Beware of Potholes! (Avoiding Pothole Damage)
August 1, 2021
You may live in a region where roads become pockmarked with craters known better as potholes. They're caused by moisture seeping through a compromised road surface that can freeze, expand and literally punch holes in the road. And when your vehicle hits one of those holes that's big enough, the... More
Severe Service Requirements
July 25, 2021
A lot of Dexter drivers have asked whether or not they should use their severe service maintenance schedule, which is listed in their vehicle's owner's manual. It can be somewhat confusing, so we decided to consult an expert. Cricket Killingsworth is from QMI/Heartland, a manufacturer of autom... More
The Right Stuff (Choosing Replacement Parts)
July 18, 2021
Let's face it. Vehicles are complicated machines, each having thousands of parts. And since they're subjected to heat, cold, vibrations, bumps and much more, these parts wear out and need to be replaced. When your service advisor says you need a new part, you may have many options. Let's say ... More
The Engine Gets a Boost (Turbocharged Engine Maintenance)
July 11, 2021
If someone told you that your vehicle could have the same power but with a smaller engine, wouldn't that sound like great idea? Just think, a smaller engine would save you money at the gas station and you'd still get the same horsepower. The technology to do just that has been around for a long t... More
What is a TPS? (Throttle Position Sensor)
July 4, 2021
You know you have an accelerator pedal; step on it and your vehicle is supposed to go. But did you know there is a part in your vehicle that keeps track of where the throttle is? It's called the Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS. The TPS is a sensor that helps your vehicle figure out the right mi... More
Keep Your Tires Well Rounded in Dexter: Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing at Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter
June 27, 2021
Taking care of our tires is part of vehicle care for Dexter drivers. We know they have to be replaced when they wear out, but tires also require some preventive maintenance. This maintenance will improve and extend the life of the tires, so it's well worth the effort and expense for Dexter drive... More
Regular Schedule or Severe Service Schedule at Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter?
June 20, 2021
Today's Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter article focuses on severe service maintenance. Many Dexter drivers are not aware of them and yet there are also very vocal advocates in Missouri who think that severe service schedules apply to everyone. Somewhere between a complete lack of awareness and the di... More
What to Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Dexter
June 13, 2021
So you've bought a used vehicle in the Dexter area. Do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Dexter area sell vehicles for different reasons. Think about why you've sold vehicles. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you... More
Automotive Tips from Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter: Wiper Blades ? Signs of Wear
June 6, 2021
90% of our driving decisions are based on vision. Anything that impedes your vision can affect your driving safety including a dirty windshield. In that sense, your wiper blades are an important safety system. Most Dexter drivers will wait until their wipers have failed before they replace them.... More
Steer Right in Dexter
May 30, 2021
Virtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many Dexter drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your vehicle steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer. Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years... More