Automotive Industry News & Information - Jim Van Dyke's Automotive Center

Your gas mileage mostly depends on what kind of car you drive; engine displacement and vehicle weight are the largest determining factors on gas mileage, and there’s not much you can do to change either of those. That doesn’t mean attempting to improve your fuel economy is a completely hopeless endeavor, however. With these tips from Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, you might be surprised how much your fuel mileage can be improved.

“Winterize” is a term you see thrown around a lot at mechanic shops and auto parts stores. What does it actually entail though? As with most things, there are the basics, and then there are the above and beyond approaches. Depending on what sort of winter you’re expecting, and how much you intend to drive in it, should determine how you winterize your car. We at Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH have prepared some tips for you, to help you better understand what it means to winterize a car, and how to prepare for the months ahead.

Transmissions are complicated and intricate pieces of equipment. Many general mechanic shops won’t touch a transmission, if it’s anything more than simply installing a new one. Transmissions are one aspect of a vehicle that even experienced mechanics often don’t dare delve into, and is easily the most mysterious and misunderstood system in the automotive world.

An article about routine maintenance probably doesn’t sound like the most riveting read, but at Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, proper maintenance is something we believe in wholeheartedly. Routine maintenance is the key to making a car last for decades; if done correctly, your car will stay reliable and enjoyable to drive, and you will save time and money in the process.

At Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, we understand all too well the importance of changing your oil regularly. Three to five thousand miles sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t really take that long to rack them up. The busier you are, the more you probably drive, and the more likely you are to forget it’s time to change your oil. Here are some reasons to pay attention to your oil changes, and help you better understand why oil changes are so important.

If you’re reading this, you probably not excited to be here; the time has come for a new transmission. Fortunately, we at Jim Van Dyke are here to offer you solutions, and let you know that it’s not all bad. Replacing a tired and worn transmission will truly bring your car back to life, and you’ll probably be glad you did it.

Winter is officially on the way, whether it feels like it outside or not at the moment. Don’t let unusually warm weather trick you into letting your guard down...cold weather is just around the corner. Here is your winter preparation guide, from your trusted technicians at Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH.

At Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH will prepare you for the next time your car shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.