Category: auto repair

With the hot months of summer coming up, having a properly functioning air conditioning unit in your vehicle is critical. Essentially, a car is like a greenhouse on wheels—when parked in the sun for just a few minutes—as the interior temperature of it will quickly rise well above the temperature outside. If there is an issue and you need air conditioning service or auto repair in Morrisville, PA, Big Oak Citgo is fully capable of tackling any problem you may have. To make sure your air conditioning is working correctly, you should keep these warning signs in mind so if you happen to notice any of them, you can get it taken care of before it’s too late.

1. Air Isn’t Cold

The most obvious warning sign. If the air isn’t cold, or no air comes out at all, then clearly something is wrong. You might be running low on refrigerant, or the cooling fans could be damaged. Or, perhaps the unit is just clogged by debris like leaves.

2. Strange Noises

If there are noises emanating from the air conditioning system when it is running (besides the standard sound of air blowing from the vents) there is probably something wrong with the unit. Listen for any clicking or rattling. There could be debris lodged in there somewhere. Maybe there is a part that is loose. Whatever it may be, don’t ignore it just because the air conditioning still works as it could lead to something worse, or a more expensive problem to fix.

3. Bad Odor

Another warning sign of an issue that needs addressing is a bad smell radiating from the air conditioning. Usually, that means there is mold growing from within the system. You should have it inspected as soon as possible because you are putting your health and the health of whoever else gets in your automobile at risk.

4. Leaks or Stains

If the water isn’t draining out from under your car, that could mean there is a leak where the liquid is secreting somewhere else prior to draining properly. Or, the drain is clogged, so the water backs up and overflows elsewhere. Check the interior of your car for stains and other signs of a leak. They typically pool on the floor in the front seats.

5. Low Pressure

Low air pressure from your unit when the fan is turned up high is a problem. When this happens, you’ll want to bring it to a professional for inspection as most leaks are small and difficult to find.

If you notice any of these signs in your air conditioning unit or you need any other kind of car repair in Morrisville, PA, don’t hesitate. Contact Big Oak Citgo by calling 215-310-0598 to make an appointment or browse the rest of our website for more information.

As a dog, what’s better than being able to roam around freely in a large area without being deterred by a leash?

Well, we at Big Oak Citgo are trying to make this a reality.

We currently have a Helping Hands ‘Spirit Pump’ available at our gas station until May 24th in an effort to help raise funds for a dog park in Lower Makefield Township. We will commit a portion of our gas sales to aid in the funding of the park.

We encourage all community members to come out to Big Oak Citgo and join the cause. Dogs are certainly invited too!

“We love dogs and we are so excited to be showcasing our Helping Hands Spirit Pump to help raise funds for the new dog park!” Big Oak Citgo’s Jane Cooper said. “Our hope is to raise funds to help offset the costs for this project so that everyone in the local community can enjoy time outdoors with their furry friends!”

Reasons for the Dog Park

• Socializing – Bringing a dog to a park surrounded by other dogs and humans is only going to help your pet improve their social skills.
• Exercise – Spending time at the dog park helps dogs remain healthy and happy. They will also be less fidgety and anxious when they’re at home, causing less destruction.
• Learn About Behavior – When your dog is interacting with such a variety of different ones, you can observe which types of personalities he meshes better with. How does he react to aggression, bigger dogs, etc.
• Not just for dogs – A dog park is a fantastic place for dog owners to share stories and discuss their love for dogs. It is also a place for newer dog owners to learn from others and be educated on how to raise one and take care of it. A dog park is also a big convenience for the elderly and disabled, who may not possess the physical capabilities to exercise with their dogs.

The 3.5-acre park will be located on 1950 Covington Road and have distinct sections for small and large dogs. There will also be a transition area. For more information about the initiative, we encourage you to visit lmtdogpark.com.

In addition to our gas station, we provide high quality auto repairs in Fairless Hills, PA, and surrounding areas. Our car maintenance in Levittown, PA, is top notch as well. Feel free to learn more at https://www.bigoakcitgo.com.

Hunter Engineering Company manufactures some of the world’s finest alignment systems and wheel balancers—we just purchased one of each.

That means, now your tires can reap the benefits that come along with a top notch auto repair shop using equally as high quality equipment.

Read on to learn more about our two new systems, then swing by Big Oak Citgo for a balance and alignment.

HawkEye Elite Alignment System

Hunter is without a doubt the number one alignment system manufacturer, and their HawkEye Elite is their best system. This machine is the OEM alignment equipment for carmakers like Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover and many others. But don’t think it’s solely designed to align luxury vehicles—your Camry, Accord or the like will also appreciate an alignment used with the HawkEye Elite.

New cars require acute precision across the board, and 4 wheel wheel alignment is no exception. Hunter’s proprietary Wintoe software insures your steering wheel will remain perfectly centered, and the new adapters make protecting your wheels easy.

Annual wheel alignments are recommended in Morrisville, PA and surrounding areas because potholes are a major problem come the late winter and early spring around here, and they’re a leading contributor to misalignments.

SmartWeight Balancer

Much like the HawkEye Elite, SmartWeight comes with all the accoutrements that a mechanic needs to balance your tires with precision. With features like the ability to hide wheel weights behind wheel spokes, proprietary smartweight software, exact fit mounting cones and more, your wheel balance from Big Oak Citgo is going to be right from any angle.

Sure, we have the best equipment in the business, but that would be meaningless without a team of mechanics who know how to use them. Fortunately, there’s no such thing as lack of skill here at Big Oak. As we approach the end of winter, chances are you’re going to need an alignment and balance. We encourage your to come down to our Morrsiville, PA auto repair shop, where the industry’s best equipment is in the hands of the industry’s best mechanics. See you soon, and safe travels—don’t forget to watch out for potholes.
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If the tread on your tires is dwindling, it’s certainly time for a replacement set. Much like how there are a variety of car types, makes and models, there is a world of different tire types and sizes to appropriately match the vehicles they’re intended to support.

You know that a Jeep Wrangler and a Toyota Corolla are going to require different tire types, but when it comes to your specific vehicle, do you know what to look for to determine its needs?

The following information will help you find the answers to many of your tire-based questions. Read on, then schedule an appointment to come down to our tire replacement and auto detailing shop servicing Morrisville, PA.

Glossary

Sizing: Proper tire size, speed and weight rating are crucial to your car performing safely and efficiently. When determining yours, find the numbers that look something like this: P215/65R15 95H. Find this number in your owner’s manual or on your current tires themselves.

Tire Width: The width of the tire measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The first three-digit number in the tire size refers to the tire width. For instance, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the width is 215 millimeters.

Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the height of a tire’s cross-section to its width. The two-digit number after the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio. For example, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The higher the aspect ratio, the higher the tire’s sidewall will be.

Wheel Diameter: The size of the wheel measured from one end to the other. It tells us the size of the wheel that the tire is intended to fit. A size P215/65 R15 tire is made for a wheel with a 15″ diameter.

Load Index: Indicates the maximum load that the tire can support when properly inflated. You can find the maximum load on your tire’s sidewall, in both pounds and kilograms.

Speed Rating: Tells you the maximum speed capability of a tire. Often, speed ratings are matched to the top speed capability of the vehicle to which it’s attached. For example, a tire with an H-speed rating has a maximum speed capability of 130 mph or 210 km/h.

Other Information

PSI Determination: The recommended PSI is generally based on the vehicle, rather than the tire itself. The PSI listed on your tires will indicate the maximum amount, and is never recommended. The recommended PSI is listed on a sticker on the inside edge of the driver’s door.

Modern Monitors: Today’s cars no longer have simple rubber valve stems. Rather, they’re mostly equipped with monitors that allow vehicles to display tire pressures and low tire warnings on the dash board. Unfortunately, when these fail they can be expensive to replace. Most tire pressure lights and warnings will automatically reset themselves once the proper pressure is put into the tire by driving the vehicle. In some instances, the tire pressure lights must be manually reset with an automotive computer.

Rotations: Appropriately scheduled rotations can dramatically increase the life of your tires, due to the front tires generally wearing faster than their rear counterparts.

Alignments: To get the most life out of your tires, regular alignments are important. When a tire is out of alignment the tire will not wear evenly, usually wearing prematurely on the inside or outside edge.

Noise: Are your tires making a lot of noise? Many times, the cause of this is a symptom referred to as cupping. Cupping is what happens when a tire forms low and high spots in the tread. This is usually caused by alignment or suspension issues.

Tread: New tires start with 10/32” to 12/32” of tread depth. The minimum amount of tread needed to pass a safety inspection in Pennsylvania is 2/32”.

Why Choose Big Oak?

• We don’t stock tires on-premises, but we can get most tires within an hour.
• We are tire experts. There isn’t one tire that is the best in general, but there may be one that’s the best for you. We factor in your vehicle, lifestyle and budget when helping you find the perfect tires.
• We can get any tire that you desire—all sizes brands and models, at competitive prices
• We are experts at replacing tire pressure monitors, at prices that put the dealerships to shame.
• We offer 4 wheel computerized alignments right here at Big Oak.
• You can have an 18-year-old tech school graduate install your tires at one of a million quick lube or tire places, or you can have an ASE master certified technician do it for you at Big Oak for around the same price. Your choice.
• Frustrated with your run-flat tires? You can put regular tires on those same rims and we can help you find a spare tire kit for your trunk!

Now that you’ve read all this, you’re certainly something of a tire expert! But we still recommend that you come down to our car maintenance shop servicing Morrisville, PA to have yours replaced. See you soon!

Often times, we wait until it’s too late to replace our vehicles’ batteries. Don’t feel bad. It happens to the best of us, because it’s difficult to predict when they’ll kick the can, but you can rest assured they’ll never fail to fail—and they don’t tend to go out at convenient times. You probably know this fact firsthand.

But we’re here to go over the basics about car batteries so you’ll know when it’s time to take your car in for a replacement, and (hopefully) never again be stranded because yours died unexpectedly.

Our auto repair shop serves car owners from Fallsington, PA, to Yardley and other points throughout Bucks County. If you’re in the area, read on to learn more, then give us a call if you think it’s time for a battery replacement!

What’s a Battery’s Average Lifespan?

Rarely do batteries last longer than 6 years. We recommend replacements every 5 years.

Warning Signs

If your battery is still working, but you’re close to that 5-6 year mark, these warning signs will tell you that it’s in your best interest to come in for a replacement.

 

• Sporadic Issues With Starting — If your car starts fine today, then tomorrow it won’t start, then Wednesday it starts up again, and by Friday it’s back to nothing… does that sound familiar? If the cables aren’t loose, it’s most likely time for a new battery.

• Cold Cranking Is Tough — The first time you start your engine for the day is referred to as cold cranking. If it takes a few tries to get the engine going on the cold crank, there’s a good chance your battery is on the verge of failure.

• Check Engine Light — The check engine light will come on when one of many scenarios occur, one of which being your battery on the brink of failure. No matter the issue, a check engine light is not something to ignore. If yours comes on, make an appointment to have your vehicle inspected immediately.

 

Repercussions of a Failing Battery

If your battery is failing but not yet dead, it’s undoubtedly affecting other components of your vehicle. Remember this: A car that won’t start when you need it to can cost far more than the price of a battery.

• Malfunctioning batteries will cause the starter and alternator to overheat, leading to permanent failure.
• Replacing at failure is NOT a smart maintenance strategy. Like most other things in life, try to be proactive. Your car’s health will thank you!

Think it’s about time to replace your battery? Come by our Yardley, PA auto repair shop and we’ll get you squared away with a brand new one. See you soon!