Braxton Automotive Group

Stop Getting Robbed of Your Gas – Fuel Saving Tips

braxtonautogroup — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:21:23 +0000

Gas does not seem to be going down, so Braxton Automotive wants to offer gas-saving maintenance and driving tips that really work!
Braxton Automotive recommends these fuel-saving tips:

Vehicle Gas Caps – About 17% vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.
Under Inflated Tires – When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon.
Worn Spark Plugs – A vehicle can have 4, 6, or 8 spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.
Dirty Air Filters – An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture – too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%, saving about 15 cents a gallon.

Fuel-saving driving tips include:

Don’t Drive Aggressively – Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on highways and 5% on city streets.
Avoid Excessive Idling – Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for 1-2 minutes is sufficient.
Observe the Speed Limit – Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, Braxton Automotive recommends using your cruise control feature

Drivers Beware! The Peril of Potholes Are Upon Us. It IS Atlanta We’re Talking About.

braxtonautogroup — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:44:33 +0000

The winter weather is gone and temperatures are rising. There is bound to be a pothole out there with your name on it. (Sorry, these are the facts)
You know exactly when you’ve hit it. The heart-stopping, teeth-jarring noise is hard to mistake. However, it’s not always immediately clear if hitting the pothole caused damage to the vehicle, and to what extent.
Hitting a pothole can damage tires, wheels, steering and suspension, wheel alignment and more. Braxton Automotive recommends bringing your car in to have one of our Certified Technicians look at it if you’ve experienced any one of the following warning signs after hitting a pothole.

Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming-out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads. These are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your vehicles ride and handling. Key components are shocks and/or strut, the steering knuckle, ball joints, the steering rack/box, bearings, seals and hub units and tie rod ends.
Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear. These symptoms mean there’s an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling.
Low tire pressure, bulges, or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the rim. These problems will be visible and should be checked out as soon as possible as tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.

Ok, it’s not THAT bad, but it’s close…..

Air Your Spare!

braxtonautogroup — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:54:56 +0000

Everyone understands the basics of car care – from changing your oil to rotating your tires. However, when was the last time you checked the air pressure in your spare tire, or any of your tires for that matter? Braxton Automotive wants to remind you to be car care aware and air your spare!
Most drivers depend on their spare in a pinch, but what happens when it does not perform at the very moment you need it most, simply because you did not check the air pressure? Not only will this simple task rescue you in your time of need, but it also saves you gas, and who couldn’t use help in that department?
Tires normally lose one psi each month due to air permeation thru the sidewall. It helps to think of a tire as a balloon – after time the air in a balloon will drop due o air leaking through the balloon’s surface. Air will dissipate through the tire’s sidewall in the same way. It is also important to note that with the change in seasons there is often a change in temperature – for every 10 degree (F) drop in ambient temperature a tire will lose one psi. And it’s the air that carries the load, so less air pressure means less load carrying capacity.
How do you check your tire pressure? Typically you can find the correct inflation pressure for your vehicle’s original tires on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, in the glove compartment or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Be certain to check the tire pressure with a good tire gauge when the tire is cold. Or you can always bring it to Braxton Automotive and we will check it for you. Don’t forget, we check and set your tire pressure during your routine oil change.
Don’t take your tires, or your spare tire for granted. Check tire inflation often for security, fuel economy and for peace of mind. The savings may be every bit as critical as those you reap when replacing the battery in your smoke detector.

Meet Chuck

braxtonautogroup — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:17:00 +0000

Braxton Automotive would like to introduce you to our new Shop Team Leader/Shop Foreman, Chuck Bautista. He comes to us all the from Denton, Texas. Chuck is a Master Technician with more than 14 years of automotive experience. Chuck will be assisting our ASE certified technicians in diagnosing vehicles, guiding them in obtaining more ASE certifications and all around quality control at Braxton Automotive. We look forward to having Chuck join the Braxton family and get to know all of our wonderful customers. Please, say hello and introduce yourself the next time you are in!

Braxton Automotive is Expanding

braxtonautogroup — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:21:37 +0000

As some of you may know, Braxton Automotive purchased the property next door to us, formerly known as ~~Volset~~. We are in the process of sprucing up the building and parking lot and connecting the two lots. Once the renovation is done, we will be able to perform emissions tests, car washes, detailing and provide quick service oil changes. And the best part is, we will be able to do all of this on Saturday AND Sunday!
When is this all happening you ask? Well, we were hoping to be open already, but there are so many approvals you have to get when renovating and it’s not an easy process. Therefore we are working hard at it and moving as fast as we can and we are looking forward to opening our doors by this summer, fingers crossed!

Another Day, Another Successful Tech Trained

braxtonautogroup — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:24 +0000

This past weekend was a busy weekend of training for our staff here at Braxton Automotive. On Friday morning, we sent both of our Service Advisors, Dave and Craig to Denver, CO as a part of our IAP20 BMW/Mini/Volvo Tech Group. Thank you for the brave/patient customers who had their cars in on Friday and had to work with Steve, Jessi and Chuck who stepped up to the plate and helped out while our Service Advisors were gone. Although we try to schedule training on days that are convenient for everyone, it is not always possible, and this time we had to send both guys away at the same time.
We also sent one of our Technicians, Ryan, to Sacramento, CA on Friday for a Diagnostics Training class. We are glad to say that they all made it there and back safely and they have their certificates to prove it. Ongoing training is something Braxton Automotive takes much pride in and every staff member attends a number of training opportunities throughout the year. In fact, we have run out of space on our certificate shelves and we have stacks of certificates just waiting to be displayed.

Tech Tip: Replacing Headlights

braxtonautogroup — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:35:12 +0000

We’ve found it best practice that when replacing a failed headlight bulb, to go ahead and replace the other at the same time. Not only does it make sense, but it is a time saver. By replacing both bulbs at the same time, you save yourself from a repeat visit a short time later when the other bulb undoubtedly fails within days.

With today’s ‘Daytime Running Lights’, most headlights are on anytime the engine is running. This causes the headlight to wear out much quicker, within 12-18 months. This is especially true of the ‘H-7′ bulbs, which are used in majority of Volvo, BMW, Mini, Audi, Mercedes and VW autos. So to save a little time, change both bulbs at the same time.

Auto Service Communication Skills 101

braxtonautogroup — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:05:12 +0000

Today’s automobiles are high-tech wonders. They have many complex systems that provide us with many dependable miles of driving. Electronic computers and sensors assist in making it possible for cars to run better, longer, and more efficiently. However, when it comes to repair, some things stay the same. Whether you choose to have your Volvo, BMW, Mini or Land Rover serviced and repaired at a dealership, service station, independent shop, specialty shop or national franchise, good communication between customer and the shop should not be overlooked. Good communication is essential to getting your car fixed correctly the first time. Here are some suggestions:

Do your homework before taking your car in for repair or service.

Become familiar with your owner’s manual. Most manuals have a wealth of information about your specific vehicle.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, at a minimum.

Keep good records of all maintenance and repairs done.

Who knows your car better than you? NO ONE! Use your senses to inspect your car regularly. Be aware of:

Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings

Changes in acceleration and/or engine performance

Changes in steering, braking, or any vibrations

Note when the problem occurs, e.g. when the vehicle is cold? After the engine is warmed up? At all speeds? When accelerating? During braking? When shifting?

When did the problem first occur?

When you are dropping your car off be sure to communicate your findings.

Be prepared to describe the symptoms.

Give the service writer or technician a written list of the symptoms.

Resist the temptation to suggest a specific repair. The technician is your car’s doctor. When you go to your doctor, you tell the doctor where it hurts and how long it’s been hurting. You let the doctor diagnose the problem and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved and ask questions.

Ask as many questions as necessary for you to understand. Do not be embarrassed to request an explanation or repair in lay terms.

Don’t press the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. It is one of the worst mistakes a customer can make and virtually ensures an incorrect diagnosis.

Ask to be called with an estimate before any repairs are performed.

Before you leave the shop, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor & diagnostic charges, warranties and acceptable payment methods.

Call us today with any questions, 404-367-4767. Thanks!

Buying A New Or Used Car? Some Thoughts On An “Extended Warranty”

braxtonautogroup — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:02:16 +0000

When buying a new or used car, you may be encouraged to buy an extended warranty to help protect you against unexpected, costly repairs. While it may sound like a good idea, don’t buy until you understand both the terms of the contract and who is responsible for providing coverage.

The Auto Service Contract

A service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services. Often times called an “extended warranty,” a service contract is not a warranty as defined by federal law.

A service contract costs extra, while a warranty is included in the original price of the new or used car. The separate cost distinguishes a service contract from a warranty.

Do you need a service contract?

Before deciding to buy a service contract, compare the service contract to the manufacturer/dealer warranty to ensure that that the service contract doesn’t simply duplicate warranty coverage that you already have.

Who backs the service contract?

Determine who performs or pays for the repairs under the terms of the service contract. Is it the dealer, the manufacturer, or an independent company? Many service contracts sold by dealers are administered by independent companies, which will act as the claims adjusters, and will decide whether to authorize the payment of claims. If you have a dispute over a claim, you will have to deal with the administrator. Do your homework and check into the reputation of both the dealer and the administrator.

What is covered?

Few service contracts cover all repairs. Common repairs like brakes and clutches are generally not covered. Your contract should come with a fact sheet that lists all parts that are covered. If an item is not listed, assume it is not covered.

Watch out for any blanket exclusions. For example, a service contract may exclude coverage for a covered part if it is determined that the covered part was damaged by a non-covered part’s failure.

How are claims handled?

When your car needs to be repaired, you may be able to choose from franchise dealers or independent repair shops, or you may be required to return to the selling dealer.

Be sure to ask:

How long does it take to get authorization for a repair?

Can you get authorization outside of normal business hours?

Will the car be covered for breakdowns while on a trip?

Does the company have a toll-free number? Before you buy the contract, call to see how easily you can get through.

What are your responsibilities?

Under the terms of the contract, you may be required to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance. Failure to do so could void the contract. Also find out if the contract prohibits you from taking the car to a independent shop or performing the work yourself.

Recommendation

A service contract may be worth considering if you would be unable to afford an unexpected costly repair. However, do your research so that you know the limitations of the contract you are purchasing and make sure that the protection you are getting is worth the cost of the contract.

Lastly

Remember, the cost of a service contract is negotiable.

Looking for Used Car pricing Information?

braxtonautogroup — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:41 +0000

If you’re buying or selling a new or used car, you can use these web sites to get pricing information (and much more).

Kelly blue book ( www.kbb.com ) – Edmunds.com ( www.edmunds.com ) –National Automotive Dealers Associations ( www.nadaguides.com )

Between these three web sites, there is a lot of useful information for buyers and sellers to do their homework, including pricing, reviews, and even how to make your own window sticker to assist in selling your car. Also don’t forget carfax ( www.carfax.com ) which, for a small fee, provides information about title history. This information will lessen the chance of you buying a car with a salvage or lemon history. Last but not least check autotrader.com for similar cars being sold in your area this will give you the final price of the puzzle when pricing a car your selling or deciding what to offer for a car your looking to purchase.