Wayne and Dave's Automotive

Happy Memorial Day to all who have served our country.

Happy Memorial Day! Our heartful thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones in the service of our country.

We remember and honor the fallen, and we hope everyone has a joyful Memorial Day celebrating the freedoms they sacrificed so much for.

Clean your spark plugs. Spark plugs can become fouled over time, which can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption. Clean your spark plugs every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. 🔧💥🚗

Your car is like your body: it needs regular maintenance to stay healthy. Just like you need to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, your car needs oil changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance services to keep running smoothly. Schedule an oil change today and give your car the TLC it deserves! 🚗💪🧼

Regular inspections are the best way to catch problems early, before they cause major damage. We offer a variety of inspection services, including oil change inspections, brake inspections, and safety inspections. Schedule an appointment today and keep your car running smoothly for years to come. 🔧🚗💪

The air filter helps to keep dirt and debris out of your car's engine. A dirty air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and performance, so it's important to replace it regularly. The manufacturer's recommended air filter replacement interval is typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles. 🌬️

The suspension system is responsible for absorbing bumps and keeping your car comfortable to ride in. If your suspension system is not working properly, you may experience a bumpy ride. We can inspect your suspension system and make any necessary repairs. 🔧🚗💪

May your Easter be filled with joy, love, and laugher! We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends today.

Have a great weekend!

If your ride looks like this?
May be time for some suspension attention.
Call Wayne and Dave's Automotive to get your
ride smoothed out.

Let our expert staff relieve your concerns.
Car Care is our mission.
Call us for an appointment 661-949-2924

Car Waxing tips to get your car looking like new again.

Purpose - Waxing your car consists of two components: applying the wax and buffing. Simply put, waxing rejuvenates the paint and polish gives it a shine. Waxing helps maintain the car’s finish, which also means maintaining its value. A waxed car is a protected car. A good coat of wax forms a protective coat over the paint, which will help repel road grime, bird droppings and tree sap. Although if your car gets hit with any of these (or other debris), you should wash it off immediately. The acids can cause permanent damage to the paint.

Preparation - Before you can begin waxing your car, it must be clean. Dirt and grime can mar the finish. To properly wash it, use the two-bucket method, with soap and clean water in one bucket and rinse water in the other. Using one bucket dirties the clean soap water and the grime you just removed from your car goes right back onto the cause car wash soap. Dish detergent will strip any wax off your car. Before waxing, your car should be completely dry. Water droplets will cause the product to streak. You should also wax your car in the shade or indoors, if possible. This will prevent the car’s surface from becoming too hot and drying out the wax. If the wax dries too quickly, it will be difficult to buff off..

Products Some drivers, especially those with vehicles that have darker color paint, will use a dedicated polish before waxing. Polish before wax will produce a deeper shine. There are two main types of wax: synthetic and carnauba. Carnauba is a natural wax that produces a deep shine but may not last as long as a synthetic wax. There are also spray-on waxes that are great for a quick touch-up after washing. The latest product on the market is ceramic coating. This coating provides great protection, but is expensive and generally only applied by a professional detail-er.

Process - Once your car is clean and dry, it’s time to evaluate the surface before applying wax. Light paint swirls can be cleaned up with polishing compound. Deeper imperfections may require a more aggressive cleaner/polish. A clay bar can be used with a dedicated lubricant to remove very minor imperfections in the paint. Spread a small amount of wax onto your cloth or pad. Then apply it to the car using a circular motion and steady pressure. Keep working the wax into the paint until it’s completely absorbed. It’s best to focus on one small section of the car at a time until you’ve covered the entire automobile. Avoid getting wax on any non-painted plastic moldings or trim around the vehicle. This can discolor the plastic and can be difficult to remove once dried. One of the wisest car waxing tips to remember is to apply as thin a layer of wax as possible. It may be tempting to apply a thicker coat in order to get more shine and depth, but the excess wax will be difficult to remove and become streaky. Instead, if you desire more shine, complete one application, buff that coat off, and apply another very thin coat. Check the instructions on the product’s label to know how long one application of wax needs to fully cure. Usually it’s about 12-18 hours.

Post-Wax Work - Once the wax is applied, it needs to be buffed. This step ensures that the wax fully bonds with the paint. Using a clean towel or microfiber cloth, gently rub the paint until you get the shine you’re looking for. The best results tend to come from using a microfiber towel. The static-charged, woven fibers grab the wax residue and polish the paint while you buff. In addition, microfiber does not shed lint. Make sure to rotate your towels frequently so that you’re always working with a clean side. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. As a general rule, a coat of wax lasts three to six months. Depending on how often you do it, waxing can a labor of love. However, the benefit of waxing a car is that it will keep your automobile looking great and extend the life of the paint job, thus increasing the car’s value.
By AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor John Paul and Manager of Technical Program Training Jason Carrara

May 9, 2022
The 5 Most Common Automotive A/C Problems and Solutions

By Cody Lyons, BG Technical Service Manager

Most car owners are good about regular maintenance such as oil changes, brake pad replacement, and tire rotation. However, the A/C (or climate control system) is frequently overlooked. Neglecting this system can lead to a number of obnoxious noises, smells, or worse—a broken A/C. Below we have described the most common A/C problems and possible solutions to keep your car’s climate control system working properly.

A/C
1. No air blowing from vents
No air exiting the vents is the sign of a blower motor problem. This could be due to a bad fuse or relay, or a faulty blower motor.
If the blower motor is not operating when the A/C is turned on, the fuse and/or relay are the likely cause. If the blower motor comes on but no air is moving through the vents, the air intake and/or filter may be blocked.

2. Air blows, but it isn’t cold
Most often this issue occurs when the refrigerant is low from a possible leak, or there could be another faulty part within the climate control system. A technician will check for leaks using a fluorescent dye, make any necessary repairs, and recharge the system with new refrigerant.

3. Air from A/C stinks
Do you notice a bad, musty smell when you use your A/C? Due to a variety of weather and road conditions, debris and moisture can accumulate in your vehicle’s climate control system. This leads to the growth of bacteria and mold within the ducts, cabin air filter, and evaporator of the system.
A climate control service using an approved disinfectant will kill the germs causing the foul odors in your system. We recommend this service every spring.

4. A/C makes noise when turned on
A properly working climate control system is relatively quiet when in use. If your vehicle makes loud noises when the A/C is turned on, it’s a sign of a problem.
Screeching or squealing could be an issue with the A/C compressor belt, a worn out bearing, or possibly a bad pulley.
Clicking, knocking, or rattling may indicate compressor clutch failure or possibly loose bolts securing A/C components.
Buzzing often occurs when a climate control system is overcharged with refrigerant.
Hissing when the vehicle has been turned off, is the result of pressure equalization of the refrigerant. No need to worry about this sound, it is normal.

5. Floorboards are damp
Moisture on the floor of a vehicle is most frequently caused by one of two problems within the climate control system: a heater core leak or clogged evaporator drain hose.
The heater core is usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. Warm coolant from the engine is circulated through the heater core to warm the passenger compartment when the heater is in use. The heater core can develop a leak that ends up leaving the passenger side floorboard damp and oily from the engine coolant.
More commonly, a wet floorboard is caused by a blockage in the vehicle’s evaporator drain hose. The evaporator is normally found in the same housing as the heater core.
Be Prepared

Repairs to your car’s climate control system will require specific knowledge and specialized tools to complete. Having these issues arise in the heat of the summer can be expensive and time consuming.
Be proactive this spring, and test your A/C early. If you are having any of these problems with your A/C, get it fixed now and avoid the summer rush.

Finally, regular climate control maintenance can prevent many of the above problems and extend the life of your vehicle’s climate control system. Find a BG shop near you and have your A/C serviced every spring.

March 15, 2022

BG Petrospects transmission flush

In simple terms, the transmission harnesses the explosive power of the engine to spin and engage gears which then provide motion through the driveline to roll your vehicle down the road. With all of this work going on in your transmission, the transmission fluid has a very important job.

What Happens to Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid serves several functions in a vehicle. First, it lubricates the many internal moving parts and prevents premature wear due to friction. Transmission fluid also helps dissipate heat within the transmission. Finally, in automatic transmissions the fluid provides hydraulic pressure that makes certain transmission parts work.
When transmission fluid gets too hot or old, it degrades and creates contaminants. These contaminants can damage moving parts and prevent the proper flow of fluid within the transmission. Additionally, degraded fluid does not have the same lubricating qualities of fresh, new fluid and moving parts will wear down much quicker.

How Does a Transmission Service Help?
Transmission fluid is one of the most commonly overlooked automotive maintenance needs. Many vehicle owners are just not aware of the importance of transmission fluid. Additionally, some shops will simply drain the old fluid and pour in new, leaving behind contaminants. This is better than nothing, but there is a better way.
A BG Transmission Service first includes a powerful cleaner, which dissolves and suspends contaminants in the old transmission fluid. Using specially designed BG equipment, the old fluid is then replaced with high quality transmission fluid for each type of transmission whether automatic, manual, or even Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT).
Finally, to prevent fluid breakdown and deposit formation, a potent conditioner is added to the new transmission fluid. This extends the life of the new transmission fluid. We recommend the BG Transmission Service every 30,000 miles.

Come to Wayne and Dave’s and ask for a Transmission service.

5 steps to take when you have an engine overheating:

1. Turn on the heater.

Turning on the heater draws warmth away from the engine and into the passenger compartment, lessening the burden on the engine’s cooling system. In certain circumstances, that may be enough to reverse the overheating. You’ll know it’s working if the warning light goes off or the temperature gauge returns to the neutral position.

2. Pull over.

If your car continues to overheat after you’ve been driving for a few minutes with the heater on, pull over and cut the engine off—it’s the safest and surest way to cool the engine. If you have roadside assistance, now is a good time to call, as you will most likely need a tow.

3. Sit tight.

If you don’t have roadside assistance, be patient; it will take at least 15 minutes for the engine to cool. In the meantime, do not attempt to open the hood; the coolant in a car that has overheated may be in excess of 230 degrees. Once the hood is open, there’s a risk of being sprayed with hot water or steam. Your personal safety is most important, Waiting for at least 15 minutes allows the hood, engine and leaking coolant to cool.

4. Add coolant.

When you’ve waited at least 15 minutes and the hood is cool to the touch, put on gloves, open the hood, and locate the radiator cap (consult the owner’s manual if necessary. Cover the cap with a towel and slowly push down and loosen it a quarter of a turn, to release pressure that has built up as a result of the coolant expanding when heated. Then fully open the radiator cap and slowly add coolant—half water, half antifreeze—until the liquid reaches the “full” line. You should also add coolant to the small, clear plastic overflow reservoir mounted to the side of the radiator. Next, replace the cap and turn on the engine. If the temperature gauge comes back to normal or the red warning light goes out, you can proceed with caution while keeping an eye on the temperature gauge or light.

5. Drive to a service station.

Adding coolant does nothing to address the problem that caused your engine to overheat in the first place, but it often allows you to drive safely to the nearest repair station. A professional will need to inspect your car’s cooling system. While driving, keep an eye on the temperature gauge, be aware of anything that is not normal. This basic information will greatly help in the Tech diagnose your problem.

What To Do If Your Car Overheats

Today’s cars have sophisticated cooling systems equipped with multiple heat sensors and computer-controlled electric fans designed to keep your engine running in any weather. But overheating can still happen.

Why do engines overheat and how can I avoid it?

Engines overheat for many reasons. Generally, cars overheat because of a problem with the cooling system that doesn’t allow heat to leave the engine compartment. This is often due to a leak or blockage somewhere in the engine cooling system or other components. Other sources may be from a faulty or broken water pump or radiator fan, or from a clogged coolant hose.
Components like rubber hoses, gaskets, and water pumps can spring a leak with regular wear and tear and that certain driving conditions, like stop and go traffic on a hot day, can put significant stress on the cooling system, causing it to fail. Fortunately, you can usually avoid this problem with regular maintenance by a certified mechanic, who will check your car’s coolant and oil levels and inspect hoses, fans, the thermostat, and other parts in the cooling system.

But what do you do if your temperature gauge starts to climb toward “H” or the dashboard warning light flashes? The steps you take could mean the difference between replacing a $20 thermostat and thousands of dollars in repairs.
What are signs of an engine overheating?

While every vehicle and situation can be unique, there are a few common signs to be aware of when your car engine is beginning to overheat:

• Steam (often looking like smoke) coming from the front of the vehicle under the hood.
• The engine temperature gauge in the dashboard or driver console spiking to “H” or moving into the red area of the gauge.
• Strange smells or odors emanating from the front of the car, particularly near the hood. Leaking coolant can often have a sweet smell, while oil leaks will typically produce a burnt odor.

Here is a list of items to keep in your vehicle in case your engine overheats:

• Small, basic tool kit
• Several quarts of oil
• 1 gallon of coolant (50/50 mix of antifreeze fluid and water)
• Towel
• Heavy-duty gloves

How do I stop rats from eating my car wires?

For those who want to know how to keep rodents from eating car wires, here are tips to help you do just that:
1. Set a Trap.
2. Use a Smell or Taste Deterrent.
3. Park Your Car in a Sealed Garage.
4. Remove Food from Your Car.
5. Run Your Car Regularly.
6. Keep Leaves Away from Your Car.
7. Leave Your Car's Hood Up at Night.

Before you party this weekend, Take moment of remembrance and thankfulness for all who have sacrificed to give us the freedoms we have in this great country.

Here's 5 tips to make sure your next online car buying experience is safe as possible.
1) Verify the seller's identity in person.
2) Never Use Anonymous Forms Of Payment.
3) Get Specific Vehicle Information.
4) Close the deal in a safe place.
check the url of the website you are on.
5) Don't Make Emotional Decisions.

If you’re currently shopping for a new or used vehicle, be sure to take the time to comparison shop in order to avoid majorly overpaying. While it may take a little longer to shop for a car, the payoff could save you thousands of dollars.
Here are five tips from Clark Howard on buying a car in the current market:
1. Shop in a broader radius than you normally would. A lot of people buying new vehicles are now traveling hundreds — or even thousands — of miles to buy one because different dealers are handling the shortage of new vehicles differently. With relatively cheap one-way airfares available now, you can buy a car from a dealer hundreds of miles away and fly out to get the vehicle. If you’re looking for a specific car, Clark recommends looking up all the dealers that sell the car within 500 miles and then visiting their websites to see what inventory is coming in. Then you can email different dealers to find one that isn’t marking up prices over MSRP. Clark followed this method himself last year and saved $23,500 on a vehicle by buying it from a dealership 90 minutes away from his home.
2. Don’t pay more for a used car than you would for a new car. Clark’s historical advice about buying a one- or two-year-old vehicle doesn’t really hold right now, he says. You may be able to find a new vehicle for less than you can buy a used one. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the car having problems or a bad history.
3. Don’t pay for extra features out of convenience. The cars that dealerships are getting in stock right now are often loaded with extra features that you may not want. Avoid buying a car that costs more than you’d budgeted with features you don’t really need simply because it may be available the same day.
4. Be patient. You may need to order a car and wait for it to come in. Last year, Clark waited six weeks for a vehicle he ordered, which he says wasn’t out of line with the current market conditions: “If you order exactly what you want from a dealer who isn’t marking prices up over MSRP, you’ll get the vehicle you want without the added on stuff, and you can save a substantial amount of money by being patient and waiting.”
5. Don’t buy right now if you can avoid it. Hold off on buying a new or used car until the prices drop if you can. “This is the time to take your time and wait for the market to settle down,” says Clark. “If you don’t have to have a new or ‘new-to-you’ used vehicle right now, don’t buy one.”

Extend the Life of Your Car

If you are not yet faced with making the tough decision to fix up or trade in your vehicle, there are steps you can take to prevent or avoid costly repairs.

Get your new car maintained at its proper intervals to avoid problems and breakdowns. Use our maintenance guide to learn the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Maintaining a much older car means paying close attention to items that commonly break down. We recommend finding a good, reliable local mechanic as a less expensive alternative to a dealership service department.

If you're experiencing issues with your car and don't know whether things are likely to get worse, look for advice on message boards and forums for the make and model of your car. Other people have probably been down this road before you. You can get a preview from them of the problems associated with your vehicle as it ages.

Lancaster Farmer's Market is back!