Monday, February 20, 2012

Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee: How are we different?



Life doesn't stop when your vehicle needs service.  At Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee, this fact drives everything we do. 

Our mission at Quick Lane is to provide convenience with confidence throught express auto service that's backed by Ford and fits around our customers' lives. 

How are we different than our competition?

At Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee, we offer a synthetic blend oil which provides longer mileage range between oil change intervals.  Also, we provide the expertise of Certified Technicians that fix all makes and models. Also, we provide service while you wait, comfortable stress-free waiting areas, vehicle check-up reports detailing current and future service needs, fast and convenient oil changes with no appointment necessary, and personnel that is friendly, honest, and professional. 

Life is better at the Quick Lane located at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee!!!

Quick Lane FAQs

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Most vehicles should get their oil change every 5 months or 5000 miles which ever comes first.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oil can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every oil change, or every 5000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.  You should also have your alignment checked every 12 months or 12,000 miles.  This will help you get the most mileage out of your tires.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

I have a belt making a very loud squeal on my car. Should have it changed?
Inspect & replace belts regularly. The belt system in your car helps such things as your alternator and air conditioning compressor to operate correctly. When a belt breaks, they can cause costly damage. To avoid this, inspect them regularly for wear. If they are showing signs, go ahead and replace them before they become a problem.

What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to your local dealership so a trained professional can look at your concern.

Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.

How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.  This helps ensure that your fuel pump isn't geting over worked, and helps keep your fuel injectors clean.

When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles.  The newer engines uses a platnium plug that last longer then a conventional plug.  Driving style can also effect this mileage interval, but for most applications 60,000 miles is average time to have the plugs replaced.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Apple Auto Group Vehicle Exchange Program

Apple Auto Group invites consumers to participate in our Vehicle Exchange program.  The Apple Auto Group Vehicle Exchange Program promotes consumers to inquire about trading their current vehicle for a newer model with the opportunity to keep a similar payment or even less.  Rather than paying professional buyers fees to buy vehicles at auctions, we would prefer to purchase locally owned and maintained vehicles from our local customers, their friends and neighbors. 

Some benefits to you could include above market value for your vehicle, low monthly payments, better financing terms, longer and more comprehensive warranties, lower fuel costs, lower maintenance and repair costs, lower cost of driving, increased saftety and security, Key Care, Dent Care, and Personal Assistant.