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We are an independently owned and operated Rental Car agency that offers quality car and van rentals for the Bedford, PA area. As a family owned and operated business, when you visit Town Hill Auto Sales and Service you will discover a group of people who REALLY DO LOVE THEIR JOB! We work hard to provide the best customer service with reasonable rental rates. We go the extra mile to ensure that every mile of your experience is something you will want to tell your friends and family about.

We consider our staff as the “main” feature that separates us from the competition… and it shows!

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    What is that scraping sound coming from my car?

    Brake repair - Bedford PA

    Brake Service - Auto Repair Service Bedford PA

    What is that scraping sound coming from my car? It’s an all too common question that most people immediately say: “Oh, that’s the brakes!” But then the response is… “no, when I hit the brakes, the noise goes away!”

    At Town Hill Auto Repair Service providing Napa certified maintenance and repair to the Bedford PA community, we know cars; and the little noises that in this case… are trying to tell you something.

    The Tab Tells the Tale

    There is a thin metal feeler (warning tab) that protrudes from the side of the brake pad. This “tab” scrapes against the brake rotor when the brake pad wears to the point that they should be replaced by an auto repair service. One of the telltale signs that your brakes are in need of replacement is a screeching noise (metallic) heard before you touch your brakes. For most modern cars in the Bedford, PA area, this is by design.

    Especially with ABS (anti brake locking system) the brake pads “float” a small fraction in the caliper (part that holds them) The gap is around the thickness of 2 business cards so it isn’t very much, but that movement allows to the edge of the brake pad, where the warning tab is, to touch the brake rotor (the part the brake pads clamp on to stop). This produces a scraping sound that can often be heard at low speeds.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    Napa Brake Pads - Auto Repair Service Bedford PA

    Why does the sound go away when I hit the brake?

    The reason why the sound goes away is when the brakes are applied, that “angle” of the pad that floats in the caliper is flattened parallel to the rotors, making the warning tab move away from the rotor. This design actually provides a greater warning that your brake pads will need replaced. That is even better considering the braking needs in the hills and roads here around Bedford PA; can wear out pads rather quickly.

    What to do when it scrapes all the time?

    At this point the brake pads are thin enough to have the brake warning tab to touch the rotor all the time. When this occurs you should make an appointment with our Napa Certifies Auto Repair Service to replace the brakes, before damage to other components occur; or you don’t have the brake needed to safely stop.

    When Local Experience Matters

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    Does the Brand of Gas I Use Actually Matter?

    Adding fuel  - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAThe short answer, yes. In fact, Town Hill Auto Repair Service deals with many fuel related component failures because of the many different brand standards that are within our Bedford, PA community.

    In this article will look at why the brand of gas matters and recommendations to help keep your vehicle running smoothly.

    The Detergent Dilemma

    At the very top of the reasons why the brand of gas matters is the amount or type of detergent that is placed in the fuel. Some larger national chains place higher than EPA standard detergents in the fuel voluntarily others naturally, do not. The purpose of these fuel detergents is to help dilute and pass through carbon and container debris, that can cause build up in fuel system components; leading to failure and a trip to Town Hill Auto Repair Service. The main components that are most susceptible to this contamination are: fuel pump, fuel gauge sensors, injectors (or carburetor jets) intake and exhaust valves, the EGR valve and catalytic converter.

    By running a better grade of detergent fuel, you can help offset some of the fuel component failures that would cause you need an auto repair service in Bedford PA.

    Carbon Buildup - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAThe Cash Conundrum

    While it makes sense to use higher grade detergent fuel in your Bedford, PA vehicle; sometimes that can cut into the budget. Higher grade detergent gas in some cases cost $.05-$.07 more per gallon, which multiplied out over many tanks of gas over the year; can get expensive.

    However, in the larger picture the automotive manufacturers have done their own independent studies to determine the cost difference between using detergent gas that meets EPA standards, versus those that exceed EPA standards; in relationship to carbon related repairs within a two-year period of time.

    American Honda from 2003-2007 estimated that those that utilize better grade detergent fuel over the course of a year spent on average $45-$57 in additional fuel costs. When compared to the repair costs between clogged EGR ports, EGR failure, combustion chamber and engine ping (premature fuel ignition) amongst other fuel related issues where carbon was directly blamed; they determined that Honda owners were spending $390-$520 in repairs every two to five years.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    Fueling car  - Auto Repair Service, Bedford PAConclusion

    When you do the math for those types of repairs, the extra $.05-$.07 more per gallon seems quite reasonable when compared to the auto repair service needed to correct carbon buildup; plus the reduced fuel efficiency and performance that comes from the carbon build up over that duration. Town Hill Auto Repair Service serving the Bedford, PA area recommends to have your fuel system completely cleaned then to use these better detergent fuels to help keep your auto repair bills at a minimum.

    Some of the gas stations that have voluntarily exceeded EPA detergent additive standards are: Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Phillips 66, Texaco and Valero and a few others. Some of the auto manufacturers that recommend using better grade detergent fuels are Mercedes, Toyota, Chevrolet, VW, Honda, BMW and Ford. These manufacturers independent studies have found that when better grade detergent fuel is used that the cost of ownership over a seven-year period of time can be decreased up to 20%!

    When Local Experience Matters

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    How often Should I Change my Brake Fluid?

    Brakes - Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA

    The word of the day: Hygroscopic. Hygroscopic is a fluid’s ability to attract and hold water molecules from its surroundings. Why is this important? Because the brake fluid in your car is Hygroscopic.

    Depending on the car you drive the mileage and time recommendations may differ, a lot; so make sure you look to see what the manufacture recommends for the interval of your car.

    But Wait! If you drive a Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry or several other models; there ARE NO recommendations from the manufacture!

    In this article Town Hill Auto Repair Service  is going to get down and dirty with brake fluid, what it does and why it is important to keep it maintained.

    What does Brake Fluid Do?

    Brake fluid acts simply as the hydraulic translator between the mechanical pressure of the master cylinder out to the calipers or wheel cylinders of your vehicle.

    Why do I need to change my brake fluid?

    Because brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid, as mentioned above, it attracts moisture into your braking system. Over a period of time this moisture can corrode internal braking components such as: lines, hoses, master cylinder, wheel cylinders and connections leading to expensive auto repairs. It also has a low temperature threshold meaning that the more you break in stop and go traffic the less viscosity that it maintains. The older the fluid the less viscosity, creating a condition known as brake fade.

    Additionally, the moisture pulled into the fluid can also cause an inconsistent pedal as they water molecules will combine to create a pressure differential.

    A common documented problem seen from this water contamination is on vehicles that use a metal clamp hanger for the front brake lines. Moisture collects on the inside of the hose at the point of the clamp where the hose cannot expand because of the moisture. The build up of moisture causes rust and pieces of the hose to begin to deteriorate causing a blockage. This blockage can result in a loss of braking or the inability of the pedal to return. The proper repair for this condition would be to have Town Hill Auto Repair Service replace the affected hoses, flush the old fluid from the system, clean the reservoir and replace with new fluid.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    Brake Fluid - Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA

    When should I change my brake fluid?

    Many different manufacturers, depending on the fluid that used, have different intervals and mileage recommendations for changing your brake fluid. However, as mentioned above: many manufacturers no longer list an interval for changing out the brake fluid. This is for two reasons:

    • The brake fluid used is a high temperature or mineral based fluid
    • The manufacture doesn’t expect for you to maintain the car long enough to need to replace the fluid.

    Yes it is true, many owners manuals have been rewritten over the years because auto manufacturers, in today’s current climate; do not anticipate vehicle ownership to exceed seven years. (With the average ownership of three years)

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA recommends the changing of your brake fluid every two years or 45,000 miles for American vehicles prior to 2010. We recommend for European cars to change their brake fluid every three years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai’s, Kia’s and Volkswagens can typically go a little bit longer than the American recommendations, This is because the vehicles are generally smaller with less heat breakdown in the braking system.

    If however, you have a full size model or are in continuous stop and go traffic where you need to consistently heat up your brakes to stop; you should consult with the experts here at Town Hill Auto Repair Service for the best recommendations for your particular driving needs.

    Sportier performance vehicles such as Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challenger and vehicles of similar nature that are using oversize brakes; should also consult the experts at Town Hill Auto Repair Service as to the best recommendations for your driving style.

    When Local Experience Matters

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    A Memorial Day Message

    Memorial Day - Auto repair service in Bedford PA

    On Memorial Day we are challenged to pause, remember and say thanks to those fallen military who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today in this great country. Amid ceremonies, gatherings, picnics and sales we might get lost in the “holiday” rather than it’s meaning.

    As a veteran, author and staff writer for Town Hill Auto Repair Service; I would like to present an article answering the thought: How can you say thank you to those who are gone?

    All Gave Some, but Some Gave All

    In this popular song we are reminded that while all veterans gave to their country on some level, some gave all with the ultimate gift for our freedom; their very life. As a veteran of Desert Storm and 3rd generation of wartime military service, I have often shared with my grandfather and father about friends that didn’t come home.

    I once asked my granddad: “What can we do about it?” He answered, “never forget.” Then my Dad spoke up “make sure their sacrifice wasn’t in vein.” That statement helped me realize that the best way to say thanks to those who were gone, is to preserve the values that they died for.

    America is More than a Slogan

    America was founded on principles and values that resisted the will of a tyrannical government. As part of setting up a free society, they imbedded these values into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These rights were to preserve our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, but it didn’t stop there.

    When we learned that freedom meant the freedom of expression and the freedom of religion without an oppressive regime governing or limiting these freedoms; we soon experienced the power that freedom had as we built a new nation, under God. This freedom created opportunities, prosperity, motivated people to seek their fortunes, empowered the Gospel of Jesus Christ to go forth without religious bonds; becoming the foundational values that soon would be the envy of the world.

    We believed that these freedoms we’re given by God himself to do His will without bounds, we believed it to the extent of defending it.

    At times we have been called upon to fight to preserve these freedoms and help release others from those tyrannical bonds. If it had not been for the sacrifices of these brave men and women, millions today would still be oppressed by tyrants, begging for food and killed for expressing liberty. We, and the world are indebted to their sacrifice.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the difference experience makes – 814-310-2221

    I Didn’t Fight for a Country

    I had the privilege as a sponsor of the Veteran Defense Program in my town to sit down with Veterans and share wartime stories, accounts of heroism and days of fear.

    In the meeting was a young lady from the local high school, when she thanked the WW2 Veteran for fighting for his country, he replied: “I didn’t fight for my country, I fought for my brother.” He continued “To place the welfare of the whole country on the shoulders of one Marine is a war too big to win. I fought for my fellow Marines, if we all did that; we win.”

    Behind the Scenes

    The sacrifices of those spouses and dependents of our fallen heroes MUST be recognized and support given to truly honor their sacrifice. I believe a government and its people will be judged by how it treats the dependents of a fallen soldier.

    I can only imagine the nights of concern my spouse experienced while I was deployed and how much she, and my children have sacrificed taking care of me since I came home in a wheelchair.

    While my sacrifice will always be remembered each time I look at my family’s face, at least I came home. We should go beyond the “thank you” to ensure that the dependents of our fallen heroes are taken care of emotionally and financially through support assistance and vocational retraining.

    How can you say thank you to those who are gone?

    Preserve here, at home the values that have made this country the envy of the world. Every day our own government looks for ways to legislate away freedoms, restrict free speech and attempts to legislate immorality through liberal censorship. Perhaps if we truly want to honor their sacrifice we would remember those fundamental values that made America great: hard work, perseverance, family, faith and freedom.

    Honoring their Sacrifice Daily

    The staff at Town Hill Auto Repair Service understand it is our Veterans and their unwavering strength in adversity that preserves the freedom we enjoy to have a Auto Repair Service business in the Bedford, PA. area (or anywhere else for that matter). We look forward to building long-term relationships with our customers by treating every customer with respect, understanding the diversity of opinions when working with our customers. We look forward to sharing our customer values and mindset of traditional workmanship with every customer opportunity.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

    Read more on the importance of tune-ups for your Bedford PA. vehicle – Click Here

     

     

    Tips for storing my car for the winter – Part 2

    SUV Winter - Auto repair service in Bedford PA

    winter driving- auto repair service in Bedford, PAIn continuing our tips for storing your car for winter in Bedford, PA you should have read the previous part one giving you some great ideas on getting your car clean as to not come back to critters and foul smells when winter is over. In this article were going to look at some additional tips that will help keep your car ready to go one springtime comes.

    With Town Hill Auto Service being the leading choice for the Bedford, PA area with ASE trained, master certified technicians; we know a few things when it comes to properly storing your car during the winter months. Let’s look at a few useful tips:

    The Fuel Frustration

    Gasoline that you get in Bedford, PA for your car today contains ethanol. This fuel substitute is a colorless flammable liquid which is produced by natural fermentation natural elements such as sugars and corn. However eco-friendly this may be it plays havoc on fuel systems and components. Especially for vehicles that don’t get driven often or sit for the winter, the chemical breakdown of ethanol creates a green chalky substance that can clog injectors, filters and more creating problems for your car.

    When storing your vehicle in Bedford PA we recommend to use a Napa’s 360 performance stabilizer.  (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NCB22264) this will help prevent corrosion and rust. It will also help clean the fuel system, so it’s a good idea to run a bottle through about every 10,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford, PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    car battery- auto repair service in Bedford, PARemove the Battery

    Car batteries in Bedford PA are made from lead and acid that creates a mild charge and stores energy. When not being used a battery will discharge and the lead plates will begin to chemically break down. This means that a battery can actually destroy itself if not regularly charged. Additionally as the battery discharges it releases acidic vapor that will react to the metals in your car. This causes a corrosive film to cover the terminals and aluminum inside your engine bay.

    Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford PA, recommends to remove the battery and place it on a power tender or maintenance charger that will keep a low current charge; this helps the battery keep or maintain its integrity. This specific device will keep the battery from becoming overcharged and will keep the battery charge available come spring when you need it. Napa sells a nice battery maintenance charger (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SOR4502)

    Valvoline oil change- auto repair service in Bedford, PAMake sure that your fluids are fresh

    Depending on how long you’re going to be storing the car, Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford PA, recommends to make sure that you have performed an oil change and coolant service (at minimum). These fluids have a tendency to break down over time and congeal causing sludge in your cooling and engine systems. Having a fresh oil change will also help when restarting the car come spring; the fresh oil will help coat engine parts. Fresh coolant also contains anticorrosion and rust inhibitors that will help your cooling system components stay clean and ready for the spring.

    Note: Be sure to run your vehicle up to complete operating temperature with your fresh fluids opening your heater to allow the fresh coolant into your heater core.

    Trust the Local Experts!

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford, PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    How important is doing Chores?

    Just about every business owner in the Bedford PA area will tell you that one of the greatest frustrations and challenges that are faced in day-to-day operations is hiring quality personnel. Trying to find someone that has a specific skill set for this type of business is difficult; being that it takes years of training, unquestionable work ethics and a follow-through attitude to excel.

    Nowadays, as business owners, it seems like we would be just happy if we could find a few applicants that would simply follow instructions.

    It’s no secret in the auto repair service industry, and other service related industries in the Bedford PA area, that young people today lack many of the “work hard” traits that we reflect on as a core principle. Finding a young person that exhibits a work ethic is literally a diamond in the rough.

    As business owners, and parents, I would like to take this article to reflect on some core values and more specifically: the importance of chores.

    Are you Setting the best Ensample?

    Do as I say, not as I do. For years I have heard this expression and disliked it. It might sound good when you’re talking to a six-year-old child; but, in reality it avoids our personal responsibility to teach our children based upon our words AND our actions. Often times a young person’s solid work ethic comes from watching the work ethic of their parents. By showing them what hard work looks like our children will see hard work as “normal” rather than the exception.

    An old English term that best describes this is called the ensample. The difference between an example and ensample is this:

    • An example is telling them how to do something
    • An ensample is showing them how to do something

    By setting the ensample for our children we can help produce in them a strong work ethic that will lay the foundation of success for many years to come.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    Really… Nobody Likes Chores (but everybody needs chores)

    Household chores are simply a way to help children become acclimated with work. However, if used properly, chores can also teach children responsibility and accountability. Simply doing chores to get them done, without accountability, is just a way to get free labor; we should rather use chores as a teaching tool.

    Just as an employer in the Bedford PA area would challenge their employees to complete the task as stated, chores should be handled with the same responsibility and accountability.

    As stated: Completing a task the way that you were told or shown how to do. Not how you think or perceive the task should be completed.

    Example:

    If the chore is to take out the trash, was it done exactly as stated? Was it taken out on time? Did the trashcan get cleaned? Did a new trash bag get placed in the trashcan? By following through and making sure that the chore was completed as stated you identified to the child your expectation. By holding the child accountable for the proper completion of the chore you help teach them the same accountability that they should have when working for their Bedford PA area employer or for their customer!

    Holding the child accountable for the completion of the task to be done exactly as stated requires as much work for the parent as it does for the child. The child should know that our most important goal is that they learn how to complete a task as stated. (Not how they think it should be done).

    If we, as parents, do not check that the task was completed as stated (to our complete satisfaction) we show them that they can get away with slacking on the task; thus identifying our work ethic towards their learning. Remember we should never consider chores as free labor, it should always be utilized as an opportunity to teach a solid work ethic.

    Reflecting on a Real World Example

    A few years ago, I listened to the frustration of one of my clients who owned a Sonic drive-thru. He expressed his frustration that it seems like, to him, that he had to teach young people how to work as much as he had to teach the responsibilities of the job.

    He had to teach young people that had graduated high school how to properly wash their hands, how to count back change, how to speak to others with respect and how to properly complete a task, completely, as stated.

    Basically, he was frustrated because he had to become their parent rather than their employer. Those young people that were taught a solid work ethic generally found themselves in a management position inside of three months.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    A Final Thought

    This article was not meant to point out the problems with anyone in the Bedford PA area’s parenting abilities. Nor was it meant to identify that somehow my capabilities to parent were better than anyone else’s. However, I think we all, as citizens of this diverse community; can agree that there has been a decline of a strong work ethic in our young people. As a business owner and as a parent, I am always evaluating my role and willingness to share the lessons that I have learned.

    If there’s ever room to improve, I want my children to seek those improvements; to go further, better and achieve higher levels of success. I also know that in order for them to go beyond my means they will need a foundation that is as strong as that will to achieve.

    We WORK hard for You!

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    Check out our Sales Inventory – click here

    How often should I change my brakes?

    A question that is often presented to the service consultants at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA is “How often should I change my brakes?”; and that’s a really good and responsible question to ask. There are many variables in Bedford PA that come into play when answering that question, such as: how often you drive your car, traffic conditions, the braking style of the driver and the type or condition of the brake components of your vehicle.

    To better answer this question let’s look at a few of the braking components, braking conditions and scenarios to answer: how often should I change my brakes?

    Driving Conditions in Bedford PA

    Driving conditions in Bedford PA vary from driver to driver, car to car and city to city; greatly impacting how long your brakes might last. Most brake component manufacturers will tell you that the average life of a brake pad is approximately 30,000 miles “depending on driving conditions”. In simpler terms, the more you use your brakes the faster you will need to replace them.

    If you are in the stop and go traffic of congested city driving, then your brakes will typically wear faster than those that may do more rural driving found in the Bedford, PA area. By that same token, your braking style may wear the brakes more aggressively such as waiting to the last moment to hit your brakes at a stop vs. gradually applying the brakes over a longer period of time.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    What’s That Screeching Noise?

    One of the telltale signs that your brakes need to be replaced is a screeching noise (metallic) coming when you apply your brakes. For most modern cars in the Bedford, PA area, this is by design. There is a thin metal feeler that protrudes from the side of the brake pad that when the brake pad wears at the point that the pads should be replaced, the metal feeler rubs against the brake rotor creating the metallic screeching noise, that you should be hearing.

    This is absolutely normal and should be the sign that you need to replace your brakes. Other more sophisticated vehicles utilize an electronic wear sensor seen on many high-end European models. If you are hearing a metallic screeching noise yet, you know that your brakes are in good condition (because you have them regularly inspected at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA) then there may be a mechanical problem that should be investigated by the master mechanics at Town Hill Auto Repair Service.

    Rear Brake Replacement

    As cars continue to change each year in the Bedford, PA area, so do the components in the braking system. Over the last 10 years, especially, passenger vehicles have been produced with very small brake pads that wear as quickly as the front or faster because they’re so small. This has naturally created a level of confusion as older vehicles could typically go 50,000 miles and up on rear brake pads or drum shoes.

    Why does it seem like I need to replace my brake rotors every time?

    Brake rotor thicknesses have been changed due to recommendations from the NTSB making them, in some cases, below the recommended thickness as they come out of the box. Because of the use of composite materials in brake rotor construction, turning or resurfacing is a practice seldom done except for larger pickups and SUVs that traditionally have much thicker brake rotors. The service professionals at Town Hill Auto Repair Service will always make recommendations based upon your safety, not to just sell more parts.

    Conclusion

    For those vehicle owners that appreciate the advantages of a vehicle that is well maintained and inspected by a qualified auto repair service such as Town Hill Auto Repair Service serving Bedford PA; brake wear is regularly inspected to let you know the approximate life left on your brake pads. For those DIYer’s, the brakes themselves will have a metallic feeler that will let you know when the brakes are worn to a point of recommended replacement, providing that your using quality parts like premium brake pads from Napa Auto Parts.

    When Local Experience Matters

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

    Useful Links

    Learn more about our services – click here

    Learn more about our team – click here

    Tips for storing my car for the winter – Part 1

    auto repair service in Bedford, PA

    This time of year some residents in the Bedford PA area might choose to store their luxury or performance car in lieu of the milder spring and summer temperatures. If you should choose to store your car for the winter there are some steps that you may want to take to ensure that your car will last mechanically, as well as, look great for many years to come.

    With Town Hill Auto Service being the leading choice for the Bedford PA area with ASE trained, master certified technicians; we know a few things when it comes to properly storing your car during the winter months. Let’s look at a few useful tips:

    A Clean Car is a Happy Car

    Town Hill auto repair service in Bedford, PAExterior:

    For those who might choose to store your car during the winter months in Bedford PA you will first want to make sure that your car is thoroughly clean inside and out. The last thing you want to do is store a car that is dirty, giving opportunity for contaminants to slowly damage your vehicle. Give your car a good hand wash, closely looking for any foreign debris that may cause damage to your finish such as tree sap, dead bugs or chemical exposure (ie. Brake fluid).

    After the paint and chrome is clean, apply a good coat of wax. If the car will be in a moist area for a few months be sure to consider treating unprotected metal surfaces such as the undercarriage.

    Many enthusiast in the Bedford PA area choose to use WD-40 has a light coating on brake rotors, calipers, brake hoses, exhaust and so forth; just to keep in mind of this treatment when you go to drive it for the first time after its long winters rest.

    Interior:

    Discard any food wrappers, soda cans and any other garbage that may have accumulated inside your car in the Bedford PA area. Look for French fries between the seats, candy in the carpet and other items that may attract unwanted pests and insects during its long winters rest. If you are going to have your carpets steam cleaned be sure to steam clean them early enough so that they can be thoroughly dried before putting your car into storage. Otherwise the leftover moisture can build up and form mold on the interior components, possibly even damaging the electronics of the vehicle over a period of time.

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service is your Complete, Napa Certified, Service Center
    in the Bedford PA area. Call Today 814-310-2221

    Additional Considerations

    Mouse in Car - auto repair service in Bedford, PAUnwanted critters like mice can play havoc on a stored vehicle. They do not see your car as the prized possession that it is, but rather an enjoyable place to set up residence. When they get a little hungry they go looking for a snack, chewing through wires and ripping into seats. It’s a good idea to put some mothballs or other pest deterrents in your engine bay and interior (and trunk) to help keep these little critters away.

    You should also consider putting a sock into the exhaust to keep them from getting up inside and building a nest. Just make sure to take them out before you go for a ride in the spring.

    Car covers are a great idea, just make sure they’re clean. Nothing’s worse than putting a dirty car cover on a clean car; it’s literally like applying sandpaper. If your car is stored outside you may choose to take additional steps such as: treating the tires, place in the car on jack stands, covering the tires with plastic wheel covers, etc.. For garage storage you could do the same, but it’s not as necessary.

    Be sure to check the additional tips on storing your car for winter.

    When Local Experience Matters

    Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.

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    Transfer Case Service

    What is a transfer case? image of a car being serviced - auto repair service in Bedford PA

    Most drivers don’t know much about transfer cases; however, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you’ve got one. This component is what ensures that you have power available for both the front and rear axles while you are driving around in the Bedford PA area.

    For example, if you have a rear-wheel drive SUV, power will only go to the rear wheels until you need 4-wheel drive. That’s when the transfer case steps in and transfers some of the power to the front wheels as well. You might use a shift lever to go into 4-wheel drive, or it could be a button on the dash or it might even go into 4-wheel drive automatically, depending on your vehicle.

    Why does my transfer case need serviced when it seems to be working great?

    Transfer case fluid cools and lubricates the gears, chains, bearings, shafts and other parts for your vehicle. Over time, the additives in the fluid wear out, add to that the bits of metal and clutch material wear off and contaminate the fluid and you find that it doesn’t protect very well. There isn’t a filter in the transfer case, so if you allow the contamination to remain for too long, it’ll further accelerate wear. The transfer case is serviced at Town Hill Auto Service by periodically draining the fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid. Our technicians also check for leaks and damage.

    How often should I get my fluid replaced?

    Your owner’s manual may not have a recommended interval for when you should change your transfer case fluid – so ask your service advisor at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA. There are several things that affect how often you should change the fluid, so let them know how often you use 4-wheel drive, if you drive in wet environments such as places where you cross streams or drive through mud and snow. That kind of stuff really shortens the drain interval.

    Did you know that all of the service professionals at Town Hill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties.Transfer case parts will eventually wear out and you’ll have to make repairs. But properly servicing your transfer case at Town Hill Auto Service will keep that day as far in the future as possible.

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