585-398-3299 | 1531 NY-332 Farmington, NY 14425
Auto Repair Tips & Guidance
MC Automotive Inc in Farmington has the auto repair answers you need in a nutshell.
We have created a trustworthy resource that delivers monthly high caliber auto maintenance tips, superior fuel savings ideas and best in class auto repair guidance. For more help, ask one of our pros! Call 585-398-3299 or stop by our service center at 1531 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425.
Should I Replace My Car's Spark Plugs?
2022-10-01
The Two Instances When You Should Always Replace Your Spark Plugs
Let's talk spark plugs. A common question we hear at MC Automotive Inc is, "Should I replace my spark plugs?"
A spark plug performs a critical task for your vehicle's engine. Without a spark plug your car or truck's engine cannot work. Properly working spark plugs also deliver added fuel efficiency. Most owners manuals say to replace the spark plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. In many cases spark plugs last longer than the driver's ownership of the car.
So, when should you replace your spark plugs?
- If you just purchased a used vehicle
- At least every 80,000 miles
Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it is best to go ahead and replace the spark plugs. You have no idea if the previous owners were "severe" drivers. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine. Severe driving can place even higher demands on the spark plugs and engine.
Many used car dealers boast an extensive multi-point inspection plan prior to the sale of any car but many of these plans don't cover spark plug integrity. Because a failed spark plug can mean disaster for your new purchase it is best to get them replaced by the qualified technicians at MC Automotive Inc in Farmington.
At MC Automotive Inc we recommend replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark. Many car owners delay spark plug replacement until the engine starts "missing." An engine that is "missing" will typically result in a jerking feeling when accelerating. Spark plugs that are severely worn out will create a pinging or knocking sound. These fouled, worn-out spark plugs can lead to extensive engine damage that is expensive to fix. Therefore, replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark is very important.
Three Indicators Your Spark Plugs Need To Be Replaced
- Rattling, pinging or knocking noises when accelerating
- Missing, hesitating or jerky feeling when driving
- Slow acceleration or chugging
Sluggish and reduced performance also causes poor fuel economy. Save money at the pump by taking care of your vehicle's spark plugs.
Come by MC Automotive Inc in Farmington if you just bought a used car or your vehicle is approaching the 80,000-mile mark to have your spark plugs replaced by one of our qualified pro mechanics. Call today at 585-398-3299 or stop by our service center at 1531 NY-332, Farmington, NY, 14425.
Don't Forget to Replace Your Car or Truck's Belts
2022-10-01
Remember to Change Your Belts
Drivers in Farmington are busy and it is easy to forget that belts are tirelessly working to keep your engine running. A worn-out belt is a break down waiting to happen. Avoid being stranded on the side of the road and get your belts inspected each time you get an oil change at MC Automotive Inc in Farmington.
Your car or truck's belts are essential for many of the vehicle's critical components such as water cooling, air conditioning and the alternator. Serpentine belts are used to turn the alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Often when serpentine belts brake your vehicle will stop working completely.
Come to MC Automotive Inc to get worn or frayed serpentine belts replaced. Replacing belts when cracked, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear is very inexpensive when compared to having your car or truck towed to our repair shop.
Listen for signs of belt problems. Noise like rattling or slipping in the belt system is a sign of wear. Use your nose to tell you if a belt problem is imminent. The smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt.
At MC Automotive Inc when we replace a worn serpentine belt, we check all the components in the serpentine system such as tensioners and pulleys. A typical serpentine belt replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Why risk being stranded when a bad belt can be diagnosed with simple routine maintenance? Get MC Automotive Inc to replace your car or truck's serpentine belts as directed by your owner's manual and avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.
Call MC Automotive Inc in Farmington today at 585-398-3299 to schedule regular maintenance such as belt inspection.
Owning A Car Is A Hidden Cost For College Students
2022-10-01
Car Ownership - A Hidden Cost for College Students in Farmington
Public transportation, Uber or Lyft may be an option for students attending college in large cities but for students attending colleges in small towns the only option may be owning a car. This is particularly true for students attending community colleges where commuting to campus is the only option.
College is expensive and owning a car while attending school is an added expense. Here are the top six expense categories college students should plan for:
- Fuel
- Financing
- Parking permit, annual taxes and registration
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Tires
Parking permits, licensing, registration and taxes are unavoidable. However here are some recommendations for managing other costs.
- Consider using a gas app that helps you track down the best price in town for gas. Many local gas and convenience stores offer a reward card just for gas.
- Revisit your auto loan. College may be a good time to consider a less expensive car. Call your local credit union and ask them about financing. Some financial institutions offer lower interest rates for car owners who sign up to have their monthly payments deducted directly from their bank account each month.
- Shopping for car insurance may also create a significant savings. If you switch to a less expensive car you may need less coverage. If you are driving less on average this may also lower your insurance costs. Keeping a clean driving record while you are in college can help keep your insurance rates low.
- Come by MC Automotive Inc in Farmington and let us help you create a solid auto maintenance plan. No one wants to miss class because their car wouldn't start. Regular maintenance on your car will help prevent high-cost car repairs in the future. Maintenance items such as oil changes can also increase fuel efficiency saving you additional money at the gas pump.
- The cost of tires can be a jolt to a college student's budget. Plan to buy tires by setting aside a little money each month. Save on tires by taking advantage of manufacturer rebates.
Call MC Automotive Inc in Farmington today at 585-398-3299 or stop by our service center for preventive auto maintenance services at 1531 NY-332, Farmington, NY, 14425.
MC Automotive Inc Knows What Older Cars and Trucks Need
2022-10-01
Take Your Older Car or Truck To MC Automotive Inc in Farmington For Preventative Maintenance
The consumer price index for used cars and trucks jumped up by 40.5% from January 2021 to January 2022. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is rising as many owners of older cars decide it is cheaper to hang on to them than to buy one today.
As cars get older, they need more maintenance and repair. Drivers in Farmington must be more diligent about preventative maintenance. Replacing a bad O2 Sensor costs $250.00 on average. This may increase or decrease based on the make and model of your car or truck. However, performing recommended auto maintenance such as air filter replacement and spark plug replacement can extend the life of your O2 sensor.
Kelly Blue Book reports the average vehicle age in the US is 13.5 years. After five years of ownership the chances of a breakdown or service issue increases dramatically unless drivers are vigilant about preventative maintenance. Come by MC Automotive Inc in Farmington and let us help you set up a preventative maintenance plan for your car or truck. Sticking to a maintenance plan will minimize the chances of breakdowns, increase fuel efficiency and decrease any future repair costs.
The Top 6 Auto Preventative Maintenance Items to Plan for Today
- oil change
- oil and fuel filters
- belts and hoses
- brake system components
- brake and transmission fluid flushes
- tires and alignment
MC Automotive Inc in Farmington is dedicated to helping busy car owners prioritize preventative maintenance. We make it easy with convenient, affordable and friendly service. Call today at 585-398-3299 or stop by our service center at 1531 NY-332, Farmington, NY, 14425 and speak to one of our technicians.
Testimonials
Allison H., 07/20/2021
Today is a day my faith in humanity is restored! I have always felt more then confident in our Mechanics at MC Automotive but today is one of many days that ensured me we are in the BEST hands. Our new to us Yukon XL Denali was presenting issues with the dash and starting or not starting. I brought the vehicle in on very short notice and when picked it up it was working fine. It would not present the multiple errors bc the car was not having issues starting at the time. Joe, noticed my positive battery connection was loose. Thinking this may have been a contributor or cause. On my drive home the car finally worked perfectly. I made a stop before heading home and when attempting to restart my vehicle I was unsuccessful after multiple tries. I reached out to Christin in the office who kindly listened to all of my concerns and advised me to call Mike, the owner of the shop. He was extremely helpful and willing to do whatever needed to be done to get me up and running! . He sent his Mechanic, Joe to my rescue with a machine to read any errors and attempt to start the vehicle. After working very hard for well over an hour in the heat and sweating it was decided it may be an issue for the Dealership itself to reprogram modules or correct issues. But also offered that if it was determined that the error codes or issues did not need to be programmed by the dealership then I could bring it back to him and he would do whatever needed to try and fix it. He took so much time and effort out of his day as did Christin and Mike to answer my calls, and my concerns immediately. It feels like family there and who wouldn't want family working on their cars? I will always and forever as long as they are in operation...continue to bring my vehicles to them. Hands down they are the BEST automotive repair shop I have ever been to. If only everyone operated this way and treated their customers with such care the world would be so much better!!!!!!!!