Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

hand holding a green gas pump handle to fill car

Save More Fuel!

Tips for Increasing Fuel Economy

We’re always looking for different ways to save money, and this might be the easiest one yet. Drivers are trending toward vehicles with higher fuel efficiency and automakers are answering the call. If you’re stuck with a car that doesn’t get as good of MPGs as you’d like, there are some measures you can take to change that. Check out these tips for increasing fuel economy! Read the rest of this entry >>

new tires

Do I Need New Tires?

You probably don’t inspect your tires very often, but at some point, you’re going to notice the tread and think about new tires. We all want to get the most mileage out of our tires (because let’s get real, tires are expensive) which causes most people to continue to drive on older tires even when they need to be replaced. How long should tires last? And at what point do they become unsafe? There are several signs that show you need new tires. Let us help you recognize when it’s time to buy new ones.

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Mechanic Checking Vehicle Wheel

Do I have a spare tire and where can I find it?

Many people simply assume that their vehicle came with a spare tire when they purchased it, but that’s not necessarily a given. A lot of Hyundai, Kia and Cadillac vehicles, among automobiles from other brands, just don’t come with one. It’s an added feature you’d have to opt for when purchasing if it’s available at all. If your vehicle does come with a spare tire, nine times out of ten you’ll be able to find it beneath a board in the car or SUV’s trunk. This is the case with major nameplates like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Check out the video below for some more tips about your spare tire (or lack thereof) from Luke Godwin! Read the rest of this entry >>

Engine Light on Speedometer

Why did my check engine light stay on?

The first thing you need to know when dealing with the check engine light is that there’s absolutely no need to panic. Panicking can only lead to making things worse, so just take a deep breath and remain calm, and try to make your way safely to us here at Godwin Motors. Your check engine light coming on does not mean that you are in any danger. There’s a very slim chance that your car might stop working, but your engine isn’t about to blow up or anything like that. Read the rest of this entry >>

Car driving towards pothole

What causes potholes and how do I avoid them?

Some of the biggest problems on the road all-year round are potholes. Whether big and obvious or small and sneaky, they act as a huge detriment to all motorists on the road no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving. If you’ve ever wondered what caused potholes, we thought we’d start this blog there. But then we’ll dive into how to avoid them and, ultimately, how to report them to the city when you encounter them. Read the rest of this entry >>

Man inspecting the car

New Year Maintenance Checklist

A new year can bring a fresh start, resolutions, and new goals. Whether you are going to eat healthier, save more money, or find more time for family, you have mapped out some sort of plan on how to do those things in 2020. Just as we want to take care of our bodies and maintain a healthy lifestyle, our vehicles need the same kind of attention. The start of a new year is the perfect time to review a maintenance checklist for your vehicle. A checklist will help you schedule maintenance throughout the year and budget for some of the pricier items your car or truck may need. Then you can stick to “being a better car owner” this year!

No Hassle Maintenance (3-6 months)

Car maintenance doesn’t mean you have to go to a mechanic. Some of these items are things you can do yourself and are hassle-free. Here are some maintenance items you should check every 3-6 months:

Ensure Your Horn Works: There are people that never use their horn and would never know it wasn’t working until they needed it. Honk your horn ever so often to ensure it works.

Check for Fluid Leaks: Simply checking your garage floor or driveway for fluid puddles or stains can indicate a fluid leak.

Check Headlights for Damage: Make sure both headlights are working properly and make sure there are no cracks or darkened areas.

Check Tire Pressure: Newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems that will alert you if your tire pressure goes below the expected level. If you have an older car without a TPMS, you can check with a tire pressure gauge or stop by a gas station that has one. It’s a good idea to check your tire tread and sidewalls at the same time.

Windshield and Wipers: Examine your windshield for any cracks and replace your windshield wipers if needed. Your washer fluid will need to be topped off as well.

Check Coolant Level: Add more if necessary.

Oil & Filter Change: Changing your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles keeps your engine running smoothly.

Maintenance Matters (6-12 months)

Your owner’s manual can be a good guide to specific procedures and provide you with a vehicle repair list, but you’ll need to make sure to get these checked off your list every 6-12 months:

Brake Inspection: Don’t take chances with your brakes! Get them checked even if there aren’t any signs there’s something wrong.

Examine Your Spare Tire: Have you checked to see if you even have a spare tire? If you do, check the condition of the tire for any damage.

Check All Fluid Levels: This includes oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and power steering fluid.

Detail Your Vehicle: If you’re not in the habit of cleaning your car regularly than you’ll need a full detail (inside and out). This will help maintain the value of your car.

Polish Windshield and Headlights: You don’t realize how much dust and grime get layered onto your windshield and headlights. You’d be amazed at how this can reduce your visibility at night and in the rain.

Rotate Tires: You want to make sure your tires are wearing evenly to reduce damage and last longer.

AC Inspection: Don’t sweat it! Help keep your system running smoothly and operating efficiently.

Check It Off Your List

The experienced team at Godwin Motors has all the knowledge and the training that they need to operate on your vehicle and help you check these items off your list. We can do it all from oil changes, brakes and tires to transmission diagnosis. If you don’t know if it’s time for a bigger service item, like replacing an engine or timing belts or a tune-up, give us a call and we’ll be glad to let you know when to schedule that service. Head into the new year with a new appreciation for your vehicle!

2014 Chevy Camaro

Can I use my tax return refund for down payment on a car?

You’re probably aware that we’re currently smack dab in the middle of tax season. Thursday is the official cutoff for employers to get W2s to their employees, which means you could be filing your taxes as early as sometime this week – if you haven’t already, that is, some companies are good about getting these things out early. With that in mind, you might be thinking about what to use your possible tax return on, considering refunds have averaged nearly $3,000 in recent years. Some people pay off debts, others take a vacation, but you can also utilize it to make a big purchase you’ve been considering, something like a down payment on a car, perhaps? Read the rest of this entry >>

Close up of a powerful engine

Find out What Sets Torque and Horsepower Apart with This Video

What is the Difference Between Torque and Horsepower? 

When it comes to researching a vehicle, oftentimes there are two things that drivers check first: The price and the performance. When looking at the performance of a vehicle, drivers will likely first see the car’s horsepower and torque ratings. While horsepower is pretty clear to most drivers, not everyone understands what torque means. So, exactly what is the difference between torque and horsepower? 

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Single car in otherwise empty parking lot in the rain

How to Avoid Scratches and Dents on Your Car

5 Tips to prevent dents and scratches

A vehicle is a big investment for most drivers, and as such many prefer to keep their vehicle looking its best as long as possible. Of course, part of the car-owning experience is dealing with the potential risk of your vehicle getting dents or scratches at any time. That said, there are a few practices that car owners can utilize to reduce the chances of having their car’s exterior damaged. Read the rest of this entry >>

suspended vehicle brake with no wheel

3 Reasons Your Car’s Brakes Might be Squeaking

Why are my car’s brakes squeaking?

Sometimes it may be difficult to discover problems with your car. Other times, as with the case of squeaky brakes, your vehicle is literally calling out to you for help. It goes without saying that the integrity of your car’s brakes is crucial to on-road safety. That said, problems with your vehicle’s brakes definitely shouldn’t be ignored. So, if you’re noticing a squeaking sound coming from your vehicle’s brakes, here are a few reasons they may be doing so. Read the rest of this entry >>