Category: Vehicle Maintenance

Dealership or Locally Owned Independent Repair Shop For Car Service

December 26th, 2011 – Delaware new car dealerships are happy to leave you with the impression that you should have all of your scheduled automotive maintenance performed at the dealership during the warranty period. Some go so far as to imply that your warranty protection depends on it. In fact, nothing is further from the truth. Federal laws in both the United States and Canada specify that you do not have to have your vehicle serviced at a dealership to maintain warranty protection. The laws further state that a vehicle manufacturer cannot mandate that you use their particular brand of replacement parts or fluids. This certainly means you have many more service options, but what about quality?

First off, it is important to know that vehicle manufacturers do not make all of their own parts. They look to thousands of independent suppliers to manufacture the parts that go into your car or truck. Many of these same manufacturers that make the parts that are original equipment for a new vehicle, also supply parts for the automotive aftermarket. That means that your local service center such as Buckley’s Auto Care has access to quality parts that meet or exceed auto makers’ specifications. Your service consultant can offer a range of parts solutions that give you the option to save some money or to upgrade to a higher performance part.

While TV commercials for auto dealerships will tout “genuine” parts, your Wilmington service center has the option to not only use that same part, but to help you choose one that better meets your driving needs. Dealership ads often promote the notion that only their technicians are up to the task of servicing their particular make of vehicle. That may be true if you drive a Ferrari, but for the rest of us, the training that your local service technicians receive is transferable to any vehicle.

Today’s service databases enable your New Castle or Newport service provider to get the right parts and to follow the right procedures to take care of your car. The diagnostic technology and equipment your service center uses enables them to get you back on the road as economically as possible. Speaking of economics, aftermarket labor rates are nearly twenty percent lower than dealership rates.

So there you have it. Your local Wilmington area service centers are more convenient than auto dealerships, are more economical and provide high quality parts and products. And, your warranty is protected unless the manufacturer can demonstrate that a particular part lead to a warranty failure. In addition, you have more options as to where you have your vehicle serviced or repaired and you can take advantage of innovations and improvements that aren’t available at the dealership.

Are you looking for a dealer alternative for your car care needs? Consider giving us a call and learn how we have all of the latest equipment and friendly service to keep your car, light truck or SUV on the road. 302-999-8285

Dec 08, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

How A Water Pump Can Fail On A Car

Here we have a clear case of a water pump that has worn bearings. The pump is wobbling during rotation and even though it’s a little hard to see, during run time, you can see the vibration in the belt and pump. Water pumps are used to circulate the coolant through the engine block, radiator and all points of the cooling system, including the heater core.

At Buckley’s Auto Care, we typically will replace the old water pump with a new unit and if the age of the unit dictates, we’ll recommend replacing the hoses and thermostat along with a complete system flush to remove any contaminants that remain in the block and radiator. We also will replace the serpentine belt as well.

It’s always important to have the water pump along with all of the hoses and coolant condition checked during your service. Our Vehicle Health Check service covers these and many more items that we inspect and test for you everytime you’re in for a preventative maintenance service. We’re thorough and our clients enjoy the peace of mind knowing their vehicle’s condition.

May we help you? If you would like to schedule a service, please call us at 302-631-0532 or you can use our convenient online schedule by clicking here.

May 22, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

When A Timing Belt Snaps In A VW Jetta

Here is video clip from right inside our service bays at Buckley’s Auto Care http://www.buckleysautocare.com. This clip shows the incredible damage done when a timing belt snaps in an interference motor. This happens to be a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta with a 1.8 Turbo. As you can see, the valves are severely bent and the inside of each cylinder is scarred. In addition to the engine damage, take a look at the coolant residue from all of the plastic plumbing VW uses. Of course, this engine will have to be replaced.

It’s never easy telling someone that a huge cost is coming their way. A scenario like this could have been avoided if they had followed the recommended schedules set forth by the manufacture. But the damage is done and now we have to discuss re-investment back into the Jetta. Fortunately, this unit is in great shape (sans motor) and makes a nice candidate for putting the time and money back into it.

Of course, we have to update all of the radiator hoses, the serpentine belts, the thermostat and all gaskets. Once it’s all completed, this 2003 VW Jetta should be as good as new again and traveling up and down the Delaware highways.

May 12, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

April Is Car Care Month In Wilmington

As Spring arrives, the Car Care Council and Buckley’s Auto Care would like to remind motorists of the many benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. April is Car Care Month and a great opportunity to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the Spring and Summer driving and making sure your vehicle is up-to-date on all maintenance.

Taking time out to check on your vehicle’s condition is an important part of taking care of your second largest investment. Results of vehicle check-ups at community car care events across the country in April and October 2010 revealed that 80 percent of vehicles need service or parts.

“Small steps that motorists take today can go a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of their vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Regular car care can also help avoid costly repairs down the road, saving both time and money.”

In celebration of Spring Car Care month, Buckley’s Auto Care is offering motorist from all over Wilmington, Newark, Newport, Elsmere, Pike Creek and Hockessin a FREE vehicle check-up to help you determine just how “Car Care Ready” your vehicle really is.

Another way to celebrate Spring Car Care Month without even leaving home is to visit the Car Care Council’s free Car Care Guide online at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide includes information on service interval schedules, questions to ask your technician and how to increase your vehicle’s fuel economy to save money on gas.

Ready for Service? Call Buckley’s Auto Care for your Spring Check-Up at 302-613-0532. To immediate confirmation, click here.

Apr 03, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

Differential Service: What You Need To Know

Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a differential is; you will in a moment. That fact is that if you drive a car, you have a differential. Whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you have a differential. You might even have two or three.

As you might guess from the name, a differential’s job is to compensate for differences. Specifically the differences in wheel speed when turning. For instance, imagine taking a corner. Your inside wheel has a shorter distance to travel than the outside wheel as you go around the corner. That means that your outside wheel has to turn faster to keep pace with the inside wheel.

The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while still providing power. Without a differential, our tires would scrub and hop along the pavement during turns.

You’ve probably noticed the big bulge in the middle of the rear axle when you’re behind a truck. That’s the differential. Rear-wheel drive vehicles have a differential in back. Most four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will also have a similar differential on the front axle.

Front-wheel drive vehicles’ differential is called a transaxle because it combines the differential and transmission in one unit. An all-wheel drive vehicle will have a differential or transfer case that adjusts for speed differences between the front and rear drive wheels.

It can seem a little complicated. But you can see that all of the engine’s power is routed through your differentials. They’re strong enough to handle the work, but they need to be properly lubricated in order to stay strong. So from time to time, you need to have your differential serviced. Buckley’s Auto Care can service your differential. The used fluid is drained and replaced with clean fluid. Some differentials also require special additives to be installed, and at Buckley’s Auto Care we can help you with that, too.

The rule of thumb for the time and mileage interval for servicing your differential can vary greatly by vehicle. A front-wheel drive vehicle’s transaxle will need servicing more frequently than the rear differential on a pick-up truck, so check with your service advisor or your owner’s manual for recommendations.

How and where you drive will have an impact as well. If you drive on dirt roads or through streams in the Wilmington, Newport or Hockessin area, you’ll need to service the differential at Buckley’s Auto Care much sooner than if you always stay on the local Delaware pavement.

Checking the fluids in your differential is part of our Vehicle Health Check Program, performed every time and at no charge when you have your scheduled maintenance service performed at Buckley’s Auto Care. Call us today at 302-613-0532 to make your appointment or confirm it online by clicking here

Jul 27, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

What Is A Fuel Injector?

A Typical Fuel Injector

The last new car sold with a carburetor in North America rolled out of the dealership in 1990. Since then, all new vehicles have had fuel injectors. In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your engine. Your engine control computer tells the fuel injector how much gas to deliver as well as the precise time it should be delivered. Of course this happens thousands of times a minute. Fuel injection is a much more precise way of delivering fuel than carburetors. That translates into better fuel economy and power. Virtually all fuel injectors for gas engines are known as port fuel injectors because they deliver the fuel to a port just outside the cylinder. Port fuel injectors operate at about 40 to 80 pounds per square inch of pressure.

A few auto makers have introduced gas direct injection systems on some engines recently. These systems inject the gas directly into the cylinders under very high pressure – hundreds of times the pressure of port injection systems. Although more complicated, direct injection technology promises greater power with improved fuel economy, so we can expect to see more of it in the future.

As you can see, the level of precision required of your fuel injectors is very high. They need to be operating properly in order for your car to run right.

High temperatures under your hood and variations in gas quality cause fuel injectors to become fouled with wax, dirt, and carbon. Injectors can become partially clogged, preventing them from delivering the proper amount of fuel at the correct pressure. The design of each engine requires a specific spray pattern from the fuel injector that might be altered when the injector is dirty. When injectors are dirty, the fuel doesn’t burn as efficiently resulting in poor fuel economy and loss of power. So it is important to keep your fuel injectors clean.

Skilled service technicians at Buckley’s Auto Care in Wilmington can perform a fuel system service for you. That is a fuel system service – not just fuel injector cleaning. That is because the fuel has a lot of ways to become dirty or contaminated between the gas tank and the fuel injector. A fuel system service starts with a fuel filter replacement. This filter cleans the gas as it leaves the tank. The various parts of the fuel intake system need to be cleaned from time to time to remove harmful gum, deposits and varnish. Finally, the fuel injectors are cleaned so that they operate properly and deliver the right amount of fuel at the right time.

Buckley’s Auto Care is your Wilmington area service center and we use a process for cleaning your fuel system that includes state-of-the-art cleaning chemicals as well as some old fashioned scrubbing. Proper maintenance of your fuel system means that you will spend less on gas, enjoy strong performance and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Is Your Vehicle Feeling Sluggish? Stop in today for a good fuel system cleaning.

Fuel Injector And System Services Start At *$99.00 and Includes The Following:

A Professional Road Test
A Visual Inspection Of The Engine Area
Perform A Two Part Cleaning Service Of Your Fuel Injectors
Install One Fuel Tank Additive To Maintain Fuel System Cleanliness
An Optional Fuel Filter Replacement Is Available (if applicable) For An Additional Charge. (parts and labor)
An Optional Fuel System Air Induction Service Can Also Be Purchased. (Includes Throttle Body and Upper Plenum Cleaning)

Call us today at 302-613-0532 for your appointment

You can also confirm your appointment by using our convenient online calendar. Just click here.

Jul 02, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Why Does My Check Engine Light Come On?

The Dreadful Check Engine Light

Today we’re going to talk about on-board diagnostics and the questions we hear from folks around Wilmington Delaware who need answers about diagnostic services. They want to know what diagnostics are, what’s involved and what the benefits are. They really want to understand the value of diagnostic scans by a trained auto repair technician in Wilmington Delaware.

These are valid concerns. If you don’t understand something it’s really hard to know its value. Let’s start with some history.

Since 1996, all cars and light trucks in Wilmington Delaware have been required to use a standardized diagnostic system to help repair technicians determine what’s wrong with your vehicle. The diagnostic system works with the vehicle’s Engine Control Module – the computer that controls many engine functions.

The computer monitors dozens of components and processes. Depending on what the sensors read, the computer will make adjustments to compensate for conditions and minor problems. When there is a condition that it can’t adjust for, the computer will turn on the check engine light.

It is also called the ‘service engine soon’ light on some vehicles. The warning light signals you to get into your Wilmington Delaware service center so that the trouble code can be read and the problem can be fixed. Your service center will have a scan tool and powerful software that will help the technician diagnose the problem.

If you’ve searched for check engine light on the internet, you may have seen that you can buy an inexpensive scanner or go to an auto parts store to have the trouble code read to tell you exactly what’s wrong.

That’s a common myth. The code itself doesn’t tell you what’s broken. It starts you looking in the right place. It tells you what engine parameter is out of range – but it won’t tell you what’s wrong or how to fix it.

Let’s say you think your daughter has a fever. You take her temperature and it reads one 102 degrees. You’ve confirmed a fever, but you don’t know what’s causing it. Is it a 24 hour flu, an infection, appendicitis or leukemia? A fever is a symptom of all of these medical problems, but it takes a skilled physician’s examination and additional diagnostic tests to find out what is actually causing the fever.

An example of a trouble code could be: P0133, which reads ‘Bank 1 sensor 1 circuit slow response’. This means that the front oxygen sensor has a slow response time to changes in the air-fuel mix. If that’s all you knew about cars, you would think your oxygen sensor was broken and would replace it. Now, it could be the oxygen sensor – but it could also be a bad or contaminated airflow sensor, exhaust leak, electrical problem, an intake manifold leak or any of a number of other things.

You can imagine a lot of oxygen sensors have been replaced because of that code. So the on-board diagnostics point the way to where the trouble lies, but it takes some skill and high-tech equipment to actually pinpoint the problem. The cheap scan tools that a consumer can buy do not have the ability to retrieve some of the operating history that’s stored in the engine control computer. That history’s very helpful in diagnosing the problem. Service centers like Buckley’s Auto Care invest a lot of money in high-end diagnostic tools to help solve the mystery and get you back on the road as soon as possible without replacing a lot of parts that don’t need replacing.

So, on-board diagnostics provide a powerful starting place for a highly-trained, well-equipped technician to get to the bottom of your problem. When your check engine light comes on, get it checked at Buckley’s Auto Care. If the light burns steady – don’t panic. Get in to Buckley’s Auto Care soon to have the engine scanned. A flashing check engine light means that there is a severe engine problem. Get in as soon as you can – waiting too long can lead to very expensive damage.

And try to not drive at high speed or tow or haul heavy loads with a flashing check engine light.

Make an appointment with Buckley’s Auto Care to have your on board diagnostics analyzed.
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
302-613-0532

Jun 22, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Maintenance Is More Than Just An Oil Change

OEM Vehicle Recommended Service Intervals

Maintenance Is More Than Just An Oil Change

Everyone in Wilmington knows we’re supposed to go to the dentist twice a year. We get our teeth cleaned and have a thorough dental inspection. Once a year, we get x-rays to look for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. When the dentist is done, he tells us what he’s found – “Everything’s fine, see you in six months.” Or “You’ve got a small cavity starting, let’s schedule an appointment to take care of it.” By the time you leave, you have a plan for addressing any necessary repairs.

This system works so much better than waiting for a painful problem before going into the dentist. Small problems are fixed before they turn into big problems. And you avoid those huge bills.

If we buy into this way of handling our dental care, why do we resist so much when facing the same system for our car care?

Following the manufacturer’s recommended intervals can be confusing. First there are recommendations for so many things: oil changes, transmission, coolant, air conditioning, power steering, brakes, fuel system, filters, belts, hoses, alignment, rotation, balancing …you get the point.

Every item has a recommended interval and it’s hard to keep it all straight – even if you’re part of the one percent of the population that reads your owners’ manual.

And if you have more than one sedan, the complexity is multiplied. You’d need a computer to keep track of everything. We’ll, that’s how Buckley’s Auto Care does it. We subscribe to automotive databases that have your vehicle’s recommended intervals. You may have wondered how we know what else to recommend when you bring your car in for an oil change at our Wilmington location – it’s all in the computer.

Well, it’s not all in the computer. There are other variables that can’t be accounted for in the schedule. Things like the weather conditions, altitude, and driving conditions in the Wilmington area to be taken into account. Talk about these things with your Wilmington service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care and you may decide that the severe service schedule in your owner’s manual is more appropriate.

Since anything that’s not highway driving in moderate weather is considered severe, most of us in Wilmington do at least some of that and it should be taken into consideration.

Let’s take your basic oil change as an example – what issues are involved? The oil you put in your car is a blend of base oil and special additives. There are detergents to clean the inside of your engine and corrosion inhibitors. A good quality motor oil will not only lubricate your engine, it will help it stay clean inside and run cooler.

Now, these additives deplete with use and time. That’s why most maintenance recommendations include both a time and mileage element – like three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

It’s easy to think, “Gee, I’ve only driven 2,000 miles in the last three months. I can wait on that oil change.” But you need to remember that the inside of your engine is a harsh environment. The oil is contaminated with combustion by-products that start degrading its effectiveness even when it’s just sitting there.

A lot of people in Wilmington don’t realize the harm that can be done by just skipping a single oil change. There are a lot of metal parts moving around in your engine. Small bits of metal wear off and are floating around in your oil. They can be carried to more delicate areas of the engine where they cause damage. Your oil filter is designed to trap metal particles and other dirt, but if it’s clogged up because you haven’t changed it, it can’t trap any more.

Oil sludge is another problem. Sludge is oil that has turned to a gunky jelly – think Vaseline. Obviously, sludge doesn’t lubricate. It can also clog small oil passages so that all the parts don’t get properly protected by the oil. That’ll lead to premature wear.

If you’ve missed some oil changes, don’t despair. Just talk with your Buckley’s Auto Care service advisor. Fess up – you’ll feel better. And he can help you get back on track. Following recommended intervals is the key to keeping your car on the road and avoiding major repairs.

Jun 18, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Flat Tire Repair

It's Never A Good Time For A Flat

Most folks around Wilmington, Hockessin, Newport and Newark have had a flat tire. You know it’s inconvenient and a pain. Our tires are important. Keeping them in good working order isn’t just a big safety issue – it also has a financial impact. With high gas prices, we’ve all heard about the importance of keeping proper tire pressure to save on gas. In addition, proper inflation promotes even tread wear so your tires last longer.

There’s another danger to under-inflated tires. Low tire pressure puts added stress on the structure of the tire itself, causing it to break down prematurely. Also, under-inflated tires generate more heat which also reduces tire life. So get those slow leaks fixed quickly – don’t just keep airing them up every few days. You want to avoid serious tire damage.

Tires can also be damaged by road hazards in and around Wilmington. Punctures, cuts and impacts on curbs or potholes can also cause damage that could lead to tire failure. Sometimes, it’s something that a visual inspection would reveal. Take the opportunity to check your tires when you’re gassing up. Look for slashes, missing chunks, nails or screws in the tread or just uneven wear. Of course check the air pressure too.

Now tire damage can be on the inside where you can’t see it until it’s removed from the wheel. Such damage could come from a severe impact, driving on a flat or even just low pressure. Some punctures can cause internal damage that are too severe to be repaired. You may see our Buckley’s Auto Care professionals take the time to remove your flat from the rim and inspect the inside before repairing it, which means we’re just following good procedure.

Now some tires just can’t be repaired. A puncture may be too large to plug. Also, the puncture could be in a location that’s not safe to repair like in the sidewall or outer portion of the tread. So called run-flat tires should not be repaired because their design is such that internal damage can’t be detected by a visual inspection.

It is also important that repairs should only be done by a qualified tire specialist like the ones we have at Buckley’s Auto Care. You can buy self repair kits – save those for emergencies, like when you’re off-roading and need a quick fix so you can hobble back to civilization and get professional help. If you need to use a repair-in-a-can product, remember it’s a temporary measure only and your tire needs to be properly repaired as soon as possible.

Here are some other considerations: Repairing a flat may void your tire manufacturer’s warranty – just something to keep in mind. Also, if you repair a speed rated tire, you should not use it in any motor sports or operate it above legal speed limits. Your tire professional will repair your tire whenever it’s safe to do so and he’ll advise you when it’s better to replace it. So watch those curbs and keep the air – on the inside.

Buckley’s Auto Care
1604 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19804
302-999-8285

Jun 17, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Radiator Service In Wilmington Delaware

Keep Your Radiator Clean

The coolant system is a vital part of your vehicle. It is also the second most common cause for vehicle failures. Even though coolant system failure is fairly common, it is easy to prevent.

The most recognizable part of the coolant system is the radiator. It is connected to the engine with hoses and is filled with coolant. The coolant draws heat off the engine and then goes into the radiator. Air passes through cooling fins to reduce the temperature of the coolant and then it’s back to the engine again.

There are several ways for the cooling system to fail. Most common is with the coolant itself. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze. The proper mixture keeps the coolant from either boiling away or freezing. Both of which can result in massive engine damage.

Another very important coolant issue that is often overlooked is the age of the coolant itself. antifreeze has additives that protect the coolant system from corrosion. As these additives are depleted over time, they can’t protect the radiator and other parts from rust, scaling and corrosion. Old coolant may still keep your engine cool, but it won’t protect it from corrosion.

If you see a warning message to check the coolant or if the temperature gauge is in the hot zone your cooling system needs to be checked. It’s OK to add water or antifreeze yourself. But you need to be cautious. Remember four things.

First, you never want to open the radiator pressure cap. You could be severely burned.
Second, try to get to a Wilmington service center such as Buckley’s Auto Care immediately if your coolant is low. If that is not possible, follow the directions in your owners manual – it will direct you to only make additions to the coolant overflow bottle.
Third, remember that you need a proper mixture of water and antifreeze. If you make an emergency addition to your cooling system, follow-up with your service center where they can make necessary corrections.
Fourth, not all cars use the same type of antifreeze. You need to check your owners manual to make sure you use the right kind. Mixing antifreeze types or using the wrong kind of antifreeze may void the manufacturers warranty on your cooling system. Again, another reason to rely on your Wilmington service center to do things right.

RADIATOR FLUSH SERVICES START AT $89.00

Remember, Buckley’s Auto Care has the equipment to change your coolant quickly and inexpensively. Call us today at 302-613-0532 or make your appointment online by clicking here.

Jun 15, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Cabin Air Filter Mantenance

What is a cabin air filter?

Is it:

A filter for a house in the middle of the woods?
A fresh, piney scent?
A filter for the passenger compartment of your car?

Clever you, it’s 3.

A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenger compartment. It filters out dust, pollen, spores, bacteria, pollutants, sparrows, exhaust gas and odors.

These high tech filters can block particles larger than 3 microns. By contrast, a grain of sand is about 200 microns.

Now not all vehicles have cabin filters. They are fairly new on the scene. About forty percent of new vehicles in Delaware come with cabin air filters, but the number is growing every year.

Cabin air filters can make for a very nice driving environment. Your car can be a haven during allergy season with very little dust and pollen getting into the cabin. However, the filter eventually gets clogged. When this happens, your heating and air conditioning flow can become restricted. The filter can even get kind of smelly.

Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals. Often, the owner’s manual forgets about the cabin air filter, so ask your Buckley’s Auto Care service technician for a recommendation. We are located at 1604 E. Newport Pike in Wilmington. It’s usually every year or 12,000 miles/ 19,000 kilometers. Change it sooner if you drive in dusty conditions or if you start to notice an odor from your ventilation system.

So keep your cabin air filter clean. It may not help with your brother-in-law in the backseat, but it will make your driving experience more enjoyable.