Lee Dudley's Brake & Front End Service

the engine in my 67fairlane..650hp solid roller motor built by me

today If you walked into your local car dealer and requested a 30,000-mile maintenance service, is it safe to assume that the dealer will follow manufacturer guidelines when servicing your car? Should the dealer "only" follow manufacturer guidelines? Can they bend the guidelines...? Here's a recent and very common scenario that occurred at a local Toyota dealership.......Continue reading

todays tip...regular oil vrs. synthetic oil...should you use it? does it protect your engine better? the truth about synthetic oil is it does not protect any better than conventinal oils do. the diffrence in the oils is synthetic oil has a smaller molicule that is able to get into tighter places in the engine it also allows the oil to trap more gunk longer...sounds better right? well unless you drive a performance vehicle with tight engine tollerances or you dont change you o...il like you should than it adds no bennifet to you and costs alot more. some newer vehicles are designed to use this oil but most are not so unless your owners manual says to use it exclusively than just stay with a quallity conventinal oil..remember oil changes are far cheaper than engines so dont neglect changing your oil and dont expect some exotic oil to have magic powers of engine preservation.. See more

todays tip...quick oil change places, quick yes but how good? I find it interesting that people have their oil changed at these places the reason is your vehicle is expensive and changing oil at required intervals is more than just draining the oil and changing the filter. regular oil changes give a quallifyed tech the chance to inspect your vehicle for potintial problems such as brake pad condition, battery condition, fluid leaks, etc...these types of services are not done a...t quick oil change places leading to problems that could have been avoided by having the vehcle checked..the facts are skilled techs do not work at oil change places for the simple fact that the pay does not meet their skill level! this means that the guy working on one of the most vital parts of your vehicle, the oil, may have little training if any!! so you are putting your expensive vehicle in the hands of ??? I have personally seen vehicles with drain plugs and oil filters left loose causing serious engine failures from places like those. the vehicles I service gives me a chance to identify potential issues and keep track of them or repair them before it becomes worse or more expensive. it also allows me to develop a plan with my customers for upcomming repairs that way it can be budgeted and not an expensive suprise when funds are tight. Developing a working relationship with a repair shop is very important and having the same person repairing your vehicle every time can not be more important to the longevity of your vehicle..as always if you have questions I can be reached at 559-625-4193 See more

todays tip...the ''check engine light'' what is it and when should you worry? this is a question I get asked alot and the answer is compicated but for the most part is the lamp comes on and is NOT flashing you are safe to drive your vehicle. If the lamp is flashing you should STOP driving asap and tow your vehicle to be repaired. the flashing lamp means you are doing damage to the engine!! the check engine lamp comes on for everything from a loose gas cap to major engine prob...lem thats why the answer is complicated but for the most part if the vehicle emission system is not performing as required thats when you will see the lamp come on. does this mean it can be ignored if its not flashing? absolutly not!! although the lamp may not be flashing at this point prolonged driving could damage other parts of the vehicle leading to expensive repairs that couldve been avoided. the best advice is if you see the lamp call your repair shop and get in to have it scanned with their computer to verify the failure code. it may be nothing but its worth the trip to give you peice if mind..if you have questions feel free to call me at 559-625-4193 See more

todays tip...do you know whos working on your car? when you take your car in for service at the dealer or at a chain store like pep boys you talk with a service advisor, explain your problems or needs and pass your keys to them but who is the one acually fixing your car? The sevice advisor will give your work order to a dispatcher who will then pass it to an available tech who then reads your concerns that were written by the advisor. This is kindof like the telephone game yo...u played as a kid alot of information can get lost in translation thus leading to no problem found or and incorrect repair costing you money. Find a shop where you can talk to the tech personally. at my shop I repair all the cars myself and I own the business I deal with my customers on a personal level and know what to ask about there concerns making for less chance of repeat problems. ask yourself would you go to the doctor and tell the receptionest your problems and have the doctor diagnoise you baised on her interpritation of your problem? same applys to your vehicle. find a repair shop that you can create a good relationship with this will lead to fewer repeat problems saving you money..as always you can reach me at 559-625-4193 See more

todays tip...READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL!!!..I find it intresting that most people never read the manual that came with their vehicle! people this is the seconed biggest purchase of your life next to your home. your owners manual is loaded with information that will allow you to know the basics about your car..from everything like resetting the clock to what all the warning lamps mean and when you should be worried..I know its a boaring read but its worth while..if you dont have an owners manual they can easely be obtained by doing a google search. all owners manuals will outline your required matinance at any milage interval knowing this can save you from being upsold on repairs not required or even reccomended..and as always if you have questions I can be reached at 559-625-4193

times are tough on all of us and I thought I would share some tips to help you save money on auto repairs. I will try to add a tip daily of things you can do yourself to help keep your vehicle in good working order and also try to dispell some miths and tactics used by some shops to upsell repairs that are not nessasary. If you have questions about your vehicle you can always call me at 559-625-4193 and I will give you honest advice about you problem. todays tip..this is an e...asy one but its rarely done and can cost you hundreds in tire replacement...check the air pressure in your tires once a month! its easy and free to do. I see so many tires worn out way too early due to low tire pressures. Not only can this be a hazard and affect vehicle handling it will also lower your fuel milage. I advise that the tires be inflated to max pressure this will improve tire wear and also fuel milage...thats todays tip and again if you have questions feel free to contact me! See more