plans. Neglecting your cooling system can result in serious damage to your car, even complete engine failure, which could put an end to your road trip. If your system does not receive regular check-ups, the question is not if but when it will fail.
1. OVERHEATING: The primary job of your engine’s cooling system is to remove the heat that is generated from the engine and automatic transmission and dispel it into the air outside. The coolant temperature can be well over 200 degrees and that heat has to go somewhere, otherwise engine components are going to start failing. The water pump circulates using a belt as new antifreeze helps the engine run cooler. A flush removes dirt or sediment that could damage other cooling system parts.

(If your car overheats and you are not in an area where it is safe to pull over, Turn on your car’s heater, this lets the heater core act as a secondary radiator and cool your engine down).

2. LEAKS: Visually check all hoses, belts and the radiator for leaks. Radiator leaks, bulging hoses or frayed and cracked belts are clues that the cooling system is in need of maintenance. If the coolant is low, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water should be added. REMEMBER, NEVER OPEN A HOT RADIATOR CAP.

3. SMELL: If the engine is running hot it will have a distinct burning smell. Coolant has a sweet smell.

4. STUCK THERMOSTAT: A faulty thermostat that causes sporadic opening and closing can cause a churning and bubbling effect seen in the radiator or expansion reservoir. The rapid closing and opening of the thermostat valve can also cause a pounding noise inside the radiator, due to the slamming pulses of coolant.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...

07/10/2019

DRIVE SMART AND SAVE GAS MONEY

Everyone knows you can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn by performing proper maintenance on your vehicle and the way you drive. Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance can save you up to $1,200 a year in gas.

• Tune-Up Your Car: Keeping your car properly tuned can improve your gas mileage by an average of 4%
• Check Tire Pressure: Keeping tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by 3.3%
• Use the Right Motor Oil: Improve your gas mileage by 1% to 2% by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer
• Replace Dirty or Clogged Air Filters and/or Spark Plugs: Replacing a dirty Air Filter can improve your gas mileage by up to 10%, Dirty spark plugs can reduce mileage by 2 miles per gallon
• Fix It: Addressing serious maintenance problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor can improve your gas mileage by up to 40%
• Replace that Gas Cap: A broken, lose or missing gas gap allows gas to vaporize into the air
• Clear Out That Trunk: An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy by up to 2%
• Observe the speed limit: Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 50 mph. Each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.25 per gallon for gas. Avoid excess idling it gets you zero miles per gallon.

**Please remember...DO NOT leave your children or animals in your car, even with the windows cracked. It takes just a few minutes to get to boiling temps inside your car.

Have questions or need a quote for a repair on your car, contact Twin Lakes Auto Service at (928) 778-5966 or visit our website at

Twin Lakes Auto Service is a full service auto repair shop in Prescott. We are an ASE certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience servicing both foreign and domestic makes and models. We offer routine maintenance to the more complex automotive and electrical diagnostics. Call us today for al...