Archive for August 2019DOG FOOD IN YOUR ENGINE (Keeping Rodents out of your Engine)Posted August 25, 2019 8:52 AMA technician was telling us the other day that he was servicing an engine and spotted something he'd never seen before: A collection of dry dog food siting on a horizontal metal ledge near the base of the engine. It was neatly stashed and was in a spot where the food pellets couldn't have simply fallen down in there. Even though it's the first time he'd seen dog food in an engine, he immediately knew what was going on. Critters like mice or chipmunks had found the dog food somewhere nearby and had used the engine as a nice storage unit. Mice, squirrels, chipmunks—you name it—like the heat of the engine. And they'll use that to store up supplies of food for use in cold weather when outside food supplies are scarce. The problem is they'll also chew on engine components while they're there. And they can do a lot of damage if they start gnawing on the wires. Depending on how much of your electrical system needs to be replaced, repairs can mount up to the thousands of dollars. Those electrical problems can be tricky to track down, too, because the rodents can get to spots technicians don't have easy access to. Oh, the signs are there; they'll find mouse droppings, acorns… even full mouse nests in your engine. Yikes. OK, but even if you get your vehicle fixed, how do you keep the critters from simply setting up their personal pantry again? Here are some things to try:
The next time you bring your vehicle into Car Doc On The Island for maintenance or service, your technician will be on the lookout, too. Hey, the dog food belongs in the dog's dish, not supplying fast food for little critters with razor-sharp teeth that can create electrical system mayhem. Car Doc On The Island Fall and Spring Checkup in VenicePosted August 18, 2019 7:39 AM
Come and see us at Car Doc On The Island for your Spring and Fall automotive checkup. Car Doc On The Island Change Your Engine Air Filter at Car Doc On The IslandPosted August 11, 2019 8:52 AMMany Venice car owners have probably wondered: "What's the harm in putting off replacing an engine air filter? The answer is that not replacing it could cause your Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor to fail. This expensive sensor is situated between your engine air filter and your engine. Dirty air filters are a leading cause of mass air flow sensor failure – and these babies can cost several hundred dollars to replace in Venice. Change your vehicle air filter at Car Doc On The Island when it's dirty. Your vehicle engine will thank you. Car Doc On The Island
Time Out: Suspension Problems in VenicePosted August 4, 2019 10:09 AMYour vehicle's suspension system has two jobs: to prevent the passengers from getting tossed around inside the vehicle every time it hits a bump in the road and to keep the tires firmly planted on the road around every corner and over every bump. If your suspension is in trouble, you often feel it in how your vehicle drives. You should get a check of your suspension system: if the vehicle pulls to one side or wanders, if the steering is erratic, if your ride isn't as smooth as it should be, or if your vehicle handles poorly. Uneven tire wear can also indicate worn parts in your suspension system. If your shocks are leaking oil then they definitely need to be replaced. All in all, if you don't feel in control when you're driving, go get your suspension inspected. Car Doc On The Island
| ||
SearchArchiveApril 2016 (16)May 2016 (5) June 2016 (4) July 2016 (4) August 2016 (5) September 2016 (4) October 2016 (5) November 2016 (4) December 2016 (4) January 2017 (5) February 2017 (4) March 2017 (4) April 2017 (5) May 2017 (4) June 2017 (4) July 2017 (5) August 2017 (4) September 2017 (3) October 2017 (5) November 2017 (4) December 2017 (3) January 2018 (5) February 2018 (4) March 2018 (4) April 2018 (5) May 2018 (4) June 2018 (4) July 2018 (5) August 2018 (4) September 2018 (5) October 2018 (4) November 2018 (4) December 2018 (5) January 2019 (5) February 2019 (4) March 2019 (5) April 2019 (4) May 2019 (4) June 2019 (5) July 2019 (4) August 2019 (4) September 2019 (5) October 2019 (4) November 2019 (4) December 2019 (5) January 2020 (5) February 2020 (4) March 2020 (5) April 2020 (4) May 2020 (5) June 2020 (4) July 2020 (4) August 2020 (5) September 2020 (4) October 2020 (4) November 2020 (5) December 2020 (4) January 2021 (6) February 2021 (4) March 2021 (4) April 2021 (4) May 2021 (5) June 2021 (4) July 2021 (4) August 2021 (5) September 2021 (4) October 2021 (5) November 2021 (4) December 2021 (4) January 2022 (6) February 2022 (4) March 2022 (4) April 2022 (4) May 2022 (5) June 2022 (4) July 2022 (5) August 2022 (4) September 2022 (4) October 2022 (5) November 2022 (4) December 2022 (4) January 2023 (5) February 2023 (4) March 2023 (4) April 2023 (5) May 2023 (4) June 2023 (4) July 2023 (5) August 2023 (4) September 2023 (4) October 2023 (5) November 2023 (4) December 2023 (5) January 2024 (5) February 2024 (4) March 2024 (5) April 2024 (3) | CategoriesService Standards (10)Fluids (16)Emergency Items (1)Safety (5)Tires and Wheels (36)Headlamps (2)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (4)Exhaust (7)Parts (5)Timing Belt (6)Fuel System (38)Maintenance (43)Brakes (14)Alignment (11)Service Intervals (9)Fuel Economy (9)Automotive News (7)Shocks & Struts (8)Inspection (6)Winter Prep (4)Differential Service (3)Transmission (5)Air Conditioning (12)Steering (9)Cooling System (14)Drive Train (7)Battery (14)Trip Inspection (2)Older Vehicles (4)Serpentine Belt (6)Suspension (3)Dashboard (3)Monitoring System (3)Windshield Wipers (8)Engine Air Filter (2)Diesel Maintenance (1)Cabin Air Filter (5)What Customers Should Know (54)Diagnostics (4)Warranty (1)Alternator (4)Auto Safety (6)Wheel Bearings (1)Customer Detective Work (1)Tire Rotation and Balancing (3)Check Engine Light (3)Winter Tires (1)Tires (6)TPMS (2)Safe Driving (1)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (1)Oil Change (4)Brake Service (1)Spark Plugs (1) |
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Stacy was very polite and made time for my vehicle on very short notice. Andriy took his time to give my vehicle a thorough safety inspection while performing my oil change, to ensure there were no issues I was unaware of prior to my long drive back home. Desiree finalized everything at the service counter and I ensured her that I’d be returning the next time I’m in town. I’d highly recommend anyone in the city of venice or even Sarasota county to stop by the Car Doc for any services or repairs you may need. They’ll treat you like family even if you’re a first time customer!
For the last two years I needed some help with my car before I drew drove north. It was a time sensitive situation and car doc got me right in. Took great care of me and made me feel like a regular. I was very impressed