AUTONET TV

Maintaining Your Diesel in Fenton

Diesel engines have been used extensively in Europe and Asia for many years. They haven't been as common in the Fenton area because of the high sulfur content in our diesel fuel. But the government is now mandating lower sulfur content and, as a result, we are going to see more Fenton diesel-fueled vehicles on the road, especially in passenger cars and SUV's.

Diesels are popular in MI because they get better fuel economy than gas-powered engines. They also last longer. Modern diesel engines are quiet and powerful. And if you associate diesel engines with black smoke, then you're not up with the times. That smoke is a thing of the past.

Diesels don't produce any more pollutants than gasoline engines. The pollution standards for diesel-powered vehicles are as strict in MI as for other vehicles.

Also, diesel engines can run on bio-diesel fuels as well as fossil fuels. Diesel fuel can be produced from vegetable oil or from cellulosic waste like wood chips and sawdust. In MI, we may soon see bio-diesel produced from algae. These fuel sources will lessen Fenton drivers dependence on fossil fuels and may even become truly renewable and sustainable.

Diesel-powered vehicles also perform as well as other passenger vehicles. Most people don't notice a difference in driving one or the other. If you haul heavy loads or tow a trailer around MI, however, the diesel is a definite improvement.

So, you may be asking, if diesels are so great, why don't all Fenton people drive them? Surely there are disadvantages you haven't told me about. That's true. Diesel engines are heavier than gas engines, and they cost more in MI. The better fuel economy of the diesel engine is partially offset by the higher purchase price.

Because of higher fuel prices, diesel engines used to be more expensive to drive in Fenton. But now, with higher volatility in the prices of both gasoline and diesel fuel in MI, that cost difference is less definitive. Whether a diesel or gas engine is more expensive for MI drivers depends now on the current price of fuel and how far you drive.

Consider also that diesel-powered vehicles have a high resale value in the Fenton area, and the costs of owning and operating a diesel vs. a gas-powered vehicle in MI becomes a real toss-up.

Preventive auto maintenance for diesel vehicles has also become similar to that of gas-fueled vehicles in recent years. The major difference is that diesels require cleaner fuel, air and oil, so their filters are more expensive than those for gasoline engines. The engine air filter must be changed more frequently as well.

The costs for car care and repairs in Fenton are similar. You may be thinking, wait:  You just told me that filters are more and have to be changed more regularly. True, but that is offset by the fact that diesel engines have a much longer lifetime than gasoline engines. So if you are the type of owner who prefers to hang on to a vehicle for a long time, you will be more than rewarded with a diesel engine.

So if you have been looking for Fenton auto advice on whether to switch to a diesel vehicle or stay with a gas-powered one, then we hope this helps. The answer as to which type of vehicle is better is that it depends on the driver and their driving habits. Now that you know the facts, you can make an informed choice based on your own priorities and needs.

 Muffler & Go
1478 N Leroy St
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-1066
www.mufflerandgo.net

Fenton Tire Repair

Most Fenton residents have experienced a flat tire. You know it's inconvenient and a pain. Our tires are important. Keeping them in good working order isn't just a big safety issue for Fenton drivers – it also has a financial impact. With high MI gas prices, we've all heard about the importance of keeping proper tire pressure to save on gas. In addition, proper inflation promotes even tread wear so your tires last longer. 

There's another danger with under-inflated tires for Fenton residents. Low tire pressure puts added stress on the structure of the tire itself, causing it to break down prematurely. Also, under-inflated tires generate more heat which also reduces tire life. So get those slow leaks fixed quickly – don't just keep adding air every few days. You want to avoid tire damage.

Fenton residents should only hire qualified tire professionals to perform repairs - we have a whole team of them at Muffler & Go. Fenton folks can buy self-repair kits, but we advise you to save those for emergencies, like when you're off-roading and need a quick fix so you can hobble back to civilization and get professional help. If you need to use a repair-in-a-can product, remember it's a temporary measure only and your tire needs to be properly repaired as soon as possible.

Muffler & Go
1478 N Leroy St
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-1066
www.mufflerandgo.net

Tire Replacement: What Fenton Drivers Need to Know

Looking at getting some new tires? Maybe the real reason for wanting those off-highway tires is that they look cool. Well there's nothing wrong with that. If you make sure that you've got your functional needs covered with your selection, then you can have some fun with where you go from there.

Let's suppose you zip around Fenton in a sporty car. You may like to run a high-performance summer tire when the weather's good. When MI weather turns cold, you can put on high-performance winter tires. For the kind of driving you like to do, you want full-on performance tires. All-season tires are naturally a compromise that works well for most Fenton drivers, but since you have a choice, go for dedicated summer and winter tires.

When it's time for new tires, visit with a knowledgeable Muffler & Go tire professional. Describe your needs and wants. He'll come up with some selections for you to discuss. And once you settle on a type of tire, there are options for special needs: like pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads.

Tires are one of the biggest purchases for Fenton drivers. With so many choices, you'll be able to get what's best for you. Take your time. And don't worry about what's in stock. If you want something that isn't here at Muffler & Go, we can order it. Chances are you'll be rolling on your new tires in a couple of days.

Let us know if you have any other questions!

 Muffler & Go
1478 N Leroy St
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-1066
www.mufflerandgo.net

Why a Trip Inspection Is a Good Idea

At Muffler & Go we get a lot of Fenton drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through mountains and deserts in some pretty lonely areas around MI, so it's important to know that the vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.

Smart Fenton drivers plan ahead for a major road trip – and there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive around Fenton to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come to Muffler & Go for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.

1478 N Leroy St
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-1066
www.mufflerandgo.net

The next thing is a full service oil change to make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you have fresh oil for the trip. And if your car has over 75,000 miles/120,000 km, you may consider putting in the high-mileage formulation to clean harmful sludge deposits in the engine. 

How about your transmission and brakes? Have you had your transmission and brakes inspected in the last six months?

How are your wiper blades? There's nothing like not being able to get rid of the bug juice on a long road trip away from Fenton.

Check your owner's manual for any other recommended services, and have Muffler & Go in Fenton do the multi-point inspection before you head out on your trip.

Consider also having the coolant system serviced at Muffler & Go – you want to stay within the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations. If you're towing a trailer around MI you'll want to be keep in mind that you'll be going a long way under severe conditions.

A lot of Fenton drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, MI summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – Muffler & Go wants you to get there and back.