Coppell Tire & Auto

Holiday Hours

2011-12-19T09:21:00.000-06:00

Coppell Tire & Auto and its body shop, Coppell Collision Repair, will be closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 24 - 26 Dec, and Saturday and Sunday, 31 Dec and New Year's Day. We will operate normal hours during the rest of the holiday season (M-F 7:30a - 6:30p and Sa 8a - 5p).

As another year ends, we send our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful customers. Not only do we appreciate your loyal business, but also all your kind reviews and referrals. You make our work fun!

All the best for the holidays and a tremendous new year!

Open Friday & Saturday Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-23T18:20:00.000-06:00

To service all those college cars coming in during the holiday, we'll be open normal hours 7:30a - 6:30p Friday and 8a - 5p Saturday.

We wish you a fun and SAFE Thanksgiving!

Yokohama Tire "Home Team Pride" Promotion

2011-10-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

Now through November 6, 2011, Yokohama is teaming up with the Dallas Cowboys to offer a free Official Cowboys Replica team jersey with the purchase of a set of four Yokohama tires. Not only will you be able to sport the industry's best performing tires, you'll also be able to sport a great Cowboys jersey - absolutely free (an $80 value).

Just in case you needed a little more incentive, Yokohama announced an 8% price increase effective November 1, 2011. Even with the price increase, Yokohama still outperforms the competition with it's technology driven tires, combining outstanding handling and longevity at a mid-range price.

Back to School

2011-07-28T15:41:00.000-05:00

It's that time again when many of our poor cars and trucks head out to their home away from home, the college parking lot. Before leaving, bring it by the shop for its free "College Maintenance Check". We check the vehicle from head to toe, hoping to minimize the need for repairs and maintenance while away (3 month outlook). Our recommendations are then priced and prioritized for your approval.

To minimize pain and suffering from being without a car, we recommend you bring it in as soon as possible. The next few weeks will fill up quickly. Tuesdays through Thursdays are usually our lightest days.

See you soon!

Hail Damage - We offer Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

2011-04-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

Ti's the season for hail, in fact we've already had our fair share. Last week alone, our body shop (Coppell Collision Repair) was busy repairing victims of two storms, including those with just a few spots to several that were completely peppered including shattered glass.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is the technique most often used to repair hail damage. PDR is less expensive than traditional collision repair and can be used when the paint is not scratched, the metal is not creased, and the dent is the size of a credit card or smaller.

We offer Paintless Dent Repair and glass replacement at both our maintenance and repair facility and the body shop. While we always offer free estimates without appointments, hail damage typically requires an expert eye, so we encourage you to schedule an estimate appointment with our PDR specialist.

If you plan on going through insurance which is usually the case with hail damage, it is best to have their adjuster do the first estimate. Feel free to drop the car with us to coordinate with the adjuster.

Call Coppell Tire & Auto at 972-393-2521 or Coppell Collision Repair at 972-247-8114.

2011-02-24T10:48:00.006-06:00

As instability in the major oil producing countries translates to higher gas prices at the pump, a free tune up check should be high on your priority list.

What constitutes a "tune up" has changed over the years and varies by vehicle. All still include spark plugs, maybe spark plug wires, and fuel system cleaning. Older models will include a distributor cap and rotor.

Unlike many competitors, we never assume that everything is needed. Rather, we recommended services based on a visual check and/or computerized performance test. As a rule of thumb, standard spark plugs need to be replaced every 30k miles and platinum plugs every 60k - 90k miles. Your vehicle's manual should indicate the appropriate schedule.

The fuel system cleaning removes gum and varnish from the entire fuel delivery system, cleans carbon deposits from the combustion and upper intake areas, and cleans the fuel injectors, oxygen sensor and catalytic converter. The end result is an increase in your vehicle's vacuum, fuel mileage, and performance.

For other tips on saving gas, see our previous post "Save gas and the environment" or simply drop off your vehicle for a free inspection.

Holiday Hours

2010-12-18T07:41:00.012-06:00

For planning purposes, we'll be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, we'll open at 7:30am and close early depending on business and parts availability.

Ti's the season for winterizing and trip checks, as well as maintenance on college-bound vehicles. We're open today, Saturday 8a - 5p and 7:30a - 6:30p Monday through Thursday next week.

Happy Holidays and a big thank you!

Coppelltireandauto.com Victim of Cyber Warfare

2010-12-01T14:36:00.002-06:00

You know you hit the big time when little old Coppell Tire & Auto's website gets attacked, hacked, and hijacked by a foreign power on the other side of the planet (at least the hacker used a Russian URL).

While we rebuild, we hope you will find our blog worth visiting. For those checking us out for the first time, unfortunately all our testimonials are on the main site. For those wanting to leave us a testimonial, we encourage you to do so on other sites like Google (their probably even more valuable there)!

Thank you for all your support, testimonials, and referrals. We'll be back up in no time.

Vacation Trip Check

2010-06-30T11:50:00.009-05:00

When the last beach towel was loaded, the family pulled out of the driveway and headed on vacation. That’s when an unsettling moaning noise caught their attention.

Chances are the moaning noise was a result of low power steering fluid. But without a professional technician to check it out, how could the travelers be certain that topping it off would fix it?

A free trip check is the smart way to begin a vacation or road trip. Long before the dog goes to the sitter and the neighbors are asked to pick up the newspapers, it’s important to make time for Coppell Tire & Auto to examine your vehicle.

Fluids
Fluids are an important part of any vehicle checklist. Expect our technicians to check and perhaps replace or top off the following: antifreeze/coolant, transmission, engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, and power steering fluid. The transmission fluid, oil and fuel also have filters that will need to be examined.

Air filters
Other important filters to examine in a check up is both the engine and cabin filters. A clean engine air filter improves performance and gas mileage, while a clean cabin air filter screens out toxins and allergans that you breath as well as improving air conditioned or heated air flow.

Vision
Not surprisingly, it’s a driver’s vision, not his hearing or smell, which guides 90% of driving decisions. That’s why something as simple as a misdirected or burned out headlight can spell disaster on a rainy night. Now is the time to make sure headlights, windshields, window glass, signal lights, mirrors and wipers/blades are in good shape.

Brakes
Although most brake pads are constructed with built in “squealers” to alert you to declining conditions, it’s a good idea to have them examined before a trip. Brakes also should be checked at regular intervals (see owner’s manual) and whenever they begin feeling abnormal.

Battery
Unlike many of your vehicles components, a simple $24 battery check can determine if it needs to be replaced prior to a trip. While many think cold weather affects a battery’s starting ability, hot weather actually shortens a battery's life much quicker.

Tires
At any given time, a motorist is connected to the road by the few square inches of rubber that are in contact with the road. Make sure that the tire tread is deep enough; the tires are properly inflated and have been correctly rotated, balanced and aligned.

Don’t put your car’s reliability and your family’s safety on the line. Give us plenty of time to have your vehicle checked out and repaired, if needed. It’s some of the cheapest insurance around.

Summer Car Care Tips

2010-06-24T08:45:00.005-05:00

Summer can be tough on vehicles, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery. To get the most life out of a battery, have the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off (rare nowadays), check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. AS A REMINDER, NEVER OPEN A HOT RADIATOR CAP TO CHECK COOLANT LEVEL. Most vehicles have a coolant reservoir that can be safely checked. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps to prevent corrosion and rust, and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges. The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it’s important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner’s manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.

And one last note...the vehicle’s exterior can be damaged by the summer extremes including sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, dirt, and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months. If you already have damage, stop by for a free estimate from our full service body shop - Coppell Collision Repair.

Tire Manufacturers Raising Prices June 1st

2010-05-13T10:48:00.005-05:00

If you're in need of tires, now is the time to buy. Most major tire manufacturers have announced a June 1st price increase between 6-8% due to escalating raw material, energy, and transportation costs. The increase means another $25 - $80 for a typical set of 4.

Our approach is to recommend tires that best fit the customer's vehicle, driving habits, and of course, pocketbook. We have access to almost all brands, but highly recommend Yokohama and Toyo for their outstanding quality and competitive pricing.

Give us a call with the tire size (eg. P235/65 R17) or swing by for a quote.

Incorrect wheel alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear.

2010-05-07T08:53:00.007-05:00

The average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe angle mis-adjustment of 0.34 degrees (only 0.17 inches) out of specification will drag the tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year! Alignment issues void tire warranties, and with today's larger tire sizes, a set of four can easily exceed $1000.

Your alignment changes everyday, albeit minor, as bushings, struts, springs, etc. weaken. However, an unavoidable pot hole, curb, or even railroad crossing can dramatically shift wheel alignment and rapidly wear down tires. As such, you should get your alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year, AND always when replacing tires.

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend an alignment check as soon as possible:

Excessive or uneven tire wear
The vehicle pulls to the left or right
Feeling of looseness or wandering
Steering wheel vibration or shimmy
Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead

Recognizing the importance of correct wheel alignment - improved tire life, better gas mileage, improved handling, and safer driving - we've invested in the best, Hunter's Hawkeye system with high-definition digital imaging technology. The HD cameras determine the precise position and orientation of each wheel, assuring accurate adjustments to O.E.M. specifications.

Even with state-of-the-art equipment, our alignments are only $79.95 for most cars & light trucks. Modified and over-sized vehicles are extra.

Here are a couple of videos, courtesy of Hunter Engineering Company, to explain more...

Tell a Friend - Referral Reward

2010-03-16T09:50:00.008-05:00

Our logo tag line "Ask a Friend" recognizes that our current customers are our best source of new customers. So many of you have referred your friends and graciously written testimonials that referrals are, by far, our #1 source of new business.

To reward your kindness, we're introducing a new referral program, aptly named "Tell a Friend". Each time a new customer tells us they were referred by you, the new customer receives 10% off their first visit (up to $50), and you receive 10% off your next visit (up to $50).

From our standpoint, we would much rather reward your loyalty than pay for far less effective advertising. We hope you agree!

Thanks for making us #1

Coppell Collision Repair

2010-02-04T18:09:00.007-06:00

If you've been looking for just the right moment to repair all those dings and dents, we now have a full-service body shop! Just like our auto maintenance and repair, you should expect high-quality results at reasonable prices, backed with an industry leading warranty.

Whether you're looking for like-new perfection or something less, insurance or out-of-pocket, we can help. Call to set up an appointment for a free written estimate.

Catch up on Fluids & Save up to $35 on your next service!

2010-01-08T20:14:00.005-06:00

Now through the end of April, you can save $10 on any flush (up to $30 max). Choose from:

Fuel System Service (Injector or Induction): removes harmful deposits from the entire fuel & air intake system, restoring power, performance, and fuel economy.
Transmission System Service: helps maintain proper shifting characteristics and prolong the life of your automatic transmission.
Cooling System Service: helps extend the life of the cooling system components, keeps, the entire system clean, and functioning as efficiently as possible.
Power Steering System Service: helps to provide optimal steering efficiency and extend the life of the power steering components.
Brake System Service: removes old, contaminated brake fluid from your brake system to help keep your brakes functioning properly and avoid costly repairs.

If you've been putting off fluid maintenance, now is the time to catch up! We're here Monday through Friday 7:30-6:30 and Saturday from 8-5.

New Year's Holiday Schedule

2009-12-28T12:53:00.007-06:00

We hope you're having a great holiday season.

Just in case you need us, we'll be closing early on New Year's eve (some time in the afternoon based on work) and will open again on Saturday the 2nd at 8:00am.

Thank you for your loyalty and referrals last year and here's to a wonderful New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving - Extended Holiday Hours

2009-11-25T18:12:00.004-06:00

Believe it or not, we'll be open at 7:30a Friday and 8:00a Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since many of the universities shortened their Thanksgiving holiday and many of our customers have college cars in desperate need of maintenance and repair, we decided to stay open this year.

We'll be running a smaller crew and may leave a bit early if it's slow, so drop off your cars as soon as possible.

Don't forget we have a night drop for your convenience.

Happy Thanksgiving and Go Cowboys! (Both Dallas & Coppell!!!)

Woman to Woman - That "Sick Car" Smell

2009-10-22T09:55:00.011-05:00

You wash, vacuum, scrub, and spray, but can't get rid of that nasty smell. Most smells are a sign of mold, mildew, and bacteria growing in your ventilation system. Air fresheners simply cover up the smell, meaning you're still breathing in those unhealthy microbes that can make you sick.

Numerous studies have shown air quality in cars to be much worse than our homes and offices. In fact, if you suffer from any of the following, it may be your car that's making you sick:

breathing difficulties, fatigue, frequent headaches, infections, hypersensitivities, allergic reactions, cold symptoms, sinus congestion, pneumonitis, and other long-term ailments.

So what do you do? You can pay someone to remove the dash and clean both the heater and evaporator cores, costing between $500-$1,200 depending on the vehicle. Or, you can simply replace the cabin air filter, and use a disinfectant spray to kill the microbes living in the ventilation system.

The best disinfectant spray we've found is MiST™ In-Car Air Quality™. MiST™ utilizes atomized micro-droplets (1/10 the size of aerosol droplets) of a specially formulated solution. These droplets are drawn into an automobile's vents, penetrating and traveling to where the micro-organisms are living.

MiST™ treats the entire ventilation system, including the evaporator, heater core, air ducts and passenger compartment surfaces.

To learn more, visit www.misthealthyair.org, or better yet, come by and try it out. The MiST™ service only takes about a half hour and costs just $69.95. You'll smell the difference!

State Inspections

2009-08-13T14:38:00.005-05:00

While we don't do State Inspections here at Coppell Tire & Auto, we can get them inspected by a nearby service. Generally we do this when our customers believe their vehicles won't pass, after they failed, or as a service while they getting other work done. If a State Inspection is all you need, it is much faster to go directly to the inspection service.

If your "check engine" warning light is on, you will need to get the cause repaired before the vehicle can pass inspection. Once fixed, the vehicle's computer has to "learn" that the repair was made by going through a series of drive cycles. The type of driving varies by repair, manufacturer, and sometimes vehicle. While manufacturers/dealers may tell you it is easy to complete their "drive cycle", it can be quite difficult on our streets and highways. For example, you may need to drive the vehicle at 45mph for 10 miles. This means you need an open highway without traffic that may slow you down or run you over. As such, it often takes longer to get vehicles through drive cycles (get them "pass-ready") than it does to repair the initial problem.

Typically, the last and first week of each month fills up with inspection related repairs requiring a lot of drive time. As resources are limited, it can take longer than expected to resolve inspection issues during this time.

Don't be disappointed - Setting Expectations

2009-06-03T16:47:00.006-05:00

The other day we disappointed a customer. In fact, she was pretty upset. The short of it was, we simply didn't meet her expectations.

We're not going to please everyone all of the time, but we try...sometimes to a fault. In this case, what seemed simple to the customer was actually a combination of several exceptions. Our mistake was saying yes and not warning her of the risks.

Over the next couple posts, we'll discuss a variety of issues that tend to delay repairs, such as state inspections, parts, and communications. Any time without a vehicle can be disruptive. The good news is that we are all motivated to get your car or truck repaired as soon as possible. Working together can minimize the pain.

2008-11-29T09:29:00.004-06:00

When traffic is heavy and driving is stop and go, it can seem as though the exhaust of every vehicle on the road has found its way into your vehicle. Fortunately, automobile manufacturers have added cabin air filters in most makes and models. These filters, much like the furnace or air conditioning filters found in most homes, can significantly reduce the amount of allergens, carbon monoxide, and other dangerous contaminants that enter your vehicle.

For a driver, breathing these types of pollutants can be unpleasant but can also be dangerous, especially for young children, senior citizens and those with asthma, allergies, respiratory problems or weakened pulmonary systems.

The U.S. Car Care Council says these types of contaminants can be six times more concentrated in a car than outside the vehicle, a troubling fact if you are among the 50 million people in the U.S. who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems.

According to Ramon Nunez, director of filter product management for Purolator automotive filters, cabin air filters typically contain an electrostatically charged micro-fiber material capable of trapping particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores, soot, smog, fungus, mildew, tobacco smoke and other particulates before they enter a vehicle. Many cabin air filters also include an activated carbon layer for filtering out noxious gases and odors.

Once found only in high-end European cars, Nunez says cabin air filters are now used in about 62 million vehicles in operation in the United States and will be standard equipment in about 67 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2006. Most 2001 or later model vehicles have cabin air filters.

A physician who specializes in treating allergies and respiratory ailments says the increased use of cabin air filters in vehicles is a positive and healthy trend. "It's really a matter of common sense," says James L. Sublett, M.D., a board certified allergist and managing partner of the Louisville, Ky. - based Family Allergy and Asthma. "If we're concerned about the quality of air in our homes, we should be equally or more concerned about the air we're breathing in our vehicles."

That's because pollen, dust, molds and other particulates that trigger allergy, asthma and other respiratory related symptoms almost always originate outdoors, Dr. Sublett says. "These particulates are generally under 10 micrometers in size, which can very easily enter the respiratory system," he notes. "Automotive cabin air filters are designed to trap items of this size very effectively and keep them away from the passenger environment."

To find out how much impact a cabin air filter can really have, Purolator commissioned an independent air sampling study comparing the carbon monoxide and mold spore levels in two same-class mid-size sedans. One vehicle came equipped with a cabin air filter and one did not. The two vehicles were driven for just two hours in rush-hour traffic around Nashville, Tenn. - considered one of the worst U.S. cities for allergy sufferers.

Results showed that the car without a cabin air filter had more than eight times the carbon monoxide levels and more than 40% greater concentration of mold spores inside the cabin than the vehicle with a cabin air filter. Motorists should expect a cabin air filter to provide similar results with pollen, dust, bacteria and other pollutants, says Nunez.

As for breathing exhaust fumes, gasses and odors, Dr. Sublett says the health benefits of a cabin air filter preventing their entry into a vehicle, "goes without saying. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which are everywhere outside as a result of engine combustion, are poisonous substances that can cause headaches and irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Diesel exhaust particulates are also known to trigger allergy and asthma responses", he added.

The majority of car owners, however, are unaware that cabin air filters exist or that their vehicle may have one since it may not be mentioned in the owner's manual.

If you don't know if your vehicle has a cabin air filter or don't remember when it was last changed, ask us to check it out during your next visit. It should be replaced at least once year or more based on your driving habits and health concerns. Replacing it will take between 15 and 60 minutes depending on your vehicle's make and model.

It's time for your Fall Check-Up

2008-11-17T18:25:00.004-06:00

We all know it’s unwise to head out in a marginally running vehicle in harsh winter conditions, but even motorists in warmer areas need to consider a fall car-care check, according to the pros with the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians.

“Whether you do your own maintenance or depend on certified technicians, fall service lets you or your shop undo the wear and tear of summer’s hot, dusty conditions while getting ready for cooler weather ahead,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE Editorial Services Director. “This, in turn, will help improve your mileage, reduce pollution, and maximize the resale value of your car or light truck in the future.”

These ASE tips will give you a road map to fall car care....

In Tune with Engine Noises

2008-08-27T17:15:00.002-05:00

Noises. We’ve all heard them coming from under the hood at one time or another in our cars and trucks. But for Travis Alexander of Walla Walla, Washington, his ears are filled with the roar of engines every weekend.

You see, Travis is the engine specialist on the No. 41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. He’s in charge of taking care of the engines after they get to the racetrack.

It's Travis’ responsibility to make sure the powerplants run smoothly once at the speedway.

An engine failure during a race eliminates any chances of winning. So as you can imagine, Travis plays an integral role on the No. 41 race team.
His top priority: keeping a 750 horsepower, 358 cubic inch engine running at peak performance over the race weekend.

Travis has a keen ear for diagnosing engine miscues and he knows it’s nothing more than splitting possibilities down to only one.

Here are some quick tips for diagnosing that ticky tappy knocky clacky clicky rap tap sound you might hear from your car’s engine:

1. LOOSE MAIN BEARINGS. A loose main bearing can be heard and felt as a strong, dull, rotational knock, especially when the engine is pulling. The knock occurs regularly, every other rotation.

2. LOOSE FLYWHEEL. This noise is usually an irregular clicking sound. A test is to fast idle the engine up and shut off the ignition. If a thud is heard and felt, this might be the problem.

3. LOOSE ROD BEARINGS. This can be heard as a tinny knock. It is most noticeable upon deceleration, but it can also be heard with the engine idling.

4. PISTON PIN NOISE. This sounds similar to valve and tappet noise, but it has a double knock and is loudest during idling. Causes can include a loose piston pin or inadequate oil.

5. VALVES. A clicking might be heard if there is too much tappet clearance, or a hydraulic tappet is not working correctly.

6. HYDRAULIC LIFTERS. A clicking or tapping noise almost always is an indication of a malfunctioning hydraulic lifter. Some noise is normal when
the engine is cold, but this should disappear as the engine warms up. If just one lifter is noisy, it should be removed and inspected for wear.

7. FUEL PUMP NOISE. This can show up as a ticking sound. A simple test can be made by removing the fuel pump and putting a plate over the hole and running the engine with the fuel that s left in the carburetor. If the noise is gone, it was probably the fuel pump.

8. WATER PUMP NOISE. This is usually a squealing sound, and more times than not, it is caused by letting a car sit.

9. SPARK KNOCK. This is a ping or chatter, mostly noticed during acceleration or when the engine is under load.

10. EXCESSIVE CRANK SHAFT END PLAY. A sharp rap at idle or higher speeds is the symptom of this problem. The sound should disappear when the clutch is disengaged.

These are just some of the most common engine noises and problems. Generally, a new noise is not a good thing and should be checked out. To help us pinpoint the problem, jot down three things about the noise:

1. Approximate location, e.g. engine, passenger side, driver side, rear, etc.

2. When it happens, e.g. cold start, accelerating, idling, approximate speed, etc.

3. What it sounds like...we'll leave that to your imagination.

Better yet, simply add our phone number, 972-393-2521, to your cell phone and call Mike or Shannon while it is happening.

Wishing you open roads and cheaper gas!

New reminder service and free maintenance inspections during April's National Car Care Month

2008-03-31T07:53:00.020-05:00

April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. To celebrate, Coppell Tire & Auto is offering free maintenance inspections throughout the month. The 41 point inspection, recommended by the Car Care Council, checks components on vehicles that typically get overlooked, including tires, air filters, lubricants and fluids, belts and hoses, battery cables and lights.

In addition, the company is introducing Car Care Reminders, an email based service that provides customers with friendly maintenance reminders specific to their vehicle and driving habits. The service compares the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule with the vehicle's actual service history and mileage to calculate customer and vehicle specific reminder dates. Customers may also specify the components or services they want to track.

Asked why he felt the need to invest in the computer technology and free check-ups, Coppell Tire & Auto's owner/manager Shannon Schmittou quipped, "Our repair service is booming, but that's not necessarily a good thing, especially when many of the repairs are avoidable. It's all about keeping our customers happy. They're much happier when they stop by for low-cost maintenance, than towed in for high-cost repairs."

In 2007, results of car care events nationwide showed that consumers are neglecting their cars, with eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. Consumers are relying more and more on quick oil change services and onboard computers for their maintenance information, often with undesirable results. Something as simple as tire inflation can dramatically reduce tire life, decrease gas mileage, and impede braking and handling performance critical for accident avoidance. Other components, if left unchecked, can have a similar or worse affect on performance, safety, and repair costs.

To schedule a free maintenance inspection and sign up for Car Care Reminders, call 972-393-2521 or stop by the shop.

Spring Break or Breakdown?

2008-03-13T20:48:00.016-05:00

It's spring break, time for many families and students to hit the road. If your vehicle hasn't had a check-up lately, please come in before you go.

Each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, neglected maintenance leads to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property damage.

This statement is not intended to scare, but if it makes you stop and think when your car or truck last had a check-up by a trained mechanic, that's a good thing! If you, or your son or daughter, are in town for the break, don't put it off any longer. Come in for a free maintenance inspection. We'll tell you if anything needs immediate attention and when you should come back for the rest.

If you don't have time for a full check-up, please take just 10 minutes to check the basics. The Car Care Council offers a quick three step self-check:

Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids, windshield washer solvent, and antifreeze/coolant.
Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced. Give them a good squeeze. If you hear or feel them crack, or see bulges, they need replacing.
Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

Not only can a maintenance inspection help reduce chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made at home, with your own technician who knows the vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken.