Blog Page at Art Butler Auto Sales in Accident, MD

How Low Will You Let It Go?
In the world of cars, there's a risky dance we all play it's called the Fuel Level Limbo. How low can you go with your fuel gauge before your car decides it's had enough of your shenanigans?;

The Sediment Shuffle: Dancing with Dirt

First up in our limbo line is the sediment shuffle. You see, your fuel tank isn't a pristine oasis. It's more like a mini desert, complete with its own set of buried treasures, sediment and gunk. Go too low on fuel, and your car starts picking up this dance floor debris, leading to a not-so-funky clog in your fuel system.

The Pump Plunge: A Drying Dilemma

The fuel pump loves a good swim. But in the Fuel level limbo, it's like being at a pool party with no water. Running on low fuel means the pump gets no cooling or lubrication, think of it as trying to dance in quicksand. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well for the pump

The Gauge Guessing Game: Fuel Forecasting Fiascos

Ever play the guessing game with your fuel gauge? Trying to predict exactly how many miles you can push before your car sputters to a stop is like trying to forecast the weather with a magic 8-ball. Spoiler, Outlook not so good

Stranded Salsa: The No-Gas Tango

There's nothing like the dance of desperation when you're stranded on the side of the road. It's a unique mix of the regret-rumba and the frustration-flamenco. Trust me, roadside assistance doesn't appreciate impromptu dance performances

The Wallet Waltz: Fuel Efficiency and Your Finances

Dancing on the edge of an empty tank isn't just risky; it's also a waltz with your wallet. Consistently running low can mean more trips to the mechanic, and those visits can have more zeroes on the bill than you'd like.

Keeping the Tank Tango at Bay

So, what's the moral of our Fuel Level Limbo story? Keep that fuel dance above the danger line. It's cheaper, safer, and far less embarrassing than doing the roadside stranded salsa. Happy driving, and may your fuel gauge always be a limbo stick that's set just right!

How To Safely Remove Ice and Snow From Your Car

Winter can bring a variety of problems with your car – from icy windshields to frozen lock mechanisms. But one of the most common winter car troubles is having to clear away ice and snow, which can quickly become an annoying and potentially dangerous job. To make things easier we’ll provide you with some simple tips and tricks for safely removing ice and snow from your car.

Check Your Car’s Temperature

The first step in safely removing ice and snow is to make sure that your car is at the right temperature. Generally speaking, you don’t want the engine to be too hot or too cold; if it is too cold, any sudden change in heat could cause glass (including the windshield) to crack or shatter. So be sure to start your car up and let it sit idle until its temperature reaches a comfortable “warm-to-the-touch” level before attempting any removal attempts.

Start With The Windows

Once you have an acceptable temperature inside your car, it’s time to start removing that pesky layer of ice and snow! The best place to start is with the windows; this will allow you maximum visibility when driving once everything has been cleared away. Begin by scraping off any snow or ice build up on the exterior of each window using either a plastic or rubber scraper or even a credit card; then move on to clearing away frosty condensation from inside (for this, a cloth should do). Once you have removed as much as possible, turn on your defroster until all glass is completely cleared away. 

Use A Deicing Agent

If scraping alone doesn’t seem to cut it – especially if you are dealing with thick layers of frozen water – consider using a deicing agent like rock salt or even diluted rubbing alcohol (make sure not to use straight rubbing alcohol as this could damage paint jobs). Sprinkle these substances onto the problem areas on both the outside and inside of your windows (just remember not to get any of these agents on any part of your vehicle’s interior). Let it sit for a few minutes before attempting another scrape – this should help break up large chunks of ice into smaller pieces that can be more easily removed. 

Finish With A Cleaning Wipe Down

Once all visible snow/ice has been removed from both exterior AND interior surfaces, give everything one final wipe down using paper towel or newspaper – just make sure whatever material you are using does not contain any dyes/inks that could stain fabric surfaces like dashboard coverings or floor mats! This will ensure no dust remnants remain after completion and prevent interior surfaces from becoming wet due to any residual moisture. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can make short work of removing snow and ice from your car.

What does Winterizing your car actually mean?

Every year you hear it, but what does winterizing your car actually mean? Extreme cold can be hard on your vehicle, it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a mechanic at Our Service Center before the onset of extreme cold temperatures. It is important that we make sure you do not have any leaks, or mechanical compromises that cold temperatures could cause further damage. In most cases, this regular maintenance can prevent catastrophic damage to your engine.

• Check Engine Fluid Levels: Oil, Coolant, Washer Fluid, and other fluids.

• Test Battery & Replace if Necessary

• Use Deicing Washer Fluid: Clean Windshield at Low Temps.

• Switch to Synthetic Oil: Handles the Cold Better

• Inspect Tire Tread: Replace if Near Wear Limit

• Install Snow Tires if You Own Or Purchase a Set

• Test Headlights & Taillights

• Add & Inspect Winter Survival Kit

If you are interested in replacing your vehicle please check out Our Inventory

When to Change the Oil In Your Car?

The #1 rule is to read  your car’s owner’s manual and follow their recommendations. The manufacturer knows your car best and what’s required to keep it running properly. The old rule of thumb was to change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever came first.

But with today’s advances in motor oil, that’s no longer necessary. Depending on the type of motor oil, your car’s driving conditions, and other factors, you can now go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before an oil change.

What Do The Numbers On The Quart Of Oil Mean?

The numbers on the can refer to the weight or thickness of the oil. The higher the number, the thicker the oil. Thicker oils are better at resisting heat and shearing forces, which is why they're used in high-performance engines.

Viscosity is the oil’s resistance to flow and it’s important because it affects an oil’s ability to lubricate. The thicker the oil, the better it will lubricate, but thick oil doesn’t flow as easily and can cause engine parts to run less efficiently.

How Often Should You Check The Oil Level?

Most cars have oil sensors that will give you a low oil warning when the level gets low. It's still a good habit to check your oil at each fill up to make sure the sensor is working.

What the sensor doesn't tell you is if your oil is dirty and needs to be changed. So, it’s a good idea to check your oil level regularly. Checking your oil only takes a minute and could save your engine.

Which Oil Type Should I Be Using?

Again check your owner’s manual for the type of oil recommended for your car.

If you have an older car, it might require conventional motor oil. Newer cars often require synthetic motor oil, which has special additives that provide better protection against engine wear, extreme temperatures, and sludge buildup.

High mileage oils are designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. These oils have special additives that can help prevent leaks and oil consumption in worn engines.

One of the best ways to keep your car on the road longer is to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.

Spark Plugs And Wires

In addition to regular maintenance, changing your spark plugs and wires proactively help extend the life of your car. Over time, these parts can wear out and cause problems with your engine.

Cabin Filter and Air Filter

Change your cabin air filter and engine air filter. One affects the airflow in your car and the other affects the airflow to your engine. Both are important for keeping your car running smoothly.

Fuel Injectors & EGR Valves

Check your fuel injectors.  Although not part of a standard service maintenance schedule, they start to deteriorate. You'll have a check engine light come on. Another major component that a lot of people fail to talk about when they just tune ups is the EGR valve or the exhaust gas recirculation valve. These should be checked and replaced according to your manufacturer's recommendations.

A faulty EGR valve can cause  all sorts of engine performance problems, including a loss of power and fuel economy.

Tires

Most people recognize the importance of having good tires on your car for  traction, safety, and gas mileage. But did you know that the condition of your tires can also have an impact on your electrical components. It's possible to have vibrations from your tires that will loosen battery terminals and other electrical connections. So, not only do you want to have good tread on your tires for safety, but you also want to keep an eye on any loose wires  or terminals.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Cars and automobiles have evolved drastically. Just like our bodies, cars need a substantial amount of care and maintenance. Continuous working and no proper maintenance can damage them, leading to hefty expenses on repairs.

Following a schedule for car servicing and keeping an eye on the car’s performance can help avert unnecessary costs. Here are five things to be attentive to if you drive a car, which indicate that your car needs servicing.

Flashing Warning Lights

Futuristic and modern cars are good at indicating what’s wrong with them. They do this by illuminating the light on the dashboard, which means “Check Engine.”

Many cars have a service light that will come on when the next service is due. If you see a yellow light flashing upon the meter, then you should take the car for service, as there are a range of locomotion problems this light could indicate.

Degraded Ride Comfortability

Simply put, if you’re not getting the level of comfort you paid for, then it’s time to put some work into your vehicle.

Getting hitches and irregular steering while driving is a common indicator that the car is operating slow. You might notice the tires scraping as well. These symptoms can signal an issue with your Suspension.

This is a sign that your car needs service, and to keep it in top-notch condition, you should follow the service manual and get it checked regularly.

Unusual Vibration and Noises

When you drive a car, the most annoying thing you can experience is unwanted vibrations and shudders; and they should be checked before they develop into a serious error. Different noises mean different issues.

1. The hoods whining sounds are caused by a loose wire belt and can cause various issues from overheating to battery problems.

2. Unusual noises from the exhaust because of a hole or crack in it. It is easy to fix but can result in your exhaust pipe getting destroyed if not tended early.

3. The metal clashing sound could be a broken part of your car, scrubbing on something, causing damage to both the parts.

4. Uneven engine noises could occur if your car is not able to handle the air/ fuel mixture and can be fixed easily by replacing spark plugs.

Exhaust Smoke And Leaks

If fumes come from the car, you are not in any excessive danger. It can be because of overheating or radiator issues. It is suggested to take a look at your car’s temperature, and if it’s maxed, then let the car cool down until it reaches the middle of the gauge. Excessive smokes from the hood can be a result of oil leaks. If you see blue smoke coming from your car, then it is safe to get someone to tow your car to the garage because it can be a costly problem caused by burning oil.

Smokes and leaks can be of many types depending upon a range of issues, such as worn engine oil seals, head gasket failure, worn valve seals, etc.

Some leaks can indicate significant problems, whereas some can turn out to be mere ignition irregularities.

Sensitive Brakes and Gears

The brakes system and gearbox are the most used utilities of a vehicle and experience wear and tear regularly, making them a lot more prone to dysfunctioning. Gear and brake problems are easily noticeable and easy to fix on an early basis.

Some common issues can be transmitted vibrations while changing gears or squealing when you apply the brakes.

This could be because of worn-out discs or pads, a suspension problem, or an issue with your steering. These symptoms generally arise due to tire wear, so make sure your tires have the required 1.6mm tire tread.

What Is the Best Way to Avoid Problems?

Car owners are always up with questions regarding car problems. The best way to avoid any damage is to make sure to follow specific steps such as:

1. Regular service and maintenance according to schedule.

2. Checking the service plan provided to you.

3. Never wait for things to go wrong, and always try to keep things healthy.

It is essential to take notice of these issues, as they might result in a big problem; then, even your warranty or insurance will not cover it.