The Maintenance Free MythSometimes we hear people in Sparta say, "What's up with all this maintenance stuff? Modern cars just don't break down." While it is true that today's vehicles are extremely reliable, they are also becoming increasingly complicated and use more exotic materials than ever before. All that complexi... Read More Posted in Maintenance on January 23, 2022 Don't Be Shocked (Shock Absorbers)If you've ever ridden down a rough road on your bicycle, you know how hard a ride it can be. Yet drive down the same road in your car, truck or SUV and it miraculously will smooth out the ride. That's because it is equipped with shock absorbers. They are built to dampen impacts from road irreg... Read More Posted in Shocks & Struts on January 16, 2022 Don't be Fuelish (Signs Fuel Pump is Failing)A driver of a large SUV loaded with equipment was heading on a 7-hour work trip when he stopped at a gas station to refuel. When he went to restart his SUV, it turned over but wouldn't catch. Try as he might, he was never able to get it started again. Of course there are many things that can c... Read More Posted in Fuel System on January 09, 2022 The Red Menace (How to Deal with Rust)Rust. It's worse if you drive in places that use salt on the roads in winter, or if you spend time driving near a body of salt water. But any vehicle has to deal with rust after years on the road. And it's not just that rust can eat away your vehicle's body and fenders. It can be a real probl... Read More Posted in Windshield Wipers on January 02, 2022 When Do My Shocks Need to Be Replaced?A good suspension system gives a vehicle a smooth, even ride while providing Sparta drivers with good handling and control. But like any system on your vehicle, parts of the suspension system can wear out, leading to a lower ride quality and safety concerns. So it's a good idea for drivers in Sp... Read More Posted in Shocks & Struts on January 01, 2022 Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Advice on Buying New TiresToday's tires and wheels offer a lot of options for every Sparta driver's style, habits and driving conditions.Tires are designed for high-performance in winter or summer and even come in a long-wearing variety for all Illinois seasons.Sparta off-roaders should be excited about the options avail... Read More Posted in Tires and Wheels on December 26, 2021 Road Trip: Be Ready for Anything with a Trip Inspection at Charlie's Fast Lube SpartaRoad trip, anyone? Nothing spoils a great vacation faster than ending up stranded on the side of the road or spending a week in a rundown motel while our vehicle sits in the shop. Long days on the road can bring out the worst in your vehicle, so before you leave, prepare it for the journey by ge... Read More Posted in Inspection on December 19, 2021 Have a Ball! Know your Ball Joints (Ball Joints)We all have joints in our own skeletal system, but did you know your vehicle has some joints of its own? One of the most important is called a ball joint.One of the interesting things is that it's somewhat similar to the ball and socket joints we have in our hips and shoulders. A ball joint all... Read More Posted in Steering on December 12, 2021 Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)Winter is one of the hardest times to keep your vehicle clean. But did you know neglecting to wash your vehicle in winter could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run? Here's why.Many areas deal with snow and ice in the winter, and the salt and sand that are used to keep the road... Read More Posted in Windshield Wipers on December 05, 2021 QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)Everybody's got friends like this. You know, the kind who, the minute they get in their vehicle and turn the key, the sound system is deafening. They just love to hear that music, sports, news anything but the sound of the vehicle itself.And maybe you're that person, too. Here's something to ... Read More Posted in Customer Detective Work on November 28, 2021 |
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