Now Servicing All Tesla Models

Yearly Archives: 2020

The Importance of GIG HARBOR Drivers Following Service Intervals

Today in our Mackert Automotive LLC blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life in GIG HARBOR with recommended intervals: Let's start with twice yearly dental check-ups and regular physical exams. How about laundry, watering the lawn and paying the bills?Now, what would happen if you didn't follow these intervals? Well, you'd get more cavities. You may not discover health conditions that could be more effectively treated with early detection. And you'd have to wear dirty clothes, be embarrassed by your brown lawn and have your utilities shut off.Clearly, there are some things in life that we have to take care of regularly. If we don't, there are negative consequences. Our quality of life in GIG HARBOR takes a hit and it inevitably costs more money.So why is it so hard to remember to follow regular preventive maintenance on our vehicles?Probably a co ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance

Need a New Battery? Call Mackert Automotive LLC Today

Hello GIG HARBOR drivers! Need a new battery? There is a good chance that you do – 70% of batteries need to be replaced within four years. As your battery discharges and then recharges as you drive around GIG HARBOR, bits of the surface of the battery plates disintegrate. As this process continues over a few years, the alternator has to work harder to supplement the battery charge. Over time, enough of the battery is damaged that it can no longer hold a charge and it needs to be replaced. This also speeds up wear on the alternator.Your Mackert Automotive LLC service advisor can help you determine the right vehicle replacement battery for the way you drive around GIG HARBOR, as well as the WA climate and durability needs.Contact Mackert Automotive LLC for information on battery replacement.Give us a call. Mackert Automotive LLC 3416 57 STREET CT NW GIG HARBOR, WA 98335 2538513307 http://macke ... read more

Categories:

Battery

How Do You Save Gas in GIG HARBOR, WA?

No one in GIG HARBOR, WA, likes to spend a chunk of change at the gas pump. Rising WA fuel prices, however, have spurred GIG HARBOR drivers to focus on how to improve their fuel economy. North Americans literally drive billions of miles/kilometers less each month during times of high fuel prices. But we still need to drive (we love our vehicles, after all!), so it makes sense to try and increase our fuel economy however we can.Let's look at a real life example. This man has one of those really big SUVs. Lots of kids and horses to haul around, you know. His family was planning a four day camping trip. Here's what he did to cut his fuel costs:First, he installed a new, high flow engine air filter. Then he had his service center change his oil, flush his cooling system and service his front and rear differentials along with the transfer case. He also had a fuel system cleaning, replaced his PCV valve and breather element. He also made sure his tires were ... read more

Categories:

Fuel System

Super Slick at Mackert Automotive LLC in GIG HARBOR: Synthetic Oil

When you get an oil change, it's always a safe bet to just use the type of oil the manufacturer recommends. But sometimes we're asked if we'd like conventional or synthetic motor oil. We glance at the price tags on the two options and choose the cheaper one. But in this case, the more expensive oil might be the better bargain for GIG HARBOR drivers. Conventional oil is made from petroleum. Its molecules form long hydrocarbon chains. Synthetic motor oil is either more highly refined petroleum or completely man-made. Its molecules are more uniform. This provides advantages over conventional motor oil. First of all, the molecular structure of synthetic motor oil makes it more slippery than conventional oil so it lubricates better. This translates to better wear protection for GIG HARBOR drivers, cooler operating temperatures and more engine power. Further, synthetic oil is more heat-resistant than conventional oil, and it doesn't vapori ... read more

Categories:

Fluids

Defensive Driving in GIG HARBOR, WA

  There was a man in the GIG HARBOR area who learned that most car accidents occur within a mile of home – so he moved. (Just kidding!)When we think of defensive driving, we often focus on our local WA highway situations. The fact of the matter is we need to be just as careful close to home in GIG HARBOR, because that's where we do most of our driving. We can't let our familiar surroundings keep us from driving defensively.Defensive driving begins with the proper attitude. Have in mind that you won't let anyone take your safety away from you. You'll be aware of your surroundings, road conditions, other vehicles and hazards. And the first person to be concerned with is you: start with your own environment.Don't leave without securing all occupants including children and pets. Watch for loose items that can become projectiles during evasive maneuvers.Driving too fast or too slow increases the chance of an accident.Never drive impaired: Alcohol is a factor ... read more

Categories:

Steering

Check Your Shocks and Struts at Mackert Automotive LLC

  Today we're talking to GIG HARBOR drivers about shocks and struts. They're so easy for WA folks to forget about because they last so long and wear out so slowly. But your shocks are really responsible for keeping your tires on the road – so they're very important.Without shocks, your wheels would be bouncing over bumps and lifting on corners. The shocks push the tire down to the road to maximize traction. Good shocks equal good ride quality and safe handling for GIG HARBOR drivers. There's a difference between shocks and springs. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, keeping it suspended up off the axles. The shocks moderate the rebound motion as wheels hit bumps. Now a strut combines a shock and a coil spring in one compact unit. It's best to replace all four shocks at the same time. That way you'll have even, predictable handling at all four corners. Anything less could be dangerous. Visit Mackert Automotive LLC to have your ... read more

Categories:

Shocks & Struts

Mackert Automotive LLC Guide to Using the Correct Fluids in Your Vehicle

Mackert Automotive LLC Guide to Using the Correct Fluids in Your Vehicle

Today's Mackert Automotive LLC post focuses on using coolant. If you pour in the wrong kind, it won't protect the cooling system and may even void the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual. Of course, your Mackert Automotive LLC service advisor will know the proper coolant for your vehicle.Brake fluid is confusing for some GIG HARBOR drivers. Back when we opened Mackert Automotive LLC, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid. Now we have Dot 4 and Dot 5. Some GIG HARBOR residents mistakenly think the higher numbers are an upgrade. You know, if 3 is good then 4 must be better. That's not how it works. They are different formulations to meet the demands of differences in brake systems. Only one of them is designed for your vehicle.Ditto for transmission fluid. For decades there were two basic types of tranny fluid used at Mackert Automotive LLC: friction modified or not. With the tremendous engineering advances in vehicle automatic transmissions, there have been several new typ ... read more

Categories:

Fluids

Your Well Trained Technician at Mackert Automotive LLC

When your vehicle has a problem or just needs some routine service, you might get a little nervous. Your vehicle's so important to your life in GIG HARBOR, you need to get back on the road as soon as possible – with the problem fixed right the first time.If you've ever checked into some of the technician training Mackert Automotive LLC professionals receive, you may be surprised at how much specialized knowledge and skill goes into diagnosing and repairing a modern car. For example: Today there are four cylinder engines that generate more power than the 1980s-era V-8's. I mean a new V-6 Toyota Camry could beat Sonny Crocket's Ferrari in a race to 60 mph/100 kph. Our engines are more and more powerful and at the same time their fuel economy keeps inching up – even with steep GIG HARBOR gas prices. They are also amazingly reliable: Kudos to the automotive engineers. But the advances come at the price of simplicity. The mod ... read more

Categories:

Safety

GIG HARBOR Air Conditioning Service

Working up a sweat is a great thing to do in a gym around GIG HARBOR, but not in your vehicle. When GIG HARBOR residents' vehicle AC Systems have a problem, they'll often feel it right away. The question is, how long do you put up with it? You know, the old comfort versus cost dilemma. But a more comfortable drive around WA has a lot of benefits, and keeping the AC System well maintained can help prevent repairs.A common cause of AC failure is water and air in the system. The system does not work as well with air in it. And water can cause rust that leads to damage of the A/C components. Also refrigerant, the stuff that makes the air cold, can leak out, reducing the efficiency of the system and making it work harder to try to cool the air. That is why periodically evacuating the air conditioning system and recharging it keeps the proper amount of clean refrigerant in the system for GIG HARBOR residents, so it cools better and lasts longer.GIG HARBOR drivers should a ... read more

Categories:

Air Conditioning

Higher Mileage Service Intervals for GIG HARBOR

GIG HARBOR drivers have probably noticed that the government mandates a lot of equipment on cars: emission devices and control computers, safety equipment like airbags and crash worthiness requirements. All of this is great for the motoring public in the GIG HARBOR area, but it does add quite a bit to the price of a new car.Because new cars are more expensive, GIG HARBOR residents are driving their old cars longer. The average car is now over nine years old. 68% of vehicles on the road have more than 75,000 miles/120,000 kilometers. As cars age, their performance drops, they have difficulty idling for long periods and are more sensitive to weather extremes. Fortunately today's cars are up to the challenge - but they need a little help to keep on going.Some owner's manuals don't outline service requirements and schedules at higher mileage. Of course, that doesn't mean it doesn't have to be done. In fact, it's more important than ever for GIG HARBOR drivers to stay on to ... read more

Categories:

Fuel System
Mackert Automotive LLC is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Mackert Automotive LLC (253) 851-3307 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.