‘Tis the season for holiday lights so merry and bright – unless it’s your check engine light! Some are solid and some may flash, but this is no time to ignore the lights on your dash! When your dashboard twinkles, it may be tempting to put off finding an auto mechanic for diagnosis, but it’s…
People research (and buy) everything online, from simple household items like laundry detergent to more complex items like electronics. But what about cars? Buying a used car online may seem like a stretch, but researching used cars is a no-brainer. You’ll be empowered by all of the information you’ve collected and by the time you…
Your car’s tires are among the most expensive vehicle-maintenance items you’ll have to cover. Tires are also among the most important safety features. Most of us would never dream of getting behind the wheel without buckling our seat belts. And in many cases, people make car buying decisions based on the availability of front- and…
During the holiday season, every purchase seems to be magnified. The last thing anyone needs is an unplanned bill for car repair. Save yourself time and money by maintaining your car to avoid costly repairs. Below, we’ve outlined 6 ways to extend the life of your car by proper and proactive maintenance – thereby reducing…
Thanksgiving is in its final hours and now we’re on to the most wonderful time of the year! At least that’s how some people feel. The holiday season officially begins with the annual shopping brawl universally known as Black Friday. To win Black Friday, you need a strategy. And that includes your vehicle. Before you head…
Engine Coolant Engine coolant is a critical component of a vehicle’s cooling system. It reduces the temperature of an automotive engine while it is running. It also prevents any cooling system fluids from freezing when outside temperature drops below freezing. Coolant Systems Vehicle cooling systems are made up of a radiator located behind the vehicle’s…
When Jack was seeking Chicago exhaust repair, he turned to Openbay to assist him with finding a reliable auto repair shop. Here’s his story of his experience, and why he’ll continue to use Openbay for all his future repairs. Where do you live and what type of car do you drive? I live in Lisle, IL,…
Your car is running fine, right? Mileage is what it’s always been, there’s no funny noise from underneath, no inscrutable icons lit up on your dashboard. So I can skip routine car maintenance right? It’s easy to get blasé about keeping up with routine car maintenance when all seems well. Modern cars are far more reliable…
Regular preventative car maintenance is virtually always cheaper in the long run than episodic repairs. Write that down somewhere, because there will be a test later. The service writer at your dealership or garage should always be advising you about what maintenance is needed (if not, check for yours here), and generally, it’s best practice…
Exhaust systems are pretty long-lasting nowadays. A generation ago, exhaust pipes and mufflers were made of inexpensive aluminum-coated steel. After a few years they would rust out, leaving you with a loud exhaust and the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ultimately, these car exhaust systems would rust out from the inside, for the most part. How…