Wheel Alignment - Avoiding The Danger Signs Ahead

If you're experiencing problems with your car pulling to one side, it may be due to a misaligned wheel. A wheel alignment can correct this problem and ensure that your car drives in a straight line. Avoid the danger of driving with a misaligned wheel by getting it corrected at a reputable automotive shop.

Most people don't think about their vehicle's alignment until they experience unusual tire wear or handling concerns. However, just like any other component of your car, regular upkeep is critical to maintaining it in good working order. Here are four reasons why routine wheel alignments are essential.

Wheel Alignments Prevent Uneven Tire Wear

The number one reason to keep up with your wheel alignments is to prevent uneven tire wear. When your wheels are out of alignment, they put unnecessary stress on your tires. This can cause them to wear down faster on one side than the other. It also reduces the life of your tires and makes them more likely to fail unexpectedly.

Wheel Alignments Improve Handling

Another important reason to get regular wheel alignments is to improve the handling of your vehicle. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can make your car feel unstable on the road. This can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Wheel Alignments Improve Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are out of alignment, your car has to work harder to move forward. This extra effort means that your car will burn through fuel more quickly. In addition, drag from misaligned wheels can also cause your car to lose speed, which wastes even more fuel.

Wheel Alignments Extend the Life of Your Suspension

When your wheels are out of alignment, they place extra stress on your suspension components. Over time, this extra stress can cause these parts to wear out prematurely, resulting in a need for costly repairs or even replacement.

Regular wheel alignments are an important part of keeping your car running safely and efficiently. If you've noticed any unusual tire wear or handling problems, be sure to schedule an appointment with a qualified mechanic right away.

Yes but...... Should You Have It Repaired First?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to trade in your car with a cracked windshield. The first is the state in which you live. Some states require insurance companies to replace your windshield if it is cracked, while others will only repair it.

Obviously if your insurance company is going to replace it, that will not cost you anything out of pocket and will help maintain the value of your car. Anytime you trade in your car the dealer is going to evaluate it and give you a lower offer if there are any significant problems. So a cracked windshield would definitely affect how much money you get for your car.

It's always better to repair a cracked windshield as soon as possible. Not only will it help maintain the value of your car, but it's also much safer to drive with a windshield that is not cracked. In order for the dealer to resell your car, they will need to get the windshield repaired anyway.

If you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy, then it will likely cover the replacement of your windshield if it needs to be replaced. However, if you only have liability coverage, then you will be responsible for the entire cost of replacing your windshield.

If you have a chipped windshield, don't panic. It can be repaired, but you need to take action quickly. The longer the chip remains unrepaired, the more likely it is to spread and require a full replacement.

Here's what you need to do:

• Evaluate the chip. If it is smaller than a quarter, it can probably be repaired. If it is larger, or if it cracks when you tap it with your finger, you will need to replace the windshield.

• Find a reputable glass repair shop. Be sure to get recommendations from friends or family members, and check online reviews.

• Make an appointment for the repair. The sooner the better, as the chip is more likely to spread if it is not repaired quickly.

The Different Types of Windshield Chips and their Repairs

There are several things that cause your windshield to chip. The most common are small rocks or other objects that hit your windshield while driving. These types of chips are usually no more than 1/4 inch in diameter and can be repaired easily.

Another type of chip is caused by hailstones. These chips are usually much larger, up to an inch in diameter, and can be much more difficult to repair.

The last type of chip is called a crack. Cracks can be caused by any of the above, but are usually much longer, sometimes running the entire length of your windshield. Cracks can be very difficult to repair and often require replacement.

Not only driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous, but it is also illegal in most states. Some states require insurance companies to replace your windshield if it is cracked, while others will only repair it.

There are a few different ways to repair a chipped windshield. The first, and most common, is to use a resin or epoxy to fill the chip. This method is quick and easy, but does not always give the best results. The second way is to use a glass patch. This method is more time consuming, but will usually give a better result.

Are You Ready For A New Ride?

You've just spent the past few years of your life paying on your car. Now you're ready for a new one, but the thought of starting the process over again can feel overwhelming

You're not alone. A lot of people feel the same thing when they're ready to trade-in or sell their car. Don't worry we're here to make the process of trading in your car easy and stress-free. We'll help you figure out what your car is worth, and we'll handle all the paperwork for you. Plus, we have a wide variety of inventory to choose from and very competitive prices.

Call us today or fill out our online form to get started. We can't wait to help you find your next car!

Used Car Loans - A Credit Tool You May Not Have Known About

Sometimes through no fault of your own, you may have bad credit. The economy, a job loss, medical bills, or other factors could have contributed to your current financial situation. But just because you have bad credit now doesn't mean that it will always be this way.

You can take steps to improve your credit score almost immediately by making all your household bills and payments on time and in full. Another option to help improve your credit score is to get a used car loan. A used car loan can help rebuild your credit in several ways.

First, when you make timely monthly payments on your loan, it will reflect positively on your credit report. This will help to gradually improve your credit score over time.

In addition, the act of getting a loan and making payments on time can show creditors that you are responsible and capable of handling debt. This can make it easier for you to get approved for other types of loans in the future, such as a mortgage.

Of course, not all used car loans are the same. To maximize the positive impact on your credit score, you'll want to get a loan with reasonable terms. This means getting a loan with a manageable monthly payment that you can comfortably make without straining your budget.

You may also want to consider a cosigner for your loan. A cosigner is someone who agrees to be responsible for the loan payments if you default on the loan. Having a cosigner can help you get approved for a loan with more favorable terms, which can in turn have a positive impact on your credit score.

Although a used car loan can be a great way to rebuild your credit, it's important to remember that there is no quick fix when it comes to credit scores. It takes time and effort to improve your credit score, but the rewards can be well worth it in the end.

Used car loans can help rebuild your credit, but there are also some risks to consider. Your interest rate will likely be higher than someone with good credit. This is because you're considered a higher risk borrower.

You may have to put down a larger down payment than someone with good credit. This is because the lender wants to minimize their risk in case you default on the loan.

If you default on the loan, the lender can repossess the car. This will damage your credit even further. You should only take out a used car loan if you're confident you can make the payments on time. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good to your credit score

Are you in the market for a car and am not sure what the next step is? Contact us either by phone or fill out a vehicle inquiry on the car you are interested in, we would be more than happy to help get you anyway we can.

One of the best ways to keep your car on the road longer is to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.

Spark Plugs And Wires

In addition to regular maintenance, changing your spark plugs and wires proactively help extend the life of your car. Over time, these parts can wear out and cause problems with your engine.

Cabin Filter and Air Filter

Change your cabin air filter and engine air filter. One affects the airflow in your car and the other affects the airflow to your engine. Both are important for keeping your car running smoothly.

Fuel Injectors & EGR Valves

Check your fuel injectors.  Although not part of a standard service maintenance schedule, they start to deteriorate. You'll have a check engine light come on. Another major component that a lot of people fail to talk about when they just tune ups is the EGR valve or the exhaust gas recirculation valve. These should be checked and replaced according to your manufacturer's recommendations.

A faulty EGR valve can cause  all sorts of engine performance problems, including a loss of power and fuel economy.

Tires

Most people recognize the importance of having good tires on your car for  traction, safety, and gas mileage. But did you know that the condition of your tires can also have an impact on your electrical components. It's possible to have vibrations from your tires that will loosen battery terminals and other electrical connections. So, not only do you want to have good tread on your tires for safety, but you also want to keep an eye on any loose wires  or terminals.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Why Checking Your Tire Pressure Is Important

What Is A Good Deal On A Car

Everyone wants to get the best deal on a car they can, It's human nature and makes financial sense. However, getting that deal isn't always up to the car dealership. Your budget, credit score and trade-in value all play significant factors in what you actually pay for your car.

Know Your Budget

Most people think a budget is what you can afford monthly, but it also determines what cars and the features will have. A car that you like may have several trim levels with different features, but they will come at a higher price. So know your budget and research cars and trim levels that fit in it.

Know Your Must Haves

If you've done your research then you probably have an idea of what you're looking for. But It's important to know your must-haves in a vehicle. For some people, it might be four-wheel drive or a sunroof, but for others, it might be heated seats and remote start.

Know Your Can Do With Outs

After you know your must haves, you can start looking at what you can do without. It all ties back into your budget and what you're willing to spend. If you're not worried about having the latest and greatest features, then you can probably get by with a base model vehicle.

With your budget, must have, and do with outs in mind, head to a dealership and have a conversation with the salesperson. They will be able to guide you to a vehicle that fits your needs best. You will then have a better understanding of what a good deal on a car looks like.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Next Used Car?

Buying a car can be stressful – but it doesn't have to be. Our team will work with you every step of the way to make sure the process goes smoothly. Call us today to get started.

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!

Zink Motor Company (“The Garage”) in Appleton City Missouri started life as the Motor Inn in 1913 owned by the Schuller brothers. The Motor Inn sold both Ford and Buick automobiles from 1913 through 1916/17.  In 1917 we transitioned to selling Ford and Dort automobiles.  Adding Fordson tractors to the lineup in 1918/19.  Our original building was located 200ft west of our current location and was a mixed use facility.  Three quarters of the building was used for automotive sales and service.  The remaining quarter was used to house the Appleton City Fire Department. The Zink family purchased the business in 1916.  Changing the name to Zink Motor Company in 1920.  In 1918 they decided it was time to expand and built a state of the art facility designed by Ford Motor Company.  It was a two story brick building with a 6,900 sq ft footprint with 13,800 sqft between the two floors.  The showroom and vehicle storage area was located on the first floor.  The Service Department and Body Shop was located on the second floor.  From notes passed down by Wilbur Zink we know that per Ford guidelines in the early days we didn’t have an outdoor lot to display vehicles for sale.  Every aspect of the business was contained within the four walls of our store.    

Many early automobile owners in Appleton City only drove their vehicles when leaving town and chose to store their automobiles at our dealership.  That is what much of the main floor storage area was used for during the Model T days.  The second floor service Department and Body Shop was and still is accessed by driving or walking up a 51ft long wooden ramp.  We have notes stating that most of the Mechanics choose to back the T’s up the ramp to keep them from running out of fuel before reaching the top.  The ramp is rather steep and does try your nerves a bit driving a car up or down it.  I have navigated the ramp in both reverse and going forward in low gear.  Personally I have found that the float bowls hold enough fuel to make it up the ramp nose first without sputtering or stalling.  When going up the ramp, after making the transition from the concrete floor to the wooden ramp.  You have to advance the spark and apply additional throttle to maintain momentum.  When going up in reverse it is definitely challenging to look over your shoulder, keep a hand on the steering wheel, while adjusting the throttle and spark advance simultaneously.  Another reason I prefer to drive up nose first. 

Driving down the ramp comes with its own set of challenges.  Because of the steep angle, gravity overtakes the T’s ability to slow itself.  It is a fine balance between trying to slow the car and not skidding the tires.  Regardless of how hard you try to slow the car it continues to build speed as you make your way down.  It is critically important that the car is squarely positioned and the front tires hit the transition from ramp to concrete at the same time.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  A few years ago the rear tires skidded just before reaching the bottom which caused the left front to transition a fraction of a second before the right front.  This caused the car to develop a violent repetitive bounce.  It took the steering full lock to lock several times before I was able to bring the car to a stop.  By the grace of God without making contact with the wall.  The many scratches on the brick wall alongside the ramp tell the story that I’m not the first person to go on that ride.  There was a cable winch that was used to pull inoperable vehicles up the ramp to the service bays.  The winch was removed decades ago.  But a patch in the floor shows where it was located and grooves worn in the floor by the cable where the second floor meets the ramp shows further proof of its existence.

Some of the Zink family records mention that we received new Model T’s from Ford two in different ways. Some were sent to us by rail in crates.  Others we had to make the 70 mile journey to the Kansas City plant and pick up.  I found an article in the Appleton City Journal dated July 19th, 1917 titled “Another Flook of Fords” that outlines a trip to Kansas City to pick up new automobiles.  It is a fun glimpse into what traveling in a T was like back then.  It is a good read that I will share with you now.  

“Dee Zink - local Ford agent, accompanied by 10 gentlemen, went to Kansas City Friday morning to bring down a cargo of new Fords.  They brought home seven new Fords and one Dort, and all of them were sold when they got home and other buyers turned down.

Part of the boys started home late Friday evening and from the stories they are telling, must have had some experiences along the way with mud, engine troubles and a lack of lights.  The engines were new and the hot magnetos soon burned out the headlights.  They did say that Roy Shoop took turns riding on the radiators of different cars and striking matches to light the way.  He admits that he used up two boxes of matches.  Some of the boys were new at the wheel and did not know the roads very well and others had to keep tabs on them.  Ben Brown played the rabbit and tortoise act by running ahead into Adrian where he went to bed, but was later aroused and then beat the other fellows home.  They spend most of the night on the way home.  The rest of the bunch stayed over in the city until Saturday and came home in good shape.” 

Jeff Cross began purchasing stock in Zink Motor Company in 1984.  Becoming 100% owner in 2002.  In 2015 we began the process of peeling back the layers and restoring our 1918 building.  The second floor service dept is displayed as it appeared in the late teens and twenties.  As well as having a 1919 Dort Model 11 and many original items on display in our showroom.  We are very proud to have a Henry Ford era dealership that has been continually selling and servicing Ford automobiles for over 100 years.

We have a passion for automotive history and enjoy sharing our history with others.  Each year on the second Saturday in July we partner with the Appleton City Car Show and empty our building of as many modern items as possible, fill it with early Fords and re-create a scene from the teens and twenties.  It is a great event that will take you back in time.  I hope to see you there!