Buying a used car can be a risky endeavor, but also a rewarding one. Buying used, even if the car is close to new, will save you a lot of money compared to the price of a new car off the lot. However, there are some inherent risks that come with purchasing a used car; here is how to best avoid trouble.

Nobody - I mean nobody wants a high repair bill.  Ever!  So why ignore the easy things like filters and fluids?  Here at Mercie J Auto Care our Mesa drivers know that their car and truck’s filters are important to the longevity of that vehicle as well as the interior comfort. Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly.  The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors. The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars). The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria and dust that may find their way into a car’s ventilation system.  Keeping the filters and fluids changed regularly is simply a win-win solution!

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, our goal is to provide you with the best service and automotive information on the market. No matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, we have the goods you need.

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we believe it’s important for you to know how different systems in your car, truck, or SUV operate. Whether you want to know what to watch out for, or you’re just curious about how things work, we’re here to supply the answers.

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we’re all about keeping you in the know. Today, we’d like to give you some advice on maintaining the resale value of your car, truck, or SUV.

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, one of our primary objectives is to keep you informed on how to best care for your vehicle. With temperatures dropping this time of year, a question often comes to mind; is it ok to idle my car for extended periods of time?

Does your steering wheel feel like it’s fighting you when trying to drive in a straight line? Does your car turn too aggressively when you try to go one direction, and poorly when you try to go another? There are a few possibilities as to what it means if your car resists going in a straight line. Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa has the answers for you.

What is your flywheel, and when do you need to replace it? Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ has the answers you’re looking for.

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem a like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer, if observed properly.

Everyone from car mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your car, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about cars. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we understand that a car, truck, or SUV is more than just a vehicle. It’s a means of getting your kids to school, getting you to work, picking up groceries, and everything else you need to do. You use your car more than any other thing you own, and it’s also most likely your biggest material investment.

The best way to keep your car out of the repair facility with major repair problems is to follow a basic vehicle care maintenance schedule. It is recommended that you make general visual inspections and stay on top of vehicle maintenance items. The skilled automotive technicians at Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ can assist with basic vehicle maintenance and more complex repairs. Feel free to give us a call or come by at your convenience if you have any questions.

You always hear that you should “warm up” your car. What does that even mean, and is it really necessary? Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ has the answers for you.

As cold weather grips much of the country, there’s a good chance you’ll either have to live with it or travel through it at some point this winter. You may have never considered the freezing point of gasoline as an issue, but should you? Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ has the answer.

When temperatures start to fall, so does your tire pressure. According to Goodyear, every ten degrees the outside temperature drops will cause 1-2 pounds of pressure loss in your tire. Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ is here to tell you why that happens, why you should care, and what you should do about it.

“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 Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ 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.