Big advances in automotive technology have led to the development of high-tech fluids to keep pace. A simple example of this is the cooling system. For decades it was primarily made out of iron, steel and rubber hoses. There was one kind of coolant that protected these components from corrosion.

Now cooling system components are made with various metal alloys and plastics. These materials require different additives to protect them from corrosion. Since the materials used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, we now have a number of different kinds of coolant at Andys Auto in Groton. And it’s important to use the right coolant for your SUV. If you pour in the wrong kind, it won’t protect the cooling system and may even void the warranty. Of course, your courteous Andys Auto advisor will know the proper coolant to use. If you’re concerned you may have use the wrong fluid, be safe and have your Andys Auto technician flush the system and start fresh with the correct fluid.

Brake fluid is confusing for some people in MA. For a very long time, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid. Now we have Dot 4 and Dot 5. Some Groton people mistakenly think the higher numbers are an upgrade. You know, if 3 is good then 4 must be better. That’s not how it works. They are different formulations to meet the requirements of differences in brake systems. Only one of them is recommended for your SUV.

Transmission fluid is the same thing. With the tremendous engineering advances in automatic transmissions, there have been several new types of fluids developed to protect and lubricate them. Nowhere are the advances in automotive fluids more evident than in motor oil. Many new weights and formulations have been created to meet the demands of today’s modern engine design.

Modern SUV engines have more parts and much tighter tolerances. Every year, engines make more power and get better fuel economy in Groton. And with all the complication and sophistication, they still have to be durable. That’s where the new grades of engine oil come in. They have to be formulated to lubricate, protect and clean all of those SUV engine parts, big and little. The oil has to be thin enough to get into small passages, yet resistant to vaporization.

Your vehicle may have come from the factory with synthetic oil and/or transmission, brake, differential fluid, etc. If so, your recommended service intervals will be based on synthetic-type fluids and you should use the same type when your SUV is serviced at Andys Auto.

Because grades of oil and types of coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. are so carefully matched to the vehicle, take care to always use the proper fluid if you are topping off at home. Check your SUV owner’s manual or ask your Andys Auto service advisor. The wrong fluid can cause damage.

Give Mike Cody a call at Andys Auto in Groton

Andys Auto
978.448.3191
28 Willowdale Road
Groton, MA 01450

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Most Groton drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle. The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There’s also the power brake system and brake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.

Let’s step back. A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local Groton dealer. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the SUV tires are brand new, with full tread. Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.
 
Now, as your drive from Groton to Ayer and back, the miles start to add up. Most Groton car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Groton automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the SUV. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.

The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the SUV. Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At Andys Auto, we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.

That leads us to brake fluid service at Andys Auto. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the SUV fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Brake fluid replacement at Andys Auto includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.

The tires are what connect the SUV to the road. The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive around Groton.

For questions about brakes, brake pads, alignment, brake service, or tires, talk to Andys Auto  manager Mike Cody.

Give us a call

Andys Auto
978.448.3191
28 Willowdale Road
Groton, MA 01450

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

When all of a vehicle’s wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment. Hitting a road hazard in Groton or even just the normal bumps and bounces of everyday MA driving can cause your SUV wheels to be out of alignment. This can lead to expensive premature tire and suspension wear.

Here are some alignment basics from Andys Auto:
The first angle is called toe: do the wheels point in towards each other or away from each other at the front of the tire.
The next angle is called camber: do the wheels tip in or out at the top.
And finally, there is castor. Castor measures the angle where the front axles attach to the vehicle.

The ideal alignment for your SUV was designed by its engineers. Andys Auto alignment service starts with an inspection of the steering and suspension – so see if anything’s bent, broken or worn out. Then the Andys Auto technician will look at tire condition. From there, the SUV is put on an alignment rack and an initial alignment reading is taken. The wheels are then aligned to manufacturer’s specifications.

Your owner’s manual probably has a recommendation for how often your SUV alignment should be checked – usually every couple of years. If you suspect an alignment problem with your SUV, get it checked at Andys Auto before you suffer expensive tire or suspension damage.

Give us a call

Andys Auto
978.448.3191
28 Willowdale Road
Groton, MA 01450

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

A lot of people in the Ayer area want custom wheels. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you’re not careful. Sometimes they just don’t fit right: The tires rub in turns or over bumps. Consulting a tire professional at Andys Auto in Groton can ensure you get the right fit for your SUV. First he’ll ask you a series of questions about your driving needs and what you want in your new wheels.

Now, not every wheel can go on every vehicle. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside. If you don’t want to make any modifications to your SUV, you would need to focus on a wheel and tire combination that would fit. With trucks, some Groton people like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.

Also, most Groton people don’t realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – that’s the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.

The SUV computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn’t know what changes you made so it can’t tell how fast you’re going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong sensor information. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your SUV vehicle control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size. At Andys Auto, we can give you information about control computer reprogramming.

Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in Groton. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your Groton tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and select the right tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs – and the best way to do all this is to have your courteous Andys Auto tire specialist see your SUV in person so mistakes are not made.

At Andys Auto, we also offer alignment and brake service.

Give us a call

Andys Auto
978.448.3191
28 Willowdale Road
Groton, MA 01450

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

You may not be familiar with all of the items on Andys Auto’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Andys Auto Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Andys Auto Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at Andys Auto gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Groton and on Ayer freeways, by the way.

Andys Auto Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your courteous Andys Auto advisor for information.

Andys Auto Inspections: Groton drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Groton. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at Andys Auto may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Andys Auto Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Groton auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Andys Auto PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Andys Auto Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your Andys Auto technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Andys Auto Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at Andys Auto before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

Andys Auto Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Groton motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Andys Auto Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Andys Auto Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Groton.

Give us a call

Andys Auto
978.448.3191
28 Willowdale Road
Groton, MA 01450

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. Next, the belt powers the alternator.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. In some SUVs, power steering may have an electric drive and power brakes can be vacuum driven.

And, on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump (on some cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt).

Your Andys Auto service technician can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

Groton drivers should be aware that there’s a special, spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley and sometimes an extra pulley call the idler pulley. Their job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. That’s why it’s often recommended that the tensioner, and the idler pulley if so equipped, be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your SUV. And it’s not that expensive to replace at Andys Auto – so it’s good to do so before it fails.

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Let’s focus on stopping in wet Groton conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can’t move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water.

That’s called hydroplaning. At Andys Auto we want our customers to know that if it’s really bad, you can actually spin out of control. At best, you won’t stop as fast.

So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at a tire and you’ll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They’re designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better.

And the deeper the channel, the more water it can move. A brand new tire has very deep channels and can easily move a lot of water. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. When it wears down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet Groton roads.

So that’s why it’s so important for Groton drivers to replace the tires on their SUVs when they get worn. Consumer Reports and other advocate groups call for a standard of 3/32 of an inch and they have the studies to prove it.

By comparison, you’ve probably seen the wear indicator that’s molded into tires. When tires are worn 3/32 of an inch, the tread wear bar is visible. So the recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn out tire.

And that little bit of additional tread makes a big difference. Stopping distances are cut dramatically on wet roads. A safe stop from MA freeway speeds with 4/32 of an inch of tread would result in a crash with worn out tires.

There’s an easy way to tell when a tire’s worn to 4/32 of an inch. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

You’ve probably heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln’s head. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount.

Of course, tires are a big ticket item for Groton car owners. Most of us want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there’s a real safety trade-off. It’s your choice.

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving around Ayer. At Andys Auto, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

• Most trips are less than four miles
• Most trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing in Ayer
• You drive in very hot MA weather
• Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your SUV

Most Ayer drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your SUV?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your Andys Auto advisor can help you with your decision.

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

The crankcase is the bottom area of the engine that holds the oil. When the SUV engine’s running, fuel is burned to generate power. Most of the exhaust from combustion goes out through the exhaust system. But some exhaust blows by the pistons and goes into the lower engine, or crankcase.

These hot gases are about seventy percent unburned fuel. This can dilute and contaminate the oil, leading to damaging engine oil sludge. It can also cause engine corrosion in your SUV. At high speeds, the pressure can build up to the point that gaskets and seals start to leak.

Devens car owners need to know that over time, the vented gases will gum up the PCV valve and it won’t work well. That can lead to all of the problems I’ve already described, oil leaks, excessive oil consumption and wasted gas.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to test the PCV valve and quick and inexpensive to replace it at Andys Auto. Even so, it’s often overlooked because many Devens drivers don’t know about it.

Check your SUV owner’s manual or ask your Andys Auto advisor. If this is the first time you’ve heard of a PCV valve, you might be in line for a PCV valve replacement.

Please ask us about your PCV valve. For the price of a couple of burger combo meals, you can avoid some very expensive deep engine repairs.

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

In addition to just wearing out, Andys Auto customers need to know that suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road.

Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your SUV manufacturer and Andys Auto recommend periodic inspections. During an inspection, your Harvard service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts.

Signs that shocks or struts are wearing out: The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly as you drive around Harvard. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your SUV dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it’s definitely time to replace them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come into Andys Auto for a suspension inspection. Same if you’ve been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. Worn or broken shocks can cause premature wear or failure on other SUV suspension parts such as ball joints and other steering components as well. If your suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so let us take care of your suspension components at Andys Auto.

When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That’ll give you more even handling. Talk with your service advisor at Andys Auto because you don’t want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet.

At Andys Auto in Groton MA (01450) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 978.448.3191. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.