Ford's recent partnership with Tesla to adopt their charging connector and Supercharger network has stirred up the EV industry. This unexpected collaboration has sparked questions about the future of the Combined Charging System (CCS), the widely accepted charging standard. In this blog post, we explore the implications of this deal and its potential impact on the EV charging infrastructure, including the advantages of Tesla's charging infrastructure and the concerns surrounding CCS. Tesla's Charging Infrastructure Advantages Tesla's Supercharger network has gained recognition for its efficiency and extensive coverage. With high-power DC fast chargers strategically placed along popular travel routes, Tesla owners enjoy convenient access to fast charging. Ford's decision to leverage Read More...
Catalytic converter theft has become an increasingly prevalent problem in recent years, with thieves targeting the valuable precious metals found inside these emission control devices. In this blog post, we will discuss what catalytic converters are, why they are targeted by thieves, and what steps you can take to protect your vehicle from theft. What is a Catalytic Converter? A catalytic converter is a device that is installed in the exhaust system of a vehicle to reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. The catalytic converter works by converting these pollutants into less harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. Read More...
When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, many car owners tend to overlook the importance of the cabin air filter. While the engine air filter is often given priority due to its crucial role in ensuring engine performance and longevity, the cabin air filter is equally important in maintaining the overall health and comfort of the vehicle's occupants. Depending on where you live, maybe even more important! What is a Cabin Air Filter? A cabin air filter is a vital component of the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is responsible for filtering out dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants that enter the vehicle through the HVAC Read More...
An oil filter housing leak is a common problem that many European car owners face. The housing is located on the engine block and holds the oil filter. It's responsible for directing the flow of oil through the filter. It (usually) has coolant passages through it to help cool the oil and/or warm up the coolant. When this component begins to leak it can cause a number of issues; including oil contamination of the cooling system, or coolant in the oil. In this blog post, we will explore why an oil filter housing leak can lead to these problems and what you can do to prevent them. Contamination of the Read More...
When it comes to buying new tires, there are a lot of choices to make. This also could be an expensive investment. One of the most confusing things about tires is the colored dots that can be found on the sidewalls. These dots can be different colors, and they can be located in different places on the tire. So, what do these dots mean? In general, the colored dots on tires are used by tire manufacturers to help match the tires to the wheels during the manufacturing process. However, they can also be used by tire installers to help balance the tires once they are mounted on the vehicle. GENERALLY, Read More...
What You Need To Know About Automotive Batteries Automotive battery technology has evolved significantly over the years, from lead-acid batteries to Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, and now to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. With this change in technology also comes at a cost, complexity and new understanding on what is what with your electrical system in your vehicle. Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries have been the standard in the automotive industry for decades. These batteries are reliable and affordable but have some significant drawbacks, including being heavy and having a shorter lifespan. They also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and maintain their performance. They have acid that must be vented correctly Read More...
Synthetic oil and the *correct* synthetic oil is a big misconception. Just because some oil change/lube shop/independent shop says they gave you synthetic oil for your car, doesn't mean they gave you the correct synthetic. So lets break this down for the German/European cars. We have multiple "flavors" that I'll elaborate on. There are some heavy grey areas in some years and models on what oil goes in what engine- so we're not going to focus on viscosity (which is ****super**** important) but rather, the types of oil (but I'll give you a suggestion on viscosity- you'll see a pattern quickly) All of the following oils are considered "low SAPS". Read More...
More Automakers Are Going Green The automotive industry has shifted in recent years to more "green" production and materials, due to the environmental concerns and impacts of prior manufacturing methods. All industries should attempt to reduce their environmental impact in some way or another. One of the most significant environmental initiatives in the automotive industry is the push towards electric and hybrid vehicles. I'm not entirely convinced this is a long term fix or solution. These vehicles emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles- but production of the batteries and components just "shift" the pollution or environmental impact elsewhere in the world. In recent years, many automakers Read More...
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technology and changes in consumer behavior affecting the way cars are marketed and sold. Here are some of the key trends in automotive sales and marketing that are shaping the industry today: 1. The automotive industry is undergoing a digital transformation. Automotive manufacturers and dealers are increasingly using online presence from websites and social media, to online marketplaces and virtual showrooms. When was the last time you've seen a car ad as a commercial on TV vs. radio/social media/online commercial? 2. Personalized and/or targeted marketing is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, with consumers expecting customized and tailored experiences. Automotive companies Read More...
Maintenance and Service Schedules for Different Vehicles Maintenance and service schedules are crucial for the longevity and performance of modern cars and SUVs. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come. In this blog post, we'll outline the essential maintenance tasks that will help you get the most out of your vehicle during its lifetime under your ownership. Oil Changes: Oil changes are one of the most critical maintenance tasks, and one of the cheapest ways to maintain your vehicle. We recommend performing an oil service every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whatever occurs first. We only recommend synthetic oil Read More...