Grandfatherly Advice on Brakes and Tires

My grandfather used to say to my dad, “Don’t play around with brakes and tires, they can get you killed.”

Now my grandfather wasn’t trying to dissuade my dad from working on his own car, rather he was trying to get my dad to understand that you don’t take unnecessary chances.

You see, when most things on your car wear out, are defective, or just plain break, there’s damage done, to varying degrees, to your car, but not to you.

For example, if your engine throws a rod, what happens? It can kill your engine. Run your car out of oil? You kill your engine. What about a timing belt? Transmission leak? Never tune up your car? Think about what happens, I mean the worst that can happen.

Now think about what happens if your brakes go out. I had that happen halfway home one day. What do you think is the worst that can happen? Rear-ending the car in front of you at high speeds? Careening through an intersection and hitting pedestrians? Not being able to slow down to make that sharp turn on a cliff? It does happen.

What about if a tire blows out on the freeway? 

Now think about the engine issues again. Not so bad by comparison, right?

Are your brakes getting soft? Are your tires wearing unevenly, or just plain worn down? You can put off doing a lot of things to your car, but not brakes and tires. Get them taken care of, immediately. 

Don’t take chances with your brakes or tires. Call Broadway Imports at 503.282.0817 to schedule an oil change, tune-up, or whatever else your car needs. Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have. Schedule an appointment today!

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2016 Car Shows

Remember when summertime was all about fun? BBQs, beach trips, camping, and such? Though you can still do those things (when you're on vacation), there's a few things you still can do where you don't have to be a highschool student nor take your vacation time to do them.
We're talking of course about car shows, cruise-ins, and swap meets.

Below is a list of just a few of the car-related activities that are going on in or near Portland for 2016. For a far more comprehensive list, just check out Route 26's website.

Cruises and Swap Meets

May 7: Suburban Cruise, Page 2

May 7: Portland Transmission

May 7: Flower Festival

May 8: Mount Hood Little League, Page 2

May 14: Papa Toys

May 14: Clark True Lumber

May 20: Lamb and Wool Fair

May 21: Rods and Pins

May 21: Jim Dandy's

June 4: All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet

June 4: Fire And Rescue

June 4: Skool Days

June 4: Function for the Junction

June 18: Indian Head Casino, Page 2

July 16: Bay City Cruisers, Page 2

June 17: Sunshine Cruise, Page 2

June 18: Roll the Dice

June 18-19 Planter's Days

June 25: Rendezvous 2016

July 9: Cruise to the Center of the Earth

July 9: Community Days Show 'n Shine

July 9: Wooden Chicken

July 16: Knights of Columbus

July 16: North Valley Cruzzers

July 17: Forest Grove Concours

July 30: Fabulous 50's Car Show

July 30: Stayton Summerfest, Page 2

July 30-31: Steam Up Car Shows

July 31: SW Bible Church

August 6: Old Time Cruise to Estacada

August 6: Motocycle Show in Estacada

August 6-7: Steam Up Car Shows

August 7: Kryron's Car Show, Page 2

August 10: Convertibles Only - Guinesss World Record Attempt

August 13: Rockin' Round the Block

August 20: Cruise in and a Movie

August 20: Cruise 2 Barton

August 22: Wapato Showdown, Page 2

August 28: Collector Car and Boat Show

August 28: Hot August Dazes

Though we can't enter your car into a car show for you, we can certainly help you get your car ready for a car show. Call Broadway Imports at 503.282.0817 to schedule an oil change, tune-up, or whatever else your car needs.

#carshows2016
#swapmeet
#cruisein
#broadwayimports
#broadwayimportautoservice

New Mercedes-Benz GLC Replaces the GLK

Have you been wanting a new Mercedes? Who doesn't? Motor Trend reported that the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being replaced by the GLC line.

The new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC, hitting American soil in November, is an all-new entry-level SUV.

Though it's expected to start at under $40,000, there's a lot to like with air suspension, gorgeous interior, with both rear-wheel drive (the GLC300) and all-wheel drive (the GLC300 4Matic) configurations. You can see the full article and photos here.

Can't afford a new Mercedes-Benz? You can keep your import automobile running in top shape with maintenance and repairs done by us here at Broadway Import Auto Service at 503.282.0817. 

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

#broadwayimportautoservice
#mercedesbenzglc
#mercedesbenzglk
#importautoservice
#carrepair

The NHTSA is putting out a public webinar next week!

NHTSA is announcing a public webinar on April 29, 2015, from 1:30-3pm ET (more details on the announcement in this Federal Register Notice). This webinar will provide information about the two new surveys that will replace NASS: Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS) and Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS). NHTSA will describe the sample designs and answer questions related to the samples. Participants will be able to view the documents of the webinar presentation through internet access only via the web and listen in to the audio through a conference call.

Instructions to log in to the webinar and the conference call

Please contact us for more information!

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

#broadwayautoimports

#NHTSA
#crashinvestigation
#CRSS

8 Car Checks for Spring

It is spring and time we've had a pretty mild winter this year, but that doesn't mean there aren't things to do to get your car ready for spring. Road grime, in all its forms, takes a pretty heavy toll on your poor car. Here's our checklist of 8 things to do to help you and your car have a pleasant spring.

1) Wash the undercarriage

Road grime, gravel, the snow and filth in the slush all contribute to problems underneath your car. There's moving parts under there that are exposed to the road, help keep them running smoothly by having it cleaned. Less grime means less wear-and-tear.

2) Wash the carpets and inside of doors

That same grime gets in your car. Have the carpet cleaned and wash down your car doors, especially the oft-neglected bottom of the door. The longer that stuff stays on the inside of your car the better the chances of it permanently leaving ugly stains.

3) Change your wiper blades

The more they're used, the faster they wear down. Road debris and other things hitting your windshield contribute heavily to the wear-and-tear on your poor windshield wipers. Despite any claims, they're really only there to remove water, anything else contributes to their wearing out.

4) Change your air filter

All that dust, dirt, and grime go into your ventilation system, and your engine's air intake system as well. Your air filter actually does a pretty good job of stopping it, but as it clogs up, not only does your engine avoid the debris, it gets deprived of vital air to help keep things running efficiently, like your gas mileage for example.

5) Check your tire pressure

Tire pressure fluctuates depending on the temperature, and tires simply lose tiny amounts of air over time. Low tire pressure affects both your gas mileage and the smoothness of your ride, not to mention the extra contribution to wearing down your tires. Get them pumped up to the manufacturer's specifications.

6) Check the alignment

Winter contributes to the road conditions, like pot holes. As your tires get banged around it can knock your alignment out a little, or a lot. This causes uneven wear on your tires, much more than from simply not rotating your tires, a bad alignment puts more wear on the thinner parts of your tires causing them to wear out much faster, and there's few things more dangerous to drive in than on worn out tires.

7) Check your fluid levels

Fluid checking is always a good idea, and it should be done on a regular basis, not matter how "reliable" your dashboard indicators are. Get those fluids topped off so your indicators don't have a reason to give you warning signs.

8) Have the drive and A/C belts inspected

Worn, old, and cracked belts can mean anything from your air conditioning not working to your car not driving. The cold contributes to the wear as does having road grime on the belts, rubbing against moving parts. Belts that are no longer tight can lead to poor gas mileage as well.

These simple, inexpensive checks can save you hundreds of dollars later on. We here at Broadway Imports are dedicated to keeping your car running in tip-top shape. Bring in your car today for its "Spring Checkup".

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

#broadwayautoimports
#8carchecksforspring
#carcheckup
#carmaintenance

Did Your Vehicle Get Recalled?

It's a fact of life, occasionally there's a recall on an automobile. Sometimes these recalls go unnoticed by consumers for any number of reasons, and it's always possible that you unknowingly purchased a used auto import that has a recall on it. We here at Broadway Import Auto Service want you to be in the safest, most mechanically sound vehicle possible which is why we want you to know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a search tool on their website so you can enter your vehicle's VIN number and see if there's any recalls. Safety is everyone's concern, and we want you to be armed with all the knowledge you need. For all your auto import needs, from minor maintenance and repairs to major work, we are here to help you.

You can find the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle recall search tool at NHTSA - Recalls & Defects

Give us a call at (503) 282-0817

3001 NE BROADWAY | PORTLAND, OR  97232

#broadwayimport

#broadwayimportautoservice
#vehiclerecall
#autorecall
#nhtsa
#nationalhighwaytrafficsafetyadministration

When Should You Change Your Oil?

When asked, you may hear answers such as every 3000, 5000, or 7500 miles, or when the vehicle's oil monitor indicates that this service is necessary. No wonder consumers are confused! An engine oil change is a relatively simple service, it's one of the most overlooked but vitally important part of your car’s maintenance schedule. There is a good reason for this. Nothing will shorten engine life faster than missed oil changes.

But how can you tell when you should change your oil?  Advances in technology and increased consumer awareness have created some confusion to how often this needs to happen. The problem is that there is no interval that applies to most vehicles.

The Simple Answer…

For most of us, all we need to do is follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil change intervals. Their guidelines are designed to keep your car in good running condition for a long time. Where can you find your car’s service schedule for oil changes and other recommended maintenance? You can check the owner’s manual that hopefully you have kept in a handy place like your car’s glove box. Alternatively you can check the manufacturer’s website.

The Normal interval listed in the owner's manual applies to vehicles driven under ideal conditions. While you may consider your driving habits and operating conditions quite normal, read the fine print. Some exceptions to Normal driving include:

• Frequent short trips (less than 10 miles, especially during cold weather)
• Stop-and-go city traffic driving
• Driving in dusty conditions, on gravel roads, etc.
• Driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather
• Towing use
• Diesel or turbocharged engine

These conditions commonly appear in the description of severe service driving.

Some lube shops have their own recommendations. One thing to remember is that these shops are speaking to a wide audience, addressing cars of every age, every mileage, and some with different needs. While there is no harm done by too frequent oil changes; if your car doesn’t need them, that money could be better spent on other maintenance needs.

The engine serves as the heart of your vehicle, so changing its oil based on the manufacturer's recommendation is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to keep your vehicle's engine running longer. However, you must read these recommendations closely to determine the correct interval; the interval that matches your vehicle's operating conditions and your driving habits.

Timing is everything…

Waiting for the low oil light to come on can be the worst thing you can do to your engine. You shouldn’t see that light unless your oil level is low. Whatever amount of oil you do have left almost certainly has lost its ability to function properly. The good news is that your service schedule is written to have this service done long before disaster is on the horizon.

Putting off your oil change is not the same as putting off a trip to the grocery store or waited a couple of weeks longer between haircuts; don’t do that with oil changes. Your oil’s primary function is to cut friction. Over time, oil accumulates contaminants and loses viscosity (the ability to flow into every nook and cranny). Contaminants cause friction as parts rub together and friction wears out those parts faster. The damage caused by these conditions is largely irreversible without an engine overhaul or replacement.

Your Car May Already Know…

For a very long time the gold standard for oil changes was 3,000 to 3,500 miles. Advances in engineering to both engine mechanical parts and especially to the oil itself have extended the oil life cycle by more than double the old number. Do you use synthetic oil?  Automakers recommend it for some models. It costs a little more than regular oil, but it has had the biggest impact on oil life. The life cycle for synthetics is typically 7,000 to 10,000 miles, which is a big change from conventional oil. 

The type of driving we do also affects your oil change needs. Frequent cold starts, extreme heat, and towing, are all examples of types of driving that can shorten our oil life. Also, repeated short trips (under 4 miles) are one of the most overlooked enemies of oil life. Any of these driving conditions can create the need to shorten your service interval by 25-40 percent depending on the severity.

If your car is equipped with a maintenance reminder on the dash some the guesswork is eliminated for you. Can you trust it? For the most part, yes. In the early days of automobiles the only way we had to track our vehicle’s aging was the odometer. But miles traveled is not always a good indicator of actual use for many urban environments. With the inclusion of computers in the modern automobile we now have a way for the car to track time AND mileage. Time is important to this discussion because running time affects oil life.

But not all maintenance indicators work the same way. Some use an electronic sensor to measure the oil quality, while others use an algorithm based on driving metrics to determine life expectancy. If your car is not equipped with maintenance light or gauge, the owner’s manual should still be your guide.

Broadway Auto Import Service can give you the information you need on how often to bring you vehicle in for its oil change. Talk to us today for not only your oil change, but all your maintenance needs.

Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today! Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

#broadwayimports
#oilchange
#changeoil
#importauto

Winter is here in Portland!

Broadway Import Auto Service in Portland wants everyone out there to be safe when in their vehicles!

Winter driving, especially after a snow or ice storm, can be treacherous.

Roads can turn into ice rinks, leading to crashes, lengthy traffic jams and white-knuckle driving.

Before driving your car in winter conditions, make sure your vehicle is running fine, says David Waits, owner of Japanese Automotive Service in Hilliard, Ohio. Have a trusted mechanic fully inspect it before cold weather hits. A tune-up costs as little as $40 or as much as several hundred dollars, depending on whether work needs to be done, mechanics say.

"Maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle healthy," Waits says. "It's very important to make sure all the fluids are full, the lights are working, the exhaust is not leaking and the wiper blades and tires are in good condition."

Randal Regan, service writer at Marc Yount's Tire Pros, a vehicle maintenance business in Evans, Georgia, says visibility is another key for winter driving. He recommends replacing windshield wipers and changing washer fluid before winter hits. He also says it's important to keep your windows clean so you have full visibility.

"The best advice I can give is to be prepared," he says.

Driving in icy and snowy conditions is dangerous and can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. But there are a few tips to help keep your car safe on the road.

First off, experts recommend slowing down in such conditions. According to AAA, brake and accelerate slowly to avoid skidding.

Mechanics say to leave yourself more time than usual to stop, and avoid sudden actions such as slamming on your brakes. A normal following distance of three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you should increase to eight to 10 seconds in snow, according to AAA. The Maine Department of Transportation reports that this is especially true on bridges, off-ramps and areas with black ice.

In snow and ice, SafeMotorist.com recommends starting out slowly, being gentle with the gas pedal and braking three times sooner than you typically would before coming to a stop or turning.

When braking in slick conditions, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends applying firm pressure to the brake for cars equipped with an anti-lock braking system. Drivers must continue to gently pump the brakes if they don't have anti-lock brakes to keep the brakes from locking up.

According to the NHTSA, anti-lock brakes are a safety feature on many cars that are designed to prevent your wheels from locking up by changing the pressure in your car's brake lines, similar to pumping the brakes.

Waits adds that all-wheel and four-wheel drive cars will usually go straight without sliding in most poor driving conditions, but it doesn't mean they'll stop or turn as easily.

Four-wheel drive vehicles has a drivetrain where all four wheels receive power from the engine, while two-wheel drive receives power to only two - either both from wheels or both back wheels.

It's also important to be prepared before you drive in winter conditions.

Waits says that means packing hats, gloves, coats, blankets, non-perishable food and water in case you are stranded. He also recommends packing a sleeping bag.

It may be a good idea to use snow tires or chains when driving in snow. Regan recommends using four snow tires on roads that are covered with ice or snow. He recommends a tire with at least a 6/32-inch deep tread when driving in snow. If it's less than that, it's time to replace the tire.

Also, make sure your gas tank is at least half full to prevent the gas line from freezing up.

"Do not let it go below half," Waits says. "The added weight will help with traction, and fuel will be needed to run the engine in case you're stranded."

Waits adds it's never a good idea to run or charge accessories when the engine is not running or you could drain the car's battery.

Article by Tom Moor. Tom Moor is an automotive reporter at www.AngiesList.com.

Our technicians at Broadway Motor Import Service are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

Fall is here and Winter is just around the corner!

It always seems that summer rushes by faster than the wind through your hair. When the temperature starts to drop it's a reminder that months of winter driving uncertainty are on the way, and it's time to get ready.

Rather than wait until it's bitterly cold, take the opportunity to winterize your Import now!

Broadway Import Auto Service is here to help! We provide Preventative Maintenance and many services to keep your vehicle in top operating condition!


Here are some tips:

Test the battery and electrical systems

• Cold weather can wreck havoc on your vehicle's electrical system and battery, and the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems makes an electrical system test a must.
• A simple battery test can be preformed by turning on your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice the lights get brighter once the engine is running, a more thorough battery tests should be undertaken.
• Metering voltage with a voltmeter or measuring electrolyte levels for an unsealed, low-maintenance battery are two examples of such tests. If your tests show the voltage lower than 12.4V or if electrolyte-specific gravity resides below 1.225, a recharge or replacement of the battery is likely required.
• If you're not comfortable performing battery tests yourself, any reputable mechanic should be able to run a quick diagnostic test on your battery and charging system. Some auto parts stores are even able to do this.
• Make sure your headlights, taillights, back up lights, and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check.

Check coolant and other fluids

• While it's more common to worry about the cooling system in the summer, it's just as important to check it in the winter. If your car's coolant is not mixed correctly, it could freeze and damage your radiator or engine.
• Check the coolant level, which may require looking at a marked level indicator on the overflow reservoir, or popping the radiator cap.
• Never check the coolant when the car is hot, as the cooling system operates under pressure and hot coolant will burn.
• A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is typically recommended for year-round driving, but check your owners manual for specifics.
• You can test the concentration of the coolant with a bulb gauge found at any auto parts store or have your mechanic do it.
• After checking the coolant, examine coolant hoses for leaks or wear.
• Visually inspect other fluid reservoirs in the engine compartment for leaks, such as brakes, clutch, transmission fluid and oil.
• The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate a change to a thinner viscosity engine oil. Check your owner's manual.

Maximize your vision

• Darkness and blinding snowstorm, coupled with shorter days, can dramatically reduce a motorist's vision during the winter.
• A working set of windshield wipers and an ample supply of winter washer fluid are the best ways to optimize limited visibility.
• Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield.
• If you replace your wiper arms, also make sure that they don't lift from your windscreen at higher speeds.
• For optimal winter visibility, buying special winter wipers equipped with protective shields is an excellent idea.
• When buying winter washer fluid, look for a brand with a deicer agent.

Clean your vehicle inside and out

• Both the interior and exterior of your car are vulnerable to snow, ice and road salt, so use the fair fall days to undertake a complete do-it-yourself detailing of your car.
• Thoroughly wash and wax your vehicle to protect your paint job from the elements.
• Be sure to do the wash and wax before temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A clean and freshly waxed car makes snow and ice easier to brush off.
• Remove any detritus before vacuuming the seats and floor.
• Swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats.
• Whatever the need for your vehicle, Broadway Import Auto Service can fill that need.

Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

Broadway Import Auto Service - Where quality service is everything!

Here at Broadway Import Auto Service we pride ourselves in always providing quality, professional service! We know that the best advertisement in this business is word-of-mouth referrals. We will do whatever it takes to make certain our customer is happy and satisfied with every part of the service we provide. We offer professional automotive service specializing in Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Subaru, Nissan, Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai and Kia.

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We take pride in offering our customers quality service at a fair price. Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817