Scotty's Transmission's and RPM Automotive Repair & Tips Blog » Automotive Tips

Winter Safety Inspection (with coupon)

scottystransmission — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:27:53 +0000

Well, here we are. Start of winter and still no signs of snow. I know some of you are as anxious as I am to get out and play in the snow and some are not looking forward to driving in the snow but the snow will be here soon enough. Here are some tips from Scotty’s Transmission and RPM Automotive to prepare for winter driving.

Have your vehicles battery tested. Cold weather is hardest on batteries.
Inspect your wipers and washers. Be sure you have washer fluid rated to -20 degrees or better.
Have your coolant tested for freeze level and PH levels.
Inspect your tires for tread depth and be sure tires are rated for mud & snow.
Always carry tire chains. Have chains fitted before you need them to insure a proper fit.
Be sure to have an ice scraper, blanket, gloves, flashlight, water and snacks in your vehicle.
Never leave home without a jacket for all passengers.
Thoroughly clean all windows of snow and ice.
Last but not least, check road conditions before you travel. Avoid travel when chains are required if at all possible. www.safetravelusa.com

Call or go to our website www.rpmautomotiveinc.com or to our Facebook Page to schedule an appointment to have RPM Automotive or Scotty’s Transmissions inspect your vehicle for winter driving conditions. We wish you a safe and trouble free drive.

RPM Automotive Receives 2011 Best of Sparks Award

scottystransmission — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:19:47 +0000

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, September 27, 2011 –RPM Automotive has been selected for the 2011 Best of Sparks Award in the Automotive Transmission Repair Shops category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.

Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

We would like to thank everyone that allowed us to serve you and make your life better 1 mile at a time!

RPM Automotive and Scotty’s Transmission
www.scottystransmission.com
775-359-1133

When is my vehicle due for service?

scottystransmission — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:29:43 +0000

I am often asked, when should I change my oil. My oil maintenance reminder says I have 30% life remaining but the sticker says I’m due for an oil change.

Well, the answer is this: the oil maintenance reminder in your vehicle is a predetermined amount of time set by the manufacture. The clock runs only when your vehicle is operating. This time is calculated by engineers for normal operating conditions. If you drive your vehicles like most of us inNorthern Nevadayou are operating in other than normal conditions. These conditions include, weather extremes, warm up time, the distance per drive cycle, the amount of dust in the air and many other conditions.

The manufacturer recommends if you don’t drive in optimal conditions you should replace your oil sooner than the maintenance reminder suggests.

Scotty’s Transmission & RPM Automotive has access to all of the vehicle manufactures recommended maintenance schedules. Call us 775-359-0840 or visit us on the web at www.scottystransmission.com or www.rpmautomotiveinc.com and we will be happy to provide this information at no charge to you.

Do I have to take my vehicle to the dealer for maintenance to keep the warranty in effect?

scottystransmission — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:19:50 +0000

It is one of the most common misconceptions in the automotive industry: To maintain your new car’s warranty you have to have is serviced at the dealership. THIS SIMPLY IS NOT TRUE!

A law was passed in the1970’s that allows you, the vehicle owner the freedom to choose where and by whom you have your vehicle serviced.

The law is called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Among the many things it does is empower the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit car manufactures from voiding a vehicle’s warranty because service was done by a non-dealer.

In the end, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act gives owners of cars and trucks the freedom to choose where their vehicle will be serviced without having to worry about voiding their new car warranty. (article courtesy of VehicleMD)

Spring Cleaning

scottystransmission — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:54:50 +0000

Finally, the days are getting longer, the snow is melting
and the grass is beginning to grow. All signs winter has subsided and we are
anxious to begin traveling.

Unfortunately just as we begin planning our trips the gas prices begin to rise. I’m sure you know proper
maintenance of your vehicle can save you up to 10% or more in fuel cost. Services
performed by Scotty’s Transmissions & RPM Automotive such as changing your oil, replacing your air filter, checking
your tire pressures, performing a tune up and fuel injection cleaning when
required by the manufacturer can ensure your vehicle is running it’s best and
get you every last mile from your tank of fuel.

You will also rest assured your vehicle is in safe condition because at Scotty’s Transmissions & RPM
Automotive during any repair or service, no matter how small, we will perform a
thorough safety inspection at no additional charge. See our website or call to
schedule an appointment for your Spring Cleaning.

Also make sure to check out our Tips page and our Coupons page!

www.rpmautomotiveinc.com 775-359-0840

Do you want it done quick? or do you want it done right?

scottystransmission — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:21:49 +0000

At Scotty’s Transmission & RPM Automotive it’s not about car count, it is about quality. We know those get you in, get you out lube shops say they can have you on the road in 10 minutes but we believe proper service takes more than 10 minutes.

We don’t rush your vehicle service! We take the time necessary to perform proper preventative maintenance and perform a thorough safety inspection. The more thorough we are with your vehicle, the less chance of a breakdown.

If we do find any problems with your vehicle we can take care of those repairs as well. So make RPM Automotive & Scotty’s Transmission your one stop shop for lube service and auto repair. Check out our website at www.scottystransmission.com or www.rpmautomotiveinc.com.

To 4 wheel drive or to not 4 wheel drive

scottystransmission — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:44:08 +0000

Now that most of us have had a chance to drive in the snow this winter, a concern has come to my attention. We have had a few customers that needed to bring their vehicles to RPM Automotive due to improper use of 4 Wheel Drive. I must caution all drivers of 4WD or AWD vehicles, it is NEVER recommended to use 4LOW for town or freeway driving. 4LOW is only intended for extreme off road use. Using 4LOW in town or freeway driving can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

On a similar note, at Scotty’s Transmission we have found AWD or 4WD vehicles with mismatched tires. On these vehicles it is critical that all 4 tires are the same circumference. Even though the tire size on the tires may match, there could be a small difference in circumference from one manufacturer to another. Also, should you have a blowout on one tire and replace it with a new one, there will be a difference between the worn tires and the new tire. Anytime an AWD or 4WD is operated with different size tires there is a possibility of damage to your vehicle.

I hope this information can save you from any hardship. You can also find more information on these subjects in your Owners Manual. Please call us if you have any questions.

Have a Happy New Year and a safe and trouble free drive, from your complete auto & truck care specialists at Scotty’s Transmission & RPM Automotive.

1510 Glendale Ave. Sparks, Nv

www.rpmautomotiveinc.com 775-359-0840

www.scottystransmission.com 775-359-7676

Winter is soon to arrive!!

scottystransmission — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:24:02 +0000

Don’t get stranded in bad weather. Your vehicle should be inspected and prepared for winter driving conditions.

Start by supplying your vehicle with an emergency kit. Your emergency supplies should include the following items… First Aid Kit, Space Blanket, chemical hand warmers, chemical light sticks, a flash light, Safety warning triangles or flares, waterproof matches or a lighter. These items are available at most sporting/outdoor supply stores. Carry tire chains, an ice/snow scraper, extra gloves, a blanket, water and some nonperishable foods. Make sure you always take a coat for yourself and your passengers no matter how short your travel. You may have to leave your vehicle unexpectedly.

It is difficult to see when driving in bad weather. Always completely scrape ice and snow from ALL the windows. Never drive with partially cleared or partially defrosted windows. With water and sand on the roads this will surely make a mess of your windshield. Replace your wiper blades and make sure your washers are working correctly. Install non-freezing window wash solution. If you notice your headlights getting dimmer, they may be covered with dirt or snow. Take some time out to clean your headlights. This will help you see better and make you more noticeable to oncoming traffic.

Should your vehicle break down, try to get to the nearest exit. If this is not possible, try to pull off of the pavement to the farthest right hand side of the road. Never park in a traffic lane. Always turn on your emergency flashers so other drivers can see your vehicle. It is not wise to remain in your vehicle or stand near your vehicle because other drivers might assume your car is moving and mistakenly drive into you. If the roads are slick, they may slide out of control and into you or your vehicle. If you do get out of your car, always get away from your vehicle and behind the guardrail if you can.

Some preventative maintenance to your vehicle can save you from unexpected break downs. Items on your vehicle to have inspected include tires and tire pressures. You can check your own tread depth by putting a penny in between the tread on your tires, the tread depth should be a least above Lincoln’s head when inserted upside down. It is always a good idea to run mud and snow rated tires in the winter. You can tell your tires are rated for mud and snow by a symbol M&S or M/S embossed on the sidewall of the tire.

Cold weather is very hard on your vehicles battery. You should have your starting and charging system tested to insure you won’t have a dead battery when you need your car most. You should check the condition of the battery terminals and cables. If you find any corrosion you should have your battery and cables cleaned by a professional. The acid coming off the battery is very toxic and will damage eyes and skin, clothing, concrete or asphalt.

Freezing weather can damage your vehicles cooling system. Be sure the engine coolant is tested and rated for below zero degrees. Check your belts and hoses. If you see any cracking or fraying of the belts it is time for replacement. If you see any leakage or notice excessive swelling of hoses it is time for replacement. Make sure your heater and defroster are working correctly.

All of these items and many more should be inspected on a regular basis. If you do not wish to perform this maintenance or inspections on your own, call RPM Automotive at 775-359-0840 or schedule an appointment online at www.rpmautomotiveinc.com

Remember, four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles are not designed so you can drive faster in the snow and rain. These vehicles will certainly provide safer driving conditions only if you drive them safely. Slow down when roads are slick and provide more distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Keep in mind that black ice is always a hazard during winter driving. Also remember that bridges will freeze sooner than the road way.

Check road condition reports before you travel. If conditions are severe, postpone your travels if possible. Nevada road condition reports are available on line at http://www.nevadadot.com/traveler/roads/winter/ or by phone at 1-877-NVROADS,

(1-877-687-6237). California road condition reports are available on line at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ or by phone at 1-800-427-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

Following these guidelines will help you have a safe winter driving season. These tips are brought to you by Scotty’s Transmissions and RPM Automotive a BBB member located at 1510 Glendale Avenue in Sparks, two blocks east of Rock Blvd. 775-359-0840. www.rpmautomotiveinc.com

Is summer ever going to arrive?

scottystransmission — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:41:52 +0000

It seems like spring won’t let go and allow summer to take hold. I know you are as anxious as I am for the weather to turn warm so we can enjoy our great outdoors. Once it does warm up you will be relying on your vehicles air conditioning system to keep you cool during our hot summer days. Now is a good time to check the operation of your a/c system. When the a/c is on, the temperature of the air coming from the vents should be noticeably cooler than the outside air temperature. You can check this if you have a thermometer handy. The air coming from the vent should be a maximum of 40 degrees. Does the air switch from dash vents to floor vents? Does there seem to be sufficient air flow coming from the vents? If you notice any problems you can call RPM Automotive to perform a thorough diagnosis of your a/c system. RPM Automotive is now offering a complete a/c system diagnosis for only $59.95 (plus refrigerant). Visit our website at www.rpmautomotiveinc.com for your coupon. Please call 775-359-0840 or contact us from our website to schedule an appointment.

Summer Vacation Trips Coming!

scottystransmission — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:14:35 +0000

As summer is rapidly approaching, I know you are getting excited for your summer trips. I am sure some of you are going camping and exploring our great outdoors as others will make a trip to Disneyland or other fun places. Have you thought about your vehicle and how much you will rely on it to get you to and from your destinations?

A vehicle problem would surely take some of the fun out of your trip. Bring your vehicle to RPM Automotive & Scotty’s Transmissions in Sparks, NV to have us perform a complete Safety Inspection to insure your vehicle is in tip top shape and won’t leave you stranded. See our Coupon page @ www.rpmautomotiveinc.com to get your certificate for a free safety inspection.