A quick guide to hitch systems and how they’re used

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A Toyota Guide To Hitching Attachments And Accessories

Your best bet for a safe haul is to use the right hitch and know how to attach it. Below is a quick guide to hitch systems and how they’re used.

Carry Or Distribute?
The most common hitches are weight-carrying and weight-distributing. Both are designed to slide into your vehicle’s towing receiver hitch – found on some trucks and SUVs.
Weight-carrying hitches simply carry all the hitch weight of the trailer. You drop the trailer on, lock it down and go. They’re mostly used with lightweight trailers, such as an ATV or tent trailer.
A weight-distributing hitch is a heavy-duty system that uses distribution bars to spread the load weight more evenly. These hitches increase stability when towing a heavier travel trailer.

Weight-distributing hitches utilize spring bars that help distribute the weight. They are typically matched by the hitch manufacturer to the amount of weight you plan to tow. Sway control devices can be added to help prevent trailers from swaying too much. Hitching up with one of these systems is a complex process. You should have a qualified RV center show you how. Fortunately, once you’ve got it down, it only takes a few minutes to hitch up.

Hitch Classes And Carrying Capacities
The hitch you use depends on the weight you plan to pull and/or the type of hitch receiver on your truck. The various hitch classes and their rated carrying capacities for a load are as follows:

Class I – Up to 2000 lb.
Class II  – Up to 3500 lb.
Class III – Up to 6000 lb.
Class IV – Up to 10,000 lb.
Class V  – Up to 12,000 lb.

Note: The maximum tongue weight these hitches are designed to accommodate is typically 10% of the actual weight of the trailer (gross weight). Tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle.

Trailers light enough to be handled by a Class I or Class II hitch receiver typically don’t need a weight-distributing hitch. A trailer heavy enough to require a Class III or better hitch does. With a weight-distributing hitch in place, the gross trailer weight limits increase: Class III to 10,000 lb.; Class IV to 14,000 lb.; Class V to 17,000 lb. A weight-distributing hitch spreads the load out over the truck and trailer so the receiver doesn’t have to bear all of the weight. That’s why it can handle a larger, heavier trailer.

Make sure your trailer and tow vehicle aren’t overloaded, your tires are properly inflated and you’re using the correct hitch for the job. Whatever hitching system you use, double-check every connection and make safety your number-one priority. That’s your best bet to have a safe haul.

Driving More Efficiently to Improve Fuel Economy/ Estimated Gas Savings

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The US government has a website dedicated to helping you use less fuel. It presents the cost savings in a way we can all relate to, no matter what kind of vehicle we drive. Here’s an example:
Having your engine properly tuned, can save up to 4%. If you’re paying one-fifty for a litre of gas in Delavan, you could save six cents a litre.

Dollars Per Gallon:              $3.00  $3.50  $4.00
Tune Up 4%                          0.12    0.14    0.16

Replace Oxygen Sensor

Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve by up to forty percent. That’s a whooping savings per litre. Chances are that if your oxygen sensor is kaput your check engine light will come on. Now, there’s any number of things that could cause your check engine light to come on besides oxygen sensor problems. But if it’s on, it’s to get it checked out as soon as you can. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic.

Dollars Per Gallon                          $3.00   $3.50   $4.00
Faulty O2 Oxygen Sensor 40%       1.20     1.40     1.60

Inflate Your Tires

Here’s an easy one: Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. That could save you three percent or eleven cents a gallon. Even a little drop in pressure will cost you at the pump so check your vehicle tires every week.

Your vehicle manufacturer has recommended a specific weight of motor oil. The recommendation is based on your vehicle engine design and will give you the best protection. Using a heavier weight could cost one to two percent in reduced fuel economy, or up to seven cents a gallon.

MotorWeek’s John Davis and Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Brian West discuss ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Topics include driving style, vehicle maintenance, and special tips for advanced vehicles and technologies.

How To Save On Gas

Our gas mileage tips can help you reduce the amount of gas you use. If you are already following these tips, you are probably getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver. Here are some free gas saving tips from Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan: These can add up to quite a bit per litre.

Don’t drive aggressively
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. Driver feedback devices can help you drive more efficiently. A recent study suggests that they can help the average driver improve fuel economy by about 3% and that those using them to save fuel can improve gas mileage by about 10%. That’s like saving about $0.06 to $0.22 per gallon.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 5%–33%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.11–$0.71/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Fuel Economy Benefit:7%–14%*
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.15–$0.30/gallon*
* Average savings, assuming drivers are willing to slow down 5 to 10 mph and fuel costs $2.15 per gallon.

Avoid Hauling Cargo on Your Roof
Hauling cargo on your roof increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) and lowers fuel economy. A large, blunt roof-top cargo box, for example, can reduce fuel economy by around 2% to 8% in city driving, 6% to 17% on the highway, and 10% to 25% at Interstate speeds (65 mph to 75 mph).4 Rear-mount cargo boxes or trays reduce fuel economy by much less—only 1% or 2% in city driving and 1% to 5% on the highway. If you need to use an external cargo container, removing it when it’s not in use will save fuel and money.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 2%–17%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.04–$0.37/gallon

Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by about 1%.5 The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 1%/100 lbs.
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.02/gallon

Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle.

Fuel Cost Savings: $0.01-$0.02/min

Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $2.15/gallon.

Find Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Alternative Fuels

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Learn about alternative fuel vehicles:

Alternative and Advanced Fuel Locator

Visit the alternative fueling station locator to:

  • Search for alternative fueling stations near you.
  • Map a route that includes alternative fueling stations along the way.

The Advanced Auto Clinic Guide to Recommended Intervals

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Most Delavan drivers are aware that s have service intervals for your car. The engineers that design our vehicles have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed and others, like those for emissions components, are government mandated.

The maintenance schedules are designed to achieve the standards. Think of the benefits of following recommended intervals as falling into three general categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.

Protection. Let’s start with motor oil. First of all, the engineers recommend a particular weight and type of motor oil. All of their oil change recommendations assume using the proper motor oil. Motor oil contains detergents and other additives that clean the engine and provide corrosion resistance. Over time, the additives are depleted. The oil also becomes contaminated by water, dirt and combustion gases. Extending your interval beyond the recommendation means that your engine will be operating without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can form in contaminated oil and clog up passages in the engine, starving parts from needed lubrication.

Efficiency. Some Delavan services are designed to keep automotive systems operating efficiently. For example, the fuel system gets clogged up with gum and varnish from the fuel. Fuel doesn’t flow efficiently which reduces fuel economy. A fuel system cleaning restores the fuel system’s efficiency and increases your gas mileage.

Safety. Your brakes are obviously one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. The has scheduled brake pad replacement as well as power brake fluid drain and replacement intervals. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to head off problems before they result in an accident. Check your owner’s manual for recommended service schedules or talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic . You may be surprised to learn that various inspections may be on your list of factory recommendations. These inspections are usually at major intervals like 24,000 or forty thousand kilometers. They’re designed to uncover important parts that may be close to failing. Your owner’s manual can tell you when to change your oil, but it can’t tell you that you have a radiator hose that’s bulging and about to burst. For that you need a . These scheduled inspections are in addition to the multi-point inspections done with a full-service oil change at Advanced Auto Clinic.

Give us a call:

Advanced Auto Clinic
1101 Ann Streeet
Delavan, WI 53115
262.728.2944

 

 

Timing Chain Repair & Maintenance

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As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open up to allow air into the engine. They remain closed while the air and fuel is compressed and ignited, powering the piston. Then the exhaust valves open to release the exhaust. This all has to be timed very precisely. It is the job of the timing belt or timing chain to make sure all of this is synced up properly.

Timing belts are made of a very tough compound that can last for tens of thousands of miles. Timing chains are made of metal and last for a very long time as well. If your vehicle has a timing belt, your owner’s manual has a schedule for replacing the belt. If your vehicle has a timing chain, there may not be a specified schedule for replacing it, but that doesn’t mean that the timing chain system is indestructible and never needs attention.

For example, the chain runs on sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshafts. A broken tooth on a sprocket can cause the chain to slip a little. When timing is off a little your engine will not run as smoothly. When timing is off enough your engine won’t run at all and could even be severely damaged. There is also a tensioner that keeps appropriate pressure on the timing chain. This keeps the chain tight while allowing it to absorb pulsations from the engine. The tensioner can wear out. There are also guide rails that keep the chain on the proper path that can become worn.

The bottom line is that at some time, one or more of the timing chain system components will become worn to the point that they are no longer performing within specification. Your service advisor can help you with recommendations for when timing chain components should be replaced on your vehicle and have it inspected for signs of timing chain system wear.

Since timing chains are lubricated by engine oil, staying on top of your regular oil changes is very important to long life. Always use a high quality oil filter and oil of the recommended type and grade.

Timing Belt Repair & Maintenance / Replacement

Let’s address a very important maintenance item – timing belt replacement. It’s important because letting this one slide can lead to very expensive engine damage.

Your timing belt choreographs the timing of your combustion process. Your pistons travel up and down in the cylinder. Intake valves open at the right time to let in air and fuel, they close at the right time to allow the fuel to burn and then the exhaust valves open at the right time to let out the exhaust.

All this happens thousands of times a minute and it’s your timing belt that makes sure the valves are opening and closing at precisely the right time. If the timing is off, your engine won’t run. And that’s the best case.

The worst case is that a valve is opening at the wrong time and collides with the piston. The result is bent valves and maybe even more damage to the cylinder head. Repairs can run several thousand dollars.

timing-chainsNow, timing belts just wear out naturally so you want to replace a worn belt before it slips or breaks. Check your owner’s manual or with your service advisor to see when they recommend you replace the timing belt. If you’ve never replaced your timing belt and have 60,000 or more miles on the clock, talk with your service advisor right away to see if you’re due.

On some engines, the water pump is driven by the timing belt as opposed to the serpentine belt. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to replace the water pump when you’re replacing the timing belt, and vice versa since much of the same work has to be done for either. The same is true for the timing belt tensioner – it should be inspected and possibly replaced.

Now, replacing a timing belt is one of the more expensive routine maintenance items on your service schedule. But not replacing your timing belt can lead to some of the most expensive repairs you’re likely to ever have.

Contact Advanced Auto Clinic for details or click here to schedule an online appointment.

BAD BRAKES? Receive a Visa Gift Card worth up to $50 back on NAPA Brakes!

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BAD BRAKES?

Do you hear excessive noise, vibration / pulsation or having brake pedal issues? You may need a brake replacement!

Receive a Visa Gift Card worth up to $50 back on NAPA brakes, drums, rotors, shoes & pads at Advanced Auto Clinic!

Stop into Advanced Auto Clinic today in Delavan to learn more about our $50 VISA gift cards.

Offer valid May  – June 30th, 2016

 

NAPA_May_June_Poster

NAPA will donate $1 the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund for every Gift Card redeemed.

To learn more about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund please visit www.FallenHeroesFund.org

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Have You Signed Up For Our FREE Customer Referral & Care Program?

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WELCOME TO OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM

The goal of this program is to reward our current customers for their loyalty and gain the opportunity to serve new customers.

HOW OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM WORKS

Write your name on the referrer cards that we give you and hand them out to anyone who has not visited us for auto service or auto repair before. When your referred customer redeems their $30.00 offer, we will send you a notification that we have placed a dollar bonus on your Rewards Card!

Additionally if you continue referring customers we will continue to add dollars per referral to your Rewards Card up to $1,000 good towards our services and repairs. See table below for rewards details.

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Program Details

If you run out of referral cards and would like to continue earning rewards, just stop in and ask our Service Adviser for additional referral card packs.

referral-card

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24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

To earn your lifetime business, we have to do more than service your vehicle – we need to provide safety and peace of mind. That’s why we offer a 24-Hour Nationwide Roadside Assistance Program designed to get you to safety in the event of an emergency.

  • Towing
  • Emergency Fluid Delivery
  • Lock-Out
  • Jump Start
  • Flat Repair

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EXPECT GREAT SERVICE

Advanced Auto Clinic is a family owned and operated business who prides on its professionalism. We have a friendly, clean and efficient shop. We make your service experience hassle-free. We are  happy to offer early bird and night-owl drop box service and free local shuttle service to your home or office.

REWARDS CARD FEATURES

  • Rewards Dollars: With every purchase, earn a percentage of your invoiced amount added to your Rewards Card to use towards future purchases.
  • Community Outreach / Charitable Giving: You may donate a portion of your Rewards Dollars to local and national charities and organization.  Watch your e-mail for your opportunity to donate.
  • Reminder Program: Receive customized scheduled maintenance reminders and oil change reminders.
  • Referral Program: Pass out your Referral Cards and earn dollars toward future visits when a new customer you referred comes in for service.
  • Earn Free Oil Changes: Ask us how!
  • Membership is FREE: Look for more benefits and special offers in the mail or by e-mail.

Customer Referral & Care Program

2 YEAR / 24,000 MILE WARRANTY

We carry the best parts and have the most highly trained and certified technicians anywhere. We back up our work with a 2 Year / 24,000 Mile Warranty, which is highly exceptional in the marketplace. Our warranty includes coverage of material defects and workmanship. Some exclusions apply. Ask us for terms and conditions.

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FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE

We provide ccomplementary customer shuttle service and vehicle pick-up and drop off (some restrictions apply). Please ask our Service Advisor if you need to arrange shuttle service or vehicle pick-up or delivery.

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DON’T LET THE HOLIDAY PRESSURE GET TO YOUR TIRES!

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With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook routine car maintenance items – don’t let checking your tire pressure be among them! Tires are one of the most important safety features of your car.

As the only part of the vehicle that comes in direct contact with the road, they are crucial to its drivability. Under inflated tires will negatively affect the stability of your vehicle, cornering, and your ability to brake effectively – all of which are important when driving in winter weather.

Something to think about – when a tire has less air in it, a greater portion of its surface is coming into contact with the ground. This will increase the amount of friction between rubber and road, ultimately causing premature wear. Conversely, if a tire’s pressure is too high, not enough of its surface will come in contact with the ground. Your car will feel bouncy, and you will notice a decrease in traction and stopping distances.

So, how often should you check your tire pressure? We recommend at least once a month, if not more frequently (We do it every time you stop in!). A lot of factors affect tire pressure and they won’t necessarily appear under or over inflated to the naked eye. Additionally, tire pressure changes with the weather – it decreases by about 1lb per every 10 degrees drop in temperature. So if the last time you checked it was in August, by December your tires could be seriously under inflated.

BE READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING RUNS!

Everyone loves a white Christmas, but it can make finishing your shopping and getting to your family gathering a challenge. We know how important it is to know how to navigate our normally snowy and icy conditions. Here are a few tips that will help keep you on your merry way!

In order to maintain traction and avoid skidding, accelerate and decelerate slowly. Remember that everything takes longer when there’s snow and ice on the road; so don’t be in a rush. A normal stopping distance on dry roads is three to four seconds but on icy surfaces that could increased to a minimum of eight to ten seconds.

With that in mind, get to know your brakes before an emergency. The best way to stop is by using the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. If the wheels lock up, continue your steady pressure while the Antilock Brake System (ABS) does its job. Also, it’s actually better to avoid coming to a complete stop. It takes substantially more inertia on snow-covered roads to start from a full stop than it does while your wheels are still rolling.

Avoid accelerating up hills. Applying gas on a snowy incline will only make your wheels spin. Try to get your speed up before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. Once you’re at the peak, continue down the hill as slowly as possible. The worst thing you can do on an icy incline is stop – it’s very difficult to start moving again and you could start to roll backwards.

The best winter driving advice is to stay home. If you don’t really need to leave, don’t. Even if you’re a competent winter driver, not everyone else on the road is and it’s just not worth the risk.

We’re always here to answer any questions, just give us a call @ 262-728-2944 or send us an email @ aacdelavan@gmail.com.

Stop by anytime for a Complimentary Vehicle Health Report and see what shape your vehicle is in right now!

Sincerely,

Eric Olson
Service Manager
Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann St.
Delavan, WI 53115
262-728-2944

1946 Ford Coupe – BACK TO THE FUTURE POOP COUPE

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Dan and his father Rick never thought that starting a car collecting hobby would ever lead them to one of the most recognizable cars in cinema history. When the Volo Auto Museum had Biff’s Ford Coupe for sale the duo couldn’t pass it up. So now one of the coolest cars to ever be filmed is in the caring hands of a family that couldn’t be more deserving.

How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

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Question:
How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

Advanced Auto Clinic Answer:
When ‘ wheels are properly aligned they all point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most notice a couple of things. First the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. It could be slight or pretty severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you’ll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other.

A whole bunch of steering and suspension components are joined together. Everyday driving can cause ‘ wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That’s why most recommend an alignment check every couple of years. Depending on where you live in or the conditions you drive in (off-road driving, harsh winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.) – an alignment inspection every year at Advanced Auto Clinic may be called for.

Suspension and steering components wear over time as well which can lead to and alignment issues for . Of course, a big bump like hitting a curb or pothole can knock a wheel out of alignment or damage a steering or suspension part.

The type of wear provides clues for what might be wrong. Undercar parts are inspected for wear and damage. The alignment machine will provide a reading of how each wheel is aligned. The reading is compared with the alignment settings recommended by the , and then the makes the necessary adjustments and repairs to bring your wheels back into alignment.

Now putting off a wheel alignment in can get for because of tire wear: a bad alignment can chew through a tire pretty quickly. If you see uneven tire wear, if your steering wheel is off center, or your vehicle pulls to one side contact Advanced Auto Clinic about getting an alignment check.

Give us a call today at (262) 728-2944

Car Care Tips for the Cold Weather

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Car Maintenance for Winter

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It’s hard enough taking care of your car during the Summer, but the Winter months prove to be a whole different monster. The roads become more slippery, more salt on the ground, more snow, etc. Taking care of your vehicle is even more essemtial during these times. Doing things like keeping up with your tire’s maintence can make your drive more safe.

With the help of Chicago Tribune and Car Talk we have found some great tips to ensure you are prepared for these cold weather challenges.

 

Keep Your Gas Tank Full

In the summer, you can take a chance and run down to fumes. But in the winter, if you do get stuck or stranded, the engine will be your only source of heat. And you don’t want to have to worry about conserving fuel and saving the planet right at that moment…you want to stay warm. You can run the engine indefinitely at idle to stay warm-or as long as you have gas. No harm will be done to the engine.

 

Fill Your Fluids

Fill your antifreeze. If it hasn’t been flushed in a few years, then it could use it. Green-colored antifreeze is the most common; whichever color you choose, don’t mix colors. Coolant and antifreeze are interchangeable terms. Coolant is typically sold premixed, that is it is half water, half antifreeze, as it needs to be. Antifreeze can be pure and needs to be mixed. Check the bottle; it’ll tell you. Ready for winter? Your car should be Ready for winter? Your car should be Check your oil. If it’s due for a change, consider refilling it with a lower viscosity oil. On the bottle it lists two numbers, or grades, the first for low temperature viscosity, the second for high temperature. 10W-30 is a common designation. The higher the number, the more viscous, or thick it is, the less fluid it is especially in cold temps. So you might want to consider 5W-20 or-30. That ‘W’ stands for winter, according to Valvoline and other sources.

Check Your Battery

Change the battery. Mechanics recommend changing it every 3 years, though you could get away with 5 years, depending on how much you drive and how you drive. If you see a mechanic, have him or her check the battery and replace the spark plugs. How to store your car for winter How to store your car for winter Make sure the cables are not loose. With the engine off, see if the cables can slip free from the nodes. Don’t yank, but be firm. Tightening the nut is easy to do and can save you from a mid-drive battery loss that requires you to get out of the car and take off your gloves. Check for corrosion. If there is a white powder, not unlike the dead skin of dried winter hands, around the nodes or the clamps then that could be a sign of corrosion. If you can’t get a new battery, then at least clean the nodes and clamps with baking soda, water and a toothbrush. Loosen the cables, clean the nodes and clamps, then dry it and retighten.

Check Your Cooling System

Make certain the antifreeze will protect your car at the winter temperatures you’ll experience in your area. For most areas, you’ll need a 50-50 mix of coolant to water. You may think, “I’ll be extra good to my car, and give it 100% coolant.” Guess what? You’re wrong. The 50-50 mix has a lower freezing point. Not only that, but 100% coolant is less able to transfer heat away from your engine, and has been known to cause such nasty things as melted spark plugs of engine failure under the wrong circumstances.So, mix it up!

 

View more tips from Chicago Tribune and Car Talk

 

Sources:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/chi-subzero-car-care-story.html#page=1
http://www.cartalk.com/content/winter-driving-tips-7