Car Care Tips

  • New Engine or New Car - Weighing Out Your Options

    Engine Maintenance

    You’ve determined it’s time to get rid of the engine you have, along with all of its issues. You’re probably considering getting something new altogether, and you’re tired of this one giving you issues. American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM is here to help you make the call.

    If your car, truck, or SUV has really been put through the wringer, it might be time for a new one. However, before you decide to throw in the towel there are a few things you should consider.

  • Noticing an Emergency on your Dashboard

    At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

  • Proper Care for Your Vehicle

    car driving down road

    Here are 10 steps to keep your car up and running from our team here at American Auto Clinic! Whether you choose to do the maintenance yourself or take your car to see our professional service technicians, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle running its best. 

  • Proper Tire Care Improves Your Vehicle's Performance

    flat tire with air being put in

    Keeping your tires properly inflated and regularly checking the tread can save you money and keep you safe! At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM we want to keep you and everyone in your car safe. Let us help you keep your tires maintained at their best.

  • Protect Your Car from Interior

    beautiful jeep

    Leaks and drips that get the interior of your vehicle wet are definitely an inconvenience. Sitting water promotes rust, bad smells, and can ruin your carpet. Furthermore, the water often seems to come from seemingly nowhere, adding to the frustration. From American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM, here are some of the leading causes of water on your floor, and what you can do about it.

  • Protecting A Car You Don't Drive Often

    classic car with tarp over hood

    It makes sense that a car that is rarely driven will last longer, right? It may seem counterintuitive, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Vehicles are meant to be driven, and various issues can arise if they aren’t stored properly or driven fairly regularly. If you have a car, truck, or SUV that you only drive occasionally, in the summer, to car shows, etc., this one is for you. Here’s what you need to know, from American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM.

  • Protecting A Car You Don't Drive Often

    Classic Chevy belair

    It makes sense that a car that is rarely driven will last longer, right? It may seem counterintuitive, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Vehicles are meant to be driven, and various issues can arise if they aren’t stored properly or driven fairly regularly. If you have a car, truck, or SUV that you only drive occasionally, in the summer, to car shows, etc., this one is for you. Here’s what you need to know, from American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM.

  • Protecting Your Vehicle's Interior

    Cleaning the dashboard of a vehicle

    The interior of your car can be difficult to maintain; between you, your kids, and anyone else who gets a ride from you, wear and tear on the interior of your vehicle is constant. Drinks get spilled, burn holes appear, rips and tears happen. Unlike the rest of your car, the interior isn’t made of metal, so it requires special treatment to keep it in good condition.

  • Rainproof Your Windshield

    rain on the windshield

    At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, we understand that safety and driving comfort are largely dependent on truck maintenance. Driving in the rain can be a hassle, especially if your vehicle isn’t prepared. 

    Essentially, there are a few things you can do to ease the burden of driving in the rain. Keep good quality windshield wipers installed, maintain a clean windshield, and regularly coat your windshield with Rain-X or comparable water-resistant chemicals. If applied properly, water-resistant coatings will dramatically increase visibility on rainy days. Quality windshield wipers, in good condition, are equally effective.

    If your wipers don’t completely wipe away water with each pass, get them replaced. Driving in the rain is hard enough; inadequate equipment to deal with the situation only makes it that much more difficult. A clean windshield also goes a long way...rain won’t wash off the dirt that has had adequate time to adhere to your glass.

    If you need new wipers, bring your truck to American Auto Clinic and let one of our experienced technicians get you fixed up. No matter your repair or maintenance needs, our team has you covered.

  • Ready For A Road Trip - Here Is Our Checklist!

    roadtrip

    Road trips are a lot of fun, and often unpredictable. For all the miles you will be driving we always recommend preparing for any situation. With this checklist from American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

  • Recognizing Flood Damage

    flood with a car in it.

    Unless you are confident in your abilities as an automotive mechanic, there is really only one rule when purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle: don’t do it. Unfortunately, sometimes sellers aren’t particularly straight-forward with their used cars. Many will try to hide the fact that it’s been damaged by floodwaters at all or try to convince potential buyers that the car is in fact fine. “It has gone months with no issues” or “technically it is flood-damaged but” are two red flags, and while it isn’t impossible for a flood car to be fine, it’s altogether a good idea to stay away.

  • Recognizing Flood Damage When Buying A Vehicle

    Unless you are confident in your abilities as an automotive mechanic, there is really only one rule when purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle: don’t do it. Unfortunately, sometimes sellers aren’t particularly straight-forward with their used cars. Many will try to hide the fact that it’s been damaged by floodwaters at all or try to convince potential buyers that the car is in fact fine. “It has gone months with no issues” or “technically it is flood-damaged but” are two red flags, and while it isn’t impossible for a flood car to be fine, it’s altogether a good idea to stay away.

  • Safety First - Have you checked your lights & wipers?

    Cars driving on road with wipers and headlights on

    True safety starts with being able to see where you are driving. Your lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving and the chance of an accident increases if you can't see or be seen. No matter what time of year, it's important to make sure your vehicle's lights and wipers are working properly so your visibility is not compromised and you can be seen by others. From the driver's seat, you may not notice a light that isn't working, but when a big rain comes it becomes easier to see what you are missing! When wet weather hits your roads is not the time for you to discover limited visibility problems. Here at American Auto Clinic we take our Albuquerque drivers' safety seriously and inspect their vehicles when they come in for service.

  • Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

    semi driving on road

    At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, we understand how important safety is in the world of truck driving. The stakes are higher in a big truck; potential for damage is obviously far greater, to you, your cargo, and other people on the road. Here are some easy tips that go a long way.

  • Service that Goes the Extra Mile

    mechanic handing keys to a customer

    At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, we are fully dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Our technicians work hard to ensure timely, friendly, and efficient maintenance and repairs that you can rely on.

  • Sounds That Could Mean Trouble for Your Vehicle

    Person driving with hands on the steering wheel

    We’ve all been here: You start up your vehicle in the morning and begin to back out of the driveway. Before your hand reaches the volume dial on the stereo to crank up your favorite morning radio duo, you hear a noise coming from your car. A vehicle shouldn’t make that noise, yet yours is. And it sounds bad. But is it?

  • Synthetic vs. Conventional oil - what’s the difference?

    oil being poured from container

    Keeping up with oil changes is one of the most important aspects of keeping your engine in good shape. However, you’ve probably noticed that the price of oil changes can vary pretty dramatically depending on what you get, and the oil all looks the same. Here’s a breakdown of the difference between synthetic and conventional oil, from American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM.

  • Take care of it or high repair bills? Which do you prefer?

    Oil gunked up on an engine.

    We see this with our fleet customers, our regular Albuquerque car pool drivers and our diesel truck drivers so it isn't just one type of driver that ends up with a nightmare on their hands costing thousands of dollars to repair, asking about the costs of a JASPER replacement engine!  The fact is your driving habits and maintenance habits can easily avoid this issue!  6 EASY STEPS - Service, Tires, Don't Ignore Service Engine Lights, Keep it Clean & Stop Driving Crazy!

  • Taking Proper Care of Your Transmission

    Transmission inside of vehicle

    While transmissions are extremely complicated and it takes a professional hand to work on one, taking care of the one you have isn’t difficult. At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, NM, we understand the importance of caring for your transmission properly, so that it stays in good condition for as long as possible.

  • The Electrical Side of Your Vehicle

    battery charging on car

    Charging and electrical systems, particularly on luxury and performance cars, are the most intricate and complex systems on your vehicle. It takes highly trained technicians armed with the right equipment to properly diagnose and repair electrical issues on high-end vehicles such as Porsche, Audi, BMW, MINI, VW, and Subaru. At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque we have the technicians and the tools you need to get the job done right.

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