360 Auto Repair Services | Pre-Trip Vehicle Checkup

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10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps. Motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility.

Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre- trip checklist:

Check all fluids - There are several fluids that require attention: Engine Oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check all hoses and belts - A belt failure can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.

Check the tires - Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

Follow these tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your vehicle:

Vehicle gas caps - about 17% of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

Under inflated tires - when tires aren't inflated properly it's like driving with a parking brake on. It can cost a mile or two per gallon.

Worn spark plugs - A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in electrical and chemical erosion from heat.

Dirty air filters - A clogged air filter creates a "rich" mixture - the proportion of gas to air is incorrect. This wastes fuel and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Don't drive aggresively - Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets.

Avoid excessive idling - sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.

Drive the speed limit - Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mile driven over 60 results in an additional 10 cents per gallon. Increase fuel efficiency by using cruise control.

What People Say About Us

Went in with my own oil to get changed and while discussing an upcoming transmission flush I want done, they told me to call in a day early to give them time to flush their system so they don't contaminate my transmission fluid. Their care for my car (Higher performance) earned all my business on the spot! Great group of courteous guys! I'll review again after the transmission flush on the 21st.

-Chad Miranda - Brentwood, CA

These guys are awesome! It's a local shop down the street with familiar faces and names. I'm a huge supporter of small or local businesses as it is a rare commodity to find one ran so well in comparison to the big corporations/competition all over the place. I live right across the street from Walmart and it would be easier to take my car there, however you can never get the type of genuine customer care that the staff of 360 Auto delivers. And they deliver every time!

-Katrina T.

360 is the best shop around!! The staff are wonderful and helpful. They give you honest answers and no surprises. The ship is always clean and well kept.

-Cindy B.

Love them, they treat u as family and never charge extra. Work perfectly. I would recommend them to anyone. Worth to come even from far.

-Umair Y.

The people at 360 are great people to deal with. This is one place that is fast, honest and the prices are very reasonable without no hidden fees. They are very professional. I remember the very first time i walked in the door I was treated with respect and not ignored because I am a female and it is like that every time I walk in there. Sam has always let me know what was wrong with my car and done the work in a timely fashion without overcharging. If your looking for a Honest, Reliable, Efficient and Reasonably price then this is the place to take your car. Thank you Sam and your crew for the Excellent work and taking good care of my car.

-Anonymous

Honest. Friendly. Fast. Reliable. (Mic dropped)

-Theresa T.

This is the best company in town hands down. Sam and his workers are very helpful and friendly. I would recommend them to anyone with car trouble. They work hard to figure out what's wrong with your car. Fix it and have you on your way at affordable prices.. You will not be disappointed.

-Daja M.

Very nice people, honest and they do good job in my car , prices are reasonable, they work fast !

-Chely V.

Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM	Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM	Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM	Sun Closed
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