Check Your Vin Number When Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car, make sure that the VIN on the car matches the VIN stored in the on board control units. In a recent car purchase, the purchaser found out shortly after the purchase the VIN read out of the car with a scan tool was not the same as the VIN displayed on the car in 2 places. The VIN displayed on the car was checked thru Carfax and reported good. However the VIN read out of the car was the correct VIN for the car and as a result the manufactures warranty was void and the history of the car is very questionable. WHAT A MESS! This is one reason for a pre-purchase inspection and it needs to be done at a shop that has the capability to read the internally stored VIN; something we at Metric Wrench Billings have added to our PPI list.



Don’t run the risk of buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Get your VIN number checked before purchasing a used vehicle

How to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

Summer is fast upon us and so is driving season. We tend to take more road trips to enjoy the nice weather during the summer months. With gas prices so high we wanted to provide you with a few money saving tips to help your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. 1. Remove Excess Weight – get rid of all that junk that you are carrying around like winter snow tires, winter gear, anything that you don’t need in your car. 2. Use Cruise Control Where Appropriate 3. Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops – drive responsible and anticipate when the lights will change to avoid sudden acceleration. By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. 4. Check Your Tires – if your tires aren’t inflated properly, it will cost you more money in fuel. 5. Avoid Excessive Idling – It’s not cold outside, so your car doesn’t need to idle to warm up. Idling can consume half-a-gallon (1.89 L) to one gallon (3.79 L) of gas per hour and pumps needless CO2 into the atmosphere. 6. It’s a good time to change out your air filters, this can assist your engine in running more efficiently. 7. Limit Air Conditioner Use – when driving at lower speeds an air conditioner that is on dramatically reduces fuel economy.

Extended Warranties

An extended warranty, sometimes called a service agreement, a service contract, or a maintenance agreement, is a prolonged warranty offered to consumers when they purchase a vehicle. While you want to get as much value out of your new purchase as possible, is it necessary to purchase an extended warranty?
Keep in mind that in most cases the manufacturers warranty is sufficient. A typical manufacturers warranty lasts a year and if something is going to happen it’s typically in the first year or much later after the extended warranty has expired. The other issue with Extended Warranties is the fine print, they often don’t cover much, so you’re stuck with the cost anyway. If you want to purchase one of these for your own peace of mind, be sure to read all of the terms and conditions. Consumer Reports has done studies on repair rates for a variety of small electronics and home appliances, and the percentages range from 5 to 37 percent, which generally indicates that you're more than likely not going to need a repair. Wouldn’t it make more sense to start an auto repair savings account and put that money aside for repairs if you need them in the future?

Is It OK to Run Your Car Low on Gas

So the question of the day is, is it OK to run your car low on gas? Many people wait until the very last possible moment to add gas to their vehicles. Whether because of cost or time or there are even more reasons why you should fill it at the ¼ mark.

The truth is that if you wait until your car is flashing empty before you fill it, could be very dangerous. You risk get stranded or cause an accident if your car stalls in busy traffic because you don’t have gas. Driving with a nearly empty tank could possibly cause early fuel pump failure for the following reasons; up until recently unburned fuel is returned to the fuel tank, the fuel takes on heat while in the engine compartment, fuel is used to cool the fuel pump motor, the smaller quantity of fuel the quicker it becomes hot and less cooling occurs

If there is any contamination in the tank (silt) the concentration is greater with a low fuel level possibly causing premature wear to the fuel pump. Fuel pump pick fuel up from the bottom of the tank, with less fuel in the tank there is less effect of gravity - although the pump is designed to work with very little fuel all of the above will cause more strain on the pump. Many technicians believe that if a car is ran out of gas the fuel pump is damage due to lack of lubrication and will decrease the life of the fuel pump.

Many vehicles that come into Metric Wrench Billings very low or almost out of gas. This becomes a definite problem and is very inconvenient if the car needs to be test driven for diagnostic purposes; we have to take extra time to get fuel.

Helpful Tips:

It doesn’t cost any more to keep the top half of the tank filled than the bottom half.

Fill up before leaving town on a road trip or if you have a long commute.

Use the called GasBuddy and it will tell you where the cheapest gas in your area is so that you’re not driving around checking all the prices.

It’s good idea to keep the fuel level above the 1/4th mark

If you have questions about repairing your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Repairing Your Old Car vs. Buying a New or Newer One

As a car owner, there comes that inevitable time in which you will be faced with the dilemma: Repair your current car or buy a new one?

It is at this point in history, coming out of a recession, when we are starting to see more and more used cars on the road. And I have to say that these drivers may be on to something, but you decide…

At Metric Wrench Billings, we think that you should consider the value of your broken car that needs a $4000 repair(s), probably about $0. Add to that the cost of repair $4000 in this case and another $1000 for unexpected failures in the next year. So what would you rather have, your car fixed or the car that you could buy for $5000, or the car you could buy with the $5000, plus monthly payments. And suppose you spend $5000 and the car only goes for another year, that’s about $420 per month, a high price to pay for transportation in an older car. So if you're facing that type of repair do the math first.

But we wanted a few more opinions so we found them for you, all evidence points toward going with a used car, repairing and maintaining it as you go along. The Car Care Council (CCC) and Engine Repower Council (ERC) both highly recommend repairing over buying new. Having a well-maintained used car and a little extra money in your pocket is a great feeling, and a choice that has continued to grow in popularity.

If you have questions about repairing your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

The Service Record Dilemma

So you want to know what the truth is about servicing your vehicle and keeping your records up to date. The dealerships would have you believe that you have to go to them, but that just isn’t the truth.

Don’t buy into the myth that only the dealership can keep your service record current!

Have you ever been told that you have to go to the dealership to keep your service record up to date? Well, that’s just not true. At Metric Wrench Billings, we’ll maintain your service history and have it available to you. We have access, through many on-line services, to your recommended service schedule. And this allows us to see exactly what needs to be done and when.

You need to have your vehicle serviced at the manufacturers recommended intervals. But you don’t have to find a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Volkswagen dealership. You can still come to Metric Wrench where you have come to trust our certified service technicians. We strive to always provide your vehicle with quality care and keep you and your service record up to date!

If you have questions about the high-tech fluids in your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Is The Service Schedule For Your Vehicle Just a Way For Mechanics/Garages to Make Money?

So is the service schedule for your vehicle just a way for mechanics or your service provider to make money? The answer is no. Automotive engineers, not service technicians, for that matter designed a service schedule your Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini or VW or whatever type vehicle that you may have.

Sustaining your car according to the schedules given in your owner’s manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free as well as safeguarding your investment.

The Service Schedule was intended to maintain your vehicle’s high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to improve and preserve your vehicle’s value.

A properly maintained vehicle improves and preserves vehicle value and saves money in the long run. Taking care of the minor upkeep and services can save your from bigger problems down the road!

If you have questions about the high-tech fluids in your vehicle, please call Metric WrenchBillings today and talk to a Certified ServiceTechnician.

High-tech fluids help to keep vehicles healthy

Your automobile depends on the productiveness of its vital fluids to help its moving parts to operate at its peak level, as well as being reliable and safe and if you ignore them, it could cost you dearly!

Some of the fluids for your vehicle includes motor oil, anti-freeze, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, specific lubricants for manual gearboxes, the transfer cases in four-wheel-drive vehicles and the differential in rear-drive vehicles and power steering fluid.

All of these fluids are specifically formulated drinks for your vehicle and it’s very important that you use the correct type and grade, because they can break down with time and usage, at Metric Wrench Billings, we recommend that you replace them at the specified times in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Most of us don’t think about the fuel or correct octane rating that is vital to engine operation especially in your BMWs, Audis, Mercedes and other high-end vehicles, poor quality fuel may not contain the additives necessary to meet changing elements as well as keeping fuel injection systems functioning properly.

The life blood of your engine is its motor oil. It not only lubricates, reducing wear, but  allows combustion contaminants, metal fragments, dirt and other debris in suspension to be carried to the filter or removed when the oil is changed. Another reason to have your oil changed is that over time the oil itself begins to break down.

Transmission fluidperforms a variety of functions. It lubricates, transmits drive in the torque converter, acts as a hydraulic pressure medium and as a coolant. Again, at Metric Wrench Billings we recommend that you change out the transmission fluid at the specified time in your vehicle’s owner manual.

Lets don’t forget about changing out your anti-freeze either! Anti-freeze not only acts a coolant, allowing your vehicle to run at a higher temperature, but it too is a lubricant and has anti-corrosion properties that assists water pumps and radiators to last longer and run better. But like all the other fluids in your vehicle, it can weaken and break down over time.

Brake fluid is something we rarely think about, but it too is a complex product that transmits hydraulic

pressure to and also lubricates brake components. It also has to deal with extremely high temperatures and

resist contamination by moisture. It must be checked regularly (if it needs topping up leak should be suspected

and dealt with) and changed as required.

Brake fluid is probably one of the fluids that we think little about, but it is a fundamental product that transmits hydraulic pressure to your breaks as well as lubricating them. Brake fluid is exposed to extremely high temperatures and can be contaminated by moisture. It should be checked regularly!

Power steering fluid levels should also be looked at frequently and changed according to manufacturers

recommendations.

Power steering fluid levels should be checked often and changed at the specified time your vehicle’s owner manual.

Windshield washer fluid, well most of us use this daily and don’t have a need to change it out, but to refill the container on vehicle. Just be sure to use a good quality windshield wash fluid for the elements in your area.

If you have questions about the high-tech fluids in your vehicle, please call Metric WrenchBillings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

When to Change Your Brake Pads-Billings MT

Faulty or worn-out brakes can be a serious safety issue that should be dealt with as soon as possible. We recommended that you do not try to drive on brakes that you fear aren’t working as well as they should be. Here are some things to remember when it comes to your vehicle’s brakes.

For most European cars there is a brake wear indicator on the brake pad that lights a warning in the instrument cluster.

If your brakes have started squealing when you touch them, then it probably time to get them looked at. Squealing is usually the first, and sometimes the only, warning that your brakes may need to be replaced. Squealy brakes can come from the wear indicator on your disc brake pads. The wear indicator is a small piece of metal that is attached to the brake pads. The squeal you are hearing is the wear indicator rubbing against the brake rotor once the pad has been worn down and is an indicator that it is time to replace your brakes.

Another indicator may be if your steering wheel starts shaking. If you happen to notice movement in your steering wheel when you put your foot on the brakes, there may be a problem with your brake rotors.

Generally, vehicles will require a first brake service between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. After the first service, it is a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a Certified Service Technician at 15,000-mile increments. The Certified Service Technician will check your brake lines for cracks, rust or leaks, as well as the brake pads/shoes for unusual wear and the rotor/drums for wear or warping.

Stress Management Works for Holidays and Automobiles

Holidays bring their own kind of stress to most of us, so don’t let you car add to that stress. Failing to plan for maintenance for your vehicle can turn small problems into bigger ones, putting a serious dent in your automotive budget. The price of procrastinating on vehicle maintenance can range from a heater that runs cold to a battery that won't start your car.

Take care of your car's seasonal services immediately and make plans to get ahead of the game next year. An early visit to Metric Wrench Billings provides the opportunity to budget for unanticipated repairs.

Here is a few things you may want to have checked:

Engine performance

If your engine isn’t properly maintained it maybe difficult to start in cold weather, if even at all. It may run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.

Battery and electrical system

How old is your battery? If it's three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.  Have your battery terminals cleaned and tightened, because loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Visibility

Replace old wiper blades and be sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer solvent in your vehicle.

Cooling system

A vehicle's antifreeze should be changed annually, or as recommended in the owner's manual. Have the system pressure tested for leaks and check hoses and drive belt(s) for tension and condition.

Tires

Inspect, balance, check inflation and rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is in its place.

Lights

Check all lights and replace burned out bulbs

Exhaust System

Have the vehicle put on a lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Leaking exhaust fumes can be deadly.

If you have questions or concerns about your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Stay Warm in Your Car This Winter

Be prepared when traveling this winter. If you have to wrap yourself in extra clothing and blankets to stay just a little bit warm in your car, then you need to have your heater checked. It is better to learn what to look for when it comes to pending car-heater trouble.

• Is there a chirping or screeching sound when you turn on your car heater? This noise could be a

worn fan-motor bearing. Motor happen quite rapidly after the noise starts.

• Does your dashboard heater-control lever seem unusually stiff? This stiffness may be a sign of a sticky or

heater-control valve that isn’t working.

• Do you notice moisture accumulating inside your car, even with the defroster is running? If so, that could be a sign that your car’s heater

core—a miniature radiator—might be leaking.

• Is your heating system just not working like it used too? Heater and defroster duct hoses take fresh air into the

system and warmed air to locations beyond the heater core. If these duct hoses leak, your heater

may not efficiently warm your car or defrost your windows.

• Is your heater blowing only cold air? A leaking heater hose (which carries your system’s antifreeze)

could be the culprit, and this issue could leave you in the cold, stranded.

An efficiently functioning car heater will keep you comfortable and your windows clear, both keys to safe driving.

So, watch for pending car heating problems, and get them taken care of before they leave you stranded in the cold this winter.

Back To School Brake Safety Check

It is hard to believe that Labor Day has passed and summer is over and the kids are back in school. So now is the time to make sure your vehicle is safe. When it comes to the safety of your family and your vehicle, the brakes should be at the top of your vehicle safety checklist.

"A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions," says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "It is important for motorists to be alert and recognize the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair. Letting the brakes get to the 'metal-to-metal' point can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill."

If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

If you are worried about your brakes, or if you simply just want to get them checked, bring your car into Metric Wrench Billings. Our certified technicians will perform a complete inspection of your brake system and determine what's needed to restore your brakes to a safe operating condition.