Thom's Four Wheel Drive

One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Vehicle check-ups during community car care events throughout the country reveal that the check engine light is on in nearly one out of ten vehicles, says the Car Care Council. “When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally,” said Rich White, exe ... read more

If the heat of summer is wearing you down, it is likely taking its toll on your car battery too. Contrary to popular belief, summer highs rather than winter lows pose the greater threat to battery life, according to the non-profit Car Care Council. Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, leadin ... read more

Once upon a time, buying a new car may have sounded like a dream come true, but keeping your car through the “Cinderella Era” can mean more gold at the end of the rainbow, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “The smartest way to get a solid return on your vehicle investment is to keep your car through what we call the ‘Cinderella Era.’ That’s the period of time after the payoff when your car is still in great shape and needs only modest repairs,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With proper care, the typical vehicle shou ... read more

It’s a sunny clear day and you are coasting down the highway, radio turned up and windows down. Maybe you are on your way to work or to visit a friend. Suddenly, your car starts to slow down and your day takes a turn for the worst. That’s right, your car just broke down. Do you know what to do? There are multiple reasons that a car might break down. The Automobile Association researched the top 10 reasons b ... read more

School is almost back in session and students across the country will soon be packing up their cars and heading off to college. If you are searching for that perfect gift for the college-bound kid in your life, the Car Care Council suggests putting together a roadside emergency kit. “A roadside kit is easy to assemble, not too expensive and extremely useful, plus it could be a life saver in the event of an emergency,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “While it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected while on the road, the best ... read more