John from Algonquin asks: "What services do you provide?"
John,
We provide expert service on just about all aspects of your vehicle except for body work and painting. Here at Auto Authority, Inc we want to be your first and last call for all things automotive. We perform oil changes, light bulb replacement, maintenance service intervals, fluid changes/services, brake repairs, shocks, struts, springs, tires, belts, hoses, emission repairs, under carriage repairs, steering repairs, suspension work, engine light diagnostics/repairs, electrical diagnostics/repairs, antilock brake service, air bag/safety restraint system repairs, window repairs, engine repairs/replacement, differential repairs, transmission repairs/replacement, and just about anything else automotive you might need. Our company prides itself on fixing the vehicles that the “other guys” cannot. You will not hear us state that it is something that we cannot fix. Thank you for the time in asking and I hope to see you in the future.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
January 27, 2010
Margo from Antioch asks:
"How often does your automobile need to be wax and polished? Can this be overdone?"
Margo,
Well you’ve asked a question that I am sorry that I am not an expert. I deal with vehicle maintenance and repairs and rarely get involved with paint work.
That being said I inquired with my good friends at Meguiar’s to get you the answers you are seeking. Meguiar’s supplies the right products to properly maintain your vehicle.
There is no standard answer regarding how often you should wax. Many variables influence the life of the wax:
·Type of paint
·Condition of paint
·Local environment (normal conditions and extraordinary events)
·Number of hours exposed to outside conditions
·Quality and type of wax applied
·Quality of wash solution used to wash car
That's why Meguiar’s is the first to provide car owners with a personalized Car Care Rx Plus that takes into account all of these factors. What is right for a car kept outdoors all day in the Midwest is not right for a car kept 80% indoors in San Antonio.
Another factor to consider is your personal desires for how your car should look.
If you always want your car to look like it just won a car show, then you can and should apply a pure polish or premium wax often.
Meguiar’s pure polishes can be applied as often as you like, even daily with no negative effect, and in fact will keep you car looking showroom new for the life of the car if you were in fact to polish it each and every day. Meguiar’s polish/waxes and pure waxes can also be used often for maximum protection and eye dazzling good looks.
Whichever product you decide to choose, the important point it is to begin a regular cycle of car care and stick to it.
Your car is being constantly bombarded by contaminants each and everyday. All of these contaminants take a toll on your car's paint if the finish is not frequently washed and waxed.
Imagine what would happen if you only brushed your teeth once a year. The buildup could lead to costly dental repairs. And your teeth might never look as good as they did before.
Your car's paint is constantly exposed to the elements and needs regular care to keep it looking its best at all times. If you neglect your car's finish for a long enough time, a quality repaint could easily cost $4,000. If you decide to sell your vehicle without a new paint job, it could cost you anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in lost trade-in value, depending upon the age and type of automobile you have.
""You can expect from $500 to $5,000 more at resale time from a well-detailed, sharp-looking vehicle, instead of one that's 'showing its age.' (Actually more for exotics and collectible cars.)"" -Detailing Cars & Trucks, Do-It-Right Publishing, Inc.
I hope this information is helpful.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
January 27, 2010
Amanda from Crystal Lake asks:
"How do you know if your car REQUIRES synthetic oil? No where in the owners manual does it say it requires synthetic. I own a 2009 Pontiac Vibe, I was told some 2009 Vibes require synthetic oil and some dont. Is that true and how do I find out? Thank you."
Amanda,
Ah, what kind of oil should a car take? That is the question that is becoming more and more challenging each and every year. Vehicle manufacturers are constantly looking for the best fuel economy, protection, and performance and therefore the type of oil is ever changing. Some manufacturers have even revised their own recommendations years after the vehicle has been on the road. With oils coming in so many different varieties and viscosities it is no wonder the question is perplexing. In addition there are different antifreezes, transmission oils, differential oils, transfer case oils, and power steering fluids for vehicles nowadays. It is near impossible to keep them all straight without referencing vehicle specific data. Always check your vehicle’s owners manual first. Never trust the information on internet question and answer sites as they very often have misinformation. I strongly urge you to develop a relationship with a local automotive repair shop and trust them to service your vehicle with the appropriate fluids. Automobile repair technicians are trained and have the resources to properly service your vehicle using the proper fluids. I cannot assure you that every shop and every technician has the information but the good ones do. It is up to you to check credentials and identify a shop that you can trust. Repair shops that employ ASE certified technicians, that are ASA members, and that are associated with companies such as AC Delco, Bosch, or AAA are a good place to start looking to develop a relationship. I cannot tell you which oil that your vehicle takes without more information such as engine size and vehicle identification number. Feel free to give me a call with specific information so that I can answer you accurately.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
January 8, 2010
Rich from Elgin asks:
"How do you lock the doors on a 2009 Toyota RAV4 when you are warming it up during the winter?"
Rich,
By design, Toyota typically does not allow you to lock the driver’s door while the key is in the ignition and the door is agape. They engineer it this way to help prevent you, the vehicle operator, from accidentally locking the key in the vehicle. Additionally, it is never a good idea to allow a vehicle to “heat up” in the winter without keeping a watchful eye on the vehicle in case of overheating, loss of oil pressure, oil, coolant, or any other mishap. I do not feel comfortable in describing methods that would override that system thus nullifying its purpose and design. The one method that you may wish to try is if you have an extra key or key fob you may be able to lock the vehicle with the spare while the vehicle is running. Any other attempts to override the system may cause unsatisfactory results. Another option if you choose to leave the vehicle run unattended is a remote start system which has the ability to lock the doors while the vehicle is “heating up”.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
January 7, 2010
Jim from Crystal Lake asks:
"How often should brake pads be replaced?"
Jim,
I don’t wish to overstate the obvious, but the answer is as often as they wear out. Driving styles and braking habits play a large role in how quickly brakes wear out. City driving takes a larger toll on brakes than highway driving with the exception of rush hour and in turn “stop and go” driving. If you are “heavy “on the brakes or tend to brake late your brakes will wear quicker as well.
I cannot ignore brake pad quality and installation quality as well. Generally, people believe that a brake job is a brake job. That could not be farther from the truth. There is a big difference between the so called $89.95 brake job and a $300 brake job. Brake pads can range from the low $20 to nearly $150 just for the brake pads. Typically it costs approximately $35-40 per rotor to resurface on most passenger vehicles and light trucks. The installation could well be the most important part of the brake job. Remember auto repairs and maintenance is a SERVICE and how a shop performs that service is key. Some shops simple remove and replace brake pads while others may also replace shims. To properly perform a brake job requires time and care. All rust must be removed from slides and guides. Any moving part must be cleaned and lubricated. All brackets, bushings, pins, slides, and hardware should be inspected and replaced if faulty. Using a quality brake pad that meets or exceeds OE (original equipment) standards, the correct brake pad composition, and having the job performed properly will give you the longest life and trouble free operation without noises.
I have seen brakes wear out in as little as 5,000 miles and up to nearly 100,000 miles on disc brakes and well over 100,000 miles on drum brakes. So many factors influence brake life including the type of vehicle that giving a generic mileage is difficult and inaccurate. The best answer I can give you is this: on average disc brakes require service every 35,000 miles and drum brakes every 100,000 miles under normal operating conditions with proper parts and proper component operation and maintenance. I hope that answers your question.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
January 4, 2010
Cara from Woodstock asks:
"How much should an automatic car starter cost to be put in my 2009 sedan car?"
Cara,
The answer should be nothing. I would expect your vehicle to still be under warranty. Furthermore, I would find it extremely odd that a starter would fail so soon. Outside of that I could not possibly provide an estimate with the information provided. Please call if you need an estimate.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
December 17, 2009
Jeff from McHenry asks:
"Do you really need to gap spark plugs?"
Jeff,
ABSOLUTELY! 100 percent YES spark plug gap is critical. A vehicle’s ignition system is designed to operate at peak efficiency based on specific parameters. Spark plug gap is a direct indicator on spark plug wear. The wrong spark plug gap can create drivability issues, poor fuel economy, and can lead to additional component failures. Most spark plugs come pre-gapped but never take that for granted and always recheck gap before installation. It is wise to verify the gap with the manufacturer’s specifications rather than aftermarket catalogs as there have been many cases of mistakes in those catalogs. Some manufacturers have released service bulletins changing spark plug gap and torque along with PCM updates. Be sure to have a qualified technician verify the information if you are going to attempt to replace on your own. Also, with today’s engines it is important to apply antiseize compound to the threads and properly torque the spark plugs and any other components when installing. Additionally, do not substitute spark plugs…always use the brand and part number originally used by the manufacturer unless specified in a bulletin. Different spark plugs will not operate under the same operating windows as deemed necessary by the manufacturer. Finally, I would recommend having a professional technician perform all repairs to eliminate mistakes that may lead to costly repairs that may occur due to inexperience.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
December 16, 2009
Karen from Wonder Lake asks:
"How long should you let your car warm up in this subzero weather?"
Karen,
Although it is good practice to allow your vehicle to warm up in cold weather, there is no set standard on how long to let the car run before driving. The reason most people “warm up” their car is for personal comfort with regards to temperature control. Your vehicle should be allowed to “warm up” in order to allow the oils in the engine to warm and thin out to better lubricate the main power train components. By simply starting and immediately driving you would be starving vital engine and powertrain components of adequate lubrication. Additionally, due to thickening or gelling lubricants due to cold the system pressures are increased and can cause seal failures. My advice would be to allow the vehicle to warm up to the point that the temperature gauge begins to move above cold which should be approximately 5 minutes. That time may slightly increase as temperatures drop. The best advice I can give anyone is to make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and serviced in order to keep your vehicle running right in all temperatures.
As the temperatures fall I would also ask that you try this step on cold subzero mornings. Before you even attempt to start your vehicle, turn your headlights on for about 15 – 20 seconds. After the allotted time, turn off the headlights and start the vehicle. Avoid revving the engine after start-up and allow the vehicle to idle as it warms. By doing this you are allowing the current to flow through the battery and increasing its cranking capabilities. Good luck this winter.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
November 30, 2009
Barbara from McHenry asks:
"What do you charge for an oil change?"
Barbara,
We do not have a set price for our oil changes. We price out each oil change specifically. For instance, a 2003 Chevrolet Impala is going to be a different price from a 2006 Honda Accord which is different from a 2001 BMW 3 Series BMW. Different cars require different filters, different oils, and different oil quantities. Additionally, we offer two different oil services…our standard service and our premium service. With both services you will get a new oil filter, new oil, and a new drain plug gasket. We also clean the undercarriage of your vehicle of residual oil from the oil change so that you do not have drips in the driveway or garage after our service. Our oil changes are performed by a professional automotive technician not a “lube tech”. We have oil change specials and promotions periodically throughout the year as well as special pricing as part of a loyalty program for our customers. Feel free to visit our website at www.autoauthorityinc.com and sign up for our promotions list for these specials. You can call me or email me for vehicle specific pricing or you can also visit eBay motors to purchase an oil change at fixed pricing vehicle specific for our facility.
Oil changes are critical for long term engine life. I cannot stress enough how important it is to find an auto repair shop that you can trust and that you feel comfortable to bring not only your repair needs but also your regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations. You should visit your service shop approximately every three months or 3000 miles for conventional oil changes. By developing a routine and a relationship with your auto repair shop, you and your service advisor will be able to predict and offer advice of services that may be needed rather than you being surprised by that big repair bill unexpectedly. Nobody wants a big repair bill or surprise breakdown…not you, and believe it or not, not your automotive repair shop. By being proactive with your vehicle’s maintenance rather than reactive will save you not only the aggravation but also significant money too. Pricing is important but should never be compromised for trust and quality. Auto repairs, no matter how minor, are a service. How that service is performed, who performs it, and the quality of the parts used will dictate price. Pricing is not cookie cutter and there is a major difference from shop to shop. I would like everyone to find an auto repair facility that is passionate about their vocation and willing to explain why the repairs are recommended and what goes into the pricing. Your service shop sees thousands of cars a year and offers advice, recommendations, and brands of parts based on that experience which should not be taken lightly.
Thank you and Happy Holidays,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
November 12, 2009
Shirley from Round Lake Beach asks:
"How do you bleed a clutch?"
Shirley,
I take great pride in trying to answer every question that is presented to me thoroughly and intelligently. However, I feel the only appropriate response would be to advise you that you should leave bleeding a clutch to a professional service technician. The procedure varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and I do not wish to generalize in this situation. I don’t know your level of expertise and the explanation would be rather in depth and technical. I would like you to keep in mind that brake fluid is damaging to painted surfaces. I am sorry this is probably not the answer that you are looking for but bleeding a clutch should be left to a service professional.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
November 12, 2009
Linda from Crystal Lake asks:
"How often do you recommend to rotate tires?"
Linda,
Tire rotation intervals will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some experts say 3,000 miles while others may recommend as many as 15,000 miles. Some of the new cars have mileage counters that will remind you when it is time. Keep in mind that the reminders in vehicles are strictly mileage driven and cannot be an indicator of tire wear. The vehicle reminders are also generally adjustable to you specific wants and needs. There are many factors that influence when you should rotate your tires. If the tires on the vehicle are all of the same size then you may be able to go a bit longer between rotations. If the tires are of different size front and rear then more frequent rotations are required. Directional tires, snow tires, and certain speed rated tires can affect recommended intervals as well. Driving habits also influence rotation intervals. For instance minivans should have their tires rotated more frequently because of the type of driving usually done such as trips to the grocery store, around town driving, and trips to the local sports fields and schools all of which require frequent low speed turning. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers and tire manufacturers can recommend different intervals as well. Confused yet? I recommend that you find an auto shop/technician that you can trust to check the tire wear every oil change. We always check tire tread depth and wear in order to recommend the rotation intervals for our customers. My general rule of thumb is to rotate the tires every other oil change when using conventional motor oil which is about every 6000 miles or as needed. If using synthetic oil and changing oil every 6,000 miles then I recommend every oil change or as needed. If you have any other questions or service needs then please feel free to call me or visit my website at www.autoauthorityinc.com.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
October 16, 2009
George from Mount Prospect asks:
"What is the battery life on a hybird with normal driving? Can you jump a vehicle that is a hybird?"
Thank you for the question George. I would need to know which battery you are inquiring about. Hybrid vehicles have a standard lead acid battery that has a standard life span as every other vehicle on the road which can be anywhere from 3-5 years on average. Those batteries could be discharged by leaving the lights on overnight. Those batteries can be jump started as you would any other vehicle with minor exceptions. Always check your owner’s manual for exacting instructions for your make and model. The hybrids also have 200+ Volt batteries which should not be giving you problems and which you could not jump-start. Those batteries, according to manufacturers such as Toyota, are “good for the life of the vehicle.” Most hybrid 200+ volt batteries have a warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Again this may be different from model to model but you get the idea. It would help me to know the year, make, and model of the vehicle you are questioning so that I could give you more specific information. I would also like to know what type problems you are experiencing to offer better advice as to potential failures and repair procedures. As always, feel free to give me a call at 815-356-0993 or email me with any additional questions or information.
Thank you,
Tony Zobott
President
Auto Authority, Inc
815-356-0993
autoauthorityinc@sbcglobal.net
Lisa Allen
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