Americans love their cars, and this unflinching devotion creates a competitive environment among carmakers the world over. With industry standards improving every year (and technology growing with it), consumers have never been in a better position to invest. Here’s a breakdown of 2019’s top-tier picks: Kia Formerly owned by Hyundai, this import brand has risen…

Maintaining a vehicle requires time and attention to detail, but closely following the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial to extending the life of your car. Even small parts like spark plugs–that seem unimportant–play a significant role in the performance of your vehicle. More specifically, since they generate the electricity that travels from the ignition to the…

Brakes allow you to stop the vehicle when you need to. Anti-lock brakes help you do this in extreme conditions. As a vital safety feature, understanding how to use your anti-lock brakes means you’re that much safer in an emergency. If you’ve ever felt a slight vibration when you tap the brake in wet or…

Many people make the mistake of thinking that only commercial vehicles should be inspected, but private vehicles also benefit from regular checks. Regular vehicle inspections not only isolate potential issues early so they can be repaired at a lesser cost; they also ensure a vehicle is safe while on the road. Kirk’s Auto Care inspects…

Let’s not candy coat this. Vehicle recalls are a pain in the behind! To be fair to vehicle manufacturers, however, nothing is sure in automobile engineering and manufacturing because nothing is sure in machine engineering and manufacturing. Eventually, parts can fail, or in the case of recalls, parts can test okay initially yet become a…

If local, state, and federal environmental agencies would prefer you drive a hybrid vehicle to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, why do they allow the cars to be priced out of most people’s reach? Well, the answer isn’t simple. It boils down to many factors that Kirk’s Auto Care is happy to detail below. It…

Yes, you can drive your car without a radiator fan, but you never should. Your vehicle’s cooling system is crucial to its performance, and every time your engine overheats, you cause damage. Too much damage equals a repair bill you don’t ever want to see in your lifetime, which is why Kirk’s Auto Care services…

The answer to this question is simple: twice a year. There are circumstances that warrant an antifreeze check aside from bi-annually, but as long as you maintain your vehicle per the manufacturer’s recommendation and you weren’t sold a lemon, you shouldn’t have an antifreeze problem. If you don’t want to get your elbows dirty, we…

Since modern vehicles operate with more technology than ever and their computers advance each year, some people might wonder how long to drive a new car before upgrading. With that said, how long you choose to keep a car can have several contributing factors. If up-to-date systems mean a lot to you, you might prefer…