Posted on 10/29/2015
When it comes to preventive maintenance on our vehicles, most of us Gig Harbor motorists remember to get our oil changed. But Mackert Automotive services that occur at longer intervals - like transmission service - sometimes get overlooked. Yet transmission service is a vital part of car care for Gig Harbor drivers. A poorly maintained transmission will cut down gas mileage and lead to expensive repairs. The transmission transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels. When it's clean and well - lubricated, it gives maximum fuel efficiency. But when it gets dirty or worn down, your fuel efficiency will suffer. Your transmission relies on transmission fluid to keep everything running well. Transmission fluid has two jobs: to cool and lubricate the transmission. The transmission operates at high temperatures. It can get 100-150°F degrees hotter inside your transmission than inside your engine. Transmission fluid transfers some of the heat away from the transmission. Transmi ... read more
Posted on 10/22/2015
Taking care of our tires is a key part of car care for Gig Harbor drivers. We know they have to be replaced when they wear out, but tires also require some essential preventive maintenance. This maintenance will improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of the tires, so it's well worth the effort and expense for Gig Harbor drivers to get it done. Tire maintenance includes keeping tires properly inflated, rotating tires and balancing wheels. The recommended tire pressure for a vehicle's tires is printed on a sticker on the inside of the driver's side doorjamb. A lot of engineering goes into calculating the correct pressure, so it's a vital number for Gig Harbor drivers to know. Not following this recommendation can throw off the suspension system and can lead to costly tire damage. Underinflated tires wear out more quickly than properly inflated tires. Vehicles also get better traction, handling and gas mileage on properly inflated tires. Check ... read more
Posted on 10/14/2015
We've all seen Washington motorists do crazy things while driving to or from Gig Harbor. A guy shaving in the rear-view mirror, a woman applying makeup, people talking on their phones, texting or drinking from an enormous coffee mug. It's a wonder we even dare drive on Washington roads. The truth is that all of us Gig Harbor auto owners are distracted when we drive. Unfortunately, traffic, road construction and other dangerous external factors are beyond our control. The distractions inside our car, however, are things we can often control. Here's some things that'll give you more control in your car, and help keep your attention on the roads around Gig Harbor, Washington. Gig Harbor drivers who are 16 to 20 years old tend to be more distracted by the radio, CD or MP3 player. Gig Harbor car owners who are 20 to 29 are more distracted by passengers in the car, including small children. Those over age 65 tend to be more distracted by objects or events that are outsid ... read more
Posted on 10/8/2015
When Gig Harbor auto owners need to replace tires, they need to know how many they should get, and on which axle they should be placed. Replacing a damaged tire may leave you with three others with significant wear, which could affect your traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brake systems. If you can't afford to replace all four tires at once, you should at least replace two on the same axle. New tires should always be put on the rear axle for stability in slippery conditions. Your friendly and courteous Mackert Automotive tire professional can help you determine when your worn tires should be replaced, if you can have a damaged tire repaired as well as selecting the right tires for your needs. Give us a call Mackert Automotive 253-851-3307 3416-B 57th ST CT NW Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
Posted on 10/7/2015
When accidents occur in Gig Harbor, Washington, the victims' emergency contacts are extremely important. Too often, those involved aren't able to provide rescuers with phone numbers and essential medical information. When Washington police and rescue workers must sift through pockets, glove compartments, wallets, purses and cell phone directories they waste precious time. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident, you have people in the Gig Harbor, Washington area who you'll want to be contacted to arrange help, give consent to treatment, and inform Gig Harbor paramedics of medical conditions, allergies or medications. A brilliantly simple solution is now spreading through Gig Harbor and around the globe: ICE. ICE - standing for In Case of Emergency, is a way to identify emergency contacts in your cell phonedirectory. Simply put ‘ICE' before a contact name in your c ... read more