Blog

Many people ask us the same question when they buy their new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM. “How often do I have to service my vehicle?” And as a motorist, you should probably know this answer but there is also a lot of conflicting information out there that might make finding a “true” answer and little more difficult. But, the answer is actually quite simple. This week, we have your answer and a guide for when it comes to servicing your vehicle. Reading the owner’s manual is probably the first thing you should do when you purchase your new vehicle but we know, for many, this never happens. Your vehicle's owner’s manual or service booklet is the best place to get all of the information you’ll need to know when it comes to taking care of your vehicle. The manufacturer knows what is best for their vehicle and that is why you should follow their rules and guidelines. For older vehicles, your service will be base on mileage intervals. Typically, there are two different types of maintenance schedules. The first one is for vehicles drive in “normal” conditions and the second is for those driving in “severe” conditions. While “severe” conditions vary based on manufacturer, they are most commonly known as followed: Primarily short trips (5 miles or less) Extremely hot, cold, or dusty weather conditions Sustained stop-and-go driving conditions Carrying heavy equipment/ loads or towing a trailer Whether your vehicle falls under the “normal” or “severe” category, reading the owner’s manual will give you better insight on what type of service schedule you should be following whether it is rigorous or relaxed. In present days, modern engines and better lubricants help vehicles go farther without having to service their vehicle every 3,000 miles. Most vehicles can travel anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 miles before having to service their ride. And if your vehicle runs on full-synthetic oil, you could travel up to 15,000 miles before stopping in for an oil change! For comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to stop in or give our service department a call to discuss or set up an appointment! We look forward to servicing your vehicle with Zappone! Service With Zappone And See The Difference!

Having properly working windshield wipers is a vital part of your safety when you are out on the road. It may not seem like a big deal but in certain situations, you want to know for a fact that your wipers will do what they are intended to do - and that’s to give you a better sight of what’s ahead. From rain to freezing cold temperatures to dry sunny summer days - your wipers are put through the wringer. This week’s blog is dedicated to sharing some wiper knowledge on how to know when it is time to freshen up with a new pair of wipers. Streaking on the windshield glass Windshield wipers are designed to sit flush against the windshield to remove water, dirt, debris, and other objects that come in contact with the glass. A smooth operation will leave very few to no streaks behind. If you are noticing streaks, clean your wipers with a damp paper towel. If the streaking continues, it is time to replace the wipers. Noises when wipers operate Compare a new wiper blade to a brand new razor, it clears debris quickly, smoothly, and without a single sound. When the wiper blade has outlived its lifespan, you’ll begin to hear a very irritating screeching noise which is caused by uneven rubber moving across the windshield. If your blade is worn out to the point that the rubber is missing or gone, you run the risk of scratching your windshield. Wipers bounce when they’re operating When you turn your wipers on and they appear to bounce, it is definitely time to replace them. If you notice any bends in wiper blade arms or disjointed from connection points, your wipers have outlived their life and need to be changed. A certified technician can assist with determining what is actually broken on the wiper and will be able to change accordingly. Your wipers should be changed every six months, they should be cleaned at the beginning of each new season, and you should be looking at them each time you stop to fill up your tank. A great time to change your wipers is when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change. Choosing specifically designed wipers for certain seasons will also help your visibility when you’re out on the road. Think ahead, be proactive, and never let your windshield wipers down! Browse Our Impressive Inventory Here!

Summer is just around the corner, literally, it is what less than a week away. And unfortunately, servicing your vehicle doesn’t take a vacation during the Summer months as you will. Warmer months present challenges and can cause problems that can be costly to repair if you are not paying attention to what your vehicle needs. Let’s keep your vehicle in tip-top health this Summer and keep you out of the shop trying to fix-up your ride. Take a look at our tips on preparing your vehicle for the upcoming HOT months! Coolant System - Keeping your vehicle cool is crucial to its performance and lifespan. Before the heat hits, check the level of coolant in your vehicle and even go the extra step and inspect the coolant reservoir and hoses. Give the hoses a squeeze, these should feel firm, not excessively squishy. If they are, you should replace them. Also, look for any cracks or leaking of the hoses especially at connection points and joints. *NEVER do any work on a hot engine, give the engine proper time to cool down.* Windshield Wipers - Worn wipers are a no-go. And although it is Summer, it is bound to rain at some point and you don’t want to be caught in the rain with worn, streaky wipers. Wipers have a tendency to break down due to UV radiation from the sun, replacing your wipers before the upcoming season can prepare you for whatever may come your windshields way this Summer! Stop by our Express Lane and ask how you can get your wipers replaced without scheduling an appointment - in and out, easy breezy! Essential Fluids - Your vehicle needs a variety of fluids to ensure it is running properly and they all need to be at a certain level in order to work the way they are intended. Check your engine’s oil, brake, power-steering, and windshield-washer fluids regularly. Each and every one of these fluids play a critical role and if you are running low or are completely empty, you can cause some costly damage to your ride. Top off these fluids or drop by our store and we can take a look for you! Tires - Not only should you be checking the tread regularly but you should also be checking your tire’s pressure as well. Your tire’s tread should be checked and free of any stones, stray nails you may have picked up along the way, and they should be in good condition, ALL FOUR! Look for any cracks or uneven tread, this can be a result of a suspension problem. If you are planning to travel this Summer, your tires are an important part of that trip. Stop in to see us for any tire maintenance or questions you may have. Air-Conditioning System - It can get hot in upstate New York, we all know this and having a poorly working air-conditioning system is not acceptable. If you’ve been having problems with your system, now is the time to act. There can be a multitude of reasons why your system is failing or having problems, leaks being one of the main causes. This system can be a bit tricky and may require a professional mechanics assistance in order to fix. Air Filter - Your air filter may need a little bit of TLC after the spring we have had. Pollen, dirt, and dust may have clogged up your filter in the previous months and may create a problem when it comes to filtering your cabin air. These are often pretty easy to swap out and can be done at home but if you are unsure, our service department can assist you with all of your air filter needs! Service Your Ride With Us