Tag Archives: service

Tongue Weight – the Key to Safe Towing

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Proper tongue weight can make the difference between a safe trailer-towing experience and a dangerous one.  Like the Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the tongue weight must be ‘just right’ – too little and the trailer could start swaying from side to side; too much weight and the force could overload the rear tires of the tow vehicle and push the rear end of the vehicle out of control.  Tongue weight also affects how safely you can go around corners and curves, as well as how quickly you can brake.

 

How to figure out the tongue weight? Proper tongue weight is about 10 to 15% of the total loaded trailer weight. For example, if a 2,000-pound trailer is loaded with 1,000 pounds of cargo, the safe tongue weight of the loaded trailer should be between 300 and 450 pounds or 10-15% of the total of the two – or 3,000 pounds.

 

Other important things to consider are the type of hitch and placement of the load. For example, #Sierra1500 models towing trailers with tongue weights over 700-800 pounds need to make sure they are using a weight-distributing hitch rather than a weight-carrying hitch.

 

It’s important for the load to be properly placed to ensure safe towing, with about 60% of the load centered evenly over the front half of the trailer. For example, if the 2,000 pound trailer is carrying 1,000, about 600 pounds should be in the front half of the trailer.

 

You can check that your trailer is properly balanced by visiting a public scale and weighing your vehicle and trailer a few times.

 

And of course, our New Jersey Auto Auction’s Sales and Service team is happy to advise you on how to have a safe trailing experience. Our family-owned dealership has built a reputation of customer-service excellence. We want to make sure you have a safe drive!  Visit our website at www.njstateauto.com.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

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New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

The Importance of Steering Maintenance – What You Need to Know

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Having your steering maintained and repaired may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to preventative maintenance, but it is an important service to have completed. There are two different parts to your steering that are usually serviced. These two parts are the power assist and the mechanical parts that steer the vehicle.

 

Modern cars usually have a hydraulic power steering pump that gives you an extra boost that helps you steer. This pump is usually powered by the serpentine belt in your engine. Some new vehicles use their own electric pump. Others have an electric motor that specifically powers the steering. Knowing what kind of power steering you have will help you determine what kind of service you will need.

 

Like any machine, your steering will eventually wear out. Hoses leak and motors lose their steam. You can lengthen the life of your steering components by having them serviced. If you schedule a power steering service every once and awhile, your service technician will drain all of the old fluid from the pump and replace it will all new fluid. This service takes away materials that can potentially corrode the power steering parts like water and other contaminants.

 

Your steering parts are just as important as the power steering. It directs your car where you want it to go. Most service departments, like the one at New Jersey State Auto Auction, will lube your steering parts whenever you get a service like an oil change. Other than a simple lube, there isn’t much else you can do other than look for signs of wear. Usually you can spot issues by looking for uneven tire wear or loose steering.

 

Having your car routinely maintained will save you a lot of money in the long run and make your parts last. If you need to schedule a power steering service or any other service, visit us at New Jersey State Auto Auction. For a full list of our available services, check out our website. We are here to help!

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Tips on Making the Transmission Last Longer

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The transmission is an important piece of machinery in your vehicle. In fact, it is only second to your vehicle’s engine. The repairs as well as replacing the part is a costly affair. Take care of it properly and you will be able to avoid unnecessary repairs and extend the life of your vehicle’s transmission. Following tips will help you to take care of the part properly.

  • Service the transmission periodically, every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Do an overall transmission flush (including cooler lines, transmission cooler, and the torque converter) every 40,000 miles. If possible, make bands adjustment every 60,000 miles. This may be costly, however, in the long run, it will be worth it.
  • The fluid can go a long way in extending the life of your transmission. Check the fluid on a regular basis. If you are using a petroleum-based fluid, consider upgrading to synthetic fluid. They hold up much better to heat. Over a longer period of time, they hold up much better to their properties as well. Keep in mind that it is vital to use the right type of fluid for your vehicle.
  • Add an additional filter to the cooler line. It will help to provide an extra protection to the fluid from contaminants.
  • A transmission cooler of good quality, preferably one with a built-in fan, will provide extra protection to the transmission. Heat is bad for transmission. Keeping the transmission as cool as possible will help to prolong its life. It is also important to maintain the cooling system. Service it every 2 years. Maintenance should include radiator cap pressure test, thermostat check, inspection of belts and hoses, checking for damage and leaks, checking the coolant levels, and antifreeze replacement.

You may visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to service your car or check out pre-owned cars and trucks.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Explaining Exactly What is Wrong with your Car can Save you Money!

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You know your car better than anyone else. You will be able to feel it if there is something wrong with it. It is important that you note down each and everything whenever you feel something wrong or different with your car, no matter how small or silly, if you are serious about saving money in car repairs. If you notice a burning smell, note it down. If you notice a slight vibration in the steering wheel, note it down. If you hear a sound not associated with the normal functioning of your car, note it down. Also, note down when it happens, for instance, when you are going over a certain speed or climbing a hill, and so on. Note down how many times it happens as well. Keeping a log like this will help you to effectively communicate with the auto-mechanic whenever you take your car for repairs.

It is very important that you effectively communicate with your car mechanic. Agreed that he/she is much more knowledgeable about vehicles in general than you, however, the more information you could provide him/her about your car, the more efficient they will be able to work. You may think that a small clicking sound coming from the engine room may be too small or silly a reason to mention to the mechanic, but it may actually help to save you a lot of money. The reason why it is important to mention that small clicking sound is that, to the mechanic who deals with all kind of car problems day in and day out, that clicking sound may be significant. He/She may be able to directly go to the source of the problem, instead of working all around the problem and finally finding it.

You may visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to service your car or check out used cars and trucks.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com