Monthly Archives: July 2013

Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Scottsbluff, NE

Let's talk about alternative fuel vehicles. In their quest to reduce the use of fossil fuels and harmful exhaust emissions in our NE environment, automakers will have a number of alternatives for Scottsbluff drivers very soon.For instance, Flex Fuel vehicles are already available in the Scottsbluff area. Flex Fuel vehicles can run on gasoline or on E85 fuel. E85 is a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The ethanol is made from corn. The benefits to Scottsbluff drivers are in using less petroleum and reduced pollution. The drawbacks are that E85 gets lower gas mileage and when gas prices are low, E85 can be more than straight gasoline.Scottsbluff drivers should only use E85 if they have a Flex Fuel compatible engine. Flex Fuel vehicles have special seals and gaskets that can stand up to the high alcohol content of E85. Using E85 in a regular engine can lead to gas leaks and fires.Diesel engines have been around NE ... read more

Categories:

Fuel System

Keep Your Cool in Scottsbluff: Air Conditioning Services

  Most Scottsbluff drivers don't even think about their air conditioner. Now here's a tip for Scottsbluff vehicle owners: Run your air conditioner every so often during NE winters. This circulates the lubricant to help keep the seals from drying out. The air conditioner actually removes some of the moisture in the air. So if you have trouble with fogging on your vehicle windshield during NE winters or during a rain storm, running the A/C on the defrost setting should help. Now on some Scottsbluff cars you can't run the A/C at the same time as the defroster. Don't ask me why, but I suspect lawyers were involved.Also, air and water can get into the A/C system. That can reduce the efficiency of the system and also lead to corrosion that causes damage. Scottsbluff drivers should periodically purge the system and replace the refrigerant to remove the air and water.NE drivers would be ... read more

Categories:

Air Conditioning

What to Do In Case of an Accident

If you've ever been in a vehicle accident around Scottsbluff, NE, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do.Let's review what you should do in case of an accident in Scottsbluff, NE:When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a crime in NE, even if it's not your fault. And hit-and-run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your driver's license or even jail time in our local Scottsbluff lockup.Most places, including NE, require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able.Warn other Scottsbluff motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood.Call 911 as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.Always file a police report. It's tempting ... read more

Following Recommended Intervals for Your vehicle

If you're reading this article in Scottsbluff, NE, then you probably care about your vehicle and how it runs. Even though you care, there is still that moment of dread when your professional service advisor at Twin City Auto tells you the manufacturer recommends some additional service. Your heart beats a little faster, your blood pressure rises. You worry about spending more money than you had planned. And you worry that if you say "no," you might be harming your vehicle or risking your family's safety. At the risk of sounding like your dad, you really should have done your homework. Service recommendations are in your owner's manual. But it is not like you want to keep your vehicle auto maintenance schedule on your nightstand for bedtime reading.Vehicles are complicated machines and it takes some effort for Scottsbluff residents to keep them running well. That is why they have maintenance schedules that explain how to keep your vehicle performing efficient ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance

Tire Replacement: What Scottsbluff Drivers Need to Know

Looking at getting some new tires? Maybe the real reason for wanting those off-highway tires is that they look cool. Well there's nothing wrong with that. If you make sure that you've got your functional needs covered with your selection, then you can have some fun with where you go from there.Let's suppose you zip around Scottsbluff in a sporty car. You may like to run a high-performance summer tire when the weather's good. When NE weather turns cold, you can put on high-performance winter tires. For the kind of driving you like to do, you want full-on performance tires. All-season tires are naturally a compromise that works well for most Scottsbluff drivers, but since you have a choice, go for dedicated summer and winter tires.When it's time for new tires, visit with a knowledgeable Twin City Auto tire professional. Describe your needs and wants. He'll come up with some selections for you to discuss. And once you settle on a type of tire, there are options for special needs: like pu ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels