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Setting up your vehicle mirrors for defensive driving

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 23:03:00 GMT

Setting up your vehicle mirrors for defensive driving is explained here. Properly set up mirrors provide you with a quick glance and no head movement, an awareness of what is on either side and in back of your vehicle at all times. We are responsible for the people and or pets we are transporting. We are responsible to our fellow drivers on the road. We need to anticipate what another driver may or may not do while driving, to avoid a collision. Defensive driving is a complex subject for future blogs.

Mirrors need to be adjusted once we are seated in the driver’s seat and seat belts are buckle. First set the rear view mirror in a position to see out as much of the rear window possible and as much viewable distance. When moving your eyes to look up at the mirror, there should be no neck movement. Become more conscious of your neck movement if this has become a habit for you. Just a quick eye movement when driving and you can see any speed demons coming up behind and you can focus on the road ahead again quickly. Side view mirrors are probably the most under-utilized by most drivers. When set up properly, there is no need to turn your head when using your rear view and left side view mirrors only your right side view mirror will require some head turning to make lane changes. The driver side mirror, just like the rear view mirror needs to be viewable with just with eye movement. A quick glance is all you need to know what is along the left side of vehicle or behind you.

According to S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers) to adjust the driver side mirror properly, lean your head against the driver side window and adjust the driver mirror so you see the tail end of your vehicle. This will now eliminate your left side blind spots. Most people set this mirror to see the tail end of their vehicle in normal driving position, creating blind spots.

According to S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers) to adjust passenger side mirror properly lean your body so your head is positioned over the middle of the two front seats. Now adjust the passenger side mirror so that you see the tail end of your vehicle. This will now eliminate your right side blind spots. Most people set this mirror to see the tail end of vehicle in normal driving position, again creating blind spots. When change lanes to your left or right and have been monitoring what is around you, you can change lanes easier and in a safer manner, all without turning your head except when using right side mirror, some head turning will be necessary.

Once your mirrors are set up correctly, when driving you will now notice that as vehicle move up or back along both sides of your vehicles you will see them switch from rear view to that side mirror and vice versa. The only issue would be if you have a peripheral vision issue and can’t see what is right next to you, then head turning will be always be required.
Mar 29th, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Just Had A Tire Blowout, What Do You Do?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 23:03:00 GMT

Have you ever experienced a front tire blowout? This can be a harrowing experience as most of the time the tire pressure is expelled instantly causing the vehicle to pull to the side of the blowout. If you are in a defensive driving mode (full focus on driving, hands on steering wheel 10:00 and 2:00 driving positions, hands gripping the steering wheel) you are ready for anything and the steps are simple and intuitive for an experienced driver.
Let create a scenario: You are driving on the Taconic Parkway on your way home to Yorktown Heights, NY, you are in the middle lane, suddenly there is a pop and the vehicle dips in the right front and starts pulling to the right, what will you do?
A] Bounce off the car on your right to help straighten your vehicle and let the other vehicle fend for itself?
B] Slam the brakes and pray to your favorite deity and promise you will return to mass.
C] Accelerate like a wounded animal running from his predator.
D] Let go of the steering wheel and scream like a scared baby.
E] Read what to do when you get a blowout while driving, listed below. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Try to relax; don’t hit the brakes, and just try to steer slightly to keep vehicle in your lane.
You may have hit the brakes and vehicle may veer further to right and if ABS equipped (most likely vehicle) may now pull to left. Ease off brakes, no further sudden reactions.
While this is occurring you may need to accelerate slightly to regain control, then ease off and try coasting down in speed.
You need to know what is around you through your 3 mirrors. (Future blog). Put on your signal to pull off the road and slow down gradually till it is safe to stop and put on your 4 way flashers. Make sure the vehicle is completely off the highway lanes with your mirrors.
Do not get out of your vehicle till you know it is safe. Once it is safe set up flairs or reflective warning triangles. (Future Blog)
If you cannot safely or do not know how to change your tire, Call for road side assistance or 911 for help, hopefully you know what exits you are near.
If you are changing your tire, be very careful:

A] You should first put on work gloves
B] Tire will be very hot and will burn you
C] Steel cords may be sticking out of tire, which can cut you severely
D] Remember to crack your lug nuts loose before jacking vehicle and set emergency brake.
E] Once jacked up and lugs removed what do you do if wheel won’t come off vehicle? (Future blog)
Mar 27th, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

When You Hear the Crash in Yorktown Heights: What to Do After an Accident

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 23:03:00 GMT

Motorists in North America drive about three trillion miles every year. There are over 250+ million licensed drivers, and approximately 6.2 million accidents happen every year. Unfortunately, if we’re going to drive vehicles, there are going to be accidents. Knowing what to do in case of an accident can help reduce the stress and cost of the situation. It can also protect you from false claims, incorrect judgments and unjust liabilities. Never leave the scene of an accident. This is a crime, even if the accident is not your fault. If you leave the scene, it is referred to as a “hit-and-run,” and the fines are steep in NY. You can even lose your driver’s license or spend some time in jail. If someone has been injured in the accident, most laws require you to help them. You must call for help. If you can, you must also render first aid.
Call 9-1-1 or get someone else to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Tell the operator if there are injuries or any circumstances that require fire services, such as leaking gas, broken utility lines or, of course, flames. Put out flares, turn on your flashers or lift your hood to warn other Yorktown Heights motorists that there’s been an accident.
File a police report. This can seem like a hassle when there are no injuries and only minor damage to vehicles. But you’d be surprised at the lawsuits and false claims that can arise from fender benders. You want a police report to protect yourself.
Don’t talk about the accident with anyone except the police. After an accident, adrenaline is pumping and emotions are running high, and our first reaction is often to relive and recount our experience. Don’t. Again, people can and will use your words against you, and in a highly emotional state, you may not say exactly what you mean. Entire court cases have hinged on the meaning of one misplaced word. Talk to the police. Don’t admit guilt or fault. Not to the police or to anyone else. People often feel guilt after an accident, but later, when details are analyzed, it turns out not to be their fault. Don’t say, “I’m sorry,” but rather, “Can I help? What can I do?” Sympathy has often been misconstrued as an admission of fault. On paper, your words will sound more sterile than at the accident, and they can be used against you.
Collect contact information from everyone involved in the accident. Get the officer’s name and badge number. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, driver’s license number and expiration and insurance information. Get a description of the other vehicle as well as its license plate number and vehicle identification number. Most insurance companies don’t keep records of license plate numbers, so the VIN is the best identifier you have of another vehicle.
This is going to be too much to remember once you’re in an accident. So write down or make a note on your phone with the information you need. Ask witnesses to wait for the police to arrive. If they can’t, then get their contact information. Ask them to jot down what they saw. If witnesses refuse to give you their names, write down their license plate numbers. That way the police can find them if necessary. After the accident, call your insurance company. Also, if you have or think you might have an injury that did not require immediate care at the accident, contact your physician right away. There’s a lot Yorktown Heights drivers can do to prevent accidents. Defensive driving. Good car care and preventive maintenance. But if an accident does happen in the Yorktown Heights area, we should be prepared to handle it well. It will ease the stress of the situation and protect us from potential legal and financial harm. Be prepared. It’s good auto advice in every situation. Ask our pros at Autobahn Car Repair for more safe driving tips the next time you visit.
If you would like an info report to be kept in your vehicle, Click text below “Accident Info Form” Feb 19th, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car RepairThe body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Importance of Maintaining Clean Fuel Injectors

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Do you have fuel injectors and do they need servicing?

Carburetors have been eliminated because of their limited ability in precise fuel metering and lack of speed to make on demand changes. Fuel injectors spray fuel in a particular pattern that is specific to the engine it was engineered for. This is done for optimum fuel efficiency, emissions and performance. Electronic fuel injectors and computer controls have allowed the vehicles of today to obtain the incredible power, emission and efficiency that could not be attained without fuel injection and the advanced computer controls.
Now we have taken our fuel injectors and placed them into the combustion chamber. This now allows fuel delivery in the exact area of combustion with the capability of precise timing of fuel delivery and multiple timed injector activations. With this capability it allows much leaner fuel mixtures and increase compression ratios and control over pre-ignition (when fuel ignites before ignition is supposed to ignite). This in turn increases fuel economy, power and reduces emissions, a win, win.
Fuel injectors are a very precise piece of the fuel system so it makes sense that they need servicing. Injectors get exposed to oil vapors, fuel vapors, varnish, carbon deposits and sometimes dirt. This causes the spray pattern of an injector to be disrupted and altered. To help alleviate this problem they need cleaning. Autobahn Car Repair use some of the best chemicals and equipment for the cleaning, which we first evaluated on our own vehicles before we would offer them to our customers. There have been many products through the years we have tried, many of which were a waste of time and money. We need results and want the best for our clients. So give us a call and set up your appointment for fuel related issues. Mar 20th, 2018 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair
Below are illustrations of general dirty failing injectors.

Car Air Conditioner Repair Yorktown Heights

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Why has my car’s AC quit on me?

It would be typical, for me, anyway, to have my car’s air conditioning system quit working during the middle of summer when the days are hottest, right? Sitting in traffic on a hot highway with no AC is the definition of a nightmare for me and a lot of other drivers out there in Yorktown Heights and surrounding areas.
Diagnosing a problem with an automobile air conditioner system may be an involved and complicated process, but the effects of a system failure is definitely identifiable. The air being pushed through the dashboard vents is not cold. It may not even be tepid. It may be just as hot as the outside air. This may not be a repair that you as the car owner would want to take on; you just want your cold air back. We get it at Autobahn Auto Repair Specialists.

What’s the problem?

You may be able to give your auto repair specialist some valuable information that will help them identify the issue and take steps to correct it. If you’ve been experiencing:

Cool, but not cold, air is coming through the vents

This can happen even when the controls are set for maximum cold. As a simple inspection, you as the driver can look to see if the air conditioner condenser is being blocked by leaf debris that is preventing it from exchanging heat properly. You cabin air filter may be clogged shut and need to be replaced, or the cooling fan associated with the condenser or radiator may not be running. If you notice any of these symptoms, share this with your repair technician. Your Autobahn mechanic can also perform a manifold gauge test to verify the pressures the system needs to operate under to perform effectively.

System refrigerant is being lost

Occurs because of a leak in the system that bleeds refrigerant while the system is under pressure from the condenser. A leak can appear anywhere in the system from valves to hose connections to a faulty condenser. An Autobahn technician can perform an inspection using a leak detection kit to pinpoint where your car’s AC system is losing refrigerant and repair the leak. Typically, an ultraviolet tint is added to a chemical that circulates through the cooling system and an ultraviolet light is used to spot the leak.

The condenser doesn’t work

The condenser should be hard at work making cold air. When the engine is running and the AC is set to max cool, the clutch on the condenser should engage. In diagnosing a problem with your car’s air conditioning system, the first place to start is the easiest to address; the system’s compressor. An Autobahn mechanic may use a voltmeter to detect if there is power to the part. The lack of power to the condenser may indicate a bad fuse or cycling switch (which would save you money not having to buy a new condenser). If you’ve been living with warm air coming from your car’s AC system, your repair may be a simple one or it may be more complex. The auto repair specialists at Autobahn have made customer satisfaction a priority since 1984. Don’t let them see you sweat while you’re on the road; trust Autobahn to keep you cruising cool this summer.
May 15th, 2016 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Car Air Conditioner Repair Cortlandt Manor NY

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

What is the difference between a compressor and a condenser?

Our automobile’s air conditioning system (A/C) rarely gets a thought from us until a hot day hits Cortlandt Manor or surrounding areas, the MAX A/C button is pushed and no cold air comes out and you feel only the hot breath of the engine. It’s an oft-told tale to automobile air conditioning repair experts like the team at Autobahn Foreign and Domestic Auto Care at the Roma Building on the corner of Routes 202 & 35 in Yorktown Heights, NY. Your car’s A/C is no mystery to them, and Autobahn can keep your car’s air conditioning ready and able to tackle the next heatwave.

Know the system.

A refrigeration system like an air conditioner exchanges heat from the interior of the space to the exterior air. The system circulates a coolant gas through a compressor, similar to how a pump pressurizes and moves a liquid. Compressing a gas causes it to heat up, and once the coolant gas has reached a specific temperature and pressure, this compressed gas is then circulated through a condenser. The condenser exposes the hot coolant to air flowing across the condenser’s coils (usually located near the car’s radiator). These condenser coils release heat into the atmosphere, cooling the gas, and causing it to form a liquid through condensation.
The coolant, now condensed and pressurized, is circulated through a thermal expansion valve (TX valve) that relieves the pressure almost instantly. This sudden expansion cools the refrigerant radically. The now-cooled refrigerant is circulated through another coil, the evaporator coil in the passenger cabin. The evaporator exchanges the cold air in the coil with the warm air in the automobile and carries out to repeat the cycle.

Feel the chill.

Nowadays, we’d be surprised to get into a new car that didn’t have air conditioning as standard equipment. So when it’s time to crank up the A/C, or if you can’t crank up your car’s air conditioner beyond room temperature, have the system serviced by the pros at Autobahn. From simple maintenance to major repairs, Autobahn specializes in the care and maintenance of all makes and models of cars. Autobahn’s thirty-two years of experience guarantees you quality, convenience, and a difference that you will know when you become a customer!

Autobahn knows you and your car.

Automobile air conditioning has come a long way from the first days of Packard’s first optional A/C units, which took up the space of half the trunk. Those of us who remember a day when air conditioning in cars was not a standard feature on most models know that it was often a luxurious treat that you sprung for when buying a new car. Most folks back then who didn’t opt for air conditioning in their cars were satisfied with open windows (which typically were crank operated) and the cool breeze from the open road. But automobile air conditioning is now a given for any car built within the past 10 years. Keep your car’s A/C ready to run with regular service from Autobahn.
Is your car’s air conditioner working as it should?
Jun 12th, 2016 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Serpentine Belts, Don’t Let This Maintance Item Fail You

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Vehicles manufactured today use a serpentine belt. The name is because the way belt snakes around the pulleys in the engine compartment. Serpentine belts are multi grooved belts. Most are kept automatically adjusted with a spring style tensioning device, with a pulley running against the belt. Serpentine belts have gone through some changes; these new belts can last 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Because of the great improvements in materials, these belts no longer crack but they do wear. When these belts wear they slip, sometimes making noise. But they can also wear on the pulleys, which can be an expensive repair, if ignored. The belt drives items such as your alternator which main job is to charge and maintain your battery and electrical demand. The belt drives your ac compressor to cool the passenger compartment. The belt also drives your power steering pump, which helps you steer your vehicle at lower speeds. The belt may also drive your water pump which circulates the coolant/antifreeze in your engine to keep your engine running cool. Some vehicles may have a vacuum pump to help with brake assist to help stop your vehicle.
Your belt can easily be overlooked as looking fine, but will lead you to a failure. So it is imperative to have it inspected by a technician and replaced at regular intervals.

Appearance: Belts made from a material known as chloroprene show traditional signs of wear (cracks, chunk-outs, rib separation, etc). But the new belts of today called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) belts don’t necessarily exhibit these symptoms even though they might be at or near failure as much of the rubber material has worn away.
Cause : EPDM is stronger, is suitable for a wider range of extreme temperatures, and it is more durable. EPDM belts gradually lose rubber material − similar to the way tires wear out.
Solution : Visual inspection is still a good idea, but the traditional signs of wear need to be looked at more closely and inspected with a Groove Pic Gauge by an automotive technician to detect an EPDM belt that is near failure. Mar 2nd, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Flooding inside vehicle? Learn how to avoid a costly repair

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Yes it can happen to you! Flooding inside vehicle is a common occurrence. Avoid a costly repair with some simple steps.

Unexplained flooding in your vehicle is a common problem. If it is gradual, you may not notice it for quite some time, which will cause expensive damage. A way Flooding in your vehicle can occur is through your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Condition) System. This is susceptible to clogging and then flooding the interior of your vehicle! Your HVAC System is enclosed in a case. Within this case is a heater core which is a mini radiator that is used to heat the air flowing through it warming up the passenger compartment. In the box is an evaporator, if vehicle is equipped with air conditioning. This is a type of mini radiator. The refrigerant fluid flows through, causing the evaporator to get very cold. When the air flows through it, it cools the passenger compartment. The box contains a blower motor, door flaps and actuator to control temperature, vent flow, fresh air control and air re-circulation. It may contain sensors, rheostat and has a drain. The drain is the subject of this writing, because it is a common occurrence to have problems with this drain and those problems lead to water damage in your car!

Your HVAC System box

Your HVAC System box takes in fresh air from around the area by your wiper blades. When it rains, water flows down the windshield and blows over the hood, then flows into the fresh air duct. In the fresh air duct there are drains to remove excess water to prevent water from entering the HVAC box. Excess water will move through the HVAC box and out the HVAC drain.

So here is how the problem can begin. In the spring, flowering plants and trees drop debris, such as petals, pollen, winged seeds, (called double Samaras nick named “helicopters or whirligigs”), stringy stuff, the little golden “beards” (also called catkins), pine tree needles and bud covers.
In the fall, the leaves and pine needles accumulate over fresh air duct screens. They slip through the screens and work their way into the fresh air ducts. When it rains, debris is also washing down and if enough debris has accumulated, the drains become clogged. When we use our HVAC system, debris goes into HVAC box and starts restricting and eventually clogging the HVAC drain.

Final Warning before flooding inside vehicle

The HVAC box begins to fill with water. You may hear water sloshing around when making turns or you may also see cold smoke emitted from the vents at times when the air conditioning is on. But even if you don’t, water may still be accumulating in the HVAC box. The water will start to cause damage to items in the HVAC box. Then it leaks into passenger compartment. This can be detrimental to your vehicle. There are wiring harnesses running under your vehicle carpeting. Rust, mold, and mildew can start to occur. Today’s vehicles have many computer networks and many computer modules, all of which can be damaged with flooding inside vehicle.
Water and electricity related damage can cause very expensive repairs not to mention the ghost problems your vehicle may exhibit intermittently. Those annoying problems that come and go can eventually leave you stranded all because of flooding inside vehicle.
So what can you do to avoid this costly repair? In the spring, when pollen collects on the windshield, it is time to open the hood and remove any debris that is collecting by the wipers and fresh air ducts. In the fall, when the leaves are falling, it is time to remove any debris. This saves you from possible costly repairs and help reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew growth in your HVAC System.
The other item that needs to be addressed is having your cabin filter system serviced, at minimum once a year. If musty odor has developed, a system sanitize can be performed.
Autobahn Car Repair can help you with any of these problems. We can clear your drains if you are flooding inside vehicle, hear water sloshing around, or have cold smoke flowing from vents. We can also service the cabin filter and provide a system sanitize.
Jun 12, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

When To Replace Your Wiper Blades

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

There are several important factors that go into how often NY drivers should replace their wiper blades. Of course, the more you use your wipers, the faster the blades will wear out – especially if you use them on an icy windshield. Whether it’s a lot of bugs and road grime from New York driving or lots of wet or snowy weather – your blades get a work out and start to wear.
But your wiper blades break down even when they aren’t used frequently. They are damaged by sunlight and temperature changes as well. The rubber in the blades can dry out and crack and eventually fall apart. Check your wipers: If they’re not doing their important job, have them replaced at Autobahn Car Repair in Yorktown Heights. Talk to your Autobahn Car Repairs Service Advisor about how you drive – we can counsel you on the optimal blades for your needs.

Winter Checkup List For Your Vehicle

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Now is a great time to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the elements of winter driving. Taking care of the items listed below can help you enjoy winter driving and stay safe too!

Bring your vehicles to the car wash and have the under carriage washed to remove salt after every salting of the roads
Clean windows on the inside with a good glass cleaner
Time to catch up on any maintenance or repairs you put off
Inspect fluids, test, and replace if due
Check belts, tensioners, hoses, fan, fan clutch, and coolant, top off fluids
Test AC system operation and performance for aid in defogging of windshield
Check horn & lights operation
Check fog light aim, essential in heavy snow falls and fog situations
Replace streaking wiper blades, Preferably install wiper blades that are resistive to binding from snow
Top off washer fluid minimum protection -20 degrees F, preferably deicer fluid -25 to -30 degrees
Put snow tires on your vehicle
Have your tires Inspected, put best tires on rear of vehicle, set air pressure and check spare tire too
Have alignment checked, a straight steering wheel does not mean the wheel alignment won’t wear your tires
Have any warning lights looked into
Any irregularities in vehicle running; such as starting, rough idle, stalling, or handling issues looked into
Test battery, charging system, check for excess ripple and starter draw
Check that inspection and registration stickers are up to date
Have a good Ice scraper, a deicer spray, breakdown kit in each vehicle (another article)

Don’t be that vehicle on the side of the road because you ignored Autobahn’s Winter Checkup list.
Preparation now will improve and help ensure a smooth, comfortable and safe time during Winter travels!
Autobahn Car Repair
2034 Saw Mill River Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
914-962-7170

Carbon Deposits & Why Should I Care?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

What are carbon deposits? Carbon deposits are a naturally occurring event in today’s and yesteryear’s engines. The way carbon forms is after the engine shuts off, residual fuel vapors are left after the engine is shut off in the combustion chamber, in the intake and exhaust manifolds. They begin to stick to the walls of these parts. As the vapors dry, they build and solidify. These deposits continue absorbing fuel and vapors, continuing to adhere to these parts.

Why should you care?

As your engine is running, those carbon deposits rob your engine of some of the fuel intended for the combustion chamber. This is where the power of the engine is developed.
The carbon deposits, when severe, can inhibit air flow to the combustion chamber. This reduces engine power and efficiency.
As deposits form in the combustion chamber, they can cause pre-ignition. You may recognize this as engine knock. But you will not notice the knock because your engine’s computer system detects the knocking and retards the timing and may cut fuel. This starts a chain of events:

A. When the ignition timing is retarded, performance and fuel economy drop. B. Combustion temperature climbs and nitrogen oxide gas forms aka smog. C. When the timing is retarded, the catalytic converter gets abused, shortening its life. D. Deposits are formed at an accelerated rate.
4. Carbon deposits can cause surging, stalling and poor fuel economy. This leads to failure of ignition system and catalytic converters. 5. In the end, it’s your wallet and the investment in your vehicle that suffer.
Autobahn Car Repair recommends intake cleaning and decarbonization on most vehicles every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. We recommend Fuel Injection cleanings every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Mar 25th, 2018 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Professional Oil Change in Yorktown Heights, NY

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Most people get an oil change in Yorktown Heights, NY for their car because it seems like it’s time or because it looks low or dirty. But that’s not a very solid system for a crucial part of vehicle maintenance.
At Autobahn in Yorktown Heights, NY we provide full service oil changes, and set up a mileage interval that is specific to your car, not just the generic “every 3,000 miles” suggestion.
An oil change diagnosis like this, when done properly at Autobahn, involves checking specific criteria to see if you drive in what we consider severe driving conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

frequent stopping and going, which many urban or city drivers experience
short trips, like running errands around town
towing, as in pulling a trailer or loading your vehicle down with heavy items
weather extremes, like hot pavement or frozen roads

Synthetic Oil

Different kinds of driving require different things from an engine’s motor oil. Autobahn technicians know their customers and their cars. They know that cars and drivers who spend most of their time racking up the highway miles have different needs than cars and drivers who stop-and-go around town every day.
Autobahn can recommend to their customers an oil change in Yorktown Heights, NY with synthetic motor oil for high heat driving conditions or may recommend an oil change with traditional motor oil for less demanding drivers. Customers rely on Autobahn’s familiar faces and experienced technicians, which is why they become customers for life.
If you drive your vehicle in any of these conditions, you might need to get your oil changed more often than the 3,000-mile marker. Bring your car into Autobahn so that our experienced team of professionals can give you a proper oil change in Yorktown Heights, NY and an appropriate interval suggestion specific to your vehicle.

Suppose I need more than just an oil change?

Autobahn technicians are full-service automobile professionals. Autobahn can diagnose and correct a variety of automobile issues:

Air Conditioning
Battery Service
Bearings & Bushings
Belts & Hoses
Brake Systems
Charging & Starting
Computer Diagnostics
Cooling & Heating Systems
Drive Train Systems
Electrical Systems
Engine Repairs
Engine Tune Up
Factory Service
Fuel Injection
Gaskets & Seals
NY State Inspection
Oil Changes
Struts & Shocks
Tire Sales & Repair
Transmissions
Warning Lights
Wheel Alignments

Autobahn is local, fast, convenient, and knowledgeable of their customers and their cars. If you want to schedule an oil change in Yorktown Heights, NY, give us a call at (914) 962-7170.

Auto Repair Cortlandt Manor

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

How to keep your car cruising through summer

Your car’s engine generates a lot of heat as it runs. Add to that the heat coming off the road when sitting in traffic around Cortlandt Manor or rolling down the interstates of New York State, and you’ve got conditions that can degrade your engine oil, tax your engine coolant, and clog your fuel intake. These effects build up over time and can cause your car’s engine to experience all sorts of generalized symptoms that can compromise its performance.

What’s the problem?

Oil : The durability of your engine oil (its viscosity) is greatly determined by the type of use your engine typically experiences. Stop-and-go driving around town can cause more wear and tear on an engine’s components than can steady highway driving over time. Towing a trailer, hauling cargo, and driving off road also affect the usable life of your engine’s oil. Long, hot summers and cold, wet winters take their toll as well. The kindest stroke you can give your automobile’s engine is to treat it to a regular schedule of oil and filter changes . Your car’s owner’s manual will specify the intervals for oil and filter changes (expressed in the number of miles driven). Talk to your mechanic about your driving needs and habits and let them advise you on the best schedule of oil and filter changes for your car.
Fuel : Not so much the fuel itself, but the deposits that are left on fuel intake surfaces like injectors, valves, and combustion chambers after the fuel burns can compromise your engine’s performance . Carbon deposits are a by-product of the fuel combustion process, and this carbon can coat vital engine parts with sludge that will solidify or get gummy if not treated. A dirty fuel system can restrict the flow of fuel and air into the combustion chambers causing them to burn inefficiently. Dirty injectors can cause ignition problems like engine knock and pre-ignition firing. Fluids: many systems of automobiles today are hydraulic, meaning that they use a liquid (often under pressure), to activate a function like steering or braking. Your car uses a pump to pressurize the liquid in the system. Like engine oil, these system fluids are usually petroleum based, and as such they are prone to degradation over time. Checking these liquids is often nothing more than a quick check of the dipstick, but there is maintenance required too, like changing these fluids at regular intervals, just like your engine oil.

Power steering fluid keeps the steering wheel turning smoothly and without much effort. If you’re experiencing vibrations or unusual noises when turning the steering wheel, have your mechanic inspect your system and its fluid.

Brake fluid works much like power steering fluid in that the liquid, under pressure, activates a function of the car when we operate a switch like the brake pedal. Brake fluid makes using your car’s brakes easy and effective. If you’re experiencing vibrations or unusual noises when using your car’s brakes, have the system inspected by a professional mechanic.

Since 1984, Autobahn has made client satisfaction our utmost priority. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable and experienced technicians delivers outstanding technical and customer service. From simple maintenance to major repairs, we specialize in ALL MAKES AND MODELS of automotive repair. Autobahn’s 32 years of experience guarantees you QUALITY, CONVENIENCE and a DIFFERENCE that you will know when you become our customer!

Oil Change Yorktown Heights

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

The business of a quick oil change is a competitive one in and around Yorktown Heights. A quick-and-easy oil change helps us drivers keep our cars of smooth metal in fine fettle. A consistent schedule for an oil change with Autobahn Auto Repair is the best insurance you can buy to keep your car’s engine running smoothly and reliably.

What does your car need?

If gasoline is food/fuel for your car, then your engine’s motor oil is what blood is to our bodies. It circulates, protects, and cools the engine much like blood circulates through our bodies. But, unlike the blood in our bodies, engine oil that has deteriorated from use or over time needs to be changed out for new motor oil. Motor oil loses its viscosity after use and over time, and its performance, lubrication, and protective qualities decline. An oil change from Autobahn with new engine oil works to cool, lubricate, and protect your engine’s vital moving parts. Vehicles today require full synthetics. One of the main reasons is the small passages for the variable cam timing passages. The reason to use a full synthetic vs. a blend or conventional oil is because synthetics tend to not sludge up or coke up the small passages that control your variable cam timing. So why does it still happen? It begins every time we start our engine and condensation forms, when we take long trips 20mins or more the condensation is removed, but those weekend errand trips don’t give the engine the time to remove this condensation. The next issue is dirt and other contaminants. When the engine is running especially cold, fuel vapors and carbon deposits get past the piston rings and get into the oil. So what is the oil to do? Well engine oils have additives such as dispersants to help. The dispersants help suspend these contaminants to be filtered out by oil filter and removed at next oil change. But these additive breakdown and cannot help when these intervals are exceeded and the sludge begins.

Who is that working on your car?

It’s easy to be tempted by the number of drive-in spots that offer a fast oil change, but do you really know who is performing this vital service on your automobile? Is it always the same technician who works on your car, knows it, and knows you? Do you trust the technician to alert you of any emerging needs or issues? Autobahn auto technicians are a team of dedicated, educated, and experienced professionals who are full-service automobile technicians and diagnosticians, from simple maintenance to major repairs. They specialize in all makes and models of automobiles, foreign or domestic, and they know their customer’s driving habits. Suppose I need more than just an oil change?
Autobahn Auto Repair technicians are full-service automobile professionals. Autobahn can diagnose and correct a variety of automobile issues:

Air Conditioning
Battery Service
Bearings & Bushings
Belts & Hoses
Brake Systems
Charging & Starting
Computer Diagnostics
Cooling & Heating Systems
Drive Train Systems
Electrical Systems
Engine Repairs
Engine Tune Up
Factory Service
Fuel Injection
Gaskets & Seals
NY State Inspection
Oil Changes
Struts & Shocks
Tire Sales & Repair
Transmissions
Warning Lights
Wheel Alignments

Don’t trust your car to an anonymous technician working for a chain-store quick oil change shop. They are trained to sell you up from the oil change service, and they don’t know you or your vehicle from anyone else’s vehicle. Autobahn is local, fast, convenient, and knowledgeable of their customers and their cars.

Mechanic Mohegan Lake

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Engine Overheating?

Once was the day that adding water to a car’s radiator was as typical a task as putting fuel in the gas tank. Overheating engines were not uncommon during the early years of motoring, and there were plenty of roadside resources to fill the need for cool water to replace the steam and vapor produced by internal combustion engines. Service stations were plentiful on America’s open roads back then, and they stood as little oases for cars and drivers who were feeling the heat.
Twenty-first century cars are now equipped with sealed and pressurized cooling systems that circulate a liquid mixture of water and polyethylene glycol (anti-freeze) throughout the engine to exchange the heat with the atmosphere. Modern automobile cooling systems rarely need the kind of attention that the vehicles of yesteryear required, but when a vehicle’s cooling system does fail, the damage done by continuing to run the engine can be catastrophic.

Causes of engine overheating

The cause for our modern sophisticated mechanical machines is often a simple one and may include:

Coolant level and temperature

Engine overheating is most often caused by a loss and lack of the liquid coolant that is used to draw heat away from the engine. This loss of liquid can be caused by a small crack in the engine or a small hole in a hose or the radiator itself. Because these types of leaks are only active under pressure, when coolant vapor may be forced out of the system only if the engine is hot, they can be tricky to spot when the engine is cold or not fully up to running temperature.

Thermostat malfunction

The thermostat of your car’s engine cooling system is a temperature control valve that opens and closes and directs the flow of engine coolant to the radiator for heat exchange. In cold weather, the engine thermostat remains shut so that the coolant present within the engine warms quickly to bring the engine up to operating temperature. The thermostat then opens its valve to start the exchange of hot liquid coolant with cooler radiator coolant. When the thermostat gets stuck closed, it will trap already hot water within the engine block and prevent the coolant from getting cooled. Steam and mayhem then ensues. It’s fortunate that most thermostat replacement jobs are quick and easy repairs, most of the time.

Oil level and temperature

The oil in a vehicle’s engine is more than just a source of lubrication for its moving parts. It is also a coolant that helps prevent heat damage to the engine. As a lubricant, engine oil helps reduce the friction that is experienced between moving metal engine parts. One effect of friction is heat; oil helps reduce friction and therefore helps keep the engine cool. An insufficient supply of oil will cause higher rates of friction and more damaging heat to be created.
If your car’s engine is running hot or obviously overheating, operating the engine further may cause permanent and expensive damage that aren’t as easily addressed as an overheating engine. Do not continue to use the vehicle until you have determined and repaired the system. Autobahn Auto Repair Specialists in Yorktown Heights are experts in diagnosing and repairing automobile engine coolant systems and keeping their customers’ cars cool and capable.

Cabin Air Filter

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Cabin Air Filters are one of the most overlooked services on vehicles, yet they are necessary for our protection. Cabin air filter first came into existence to help keep debris from clogging evaporators (provide the cooling for passenger compartment air conditioning) and heater cores (provide the heat in the passenger compartment). Then it was discovered that HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air) could be added providing health benefits. So like many inventions a product is created to solve warranty issues and an additional benefit is accidently discovered.
HEPA filters work by having the air flow into the HVAC box (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) whether from fresh air ducts by the wipers or recirculated air from the vehicle cabin through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores, allergens and other airborne materials. Without a cabin air filter or if the filter is dirty, a ride in the car can be an uncomfortable time. This is especially if you or your passengers have allergies or other respiratory problems. Automotive HEPA filter provide the cleanest air possible with efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3 microns. What is a micron? The average size of the openings between pieces of the filter media are represented in microns. A micron compares the size of common allergens. As a general rule, the smaller micron rating is for a filter, the better the filter is. For example, a 20-micron filter has larger openings than a 5-micron filter. Consequently, the 20-micron filter element will let larger particles pass through the filter than the 5-micron media would. Bosch HEPA Premium Cabin Air Filters provide filtration efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3 microns.

Carbon Activated Cabin Air Filters

These filters provide everything above but also add the benefit of activated carbon. One area where a HEPA filter falls short is in dealing with atmospheric pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. When you’re in bumper to bumper traffic these gas concentrations, increase and carbon dioxide can be three times higher than the environmental level, due to passenger compartment ventilation system’s lack of protection afforded by base filter system. With a carbon activated filter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide gases are absorbed by the activated charcoal. 0.035 ounces of activated carbon has the surface area of 5,380 square feet. This filter traps and neutralizes the pollutants.
To illustrate the surface area of activated carbon, crevices with this micro graph under an electron microscope.

When to replace

The cabin air filters should be replaced, according to the Car Care Council, every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual. Apr 18th, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Spring Checkup List For Your Vehicle

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Spring is a great time to have your vehicle checked, before the hustle bustle of summer. You have more important thing to deal with like going on vacation. Here is Autobahn’s Spring checkup list for your vehicles:

Bring your vehicles to the car wash and have the under carriage washed to remove road salt
Clean windows on the inside with a good glass cleaner
Time to catch up on any maintenance or repairs you put off
Inspect fluids, test, and replace if due
Check belts, hoses, tensioners, fan clutch, fan and coolant pH
Test AC system operation and performance
Service air filter and (most of all) cabin filter
For over 100k vehicles, have in tank fuel filter changed.
Get horn & lights checked and replace bad horns and bulbs
Replace streaking wiper blades and top off washer fluid
Inspect tires, set air pressure, check spare tire too
Check alignment
Do not ignore any warning lights
Any irregularities in vehicle running; such as starting, rough idle, stalling, handling have that look into
Check that inspection and registration stickers are up to date

Don’t be that vehicle on the side of the road because you ignored Autobahn’s Spring Checkup list.
The preparation now will improve and help ensure a smooth, comfortable and safe time during spring and summer travels!
Mar 29th, 2017 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair

Power Steering, do we need it?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:40:00 GMT

What is Power Steering (PS) what does it do, do I need it and does it require service? Power Steering adds assisted steering to reduce effort required to turn the steering wheel. Most Power Steering System equipped vehicles have a fluid pump (PS Pump) driven by a belt off of the engine pulleys by a belt. Fluid is stored in a reservoir which supplies the pump sometimes reservoir is attached to pump and sometimes is separate. The pump pressurizes the fluid and pumps it through a high pressure hose to the PS equipped steering box or rack and pinion to help assist in turning the wheels. Then there is a hose which returns the fluid to the reservoir container. Many of today’s vehicles are being equipped with electric assisted steering. One type uses an electric motor to drive a fluid pump as described above eliminating the belt, another type has a motor built into a rack and pinion which directly turns the input steering shaft aiding in turning the wheels. This eliminates the belt and pump (pros and cons another discussion).
A vehicles power steering system, gives the driver leverage to turn the steering wheel. Without PS it would be very physically strenuous to try and turn the steering wheel when maneuvering vehicle at low speed and almost impossible to turn steering wheel when not moving. Generally speaking most PS equipped vehicle can have you turn the steering wheel from all the way left to the right (called lock to lock) in about 2.5 turns. For vehicle not equipped with PS steering, called manual steering, lock to lock would probably start at 3.5 and up turns for the same turning capability, and would be hard to steer standing still. As you start to drive a vehicle the turning effort diminishes with speed, but manual steering equipped vehicles will not have the quick reaction time with one handed driving as would a PS equipped vehicle.
Most of you would agree that PS is an essential item to have in our vehicle to be able to park between vehicles, also having less lock to lock turning requirement. Like any other fluid used in a vehicle they will need servicing. PS belt will need replacement over time and both electric and belt driven pump assisted systems will need to have fluid inspected at least every 30k miles (30,000) and if needed flushed. We can only protect our PS system by flushing the fluid. PS fluid break down will lead to PS pump failure, rack & pinion or PS box failure all expensive repairs and all require flushing of system when new parts are replaced.

Auto Repair Shop Amawalk

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:02:00 GMT

Westchester and Putnam counties are driving communities. Most households have at least one car that they depend on to get around. Trusting a reliable and knowledgeable auto repair shop near Amawalk is an important relationship for drivers who live or work near Amawalk and the surrounding towns. Autobahn Car Repair is a popular choice for drivers of foreign or domestic vehicles, all makes and models, needing expert auto repair shop services that are affordable, reliable, and complete.
Autobahn car repair has served Amawalk and Yorktown Heights drivers from their corner location for more than thirty-one years. Autobahn has Auto Repair Shop experience in all makes and models, from routine maintenance to major repairs. Located at the intersection of routes 202, 35, and 118 in Yorktown Heights, at the CITGO service station, Westchester drivers know Autobahn for reliable services like:

Air Conditioning
Battery Service
Bearings & Bushings
Belts & Hoses
Brake Systems
Charging & Starting
Computer Diagnostics
Cooling & Heating Systems
Drive Train Systems
Electrical Systems
Engine Repairs
Engine Tune Up
Factory Service
Fuel Injection
Gaskets & Seals
NY State Inspection
Oil Changes
Struts & Shocks
Tire Sales & Repair
Transmissions
Warning Lights
Wheel Alignments

Auto Repair Shop Near Amawalk

Autobahn car repair service offers, with each of its jobs, a 24-month, 24,000-mile warranty, twice what new-car-dealer service departments offer on their repairs. Same day service, free wireless Internet in the waiting room, free local shuttle rides, and a low-cost rental car for multiple days when needed are all available when undergoing repairs with Autobahn.

A Promise to You

Autobahn is known and trusted because of the quality of their work and the reliability of their commitment to their customerâ€™s safety and satisfaction. Each customer is pledged by them:

To serve you quickly and conveniently.
To save you time and money by fixing your vehicle right the first time.
To give you our personal best and expertise and know exactly what your vehicle needs to run safely.
To communicate the cost of the repair, with prior cost approvals from you.
To educate you about your vehicle and the work being done on it.
To maintain your safety and the safety of your passengers.
To keep you moving; we realize the inconvenience of being without your car.

Contact Us

Whether you drive an American, Asian, or European vehicle, Autobahn knows what each automobile makeâ€™s unique needs, idiosyncrasies, and requirements are and how to address them effectively. Autobahn automotive technicians are trusted, skilled, and ASE certified. They stand by their work and do the job right the first time. Autobahnâ€™s continued success is based on their clientâ€™s referrals and the good word of mouth their work elicits. Having a partner on the road is a comforting feel. Autobahn car repair customers in Amawalk, Yorktown Heights, and throughout Westchester and Putnam counties trust them to be their partners when they need to be on the road.

Autobahn / Citgo Yorktown

2034 Saw Mill River Rd.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 962-7170 or (914) 962-2100
info@my-autobahn.com

Repair Shop Hours

Monday- Friday – 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 8:00am – 12:00pm

Tire Alignment Yorktown Heights

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:02:00 GMT

Summer driving is a popular activity. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and campers are all sharing the road during the summer as each driver heads off to vacation or recreation. Long drives and hot asphalt can cause a lot of wear and tear on the tires we rely on to keep us firmly on the road. Autobahn Foreign & Domestic Car Repair keeps their friends’, neighbors’, and customers’ tires rolling straight and true with expert tire alignment services in Yorktown Heights.
Autobahn knows their superior service and their satisfied customers’ positive word of mouth makes them the go-to team for tire alignments in Yorktown Heights and other services like:

General auto repairs
Transmission repairs
State inspections
Oil changes
Tire alignment
New tires

Proper tire alignment, or wheel alignment, helps your tires perform as they were designed and keeps them lasting longer, with less uneven wear and tear. A tire alignment by Autobahn may even be the solution to vibrations felt through the steering wheel or pulling of the steering wheel to the right or left-side of the road. A tire alignment adjusts the vehicle’s suspension system (not actually its wheels or tires) to keep all four wheels firmly, evenly, and correctly on the road and performing as expected. A tire alignment may be indicated if you notice:

Uneven tire tread wear
Pulling to the left or right
An off-center steering wheel orientation while driving straight
Vibrations felt through the steering column

A simple inspection of a tire’s tread can indicate a need for a tire (or wheel) alignment. Some tell-tale signs of uneven or improper tire wear can include: feathering—where the tire tread is smooth on one side and sharp on the other; camber wear—the outside of the tire treads are more worn than the center treads of the tire; and heel/toe wear—when the tire tread wears down more quickly on one side as the tire rotates. Each of these unusual tire tread wear patterns indicates the need for a tire alignment service.
Camber, Caster, and Toe
A tire alignment service involves three separate measurements of each wheel’s orientation; camber, caster and toe. Camber refers to the angle that the tire/wheel rests at while viewing the vehicle from the direct front or rear. Misaligned or extremely angled wheels, also known as a negative or positive camber, indicate improper alignment and the need for a tire alignment. Caster refers to the axis or pivot point where the tire turns to point left or right. It’s often observed from the side of the vehicle while looking at the wheels. Positive caster means that the axis or pivot point tilts toward the rear of the vehicle. Negative caster means that this centerline tilts toward the front of the vehicle.
Toe is a measurement of the angle at which the wheels point toward each other or away from each other when viewed as if above the vehicle (imagine if a car could be pigeon-toed or duck-footed). Either situation requires adjustment to keep the tires and suspension components in good order.
Have all your toys ready for summer. Autobahn Foreign and Domestic Auto Repair in Yorktown Heights can have each of your vehicle’s tires aligned and ready to roll into summer fun.
Apr 24th, 2016 Ron Guarino, Autobahn Car Repair