As anyone who lives in New England can tell you, there’s a significant difference between driving your car in the summer and driving in the winter. Aside from the frost on your windows and ice on the roads, the cold weather impacts how the different parts of your vehicle work. If you don’t let your car warm up before taking off, you may end up searching for auto repair in Nashua NH.
How Brakes Work
It seems simple. You press on the brakes, and your car slows down. This is a process of cause and effect. You step on the brake pedal, and the brakes apply hydraulic pressure to the brake pads, so they press against the rotor. This slows the vehicle down. One thing to be remembered is that energy isn’t created or destroyed, only converted into heat. The heat is released through the vents in the rotor. When it’s cold outside, the process remains the same but with different results.
Cold Weather
The energy that moved your car is converted to heat through friction. Friction, in turn, results in heat. Brakes can become so so hot that they stay heated long after you’ve turned your car off. Heavy braking can result in brake fade over time. On cold days, you won’t experience any difference in brake performance. However, the lifespan of your brakes will be affected. Because cold days often come with wet roads, the moisture acts as a lubricant on your tires. This allows them to heat up at accelerated rates. So, your brake pads will wear away faster, forcing you to seek auto repair in Nashua NH.
Living in New England means that winter is unavoidable. The cold weather shows up around mid-October and sticks around until mid-March. Knowing how the cold affects the maintenance of your car is essential for any responsible driver. It can help you to avoid accidents. When you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto at 603-595-7575 or visit us online.
To the rest of the country, New England is this idyllic region with apple orchards, beautiful trees lining the streets, and people who talk without pronouncing their R’s. It’s essentially a perfect place. Those of us who live in New England know better. Winter in the area is never as lovely as it looks on Christmas cards. We usually don’t see snow until it’s most inconvenient. Once we do get snow, it takes three months of shoveling to get rid of it. Winter driving conditions can get hazardous quick. Be prepared this winter and consider getting winter tires in Nashua for your car.
Air Capacity
Here’s a little science lesson: as temperatures rise and drop, air expands and retracts. It’s similar to how wooden doors warp when it’s hot out and return to their regular shape in cold weather. If you’re driving on old tires in Nashua, the temperature can cause issues that result in flat tires. New tires are durable and can handle the change in temperatures during the winter.
Tread
The best way to judge your tires’ tread is the penny test. If you place a penny in the tread of your tire and can still perfectly see Abraham Lincoln’s face, your tread may not be up to snuff. The tread of your tires is what keeps you on the road. It grips the surface you’re driving on so you can move forward and brake.
Handling
Tires have a lot to do with how your car moves. For one, their spinning motion causes the rolling that gets you going. However, other factors such as turning become much harder with old tires. If you find you can’t take turns as naturally as you could, or you hear skidding as you change directions, it’s time for new tires.
Peace of Mind
With advanced safety features, driving is theoretically getting safer every year. However, nothing is certain. The best way to feel safe in your car is to know it is prepared for anything. If you’re entering the winter on old tires, you’re increasing your risk of an accident. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to get through the winter by investing in new tires.
Don’t take any chances with your safety or the safety of others. New England winters are nothing to joke about, and road conditions can be hazardous. Invest in winter tires in Nashua this season. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
October is the month where all the fun of the fall takes place. The weather is still warm enough to head to the pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Halloween is right around the corner, and you’re having a blast planning your costume for the festivities. However, as fun as October can be, there are some hazards that come with the fall. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that driving conditions change with the seasons. Before you get into an accident and need to find auto repair in Nashua NH, take note of the hazards that come with driving at this time of year.
Animals
2018 was quite the year for roadkill. The reproduction rate in squirrels was at an all-time high, meaning their food supply couldn’t sustain them. Critters like squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and others that compete for nuts have been taking to the road and dying as a result. Watching out for their bodies, so your car doesn’t slide. Also, deer like to wander about in the fall. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals this fall.
Leaves
Sure, the leaves this time of year are beautiful. The golds and reds in the tree are almost enough to keep you from remembering they’re just dying. As the leaves die and fall to the ground, they clump together and create slick surfaces on the road. If you hit a patch of leaves, especially wet leaves, you may lose control of your vehicle. Be safe to avoid needing auto repair in Nashua NH.
Rain
The spring and the fall are New England’s primary wet seasons. Sure, the winter has snow, but that’s more miserable than wet. The rain in the falls can come in quick and leave the streets slippery. Even worse, the rain can come and decide not to leave, worsening visibility for drivers.
Pedestrians
Safe drivers are always looking out for pedestrians in the road. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to see PED XING signs, or crosswalks to let you know if an area has high foot traffic. Still, kids are back in school and trick-or-treaters are coming sooner rather than later.
Distracted driving can results in accidents and collisions on the road. With fall fully underway, you need to know what to look out for in the street. If you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
As you drive your car, the engine runs and heats up as it does. As the engine runs, it can reach temperatures of over 500° Celsius. Overworking your engine can cause your car to overheat and break down. Luckily, your car is equipped with a coolant system to keep your engine temperature in check. Of course, just like any part of your vehicle, your coolant system can get damaged over the years. If you’re worried about your car’s coolant system, consider getting auto repair in Nashua. Here are three warning signs that your coolant system may need to be checked.
Leaking
A warning sign of low coolant levels is white smoke coming from your exhaust. Yes, you will always see smoke coming from your exhaust, but the smoke to look out for will be thick and white. This is an indicator that there is a leak in your coolant system, allowing the heat to burn up your antifreeze. Another sign of a leak will be pooling of a green substance under your car. No puddle is too small. If you ignore a small puddle, chances are the leak will get worse. In instances of white smoke and green puddles, consider auto repair in Nashua.
Sweet Smell
While sweet smells can be a sign of good things like cookies or fruit, a sweet smell in the cabin of your car is not. Not to say an air freshener isn’t a good idea, but an unusual, sweet smell popping up should raise a red flag. Antifreeze smells sweet, and the scent can waft into your car if your coolant system is leaking or overheating. When a sweet smell pops up in your car, get to a mechanic to run diagnostics on your coolant system.
Steam
500° Celsius is the equivalent of 932° Fahrenheit. The average person starts complaining at around 83° Fahrenheit. This extreme temperature can cause your engine to overheat and release steam if your coolant system isn’t running correctly. The moment you notice white smoke or steam coming from the hood of your vehicle, pull over immediately. This is a surefire sign you need auto repair in Nashua.
You’ve heard the phrase “A car is worth more than the sum of its parts,” but your car isn’t worth much if those parts aren’t functional. Your coolant system is a necessity when it comes to keeping your engine at a manageable temperature while driving. If you notice any of these three sings, find auto repair in Nashua. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online today.
A lot of customization can lead to your dream car, but it is important to know your costs financially and physically. Always consult with a mechanic before you begin your customization journey. Furthermore, keep an eye out for these accessories that can easily damage your car if you use them to make your car look cool.
Observe a few of them below. If your car needs some TLC beyond customization, consult RK Auto Repair for some of the best auto repair in Nashua, NH.
-
Tinted Windows
Not only are they heavily scrutinized by the law and illegal if abused, they are also dangerous. Tinted windows may look kind of edgy, but come with very big risk once they are installed.
Darker windows can distort and limit visibility, which can lead to poor vision. Poor vision is a recipe for terrible accidents on the road. If you are going to go for it, install them in your back windows – that way, you can have the cool look you want without affecting your driving seat vision.
-
Colorful Fog Lights
This also ties in to visibility. Having standard issue fog lights will allow you to be seen in dark, limited visibility situations. It is important to keep them bright and tuned up. White lights are best, since they are able to properly cut through fog with scientific accuracy.
Yellow fog lights are often considered, but are in poor taste. They are unable to shine as bright or cut through fog as well as white lights, and will limit your light’s visibility. Other cars in traffic are not going to see dim lights, so modified fog lights are a visibility hindrance at best, and an accident waiting to happen at worst.
-
Televisions
It’s true: car trips can be long, tedious, and boring if you do not have the proper enthusiasm or entertainment. However, the remedy to boredom should not come with safety risk. While a television installation may seem like top-quality, cutting-edge entertainment for passengers, it is not safe.
Even if they are behind the driver’s seat, these screens can distract the driver. Loud noise levels can cause a driver to lose focus and not properly hear any hazards that could appear on the road. Keep the Netflix to portable mediums like iPads or laptops.
-
Blackout Kits
These also deal with headlights. Blackout kits are made to cover up your headlights slightly, and are able to mask the visibility and brightness of headlights. This is extremely dangerous.
It is important to be visible and have a reliable, strong light source, especially in darker driving conditions. Not to mention these kits are illegal, so legal consequences are at play here as well. If you want to get your headlights looking right, go to RK Auto for great auto repair in Nashua, NH.
-
Lift Kits
Making a car look tall and detached from its wheels is one of the more unique ways of customization. This requires a lift kit, which will lift the body up and make the car more top heavy.
Get ready for some quick physics: a top heavy vehicle is bound to flip. The heaviness on top will cause the bottom to not pick up the slack, and throw off the center of gravity.
Keeping a vehicle balanced is key, and the natural mechanics of a vehicle should not be tampered with.
Be sure to avoid these dangerous accessories. If you need some work done on your vehicle, it is always best to talk to the professionals. For any time you need auto repair in Nashua, NH, call RK Auto Repair at (603) 595-7575!
Routine maintenance on your vehicle seems a bit annoying or unnecessary, but it pays off in your vehicle’s wellness. When you are making a trip to the mechanic, it is important to make the most out of your visit.
Below, observe some ways you can make your visit to the shop even more worthwhile. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, you can rely on RK Auto Repair.
1.) Look for Deals
You might as well save some extra money while you are there. If the shop is offering any deals, make note of them.
Should they apply to you, or the services you require, take advantage! Saving some unexpected money is always a good way to make your day.
2.) Bring Up Concerns
Just because you are in the shop for a specific service does not mean you cannot address anything else. While you are getting your scheduled fix, feel free to speak with your mechanic. A friendly mechanic is more than willing to help, and the staff at RK Auto Repair have the customer service and experience to offer some great auto repair in Nashua, NH.
If you have noticed any issues or side effects with your vehicle that affects your driving, be sure to let them know. It is better to mention it and have your concerns addressed than let it go unseen and having to come back to the shop.
3.) Ask for Quick Services
Is your tire a bit under inflated? Maybe some spark plugs sound great to you, but you have no idea where to start? A visit to the mechanic can be quite beneficial.
If you have some parts that are easy and quick to install, let the mechanic know ahead of time. Call them before your visit, and you should be able to have these parts added to your vehicle with ease. They’re the experts, after all, and can assist!
4.) See if They Have Contacts
If you are looking for a new auto part shop, or someone who is an expert at detailing and vehicle art, a mechanic can be a great resource. They may be experts on all things involved with vehicles, but they could know people who are more suited for the artistic and custom side of things.
Be sure to mention these planned endeavors, and see how your mechanic can help you. With luck, they just may be able to do it themselves.
5.) Make Sure Everything is Up to Date
Part of being a responsible vehicle owner is making sure that everything is up to code. You want to be sure all of your vehicle’s parts are strong, and think of anything that could be expired.
Should you need an inspection or safety test of any kind, your visit is a great opportunity to address these concerns and schedule your next appointment to take care of things. You will be able to book it on the spot, and be sure that the issues are going to be addressed while they are on your mind.
Going to the mechanic may seem like a tedious task, but it can really be beneficial for you and your vehicle if you make the most of it.
Follow the tips above, and make an appointment with RK Auto Repair the next time you require auto repair in Nashua, NH. Give them a call at (603)-595-7575!
Picking up the phone and dialing your mechanic’s number may be the last thing you feel like doing. Surely, the inspection can wait? Does the check engine light really need to be looked at right now?
It may be a bit out of the way, and interrupt your routine, but proper and consistent vehicle maintenance has plenty of benefits. Observe them below, and contact RK Auto Repair for excellent auto repair in Nashua, NH!
1.) Your Vehicle’s Health
First and foremost, routine maintenance will ensure that your vehicle is up to safety standards and working just fine. It is important that you know what these standards are, and that your car is tailored to fit them.
Your car will be able to perform its best, and will be in its best shape, with consistent care and attention. Unchecked problems can get worse down the line, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve to prevent any issues you can.
2.) You Will Actually Save Money!
It may not seem like it, but it’s true. You figure, you’re dropping a pretty penny on some maintenance that may not even result in some fixing. What’s the point?
Think of proper routine maintenance as a strong investment. If you put the time and money into your vehicle through maintenance, you are making sure it performs well. If it performs well, you are not going to have any other vehicle ailments down the line. It is better to keep your vehicle up and well, rather than ignore it and see plenty of problems come into fruition.
3.) Underlying Problems May Be Found
If you are not a mechanic, you will most likely not have the eye to find small problems within your vehicle. A quick look by a mechanic can find any other missable damage that may be lying beneath the surface. Since mechanics are car experts, they are able to assist with present and future problems. They know best. RK Auto Repair’s knowledgable staff will be glad to assist you with vehicle repairs, so be sure to contact them if you have need for auto repair in Nashua, NH!
4.) The Vehicle Stays Legal
Failure to comply with state laws – such as when to get a car inspection – can result in hefty fines. If you ignore the date, it will get worse the longer you wait. Is it worth the hefty fees to skip out on a quick appointment?
Maintaining your vehicle will keep you and state officials happy. A win-win, really!
5.) A Place to Address Your Concerns
When you stop in for a routine inspection, it is a great opportunity to bring up anything that may concern you about your vehicle. Even if it is a small item, do not be shy.
The mechanic will be able to help you and offer a second pair of eyes to take a quick look at what’s going on. If it ends up being nothing, you can at least have an expert opinion on your side!
Keeping routine maintenance up for your vehicle may be a bit frustrating, but it is very much worth the time and effort. Staying with the program and getting maintenance done has plenty of benefits.
For any vehicle needs or auto repair in Nashua, NH, give RK Auto Repair a call at (603)-595-7575!
In many ways, the tires of a car are just as important as an engine or brake. They are the foundation of a car, and prevent other car parts from carrying all of the weight of the vehicle – tires smoothly ensure your vehicle operates optimally.
Follow these suggestions to keep your tires are in top shape, and be sure to contact RK Auto Repair for any advice and service regarding tires in New Hampshire. Keep them in mind as a contact for any issues with your car or questions you may have, big or small.
-
Slow Things Down
Driving at elevated speeds causes plenty of problems, tires aside. When you consistently change and rev up speed, tires become stressed and suffer from plenty of damage. Though it begins as your problem, your speeding can harm other drivers on the road.
Constant speeding up and slowing down as you drive will only cause friction stress, leading to your tires becoming prematurely worn in the process. This wear and tear can lead to blowouts, holes, and flat tires – nothing you want to deal with, and costly problems to boot.
-
Keep Them Properly Inflated
A flat tire is one of the most frustrating, albeit common problems, to have as a car owner. It’s a drag to fix, and causes large amounts of stress on your vehicle and its many inner parts. With consistently proper inflation, you will not have to worry about any flatness or additional stress on your vehicle.
Plus, proper inflation can keep the rest of your car in gear. When tires are low, it causes the rest of your car to compensate. Tons of stress is put on every other part, and that can lead to even higher mechanic bills. Check your tire pressure regularly, and if you have any doubts, fix your tires in Nashua at RK Auto Repair.
-
Do Your Best to Avoid Potholes
Not only are potholes very frustrating to deal with on the road, they are incredibly damaging. Hitting them frequently can cause tears, and lead to blow outs in a second. Both situations take a significant toll on your car as a whole.
Additionally, potholes can affect shock absorbers, suspension systems, struts, and more. It is a bad situation for any portion of your car. Keep a sharp eye out on the road and keep away from potholes if you can help it, as they are more damaging than they appear.
-
Maintain A Clear View
Safely viewing everything in front of you is Driving Safety 101, but it cannot be stressed enough as you make your way wherever you go. Your focus on the road delivers you to your destination safely, and lets you see everything you need to – including the various threats on the road that are hazardous to tires.
Maintain a clean and quality-grade windshield so you can see everything in your field of vision – and avoid accident factors in the process. It may seem like common sense, but these things can occur from the smallest mistakes.
Getting your car fixed can be one of the most trying experiences as a car owner. While you wait for a car, and your bill, to finish, it can be frustrating to say the least. A good mechanic and company can make all the difference.
RK Auto Repair in Nashua, New Hampshire, aims to provide the best experience for a customer as possible. They aim to make a difference when you get your car fixed, and their experience aspires to be anything but routine. Several components make RK Auto Repair a top choice for your next vehicle repair need.
-
They Want to Treat You Like Family
Customer service is one of the most important parts in any line of business. No one wants to deal with unpleasant people when a service is being completed. A sour attitude or lack of warmth can drive away customers.
RK Auto Repair understands this. The garage is family-owned and operated, providing local auto repair in Nashua, NH and they aim to provide services that are up to par with the expectations you would set for your family’s safety.
The facility includes a lounge with refreshments, and RK Auto also provides helpful services such as free rides to your home or work while your car is in the shop. The goal is to help customers through a very stressful time by being accommodating and useful.
-
You Will Be Dealing with Experts
It is very important to deal with someone who knows what they’re talking about in any area of business. When dealing with something as important as fixing your car, you’re going to want to talk with someone who knows their stuff.
RK Auto Repair’s staff has 30 years of collective experience in the automotive industry, with each mechanic being ASE certified. The business of RK Auto itself has been running since 2005.
-
Simple and Complicated Procedures are Available
Sometimes, the basics are all that you needed. This is true for businesses, too, and having basic services for your respective industry is the very foundation of a successful business. These should be available for every customer.
What about the more invasive procedures, though? No doubt having more complicated services available benefits a business as well, and RK Auto Repair is available to provide all types of services.
From standard New Hampshire state inspections and brake repairs to more involved fixes like fleet maintenance, RK Auto is here to provide. Plus, they offer free estimates for any service.
When you visit a mechanic, it often becomes a stressful experience. You worry about mounting bills and the end result. An out-of-commission car is both immensely frustrating and inconvenient. A well-intentioned garage and staff can make all of the difference.
For the above reasons and more, RK Auto Repair is your go to garage for auto repair in Nashua, NH. Offering a friendly atmosphere, experts who know what they are all about and how to care for your vehicle, and plenty of helpful assistance, RK Auto Repair is a garage that knows how to provide excellent service while being great at what they do.