Wasteful Thinking
March 7, 2021
With the weather getting colder, you might be tempted to start your vehicle up, let it idle for 15 or 20 minutes and then get in the nice, cozy cabin. Some vehicles offer remote starting that let you do that from the comfort of your home or apartment. But is letting your vehicle idle like that ... More
What's up with Diesels in Sparta?
February 28, 2021
Would you be surprised to learn that about half of the passenger cars in Europe have diesel engines? You might also be surprised to learn that most manufacturers produce a variety of diesel-fueled cars for purchase abroad.Diesel-fueled vehicles haven't been as popular in the North American marke... More
The Part You've Never Seen (Flat Tires and Solutions)
February 21, 2021
They say your vehicle has one, but you've never seen it. And you might not even know it if you stumbled on it accidentally. We're talking about the jack, that tool that allows you to lift one corner of the vehicle up so someone can change a flat tire. So you say you'd never try to change a flat ... More
Fuel System Cleaning at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta for Better Performance
February 14, 2021
Hi Sparta residents. Let's talk fuel injectors. A fuel injector is a valve that delivers fuel to a vehicle's engine. It has to deliver the precise amount of fuel to precisely the right place, precisely when the engine needs it. The fuel also has to be mixed with air before it can burn in the eng... More
Improve Fuel Economy with Proper Maintenance at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta in Sparta
February 7, 2021
With Sparta gas prices being what they are, many of us in Illinois are driving less and looking into purchasing smaller or more efficient vehicles. Sparta area residents who have to drive a lot, have large families or need four-wheel drive are particularly hard hit by the cost of fuel in Illinois... More
Cool Breeze: Air Conditioning Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta in Sparta
January 31, 2021
Most Illinois auto owners know that their vehicles need regular preventive maintenance like changing the oil and filters, rotating the tires and refilling the washer fluid. But did you know that your air conditioning system needs routine maintenance as well? Taking care of your air conditioning ... More
Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Service Tip: Why Synthetic Oil Is Good For Your Vehicles
January 24, 2021
Hello Illinois! Today's vehicle care topic is: Synthetic Oil vs. Petroleum Based Oil. Synthetic motor oil is a substitute for petroleum based oil. If you aren't currently using it, why not? Synthetic motor oil maximizes engine power and fuel economy. To see why, we'd need a microscope, so we'll ... More
The Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Guide to Tire Specs
January 17, 2021
You know you need new tires, but you're not sure what type. You look at a tire to get the size: 225, 50, R, 16, 92, H. All the way to the Sparta service center you keep repeating it over and over. You even say it over in your mind while waiting in line. Then you get to the counter and the manage... More
Trip Inspection at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta in Sparta
January 10, 2021
Sparta area drivers love their vehicles. And one of the most enjoyable things about them is taking a road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road it's great! But there's nothing like vehicle trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.Now Sparta drivers can't always avo... More
All Lined Up: Wheel Alignment Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
January 3, 2021
When all of your vehicle's wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment. Hitting a road hazard or even just the normal bumps and bounces of everyday driving in Sparta can cause your vehicle's wheels to be out of alignment.Driving for an extended time around Sparta wh... More