Diagnose-My-Car-By-Plugging-It-Into-A-Computer

Can I Diagnose My Car By Plugging It Into A Computer?

In short, probably not. Using a scan tool or computer system will provide codes and some basic readings from the various sensors around the car, but it doesn’t tell you with any degree of certainty what’s wrong with the car. It just provides enough information for a skilled and experienced technician to know where to look for the actual problem.

ISSUES WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS:

At Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care of Louisville, we can provide the expertise and information to help better understand the root of a problem and the different solution options we can provide to solve it. Often times, using a scan tool can also end up in a misdiagnosis of the real problem, and users end up spending a lot of money replacing parts that may or may not be necessary.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS AT COTTMAN:

The technicians at your Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care of Louisville are fully trained on computer system diagnosis. They know just how much of the information they collect through a scan tool that they can trust, and how much they need to verify before they make any repair recommendations.

So, if your check engine light comes on, make an appointment today and be back on the road in no time!

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5 Ways To Get More Life Out Of Your Brakes

5 Ways to get more life out of your Brakes

Owning a car comes with certain responsibilities including periodic maintenance like oil changes, timing belts, brakes, and other wearable parts. Making sure your car is taken care of will save you money down the road. Your brakes are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle.  Keeping them in good working order is one of the easiest ways to limit expensive accidents. Here are some tips to get the most life from them and save you money in the long run.

  1. No Hot Rodding! It takes a lot more work for the brakes to slow the car down if you are speeding. And, on the plus side, you’ll save on speeding tickets too.
  2. Always pay attention to traffic patterns and anticipate your next stop. Let off the gas pedal well before a red light and coast to a stop. It will save the life of your brake pads and may even prevent a rear-end collision.
  3. Slowly pump rather than stomp on the brakes. By releasing and applying the pedal, you give the brakes a chance to cool down improving performance and longevity.
  4. Only use your right foot for both the brake and gas pedals. That way the brake never gets hit while using the gas. Even just resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving can make the brakes drag and cause premature wear.
  5. Use quality brakes. Just because a cheaper brake pad is available does not mean it’s recommended by the manufacturer. By using premium brakes with the correct formulation, you can get many more miles between brake repairs and have fewer issues like brake noise.

Try these 5 tips and you’ll be on your way to fewer headaches and saving money over time on your brake repairs. If you have any brake replacement, brake repair, or even just basic brake inspection needs here in Beaverton Oregon, we at Cottman of Beaverton are always happy to help! Happy motoring.

 

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Celebrates “National Check Your Transmission Day” Today on Oct. 21 Auto Repair Brand Promotes Transmission Maintenance During National Car Care Month with Free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection

HORSHAM, Pa. – Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care announced that it is leveraging its position as an industry leader in aftermarket and transmission maintenance to celebrate an unprecedented national holiday: National Check Your Transmission Day, taking place today on Oct. 21, 2017, during October’s National Car Care Month.

In observance of National Check Your Transmission Day today, Cottman is urging all drivers to make transmission maintenance a priority. To that end, Cottman is offering its very own free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection, which provides busy consumers with the chance to enhance regular auto maintenance with a comprehensive transmission check at no extra charge.

“Today is the perfect opportunity for consumers to make comprehensive preventative car care and maintenance a routine part of their relationship with their vehicle,” said Randy Wright, president for Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. “Consumers should know that not all basic car care packages include transmission maintenance and National Check Your Transmission Day is a reminder to take advantage of services such Cottman’s free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection to make sure their transmissions are running smoothly, on this special day and throughout the rest of the year.”

Transmission repair is one of the most expensive and therefore most dreaded repairs, making many consumers prone to ignoring preventable problems.

“National Check Your Transmission Day today is a reminder for consumers to face transmission maintenance head-on and prolong a transmission’s life by bringing in their vehicles for regular transmission fluid and filter checks,” said Derik Beck vice president of digital marketing for Cottman. “We want all consumers to just be aware that this is an important part of the vehicle and by creating a national day we can highlight the need to have it checked, not only on this particular day but throughout the year.”

Today on National Check Your Transmission Day, Cottman is also raising awareness of the various maintenance habits that can reduce the life of a car’s transmission, from poor driving habits to inadequate service intervals. With better awareness of transmission maintenance basics, Cottman intends to convince more drivers of the importance of transmission checks to prevent unnecessary, costly repairs.

Observed in October, today’s National Check Your Transmission Day also falls within National Car Care Month, which promotes regular car maintenance all month long. October and the fall season is the perfect opportunity for drivers to effectively prepare and safeguard their vehicles’ functionality for winter as the season changes from summer to fall.

In addition to taking advantage of transmission-focused maintenance services such as Cottman’s TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection, consumers can observe National Check Your Transmission Day by familiarizing themselves with what to look for in a healthy transmission. Beyond simply paying attention to the check engine light or replacing old oil, knowing the basics of transmission maintenance can empower customers to get the best care possible for their vehicles—is the oil burnt or just worn out? Is the material in the bottom of the sump a problem or is it just normal wear? Is it too late to be paying for a service to fix a transmission issue? A little knowledge can go a long way in empowering a consumer to ensure their transmission is performing at the top of its game.

Watch Cottman’s series of educational videos by the brand’s animated Cottman Man and Transmission Physician to learn more about transmission maintenance.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

National Check Your Transmission Day

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care are naming October 21st National Check Your Transmission Day. And they’ll perform a TransCheck 21 Plus Inspection to provide consumers with a complete picture of the condition of their transmissions.

The procedure is simple: You bring your car to your local Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care center. They perform a TransCheck 21 Plus Inspection, which includes checking your transmission’s fluid, looking for leaks, examining its performance, and looking for any computer system trouble codes that could indicate a problem. From there, they’ll give you a complete report on your transmission’s condition, and recommend any services that might help improve your transmission’s longevity. Maybe there won’t be anything required, or maybe they’ll recommend a service. From there, any follow-up appointments can be scheduled accordingly.

And, to go along with catching problems early, every Cottman location is giving away prizes to their first customers! Catch transmission problems early, and get rewarded. But, whatever they suggest, you can bank on two things: It’ll cost a lot less than a complete transmission rebuild, and it’ll extend the life of your transmission.

Who should have their transmission checked? According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the following vehicles have exhibited many transmission issues:

2002 and 2004 FORD EXPLORER – owners experienced many issues with the transmission from a complete transmission failure, OverDrive light blinking, transmission slips when shifting, difficulty shifting, and more.

2003 Honda Accord – owners report complete transmission failures, not shifting properly, slips out of gear, will not shift into certain gears, irregular shifting, and more.

2013 Nissan Altima – many issues with CVT.

2001 Honda Civic – Complete failures, slipping, gears will not engage or pops out of a gear at random.

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care Unveils Four New Auto Care Videos Acclaimed Auto Repair Brand Releases Exclusive Collection of Online Tip Videos

HORSHAM, Pa. – Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care continue to affirm its position as the foremost authority on aftermarket car care, culminating in the release of four videos in the acclaimed Transmission Physician series.

Available to watch online, Cottman’s four new auto care tip videos address a number of common concerns and best practices on transmission maintenance. The brand, which has endeared itself in the communities it serves for the honesty and integrity that defines every customer experience as well as its local outreach programs, is committed to educating its customers before, during and after their visit to Cottman. The live links to the videos are listed below and include the topics of:

“When we first revealed the Transmission Physician, we were overwhelmed by the positive response from our customers. There’s a culture of uncertainty and misunderstanding when it comes to car maintenance and ownership, and the Transmission Physician takes a big step toward clearing up common misconceptions,” said Derik Beck, vice president of digital marketing for Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. “These videos give us the opportunity to share our expertise with consumers nationwide so they can travel safely. We’re here to help people take the guesswork out of common car problems.”

The release of these four videos bookends a year of industry acclaim for the Cottman Transmission Physician. In 2017 alone, the decorated, animated female transmission specialist has brought home a host of impressive awards:

  • Platinum Award, dotCOMM Awards for Animation in Web Creativity and Digital Communication
  • Silver Award, Summit Creative Awards for Education Animated Video Series
  • Bronze Award, Telly Awards, Craft Use of Animation for Branded Content & Entertainment and Web Series for Video, Shows or Segments
  • Gold Medal, Hermes Creative Awards, Electronic Media – Websites, Educational Video Series
  • “Excellence” designation, Communicator Awards, Online Video in a Campaign or Web Series
  • “Distinction” designation, Communicator Awards, Online Video in Video Education

The Transmission Physician web series is a standout component of Cottman’s broader catalog of educational digital content. Using accessible animation and themes, Cottman shares its educational videos on the brand’s website as a way for consumers to learn more about common car care topics.

As a specialist in transmission technology and repair, the Transmission Physician debunks common transmission myths, shares specialized, transmission-specific advice and explores related topics such as checking the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), why transmissions are so expensive, the process of how a transmission works, rechecks and more.

She joins the Cottman Man, the brand’s well-known namesake who has long starred in his own digital series, teaching consumers about car care and tips to maintain the longevity of their vehicles. Together, these characters strengthen Cottman’s ability to connect with consumers and creatively share meaningful maintenance information that adds value to the excellent services already offered at every Cottman location.

To view the Transmission Physician and Cottman Man Video Series, visit www.cottman.com/videos/. And, to learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, please visit www.cottman.com.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.Cottman.com and www.TheCottmanManBlog.com.

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care Reveals Crucial Vehicle Upkeep Tips for National Car Care Month National Decrease in Auto Sales Prompts Expert Transmission and Car Care Franchise to Share Maintenance Knowledge with Customers

HORSHAM, Pa. – More and more Americans are choosing to forego buying new cars in favor of maintaining the vehicles they already own, leading to an increased need for both personal car care know-how and the superior services offered by local shops such as Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care.

In honor of National Car Care Month, Cottman today released a list of maintenance tips to help consumers improve both their personal auto upkeep skills and the longevity of their cars in the process:

Inspect Tires

Tires not only impact safety, performance and mileage, but they’re also a key indicator of a car’s overall condition and require regular inspection to ensure they’re performing their best. Worn down tires provide less traction, which can lead to accidents and costly repairs. If you’re at home and want to check if your tires’ tread is safe but don’t have a tread depth gauge, a penny will do. Place the penny in a tire groove with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires. If you find that your tires’ tread-wear is uneven, this may be indicative of issues with inflation, alignment or suspension. A visit to your local Cottman shop can help determine the cause of the issue.

Check Fluids

Fluids are critical to any vehicle’s function and allow the machinery in your car to run smoothly. Five fluids that should be checked regularly include engine oil, coolant, power steering, brake and windshield washer fluid. If you have an older car, opt for a higher viscosity engine oil, or high mileage oil for better performance. Also, pay close attention to the ground where your car is normally parked, as this is a good way to check for any potential leakage. If you spot a leak, taking your car into the shop for preventative maintenance will help ensure your vehicle lasts for the long haul.

Consult the Manual

The ownership manual tucked away in your glove compartment often contains the keys to your peace of mind as a car owner, including information such as the necessary intervals for monitoring fluids, changing tires or checking brakes. If you have any questions about your owner’s manual or need help interpreting its instructions, your local Cottman Man can help you define meaning within the manual and empower you to keep your current car running like new.

“Now more than ever, we know our customers are looking to keep their cars running smoothly for as long as possible,” said Randy Wright, president of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. “National Car Care Month is a great time of year to take the time to learn more about your car and what it needs to stay strong. It’s also a great opportunity to recommit to a regular maintenance schedule. Our locations are valued resources in each community they serve and we look forward to continuing to be the go-to car shop for auto owners.”

For drivers interested in additional car care tips, the brand has produced several series of informational videos starring both the Cottman Man and the Transmission Physician. The educational videos were released as a resource for relevant consumer preventative and proactive car care tips.

To view The Cottman Man Educational Video Series, visit https://www.cottman.com/videos/, while the Transmission Physician Video Series can be found at https://cottman.com/transmission-physician/. And, to learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, please visit www.cottman.com.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.Cottman.com and www.TheCottmanManBlog.com.

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care Celebrates “National Check Your Transmission Day” Oct. 21 Auto Repair Brand Promotes Transmission Maintenance During National Car Care Month with Free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection

HORSHAM, Pa. – Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care are leveraging its position as an industry leader in aftermarket and transmission maintenance with an unprecedented national holiday: National Check Your Transmission Day on Oct. 21, 2017, a special celebration during October’s National Car Care Month.

In observance of National Check Your Transmission Day, Cottman is urging all drivers to make transmission maintenance a priority. To that end, Cottman is offering its very own free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection, which provides busy consumers with the chance to enhance regular auto maintenance with a comprehensive transmission check at no extra charge.

“Since many consumers depend on their car as their primary source of transportation, preventative car care and maintenance is often the key to extending the life of their vehicle,” said Randy Wright, president for Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. “Transmission maintenance is not always included in a basic tune-up check, and National Check Your Transmission Day is a chance for consumers to take advantage of services such Cottman’s free TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection to ensure their transmissions are serviced regularly.”

Transmission repair is one of the most expensive and therefore most dreaded repairs, making many consumers prone to ignore preventable problems. “National Check Your Transmission Day is a reminder for consumers to face transmission problems head-on and prolong a transmission’s life by bringing in their vehicles for regular transmission fluid and filter checks,” said Derik Beck vice president of digital marketing for Cottman. “We want all consumers to just be aware that this is an important part of the vehicle and by creating a national day we can highlight the need to have it checked, not only on this particular day but throughout the year.”

On National Check Your Transmission Day, Cottman will also be raising awareness of the various maintenance habits that can reduce the life of a car’s transmission, from poor driving habits to inadequate service intervals. With better awareness of transmission maintenance basics, Cottman intends to convince more drivers of the importance of transmission checks to prevent unnecessary, costly repairs.

Observed in October, National Check Your Transmission Day also falls within National Car Care Month, which promotes regular car maintenance all month long. October and the fall season is the perfect opportunity for drivers to effectively prepare and safeguard their vehicles’ functionality for winter as the season changes from summer to fall.

In addition to taking advantage of transmission-focused maintenance services such as Cottman’s TransCheck 21 PLUS Inspection, consumers can observe National Check Your Transmission Day by familiarizing themselves with what to look for in a healthy transmission. Beyond simply paying attention to the check engine light or replacing old oil, knowing the basics of transmission maintenance can empower customers to get the best care possible for their vehicles—is the oil burnt or just worn out? Is the material in the bottom of the sump a problem or is it just normal wear? Is it too late to be paying for a service to fix a transmission issue? A little knowledge can go a long way in empowering a consumer to ensure their transmission is performing at the top of its game.

To further educate consumers, earlier this year Cottman released it’s a new animated character called the Transmission Physician and a new educational video series which features her as a specialist in transmission technology and repair, and explores topics through the video series such as, checking the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), why transmissions are so expensive, the process of how a transmission works, rechecks and more. These videos are accessible via the Cottman website.

At its core, Cottman centers are and always have been transmission specialty repair centers, dedicated to providing honest, quality service at reasonable prices to drivers everywhere. Transmissions, cars, and technology, in general, continue to change, and with it the consumer demand for information. This is why the National Check Your Transmission Day was founded and the Transmission Physician Educational Video Series was created.

To learn more, about the national day please visit Cottman’s national website, www.cottman.com/national-check-your-transmission-day. To learn more about the Transmission Physician Educational Video Series please visit https://www.cottman.com/Transmission-Physician/.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.Cottman.com and www.TheCottmanManBlog.com.

Cottman’s Blog Does It Again: Number 14 of the Top 33 Helpful Blogs for Repair and Maintenance

HORSHAM, Pa. – And the hits just keep on coming for the Cottman Man blog! Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care just reached number 14 on the Top 33 Informative and Helpful Blogs for Car Care, Repair, and Maintenance by the itmycar.com website. In it, Cottman shares the spotlight with such luminaries as the Popular Mechanics and Be Car Care Aware sites.

Today’s announcement is the latest in series of awards that the Cottman has received for its blog: It was named one of the Top 50 Automotive and Mechanics Blogs by Direct Capital after being online for just five months. The Automotive Communications award from the Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) and the Automotive Communication Council (ACC) for Best Blog. The International Advertising Competition awarded Cottman for the Best Blog Website for the Cottman Man Blog. Website Magazine recognized the Cottman blog as an example of how businesses can reach out to consumers in their communities. And was Cottman’s efforts were recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Auto Repair and Maintenance Blogs for Mechanics and Car Owners by the Feedspot online blog spot.

“I have reviewed hundreds of blogs on the internet to choose 33 useful blogs. And as an introduction to Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care’s blog in the top 33 blogs, there are many reasons I chose to introduce Cottman’s blog to my readers,” said Tracy Moore Founder and Main Editor of ITmycar.com. “I like how the company has a long history, its wide scale of operations and a blog with practical articles, tips, tricks, and analysis for anyone interested in learning more about their vehicle. If the reader is a car lover, see the vehicle as their friend, then there is no reason not to visit Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care’s blog. It’s really great.”

“We’re extremely proud of the recognition our blog has been receiving,” says Derik Beck, Cottman’s VP of digital marketing. “It shows that we’re reaching consumers who are looking for information to help them make important decisions about their cars. And we’re working hard to keep that information fresh and relevant.”

According to Beck, consumers often feel overwhelmed when faced with a repair decision. “Today’s cars are extremely complicated, and they can often find themselves in the position of having to make difficult repair decisions. The Cottman Man Blog explains these complex issues clearly, so they can understand the problems they’re facing and help make informed decisions. And it reinforces the trust that’s so important when working with a repair center.”

“Our goal has always been to provide consumers with the information they need to have a clear understanding about their cars,” explains Cottman President Randy Wright.

“We believe educated consumers will make smarter decisions when it comes to having their cars repaired. And that benefits all of us: the consumers and the Cottman centers.”

The Cottman Man Blog covers a wide variety of topics and is constantly being updated with new information. The site provides articles covering how to recognize when your car has a problem, how to find a qualified repair shop, and how to explain your problem to the technician to make sure you’re getting the most accurate repair possible. And it covers maintenance services, to let you know which ones are valid, cost-effective choices, and which would be better avoided.

While the Cottman Man Blog is a valuable resource for consumers, it’s just one part of the consumer outreach program that’s become the hallmark of Cottman’s online presence. Last year Cottman launched The Cottman Man Educational Video Series which won multiple awards:

In 2016:

  • The International Advertising Competition – Best Other Online Video for the Cottman Man Educational Video Series
  • Platinum Award in the 2016 Summit Marketing Effectiveness Awards (MEA) competition specifically in the Education Marketing Category
  • 2016 W3 Awards:
  • Video Features Web Personality/Host
  • Online Video Web Series

Then Cottman decided to launch the Transmission Physician program — an animated video program featuring the first female transmission specialist which has also been honored by a number of awards in 2017:

  • Two Telly Awards – A Bronze Award for “Craft Use of Animation for Branded Content & Entertainment” and a Bronze Award for “Web Series for Video, Shows or Segments”
  • Earned the Gold Award in the 2017 Hermes Creative Awards competition in the category “Electronic Media – Websites” for the subcategory of “Educational Video Series.”
  • Two Communicator Awards – Earned an “Excellence” designation from the Communicator Awards in the category of an online video in a campaign or web series. The series also earned a “Distinction” designation in the category of an online video in video education.
  • Earned the Silver Award in the 2017 Summit Creative Award competition for its creative work in the educational animated video series

For more information about the Cottman Man blog, stop by TheCottmanManBlog.com. To learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Car or to watch the Transmission Physician videos, visit www.cottman.com.

Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care offer a rare franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in a proven and reputable brand in the fast-growing automotive aftermarket industry. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per center. The initial franchise investment for a Cottman center is between $190,000 to $235,000, which includes a $37,500 franchise fee. For honorably discharged veterans, Cottman offers a reduced franchise fee.

To learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care and its available franchise opportunities please visit https://www.cottman.com/cottman-franchise-opportunities/.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care:

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.Cottman.com and www.TheCottmanManBlog.com.

Explaining the Problem

You just headed out to work or the store when you noticed it: a noise you’ve never heard before, coming from somewhere under the hood of your car. Or maybe it wasn’t a noise; maybe it was just something… not right.

You know you’re going to have to take your car in to get it checked. So you call your local Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care center and say… what?

It’s an important question: one that can make a big difference in whether your car gets fixed quickly or with a few extra days. Knowing how to explain the problem will go a long way toward getting your car fixed and the road quickly and efficiently.

So what should you know? Start with what the problem is: a noise, a vibration, or just something that feels different? Don’t try to diagnose it, and try not to tell the technician what you want to be done. Telling them to “Give it a tuneup” or “Align the wheels,” may not be the problem that you’re seeing or hearing. Instead, let the technicians know the facts will help them better diagnose the car.

The first thing you should do is see if you can work out as many details of the problem as possible. When does it occur? When you’re applying or letting off the gas? When the car is cold or hot? Right after you start the engine or after you’ve driven it for a while? Or does it go away after a few minutes?

Driving straight or turning? Slow or fast? On rough roads or all the time?

And what about the weather? Is it hot or cold out? Rainy or dry? Or doesn’t it matter? These are all things that can make a difference for helping the technician identify the problem and repair it right.

Best of all, can you show the problem to the technician? If you can, it’ll clear up a lot of question about what, exactly, you’re worried about. Since technicians fix many “noises” throughout the day, it may not be the noise that you had heard originally.

Want to make sure you get your problem fixed right? Take it to your nearby Cottman Center and explain the problem to them as best you can. Include everything you noticed, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense. Then let them do their job: You’ll both be glad you did.

Before You Go on a Road Trip…

Summer’s just around the corner. And, if you’re one of the few people who’ve never seen National Lampoon’s Vacation, you may be considering a road trip for your vacation this year.

Well, before you head off to enjoy your well-earned break from the day-to-day grind, take your car over to your nearby Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care center for a complete, pre-vacation checkup.

What’s involved in a pre-vacation checkup? Basically, the technicians go over your car from bumper to bumper with a fine-tooth comb, looking for anything that could create a safety hazard or might let you down while you’re away.

They’ll check the lights, wipers, and washers. Then they’ll get under the hood to make sure all the fluids are full, the filters are clean, and the battery terminals aren’t corroded.

They’ll put your car up in the air and check the tires, brakes, shocks, and exhaust. And they’ll look for anything that might be loose, worn, or damaged.

Of course, if you’d like, they’ll also take care of any maintenance services you’d like to have done before you go: oil changes, transmission services, tune-ups, fuel system services — anything you’d like to do to make sure your car is ready to handle the demands of a long trip.

As Chevy Chase taught us, the road can be a cruel mistress. To avoid problems, your best bet is to make sure your car is safe and ready for sustained travel. Your friends at your nearby Cottman center are here to help.