tjohnson@carx.com, Author at Car-X

Easy Transmission Maintenance

Transmission repair is one of the most costly and time-consuming car repairs. The transmission is what allows the automotive to move and shift gears. However, there are preventative steps you can take to minimize transmission problems. Car-x offers a free visual inspection of your system. Take advantage of the offer because it will save you money and time in the long run!

Extending the life of your transmission is easy! The MOST important thing to do is to keep your transmission fluid clean and to never let your fluid levels get low. Metal from gears and extreme heat generated by the transmission will contaminate transmission fluids over time and can lead to costly repairs. It’s essential to not only replace your fluid but your filter because it helps to keep your transmission fluid clean. Additionally, low fluid levels can lead to serious damage to your transmission.

So always keep your transmission fluids clean and full. Make sure you don’t have any leaks and that your filter is clean. Stop by Car-X today for your free visual inspection, and keep your transmission running smoothly!

To Change My Oil or Not?

Regular oil changes will save you money in the long run! Most car manufacturers now recommend oil changes between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, although some specify 5,000-mile intervals. The type of engine oil, the age and make of your vehicle and driving habits dictate when to change engine oil. When in doubt check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If you put off oil changes, it can lead to engine damage.

In addition to regular oil changes, it’s highly recommended that you change your oil filter frequently. The oil filter protections your engine from abrasive particles such as dirt and other solid contaminants. If you wait too long to change the filter it can become clogged, and then as a result unfiltered oil will be circulated through your engine and can cause easily prevented corrosion or damage to your engine.

To find out just how often you should change your oil filter, make sure you consult with your Car-X Man during your next oil change and free inspection!

Expert Brake Service

Being able to stop quickly and smoothly is essential in a car. Quality brakes that function in top condition are fundamental to a driver’s safety. That’s why Car-X takes the matter seriously and offers free, no obligation brake system inspections. Never neglect your brake system again.

Car-X is so confident in the quality of products and service that we offer a lifetime guarantee on brake pads and brake shoes for as long as you own your car. Key components in the braking systems, shoes and pads provide the majority of the stopping power by creating friction, absorbing heat and energy. Every time the pedal is pressed to stop the car, the shoes and pads bare the brunt of stress and wear. Schedule an appointment today with the Brake Experts at Car-X.

Your Teen Behind the Wheel

Teenagers are dangerous enough when they’re on solid ground. Imagine what kind of havoc they can wreak at 45 mph! To calm your (and their) nerves, follow these tips on how to prepare your teen for his summer driving.

The freedom of the open road is exciting, but sometimes it can lead to reckless driving, especially among teens. Vehicle accidents are unfortunately the number one cause of death among teenagers. With this in mind, it is important to learn how you can prepare your teenager and his or her vehicle for a safe summer.

Make sure the driver and all passengers wear seatbelts. In most states, law requires seat belt usage because of its effectiveness.
Check the status of the car battery. If it is an older car, it might require a battery repair or an entirely new one. It is also a good idea to supply your teenager with a set of batter cables and proper instruction on how to jump-start a car.
While it may sound insignificant, the quality of the vehicle’s windshield wipers is crucial to safe driving. Ask anyone who has dealt with faulty wipers during a storm- or even a sprinkle. Having a blurred vision is a hazard to the driver’s safety, as well as to others on the road.
Make sure your teen is aware of the dangers that come from texting while driving. While he or she may feel invincible, the reality is that driving is a privilege that requires full attention. Losing focus can result in a horrible, even fatal, accident. Even talking on the phone can often be a major distraction, and in some states it is illegal for minors to do so behind the wheel. If you are concerned with not being able to communicate to your teen while he is in transit, consider setting this rule: if someone calls once, let it go to voicemail. If someone calls twice in a row, code for “important,” find a place to pull the vehicle over and return the call.

Whether it’s a drive across town to his summer job or a road trip across the state to visit friends, your teen’s experience behind the wheel should be taken seriously, and with absolute caution. A confident driver is a steadier driver, so give him the freedom he desires and the rules he needs to have a fun, safe summer.

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

Even the most inexperienced driver knows that engines have a lot of moving parts. If not properly lubricated, these moving parts begin to wear down as friction increases. A driver that does not have his oil changed on a regular basis may damage vital engine parts. In fact, the number one reason for engine failure is wear and tear that is caused by an increase in viscosity, which means the oil becomes thick and sticky, like mud. This worn-out oil clings to moving engine parts and instead of lubricating them, it destroys them.

What happens next?

If a vital engine part breaks, the vehicle will not move. It’s really that simple. Because these parts are intricate and replacing them requires a professional, it is often cheaper to simply buy a new engine or a new car. They are cheap and they only take a few minutes.

How Often?

Even the experts disagree about oil changes. Some say that you should get them every 3,000 miles, while others say every 7,000 miles is fine. Who’s right? That’s hard to say. But what we do know is that most drivers do not get their oil changed every 3,000 miles.

The average American drives about 10,000 miles each year. According to the purists, that average motorist should get his oil changed at least three times per annum. Most drivers do not follow this advice. Not because they cannot afford frequent oil changes, but because most folks don’t believe that oil is dangerous after only 3,000 miles.

The best advice we can give you is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. The manufacturer only benefits if he is honest. Since he wants the customer to buy more of his cars in the future, it is better for him if the customer is satisfied with his purchase. All manufactures thoroughly test their cars and trucks and they know exactly how long they can go between preventative maintenance appointments.

This article was brought to you by Car-X Auto Service.

What To Do If Your “Check Engine” Light Turns On

We all know how pesky the Check Engine light on your dashboard can be. It is inconvenient and troublesome to take your car in to get this checked. There are a few common triggers for the Check Engine light that all drivers should be aware of. Check Engine lights can be complicated to repair – knowing how they work and what to check for will help you take the best care of your vehicle, as well as avoid unnecessary trips to an auto mechanic.

Understanding the Check Engine light
This light serves as a warning indicator. It is a response of your vehicle’s computer to changes or hindrances in the emission control system. When the light comes on, it is a result of one of many trouble codes stored in the system. These trouble codes are what auto mechanics use to determine the cause of the light.

Every U.S.–manufactured vehicle must pass a Federal Test Procedure – an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test, which sets allowable limits of deterioration of your emission control system. The Check Engine light was created to indicate that your emission control system is failing, causing your vehicle to pollute the air. However, many other factors can cause the light to turn on, which makes diagnosing the cause tricky.

Tips to keep in mind
• Is your gas cap closed tightly? – This is an extremely common trigger for the Check Engine light in many vehicles. If the cap is not sealed properly, the pressure is not correct, which signals the light to turn on.
• Are you carrying a heavy load? – It is possible for heavy loads combined with high speeds to effect how your car’s computer views the emission control system.
• Do you have OnStar? – If you have a 1997 or later General Motors vehicle equipped with OnStar and an active OnStar subscription, advisors can read the code and give advice on what to do.
• Is a serious problem causing it? – Check your dashboard gauges and lights to see if there are issues such as overheating and low oil pressure. Problems such as these are critical, and indicate that you should pull over and shut off your engine as soon as possible.
• Is your car performing differently? – Your vehicle should be inspected if you notice a change in how your vehicle is running.
• Do not confuse a red Check Engine light with a yellow Service Engine Soon light. This is a warning that indicates your should proceed with caution, and can be caused by anti-lock brake systems, faulty sensors, safety restraint systems, or emission components. These issues typically require an experienced technician to fix.

The Kindness of Strangers

We are proud to share the following letter from customer, Atlas Laster, about an experience he had at the Kirkwood, Missouri Car-X location.

Find my Young Driver – New Tracking Technology and Possible Privacy Concerns

Have you ever wished you could control how fast your teen drives? Or could find out where they are REALLY going when they say they’re “going to a friend’s”? As automobile technology continues to advance, these types of features are appearing more and more in new vehicles. There are a few different systems, but they all allow some sort of added control and monitoring of the vehicle.

Ford MyKey – This is a vehicle security system that is contained in the key itself. As with most of these programs, it is targeted to parents looking to monitor their young driver(s). MyKey is now a standard feature in Ford models. It allows parents to control the speed of the vehicle and audio volume, mute audio when seatbelts are not buckled, and starting with the 2012 Ford Explorer, send all incoming calls and texts for later review.

Hyundai Blue Link – Hyundai’s Blue Link technology also offers parental control features. Geo-Fence allows parents to set geographic parameters for the vehicle that, if violated, will result in the parent being alerted. Curfew alerts and speed alerts are also offered, which warn parents when a set curfew or speed limit is surpassed. Blue Link is now available in all Hyundai vehicles.

OnStar Family Link – Created for parents who want to know where their young drivers go, Family Link provides a Vehicle Locate feature that tracks the vehicle at all times. By logging into the OnStar Family Link website, parents can see the real-time location of all the connected vehicles. They can also receive Vehicle Location Alerts via email or text at intervals of their choice that provide the location of each vehicle. Features such as speed monitoring or geo-fencing are not currently offered.

The response to these types of programs has been mixed. Ford has said its market research shows 75 percent of parents like speed and audio limits, but, as can be expected, 67 percent of teens find them intrusive. The technology has also been seen as a way to increase freedom for young drivers, since parents have more control over their safety than before. According to a survey by Harris Interactive, if using such technology would lead to greater driving privileges, only 36 percent of teens are against it. As with any privacy-related innovation, the tools have been cause for some backlash from young drivers and organizations interested in individual civil liberties. But for the most part people are finding the technology helpful and a way to keep their children safe…and who can argue with that?

Car Seat Safety

Our children are our most valuable passengers, and require more care and precaution to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, 84% of child restraint systems are misused or installed incorrectly.

Suggestions for:

Children of all ages
•Children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat.
•Your child’s weight, height, and age should be used to select your car seat.
•Refer to both your vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing.
•Register your child’s car seat with the manufacturer, and receive notification of defects and recalls.

Children age 1 and under
•Children under 12 months should ride in a car seat that is rear-facing.
-Infant-only: these car seats can only be installed as rear-facing.
-3-in-1: these car seats are convertible, and also tend to have higher weight and height requirements, allowing your child to be rear-facing for longer.

Children ages 1-3
•Children in this age range should stay in rear-facing car seats as long as they can. The American Academy of Pediatrics now suggests keeping toddlers in rear-facing seats until age 2.
•Once they outgrow the allowable limit, they are then ready for a forward-facing seat with a harness.

Children ages 4-7
•Children in this age range should stay in a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as they can.
•Once they outgrow the allowable limit, they are then ready for a booster seat.

Children ages 8-12
•Children in this age range should stay in a booster seat until they have grown enough to fit in a regular seat and seat belt properly.
•A properly fitted seat belt must fit closely across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt should fit closely across the shoulder and chest.

For further information, see this Safe Kids USA checklist that covers each age range.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 3 out of 4 children are not as secure as they should be in their vehicles due to incorrectly installed car seats. Have a professional check yours to make sure you child is as safe as possible. There thousands of child car seat inspection stations across the country. To find one in your community, visit the NHTSA website. To view child restraint requirements by state, visit to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website.

Des Moines Car-X Tire & Auto Dealer wins Dealer of the Year

Des Moines, IA May 02, 2011 – Car-X Service Systems of Chicago recently announced that Mark and Julie Goldner have been named 2010 Regional Dealers of the Year. The Goldner’s own and operate the five Car-X Auto Service Centers in Des Moines and Ames. This is the 3nd year in a row that they have won this award. The prestigious award takes into consideration all aspects of owning and operating an auto service franchise.

Car-X Des Moines Company President, Mark Goldner, recently accepted the award at a meeting held in Chicago, Illinois. Goldner stated, “Winning this award for the second year in a row was an appreciated honor. It motivates me to raise the franchise goals even higher for 2011 and beyond.”

Mark Goldner Owner and Operator
Mr. Goldner started in the Auto Repair business in 1979 with Sears Auto in Des Moines, Iowa, as an ASE Certified Technician. In 1983, Mr. Goldner joined the Midas Auto Group as a Manager.

In 1988, Mr. Goldner partnered with Car-X Auto Service in Des Moines as Store Manager and Inventory Manager. As the business grew, he moved into a Supervisor role, where he helped to grow the business to the current five locations.
Mark and Julie Goldner purchased the business in 2008 and has been operating and building the Car-X Auto Service brand in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa.
Mr. Goldner lives in Ankeny, Iowa and enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and two sons, Ezra and Caleb. Most of their spare time is spent watching their sons play Little League baseball, football, and basketball. As a family they also enjoy camping, along with, riding and watching motocross.

About Car-X Des Moines
Car-X Auto Service in Des Moines and Ames Iowa has been locally owned and operated since 1988. There are three Des Moines Car-X locations, 3632 Merle Hay Rd, 4001 E 14th, 3901 SE 14th, one location in Clive Ia. at 1400 NW 86th and a location at 429 S. Duff Ave in Ames Ia.