Installing Fog Lights

Driving in foggy or hazardous weather conditions can significantly lower your visibility on the road. For this reason, manufacturers have developed fog lights. These auxiliary beam lamps are aimed and mounted low to emit a wide and effective beam that makes it easier to see the lanes.

Choosing Your Fog Lights
Before installing your fog lights, it’s paramount that you check your local regulations to ensure that your new lights are in compliance. Some states have restrictions on the type and color that you can install.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes)
This fog lights are an excellent choice because they use very little energy, have a longer lifespan, are much brighter than halogen bulbs, and do not respond to vibrations.

HID (High-Intensity Discharge)
This produces high-intensity light closer to daytime light. HID’s use xenon gas to produce light inside the bulb.

Halogen
Made of a single filament and halogen gas, halogen bulbs are the oldest and the most widely available.

Installing Fog Lights
While installing fog lights can be different on different car models, most kits come with detailed instructions on how to install them.
· Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a level surface, with the parking brake on, and vehicle’s ignition off.
· Locate the fog lights and then open the hood. If uncertain, use the vehicles manual to locate them.
· Detach the clip to disconnect the fog light from the housing.
· Unscrew the washer, bolt, and nut to remove the fog light housing. Be careful not to scratch the bumper.
· Insert the new fog light and ensure that they are properly inclined to prevent shining them on other drivers and then re-attach everything into place including the switch
· Start the ignition to test the new lights.
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How to Protect a Windshield from Stones

When stones kick up when you are driving, they can damage your windshield. Even the smallest stone can create a small crack in the windshield, which can lead to a much larger crack. There are a few steps that you can take to keep this from happening.

Extra Coating

After you have purchased your used car in Tacoma, WA you should discuss having them add an extra coating to the windshield. This is an invisible coating which protects the windshield from being damaged by debris. The coating would add a thin layer of plastic or resin to the glass. It may add to the cost of the car, however, it will save money on repairing or replacing the windshield if a rock kicks up and hits it.

Polyester Films

Polyester films are an invisible coating which provides your windshield extra protection against small stones and other debris. There are a variety of these products available.

If you would like more information on windshield protection, windshield repair, or you are looking for a used car in the Tacoma, WA area, visit us today!!!

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How to Use Cruise Control

Whether you’re venturing on a long road trip or simply doing your daily commute, cruise control is a helpful feature whenever you’re traveling over forty miles per hour and wish to maintain a constant speed.  Cruise control is such a convenience on a long trip. If you are having issues with yours, get your cruise control system checked out or repaired by one of the best service centers in the Olympia Auto Mall near Aberdeen.

How to start cruise control

Since the exact cruise control location and buttons often differ per manufacturer, check your owner’s manual. Generally, however:

·       Accelerate your vehicle to the speed you wish to maintain.

·       Second, press the "cruise control on/off" button.

·       Next, press the "set coast" button (or push down on the cruise control stalk).

How to tell if your vehicle is in cruise control

Here’s what to look for:

·       The vehicle will be consistently maintaining the speed you desired.

·       There may be a graphic indicator somewhere on your dashboard that is lit to inform you that cruise control is set, and/or

·       Look for the illuminated words “on/off" on your dash.

How to turn off cruise control

Most vehicles have several ways to turn off the cruise control feature.  Here are some common ways:

·       Simply press the cruise control “on/off" button again.

·       Place the cruise control stalk to its original position.

·       Tap on your vehicle’s brakes.

·       In addition, some vehicles have the option to reduce your cruise speed by holding down the "set coast" button and releasing it when you've reached your new desired speed.

While it’s great for saving gas and reducing potential physical strain on your back, it’s not meant to be used during inclement weather. Have your vehicle’s system checked by a reputable used car dealer and servicerepair center at the Olympia Auto Mall. Conveniently located just off Highway 101 at the Cooper Point Road – Auto Mall Drive Exit, we have proudly served the Olympia, Puyallup, and Aberdeen areas for over 30 years.

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How to Know When Rear Brakes Need Replacement

If you are driving a used car, you will want to make sure your brakes are in working order. It is important to have your brakes repaired as soon as you notice that there may be a problem. By failing to act quickly at the first sign of a problem, a routine pad or drum replacement can turn into a more expensive repair that requires more repairs and additional parts. Even more, failure to repair your brakes can cause your brakes to fail when you least expect it.

The most obvious sign that your rear brakes need to be replaced is that you when you step on the brake pedal, your vehicle does not stop as quick as it used to. There are other signs you should be aware of, including:

Strange Noises

A telltale sign of a rear brake problem is a high-pitched screech when you apply your brakes. This is because the brake pads/drums have worn down to a metal shim that is called an indicator. If ignored, eventually the sound will change to a grinding sound, which means you could be damaging your rotors.

Illuminated Dashboard Indicator
Some newer vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard that is meant to alert the driver that there is a problem with their brakes.

Changes in the Feel of Brake Pedal and Steering Wheel
If you feel a vibration or a pulsating sensation in your brake pedal, it could be a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. You may also feel that your car is pulling to one side. These issues could also mean that your car is out of alignment, but for safety’s sake, you should also have your brakes checked.

If you hear or feel anything wrong with your brakes, don’t wait! Take your car to one of the trusted service centers in the Olympia Auto Mall. You can visit our website today for the most reliable used cars in Olympia!

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How to Determine Correct Car Battery Size

The battery of your car is vital because your car can't start without it. Fortunately, car dealers offer a vast array of batteries. However, choosing the best car battery and correct car battery size can be a confusing and overwhelming. Use the following information to choose the best battery for your vehicle from car dealers.

Battery Capacity

Batteries have varying qualities and capacities, which are directly related to the price. The higher the capacity of battery, the higher the price. As you are checking different car dealers, make sure you choose a battery equal to or marginally more than the battery you are replacing. If you choose to purchase a battery with less capacity, it may not have enough crank power to start your engine.

Cranking Amps

The cranking amps measures the starting power of your battery at two degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to choose a battery that effectively matches the requirements of your vehicle. To determine what type of battery is suggested for your vehicle, check with your repair manual or owner's manual.  

Why is Battery Amp Important?

Choosing a battery with a good reserve capacity will determine how long the vehicle will run on battery power alone. The car battery amp can be vital, especially if your alternator quits on you. When the alternator quits, your battery will not receive a charge and will have to last you long enough for you to get your vehicle to a mechanic.

Maintenance Batteries

Maintenance-required batteries are less expensive, but require electrolyte levels to be monitored. In most cases, you will have to top off the electrolytes. On the other hand, maintenance free batteries are more expensive, but offer worry-free operation. Once you install the maintenance-free battery, you will never have to monitor the electrolytes.

If you have questions about your car battery, check with Bremerton’s preferredused car dealers at the Olympia Automall.

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Easy Ways to Get Better Fuel Economy from Any Car or Truck

Gas prices have steadily started creeping back up again, and as summer vacation time is upon us, you can bet they won't be going down appreciably anytime soon. If you are looking to squeeze more out of your gas budget, here's how to do it.

The first thing you need to do is stop looking for a quick-fix. The Environmental Protection Agency states that they have never found a product that significantly improves gas mileage. From "voltage regulators" that plug in to your cigarette lighter, to "magnetic fuel savers," that allege to align hydrocarbon atoms, they are all a bunch of marketing hype. In fact, some may actually damage your vehicle.
Perhaps the best way to keep your car or truck getting the best gas mileage it can is by keeping it well maintained. Changing spark plugs at the proper intervals and replacing dirty air and fuel filters can have a dramatic effect on your vehicle's performance. It can also help keep other costly repairs at bay as well.
You've probably heard the old adage to check your tire's air pressure every other fill up before, but you may not have ever known why. Tire pressure is directly related to what kind of fuel economy your automobile gets. Under inflated tires can chew up to 25 percent of your fuel economy, as well as shorten the life of your tires. Be wary of over inflation also, as it can also have a detrimental effect on efficiency. Keeping your tires balanced and rotated is also important.
If you’d like to get the most out of your vehicle, take your car to one of our great car servicecenters in the Olympia Auto Mall. We will help you get the best economy and worry-free ownership of your used car. Conveniently located just off Highway 101 at the Cooper Point Road – Auto Mall Drive Exit, we have proudly served the Olympia, Puyallup, and Tacoma areas for over 30 years.

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