- Batteries/Charging system: How old is your battery and did your engine crank slowly last winter or during the dog days of summer? Extremes in temperature - Heat or Cold - battery age, and cranking power are determinants in whether your car will start. And while you’re at it, have the alternator checked too, to help your battery maintain its charge when the temperature dips.
- Tires: No tread equals no traction. If your tires are worn close to or at the wear bars, it’s time for a new set. It’s a good idea to do an under-car inspection including shocks and struts, and an alignment may be in order if that hasn’t been performed in the last year or so.
- Thermostat: If the temperature gauge doesn’t get much above the C when driving in cold weather, it may be time for a new thermostat. A properly operating thermostat helps keep the engine at its ideal operating temperature that in turn provides heat for the cabin.
- Antifreeze: In extreme cold, weak antifreeze can freeze up in parts of your engine, and that can lead to disaster.
- Belts: Make sure your belts are tightened properly and in good condition. Cracks are a sign that it’s time for replacement.
- Wiper blades: Cracked, split or worn wiper blades can cause skipping or poor contact with the windshield. Replace them twice a year.
- Fluids: Make sure the power steering, brake and transmission fluids are at their correct level for proper operation.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Bonfires, Tailgate parties and Preparing your Vehicle for the Road Ahead
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Changing Your Oil On Time
A dirty oil filter can shorten the life of your vehicle.Did you know having your oil and oil filter changed, at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer, is likely to generate the single biggest return on your routine-maintenance investment.
Replacing the dirty oil and filter will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It's important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage.
At 60 Minute Tune the lowest grade of oil we carry is synthetic blend because we care about your care we only want the best for your car. See your vehicle owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval, or follow the oil-life monitoring system or give us a call and we can help you out.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
First Aid Kit
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- Antiseptic wipe packets
- Packets of aspirin
- Blanket (space blanket)
- Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- Instant cold compress
- Pair of non-latex gloves
- Hydrocortisone ointment packets
- Scissors
- Roller bandage
- Sterile gauze pads
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
- Triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First-aid instruction booklet
- Screwdrivers—Phillips and flat head
- Pliers
- Set of good socket wrenches
- Duct tape
- Electrical wire tape
- Electrical wire spray
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Small fire extinguisher
- Jumper cables
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Driving Tips to Keep Your Family Safe This Spring
At 60 Minute Tune we care about your safety. Please share these tips your friends and family. Buckle Up
The most important tip to keep your family safe while driving is to always use safety belts and proper child restraints. Children are safer when placed in the rear seat in the appropriate infant, child, booster seat, or safety belt—appropriate for size and age. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an active air bag.
Both Hands on the Wheel
Always drive with both hands on the wheel. The best place for your hands are the nine and three o'clock positions, which helps provide greater control when steering.
Lights on, Please
With your safety in mind, most new vehicles come equipped with daytime running lamps. To help with safe driving, turn on your lights in rainy weather to make sure that your headlamps, tail lamps and other exterior lamps are on. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle.
Quick Maneuvering
If you need to veer suddenly to avoid hitting an object in your vehicle's path, before turning, make sure you look in the direction you're headed to make sure the path is clear.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol is a factor in 39% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. These visual signs may help you spot an impaired driver:
- Stopping problems (too far, too short, or too jerky)
- Straddling a lane line
- Swerving or drifting
- Weaving across lane lines
- Accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Turning with a wide radius
- Driving without headlights at night
- Varying speed
- Stopping in a lane for no apparent reason
- Failure to signal or signal inconsistent with action
- Almost striking a vehicle or other object
- Slow speed (10+ mph under the limit)
- Driving in opposing lanes or wrong way on a one-way road
- Following too closely
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
- Simply call the toll-free Consumer Assurance Program number at 1-800-ACDelco PROMPT #3.
- The call center technician will arrange for any necessary towing assistance (free of charge) to the nearest participating Independent Service Center featuring quality ACDelco Parts.
- Present your original receipt to the repair facility for authorization. If the failure occurs within 25 miles of the original repair facility, please return to that facility for possible ACDelco warranty coverage (parts only).
- The installing dealer will conduct the warranty repair. After the repair facility authorizes your receipt, the repairs will be made and you'll be on your way. It's that easy.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Whatever happens out on the road, we’re here to help make sure you stay on it
- If necessary, Roadside Assistance is available.
- Present your original receipt to the repair facility for authorization.
- After the repair facility authorizes your receipt, the repairs will be made and you will be on your way.
- If the failure occurs within 25 miles of the original repair facility, please return to the original facility for possible ACDelco warranty coverage. The installing ACDelco Professional Service Center will conduct the warranty repair.
- Towing
- Lock-out service
- Flat-tire assistance
- Fuel, oil, fluid and water delivery service—you must pay for the costs of the actual fluids delivered
- Jump start
- A photocopy of the original invoice identifying the participating repair center and the services performed. The invoice must identify the year, make and model of your vehicle.
- Your complete name, address and telephone number.
- A photocopy of the paid invoice for Roadside Assistance from a valid auto service provider. This paid invoice must detail the name, address and telephone number of the service provider. It must also identify the specific vehicle receiving the service.
Denver, CO 80233
- Importance of maintenance
- Interactive automotive systems guide
- Troubleshooting performance problems
- Tips for the road
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil
Everyone knows, or seems to know, that synthetic oils are better than conventional oils, but do you know why?
The fact is synthetic oils have several material advantages over their non-synthetic counterparts. Synthetic oils are structured with very specific properties, which leads to stronger oxidative protection against breakdown and lower evaporation rates under high temperature conditions. Synthetics also excel at low temperature operation and provide superior film strength.
What do all of these features mean to the vehicle owner? Longer service life, excellent component protection, better fuel economy, enhanced performance and power, eased cold starting and quicker circulation during the initial warm-up period.
Unfortunately, due to high cost, full synthetic oils are still not the norm for most automakers. But, even synthetic blends, which can range on average at 20-50 percent synthetic base oil use, can offer substantial performance increases over non-synthetic versions.
Ready to make the switch?
Don't pop the hood yet. If your engine has been running on conventional oil for a while, don't switch to synthetic oil without proper preparation.
If you plan to switch over to full synthetic oil, prepare your engine with a BG Performance Oil Change Service, used with one of BG's full synthetic oils, BG MOA,® BG CF5® and BG 109 Compression Performance Restoration. Used together, these products will remove tough carbon deposits from the piston ring area as well as the rest of the oil system. Then, the BG Performance Oil Changer uses shop air to purge the entire oil system of dirty, contaminated oil and deposits before replacing it with new oil.
So when it comes to conventional vs. synthetic oil, why should you switch? Because, price means nothing if performance doesn't follow. Synthetics offer benefits that are worth the higher price. How much do you value your engine?
Courtesy of BG
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Top 10 Fuel Savers!
1. Go the speed limit. Use cruise control.
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.
2. Drive Sensibly.
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
3. Avoid idling and rush-hour traffic.
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.
4. Keep your engine properly tuned.
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent. Visit 60 Minute Tune, and have your vehicle checked out.
5. Remove junk from the trunk.
Added weight in your vehicle affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
6. Commute to work.
Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. Take advantage of car pools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
7. Combine trips.
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
8. Use the recommended grade of motor oil.
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
9. Keep tires properly inflated.
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.* Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all 4 tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
*The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
10. Avoid rooftop carriers.
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The ACDelco Consumer Assurance Program
- Simply call the toll-free Consumer Assurance Program number at 1-800-ACDelco PROMPT #3.
- The call center technician will arrange for any necessary towing assistance (free of charge) to the nearest participating Independent Service Center featuring quality ACDelco Parts.
- Present your original receipt to the repair facility for authorization. If the failure occurs within 25 miles of the original repair facility, please return to that facility for possible ACDelco warranty coverage (parts only).
- The installing dealer will conduct the warranty repair. After the repair facility authorizes your receipt, the repairs will be made and you'll be on your way. It's that easy.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Are Your Lights Dim?
The purpose of the charging system is to maintain the charge in the vehicle's battery, and to provide the main source of electrical energy while the engine is running. A compromised battery, alternator or generator can have many adverse effects on your vehicle. Today's vehicles rely heavily on the proper operation of it's electrical system. Stop by 60 Minute Tune for a complimentary charging and starting system analysis today.If your battery, alternator or generator fails it can be a serious problem that can leave you stranded, without warning. This system is crucial because it keeps your battery charged. It also provides power to run your lights, air conditioning, radio and other electric accessories on your car while it is running. A failed or malfunctioning charging system can ruin a battery by over or under charging it.
If your battery is dead, keeps running down or cranks your engine slowly, you may have a charging system problem. Please call 60 Minute Tune today and take preventive measures to avoid being stranded. Stop by for a complimentary charging/starting system analysis.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Is your O2 sensor bad or is it something else?
A common sign of a bad oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) is a decrease in fuel economy. O2 sensors usually last between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles depending upon the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for recommended mileage replacement or call 60 Minute Tune, we are here to help.A decrease in fuel economy does not automatically mean your O2 sensor is bad, it's just a symptom. Before replacing an O2 sensor, your vacuum hoses, spark plugs, and ignition system should be checked. A vacuum hose could be leaking which can also cause a bad oxygen sensor symptom even though the sensor is functioning correctly.
A professional shop will use a diagnostic tree to eliminate all other issues to ensure the suggested repair is the right repair for your vehicle. This will save you time and money. Oxygen sensors work by constantly measuring the oxygen content inside the exhaust manifold and comparing it to the air outside the engine.
A bad O2 sensor will usually cause the check engine light to illuminate. Remember a bad O2 sensor diagnostic code is not always the root of the problem. A check engine light may also illuminate due to a fouled plug, bad ignition switch, or a vacuum leak among other problems. All of these symptoms can return a bad O2 sensor diagnostic code. Be safe have it checked at a professional shop before you spend a fortune on home repair.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Emergency Road Kit
Putting together an Emergency Road Kit is essential because you never know when an emergency will arise. The team at 60 Minute Tune cares about your safety; which is why we suggest carrying the following items in your vehicle at all times:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective devices
- First-aid kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Blanket
- Bottled drinking water
- Change of clothes
- Automobile registration
- Proof of insurance
- Cell phone
- Copy of your health insurance card
- Marker and message pad
- Emergency contacts
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Copy of your motor club membership card
- Shovel
- Window scraper/brush
- Window washer fluid
- Sand or rock salt
- Thermal packs
- Energy bars
- Hat and gloves
- Paper towels
- Disposable camera
- Road maps
Monday, September 19, 2011
What Do Brake Noises Tell You?
Some brake noises are normal, while others indicate problems requiring service. This is what the noises could mean:
- Grinding When caused by rust building up on the rotors, it's of little concern. The buildup can usually be removed, or sometimes it disappears after a few stops. If grinding persists, the problem could be more serious and should be addressed immediately.
- Loud squeals Disc brakes with wear indicators may produce a squeal,
indicating it's time to change the pads.
- Trace squeaks or squeals Semi-metallic brake linings can emit sound. Rain, humidity or cold brakes could be the source. If the problem persists, have the brakes checked.
- Clicking Sometimes accompanied by a slight pulsing in the brake pedal at low speeds, it's most likely the Anti-lock Braking System performing a harmless self-check.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Brake System is Your Car's Most Important Safety System
Brakes are a normal wear item for any car. Eventually, they're going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Planning can also save you money —your brakes won't get to the "metal-to-metal" point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement.
In between replacements we recommend the BG Brake Service.
Problem:
Brake fluid becomes oxidized and contaminated over time and use. Heat and moisture cause corrosion on parts and brake fluid failure. This causes a spongy brake pedal and shows up in discolored brake fluid.
Solution:
The entire brake system is inspected for leaks, master cylinder corrosion, worn pneumatic parts, harmful varnish build-up, broken or rusted bleeder valves, worn rotors and drums and air in the brake lines. All old brake fluid is replaced with BG Heavy Duty DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid. The result will be a longer lasting, more efficient and safer braking system.
Your Brake System:
The brake system is your car's most important safety system. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair so that your car can continue to operate as designed. Brakes often have wear indicators that produce noise when it's time to change the pads. Brake noise may sound like high pitch squealing or a grinding noise. Or your brakes may feel different when you press on them. If you think there may be a problem with your vehicle's brakes, have them inspected at 60 Minute Tune in Granada Hills. Our automotive shop features quality ACDelco parts, with a safety rating you can depend on.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Belts and hoses are essential to keeping your vehicle on the road
Your belts and hoses are essential to keeping your vehicle on the road for years to come. Perhaps among all the preventative maintenance services on your vehicle, belts and hoses are the most important because they have the shortest lifespan.Due to constant exposure to heat, hard driving conditions, and changes in temperatures, these components crack, leak, fray, and peel. Worn belts and hoses are much more affordable to replace than an engine which can be destroyed if a belt or hose breaks. At 60 Minute Tune we recommend having a visual inspection done on your belts and hoses annually.
A visual inspection of belts includes:
- Search for clear indications of damage (cracking, glazing, softening, or peeling)
- Test for correct tension
- Test for correct alignment
- Record belt condition for future reference
- Search for clear indications of damage (leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening)
- Test cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology
- Record hose condition for future reference
- Vehicle Age
- Mileage
- Belt Tension
- Electrolytic Corrosion
- Oil Contamination
- Defective or Failed Hose Clamps
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Potholes are the Pits
Depending on the depth of a pothole, your shock and strut could actually bottom out. Braking while hitting a pothole can cause even more problems. We suggest braking before a pothole and after if necessary but not during.
Besides the suspension components, other parts such as control arms, ball joints and axle shafts are also prone to pothole damage. Your rims can bend or even crack causing poor tire inflation which can also lead to premature tire replacement.
Potholes are the number one cause for premature tire wear, alignment problems and poor vehicle drivability. Our advice is to avoid potholes whenever it is safe to do so. We want to help prevent this damage to your car, and keep you safe. The following resources came up when we searched for information regarding reporting potholes. Have your brakes and suspension checked to prevent premature replacement.
http://www.citysourced.com/neighborhood/2280/us/california/los-angeles-county
http://seeclickfix.com/granada-hills/report
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Keeping it Cool
The thermal expansion valve allows you to decide just how much cool air you want in your car, so you are not always freezing. Lastly the drier or accumulator is a safety catch for your AC system. It protects your compressor from fluids that could damage or even ruin your compressor.
Even though your AC may work perfectly when you buy your car over time the bumps and jolts in the road can cause your AC seals to loosen which will cause leaks to occur. If your Freon leaks out your AC will simply blow hot air, and let's face it, none of us like to be hot and sweaty!
Having your AC serviced once a year can help you avoid costly repairs like replacing your AC system. As your vehicle ages, adjustments need to be made to assure proper, efficient and maximum use of your AC system. With all this summertime heat it's important to remember, you don't have to be hot all the time, Call 60 Minute Tune today and find out how we can make your AC system work like new again.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Don't be left on the side of the road with a dead battery
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With 60 Minute Tune's BG battery service, our tech's will clean your battery and detect a leak if there is one present. Leaks, evaporation and overcharging are all contributors to send your battery to an early grave.
With 60 Minute Tune's BG service, our techs install anti corrosion terminal protectors once the battery has been tested and cleaned. Lastly the battery posts, terminals and case are sealed to continue to maintain and extend the life of your battery. We recommend replacing your battery every three to five years for trouble free starting!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Fuel Misconceptions
- Fuel additives purchased from a retail automotive store are just as effective as a fuel additive like BG’s 44K only available at professional automotive shops. (44k was tested against a variety of other products and was the only one proven to work effectively.)
- Buying more expensive fuel regardless of grade will reduce nasty build up in your vehicle. (The grade of fuel can make a marginal difference, but the dollar amount has no effect on your fuel effectiveness)
- Cutting out preventative maintenance will help balance the additional pennies spent on fuel because preventative maintenance is only suggestive. (This is the worst misconception, without proper preventative maintenance, your fuel economy may decline, and your vehicle will need additional repairs.
The average driver drives 120,000 miles during the life of their vehicle, this driver will save an average of $500 to $800 in fuel expense over the life of their vehicle just by using BG. Call 60 Minute Tune for details.





