Thom's Four Wheel Drive

Whether changing the oil, replacing the wiper blades or checking the tires, finding the time to perform simple preventative vehicle maintenance is money in the bank, says the non-profit Car Care Council. According to research conducted by IMR Inc., one out of three consumers that put off routine vehicle maintenance do so because they cannot find a convenient time. In addition, millennials and those who own older vehicles are more likely to delay routine maintenance. “There is an old adage that if you take care of your car, your car ... read more

We’ve all done it.  We back out of the garage or parking lot and there it is: a spot!  What is that?  Is your car leaking oil or something else?  How long has that spot been there?  Well, you don’t need to get out the flashlight and try to catch the leak in progress.  There are six fluids that are most likely to end up spotting your driveway, and here’s how to recognize them: Light Brown to Black: Engine Oil It’s one of the most common substances to drip from a car—the amber-to-brown/blackish color of motor oil is a ... read more

Forgetting to tend to your car is almost as bad as neglecting your health. If it happens once in a while, it's not a big deal. However, if you frequently neglect your vehicle, you're setting yourself up for future failure and expenses. To further convince you, here are five of the worst scenarios you may find yourself in if you don't keep up with car maintenance.  1. You miss your best friend's wedding  Honestly, who would forgive this mistake? It'd take years before you and your bestie make amends, and potentially hundreds of dollars f ... read more

This summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded. Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery. “When most motorists think of dead batter ... read more

If the summer heat drives you to distraction, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning air conditioning (A/C) system when you’re on the road. Checking your vehicle’s A/C annually will help you keep your cool when temperatures soar, says the Car Care Council. “Getting stuck in traffic is stressful enough, but getting stuck in traffic during the heat of summer without a functioning A/C is the pits,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It is important to always have the A/C system properly maintained to keep it in tip-top shape and avoid costl ... read more