Downtown Automotive Inc.

Unfortunately, dealing with a flat tire is something that every driver encounters at least once. Better prepare yourself for the situation by reading about some tips on how to safely and effectively change your tire here.

How to Change a Car Tire - Consumer Reports Consumer Reports presents tips on how to change a car tire and how to reduce the likelihood of getting a flat tire.

In addition to checking the level of coolant fluid in your car, go the extra mile and inspect the state of the hoses and the coolant reservoir. Keep an eye out for leaks, especially at joints and connection points, such as where a hose connects to the engine block. Also, squeeze the hoses (when the engine is cool) every once in a while to make sure they feel firm and not excessively squishy or soft.

Musty smell? It could be a dirty or clogged cabin air filter. Regular checks will protect your HVAC system and allow passengers to breathe easier.

Extreme weather is tough on wiper blades! Check and get your wiper blades changed about every six months to ensure safety and visibility.

If your car's battery is three years old or more, consider coming to get it replaced as the chance of failure increases. Does yours need to be replaced?

Good fuel economy, performance, and low emissions are all effects of an efficiently-operating engine. Let us help in the maintenance of keeping your engine running right!

Carbon monoxide from your car's exhaust is odorless, colorless and lethal. If you have any suspicions of a leak, have us check it out at once. Safety comes first!

Your engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, so it's easy to see how big a job the air filter has. Does your air filter need to be replaced?

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer". These are parts created specifically for your vehicle by the original manufacturer. OEM parts are the best quality option for repairs.

Aftermarket parts are another option when getting your car repaired. These are parts made by anyone other than the car's maker. The quality can still be great, but it is still necessary to do research on the brand's reliability!

A few cooling system warning signs are
1) A sweet smell coming from your vehicle
2) Poor gas mileage or
3) Your coolant light comes on.
Schedule your appointment with us if you're seeing any of these warning signs in your car.

Safety Tip: If your car is overheating, do not open the hood until the car has had the opportunity to cool down to avoid burns.

- When checking your tire pressure, check it before you drive or at least 3 hours after you've driven to get a proper reading.

Even if something isn't wrong with your vehicle, it's good to schedule regular inspections to make sure there aren't any underlying issues. Schedule today!

If your ABS warning light comes on, get your car serviced ASAP. Anti-lock braking systems keep your car stable and controllable in sudden stop situations.

Reminder! How long has it been since you've had your tires rotated and alignment checked? Having your tires properly aligned can play a major role in your car's fuel economy.

Your car's drive belts are crucial components that transfer power to multiple vital parts. From your air conditioning compressor to your water pump, the belts wear down over time and can cause numerous issues. Not sure of the level of degradation of your drive belts? Don't hesitate to ask us; we’re here to help! 🚗

Want to learn how to better take care of your vehicle?

Sometimes the best thing to do is read your car owner's manual. It has a lot of information on car maintenance as well as safety precautions.

Knowing how to jumpstart a car can be a lifesaver. If you've never learned or need a refresher, learn how to jumpstart a car here!

How to Jumpstart Your Car If You Haven't Driven It in Weeks If your battery is dead, here's how to revive it in less than five minutes.

Have you taken your car to get its annual inspection yet this year? This covers your brakes, suspension, steering, and other parts checked out by one of our trusted mechanics to keep your car safe 👍

Don't be like this guy! Recognize the warning signs of potential problems early on and bring them to us to fix before they cause more expensive repairs.

Each time you hit 10,000 miles in your vehicle, make it a habit to get your belts inspected and tires rotated by one of our mechanics!

Every 100,000 miles, it's recommended to get your vehicle's oxygen sensors replaced (for vehicles manufactured after the mid-1990s) and replace the rear axle lubricant.

Stop by today so we can help get your car 100,000 more miles!

You have to replace wiper blades more often than you might think.

Even the best-performing wiper blades start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. Streaks or missed expanses of glass are sure signs that the blades are ready for retirement.

If your car has sat idle for an extended time, it is essential to drive around the block, which helps keeps the battery charged and fluids circulating.

If your vehicle is struggling to accelerate, it may be because of a clogged air filter. This can affect your vehicle's acceleration by 6 to 11 percent!

If your tire went flat while reading this message, would you know how to change it? If you answered yes, awesome for you! If not, check out this how-to by Popular Mechanic on changing tires.

How To Change a Flat Tire: A Step-By-Step Guide Swapping out a flat tire yourself will save loads of time versus waiting for roadside assistance. Follow these steps, and you’ll be back out on the road in no time.

Maintaining proper tire pressure will help prolong the life of your tires and prevent future blowouts. Make sure you ask to have your tire pressure measured next time you stop by!

Looking for something new to read? Pick up your car's manual. It's amazing what you will learn about your vehicle!

Failing to wash your car regularly will not result in immediate cosmetic damages, but over time, the elements are sure to corrode your vehicle.