Don't Be Shocked (Shock Absorbers)

January 16, 2022

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... More

Don't be Fuelish (Signs Fuel Pump is Failing)

January 9, 2022

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... More

The Red Menace (How to Deal with Rust)

January 2, 2022

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... More

When Do My Shocks Need to Be Replaced?

January 1, 2022

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... More

Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Advice on Buying New Tires

December 26, 2021

Today'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... More

Road Trip: Be Ready for Anything with a Trip Inspection at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta

December 19, 2021

Road 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... More

Have a Ball! Know your Ball Joints (Ball Joints)

December 12, 2021

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... More

Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)

December 5, 2021

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... More

QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)

November 28, 2021

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 ... More

Change is Good (Oil Change)

November 21, 2021

You've heard that expression, change is good. When it comes to your vehicle's oil, change is not only good, it's vital for the health of the engine. But there's one question that puzzles many drivers: how frequently should my vehicle's oil be changed? There is not one simple answer, but here ar... More