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Philpott Pre-Owned Super Center believes that all drivers in Nederland should be informed when it comes to basic car parts. Gaskets are used on all cars and trucks today, and they serve a very important purpose. Here is a closer look at these vital vehicle parts.

Did you know that a car or truck can have 100 or more gaskets? It is easy to overlook gaskets because they are unseen. Gaskets are small pieces of molded material that are used to prevent leaks of fluid or lubricant. They are placed between a stationary and a moving part on a car…

For our dealership, we aren't just concerned about the cars we sell; we also care about the people that drive them. To maintain your safety, we want you to be aware of best practices for your vehicle. One important way to protect yourself and your passenger are to keep your tires properly inflated. Here are the reasons why.

Over-inflation

When putting air in your tires, you may add more than what they need. This can be dangerous because it causes them to be too firm and inflexible. As you drive, they will be affected by every defect or debris…

Motor oil keeps your engine lubricated and clean. Oil captures and removes debris, helping your engine work at optimal efficiency over a longer lifespan. Traditional recommendations suggest you change your engine oil every 3,000 miles, but the experts in Philpott Pre-Owned Super Center service department have a few considerations to bear in mind.

Conventional Oil

If you still use conventional oil and/or your car is more than 10 years old, have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Use your odometer to 

Don't make the mistake of ignoring problems with your tires. Maybe you think all those vibrations are fine, but issues with the wheels, tires, and struts could be the cause. A trained mechanic can likely figure out the reason for the mysterious vibrations. A car's owner can also check for some obvious signs the vehicle's tires are in bad shape.

Checking tread depth should be something all owners should do regularly. Use a penny to see how deep Lincoln's dead goes into the treads. If you see the top of Lincoln's head, the less depth…

The alternator is one of the most important elements of a vehicle's engine. The alternator is responsible for providing power to the electrical elements of a vehicle when it is in operation. Historically, the alternator was known as the generator.

You need to be absolutely certain that the alternator on your car, truck, or SUV is always in top-notch condition. There are some warning signs that your alternator is not functioning properly. The most obvious is the illumination of warning lights on the dashboard that read ALT or GEN. Other signs include dim lights when the vehicle is running…

You've read the claims - better performance, longer life, improved mileage. But do these statements mean that MY car or truck needs synthetic oil to function properly? How can I decide synthetic oil is the right choice for my vehicle?

Synthetic oils are composed of a base oil and performance additives dispersed in a carrier oil. Manufacturers use proprietary blends extracted from crude oil and then distilled to remove impurities. The chemicals added to the oil create uniform oil molecules which function better as lubricants.

These oils can reduce engine wear, 

The brakes on your vehicle are ultimately the most important safety system that your vehicle has. Brakes on a vehicle are designed to slow or stop a moving vehicle to prevent its motion. Being able to stop your vehicle at a moments notice can help you avoid a potential accident. Brakes that are not working properly will not do the job they are designed to do and will not be as effective as needed in the event of a panic situation.

Brakes should be regularly inspected to ensure they are working properly. To ensure brake system effectiveness is at 100…

Traveling in a straight direction helps get you where you want to go. What a shame the car's wheels aren't complying. They can't due to being out of alignment. Different reasons contribute to a car's alignment getting messed up. Hitting a pothole on the road is a common culprit. There are others. Thankfully, an experienced mechanic can fix alignment issues.

Correcting the angles on the alignment starts with taking measurements. Three vital angles receive measurement checks and, if necessary, adjustments. The adjustments restore the alignment back to the factory setting.

 

When you have an exhaust that is leaking on your vehicle, it is very important to have Philpott Pre-Owned Super Center take care of a problem like this. A minor repair right now could prevent you from having to pay hundreds of dollars for a major replacement or repair. If you're not sure what to look for when it comes to a leaking exhaust, read on to find out more.

• A lot of people with a leaking exhaust notice that their engine sounds much louder than normal when running.
• You may notice that there is condensation dripping from your…

Your car's battery will last about 4 years, but eventually will need to be replaced. If you are having problems with the battery and need to jump start your car frequently, it's time to test the voltage of your battery. Using a voltmeter, you can test your battery to see if you need a new one.

Using the voltmeter, first make sure your car is completely off, including the lights. Attach the red terminal to the voltmeter first, then the black terminal. Make sure you wear protective rubber gloves and goggles to avoid getting hurt from battery acid…