Differential Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
January 1, 2023
Here at AutoNetTV, we have national viewers, like your neighbors in Sparta, who write to us with questions or feedback. One common question we're asked is: "What is a differential and what does it do?" You may have been told by your Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta service advisor that your differenti... More
The Best Book that's Not a Best-Seller
December 25, 2022
Sometimes the movie is better than the book, sometimes it's the other way around. But when it comes to your vehicle, the best book of all is the owner's manual. The plot is simple: Owner wants long life and dependable performance from the vehicle, manual has the way to achieve that long life and... More
Road Ready (Trip Inspection)
December 18, 2022
Maybe you've been cooped up for a while and are yearning for a change of scenery. Or maybe you need to visit a relative who lives far away. You choose not to fork out the big bucks for airline tickets, so it's time for a road trip. Make sure you're road ready by having your vehicle professiona... More
Your Vehicle's Hissy Fit (AC System)
December 11, 2022
When you hear hissing sounds coming from your vehicle, you might start thinking the worst. One type of hissing coming from around your air conditioner may be a normal sound, or it could be a sign of serious trouble. First - the normal sound. When you turn off your vehicle, the refrigerant goes... More
The Flat Fix that Fits (Tire Repairs)
December 4, 2022
Can you think of anyone who likes getting a flat tire? Of course not. But when one of your tires winds up with a flat or leak, whether it be from things like hitting a curb, running over a nail or picking up a sharp stone, it's time to have someone who knows what they're doing take care of it. ... More
Rear Window?Not the Movie! (Why Some Rear Windows Don't Go All the Way Down)
November 27, 2022
Alfred Hitchcock once made a mystery thriller film called "Rear Window." It had nothing to do with the rear window of today's cars, SUVs, CUVs and light trucks. But there is one thing that some drivers DO find mysterious. Why don't the rear windows in the second row of many of these vehicles go... More
In the Hot Seat (Repair and Maintenance of Seat Heaters)
November 20, 2022
It's chilly outside. You flip on that switch that looks like a picture of a seat with little heat waves rising from it. You expect soon you'll feel that warmth but wait! It's not getting warmer. Oh no, what's wrong with my seat heater? There could be lots of reasons it's not working, and it cou... More
Service to Improve Fuel Economy
November 13, 2022
The price of gas in Illinois has got people in Sparta talking. It seems that Sparta folks who need a bigger vehicle to carry family and gear, or provide four wheel drive, are hit especially hard. That is why we thought it would be good to review some things that anyone can do to improve fuel eco... More
Stay Safe in Sparta by Putting Your Cell Phone on ICE
November 6, 2022
We don't want to think about it, but each Sparta resident who drives or rides in a vehicle is potentially an accident victim. In the worst-case scenario, those people are unconscious and unable to communicate with Illinois rescue workers. Rescue workers and Sparta police are well aware of this di... More
Put the Brakes On! (Brake Caliper Replacement)
October 30, 2022
Keeping your vehicle's brakes in top shape is one of the most important things you can do for your safety and those on the road with you. Most drivers know a little about brake pads and rotors but maybe not so much about another brake component called the calipers. Disc brakes work by a mechanica... More