A Seasonal Reminder From Duxler

Now that Fall is upon us, we wanted to remind you that now is a great time to have your vehicle inspected and to perform important maintenance work. Before we know it, the Winter cold will be here and your cars, vans, and small trucks will be taxed by the extreme weather conditions typically found in Chicagoland.

Among the most critical areas to check this Fall are your:

• Blades. Wiper blades that were installed new last spring may be ready for replacement this fall. Over time wiper blades develop cracks and tears. In addition, wipers tend to build up a thin layer of grime during the summer that keeps the rubber blade from contacting the glass, which could result in smeared windshields and poor visibility.

• Batteries. Battery cables and posts accumulate corrosion and require periodic cleaning. Extreme temperatures, battery age and cranking power are determinants as to whether a vehicle will start. Duxler’s technicians use professional equipment to determine if the battery is weak, while also checking the condition of the starter and alternator.

• Brakes. A thorough inspection at Duxler includes a “wheels-on” inspection – to help identify wheel alignment problems, sticking calipers or warped rotors – as well as a “wheels-off” inspection of the various brake parts. We also check the brake fluid. Low levels can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance.

• Belts and Hoses. Waiting until a belt or hose breaks is too late, leaving you stranded until it is replaced. To check the status of your engine belts yourself, inspect for cracking and pliability. If they are rigid, they should be replaced. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Have us test them for spongy, brittle or bulging areas.

In addition to inspecting the “4 Bs,” Duxler’s fall maintenance program includes:

• Changing the oil
• Checking the radiator fluid levels
• Inspecting or replacing the oil filter and the air and cabin filters
• Inspecting the heating and exhaust systems
• Balancing and aligning the wheels
• Topping off all fluids
• Examining lights to make sure they work and that headlights are properly aimed
• Rotating the tires, checking the tire pressure and inspecting the treads for wear

To learn more about any of the information in this article or to have your vehicle evaluated, please visit any one of Duxler's 5 locations along Chicago's North Shore. You can also visit us on the web at duxlertire.com. Please stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

If It Walks Like a Duck and Talks Like a Duck, Then It Must Be a Duck

We use our senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch to help us interpret many things in our lives. Did you know we can also use these senses to recognize car trouble?

SIGHT: It’s not uncommon to find a small stain or drops of fluid on your driveway or garage floor. However, consistent wet spots or puddles are often cues that a problem may exist. You can identify many of the fluids that may leak from your car by their color.

• Clear water appears most often in hot weather. It usually is condensation from the air conditioner and generally means you have nothing to be concerned about.

• Dark brown or black spots generally come from leaking oil. The oil may be coming from a bad seal or gasket and should not be ignored. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle and without adequate supply, severe engine damage can occur.

• Red “oily” spots are generally transmission or power-steering fluid. Many of today’s vehicles use hydraulic systems that use this fluid to make operating the vehicle easier for the driver. You generally do not need to change or add this fluid so if you experience a leak you should get it checked out.

• Yellowish-green, pastel blue, or fluorescent orange fluids are almost always antifreeze, the fluid used to help keep your engine cool. Leaks generally come from the radiator, radiator hose, or water pump. Without enough antifreeze your engine can easily overheat. If you overheat, pull over immediately to prevent serious engine damage and have the vehicle towed for repair.

SOUND: All vehicles make noises as we travel down the road. Understanding some of the most common squeals and rumbles can provide helpful information about possible problems or your vehicles maintenance needs.

• A sharp, shrill squeal may mean a loose or warn belt.

• A slight, sharp clicking noise may result from a bent or loose fan blade, stuck valve lifter, low engine oil or loose wheel cover. This noise may become more pronounced as you increase your engine and vehicle speed.

• A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound while driving and or braking occurs by design. This sound alerts drivers that brake system maintenance may be required.

• A low-pitched rhythmic rumble often means the vehicle has a failing exhaust pipe, converter, or muffler.

• A random thumping clunk usually indicates a loose component of the suspension, such as a shock absorber, or perhaps a loose element of the exhaust system, such as the muffler.

SMELL: Unusual or uncommon smells coming from the vehicle can indicate potential problems. When you experience these issues, it is best to stop immediately to have the problem properly diagnosed to prevent serious damage to the vehicle or prevent possible personal injury.

• Thick acrid odors generally come from burning oil. Most often this results from oil leaking onto other hot components of the engine.

• Light sharp odors, often reminiscent of burnt toast, generally indicates a short in the electrical system of burning insulation.

• The smell of gasoline may occur after a failed attempt to start the car or may persist more consistently. If you try to start your vehicle and it does not turn over, resulting in the smell of gas, you may have flooded the engine with fuel. Simply wait a few minutes and try again. If the smell of gas is persistent, you may be leaking fuel and should have the problem attended to right away.

• Sharp smells of sulfur, or of rotten eggs, often means a problem with the catalytic converter or another part of the emission-control system.

• Sweet steamy odors come from leaking antifreeze. If the engine has not already overheated, attempt to get it in for service right away. If you have already overheated, stop driving the vehicle to prevent further damage.

• Burning resin or strong chemical odors can indicate overheated brakes or clutch. Stop to let the components cool down then have the problem serviced.

TOUCH: When driving no longer feels quite right, you may be experiencing a problem that needs to be addressed. Symptoms of problems you can feel include difficult steering, a rough ride, and vibrations.

• Difficult or wandering steering can be caused by misaligned front wheels, worn components in the steering system, or under inflated or worn tires.

• Rough ride and handling, particularly around corners, may indicate worn shocks or struts or other components in the vehicle’s suspension system. Under inflated tires can also cause a rough ride or handling.

• Problems with your brakes can be felt in several ways. If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when braking, if you feel scraping or grinding when you apply your brakes, or if your vehicle pulls to one direction when braking, your brakes generally need to be repaired or replaced.

To learn more about any of the information in this article or to have your vehicle evaluated, please visit any one of Duxler’s 5 locations along Chicago’s North Shore. You can also visit us on the web at duxlertire.com. Please stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

A Seasonal Maintenance Reminder

In our continuing effort to educate the car-care novice, we wanted to share some information on seasonal maintenance for your vehicles. With winter finally over, the spring is a great time to have your vehicle inspected and to perform important maintenance work. Before we know it, the summer heat will be upon us and your cars, vans, and small trucks we be taxed by the weather at the other end of the spectrum.

Each spring Duxler Complete Auto Care recommends our clients consider the following:

• Oil, Lube & Filter
• Tire Rotation
• Wheel Alignment
• Brake Inspection & Service
• Steering Linkage Inspection
• Suspension Inspection
• Transmission Service
• A/C Performance Inspection
• Wiper Blade Replacement
• Tune Up & Analysis

To learn more about the specifics of any of these services, please visit any one of Duxler’s 5 locations along Chicago’s North Shore. You can also visit us on the web at duxlertire.com. Please stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

Company His-TIRE-y, Retread

After acquiring the Evanston-based Duxler Tire in 1982, Glenn Moak began his journey toward today's success. Although the early road was bumpy, Glenn's perseverance has paid off for the many who have been along for the ride.

In the first year Glenn's business almost failed. "I didn't have a single dollar bill," he recalls. At one point he worked by himself when he couldn't afford to pay employees. On occasion he would open, wait for business, and close -- all without a single customer. When Glenn retells this story he adds that this period also broke him of his cigarette smoking habit. "I had to choose between baby formula or a fresh pack."

Glenn's healthy outlook and determination slowly began to pay off. He developed a reputation for high quality work at a fair price. He never took advantage of the people he was lucky enough to help. And from the beginning, Glenn knew that the only response to his increasing good fortune was to give back to the community that began giving its trust and business to him and Duxler. In 1985, Glenn became involved in the Evanston School District 65 "Adopt-a-School" program.

"Philanthropy is one of our cornerstone values," states Brain Moak, Glenn's son who today runs the business with his father. "As with everything I've learned from my father, I learned by example the importance of giving back." Today Duxler Complete Auto Care proudly supports school programs and community organizations in all the towns in which the company operates.

While the Evanston facility is still the cornerstone of the Moak family business, Duxler Complete Auto Care is equally proud of its four other North Shore locations. Glenn opened the Skokie facility in 2003, as Brian prepared to join the business. This effort was followed by the opening of the Wilmette location in 2006 and the Northbrook location in 2007. Last fall, Glenn and Brian opened their fifth location in North Wilmette, near the border with Kenilworth.

With these five facilities, Duxler Complete Auto Care has become one of the largest auto repair operations in Chicagoland. With a large staff of knowledgeable and friendly service advisors and technicians, providing quality service combined with name brand tires and parts, offered at competitive prices, it's no wonder Duxler Complete Auto Care is the North Shore's leader for vehicle maintenance and repair solutions.

No matter what you drive, an imort or domestic, passenger or commercial vehicle, car, truck, SUV, or van, Duxler Complete Auto Care has the manpower and the modern diagnostic tools to repair your vehicle right the first time. In fact, most repairs will be completed the same day.

Duxler also offers clean, comfortable waiting rooms stocked with current magazines, the daily newspaper, fresh brewed coffee, and ample sized children's play areas. Cant wait? No problem. Duxler Complete Auto Care offers a free in-town shuttle service to the train, your job, or your home while your vehicle is being serviced.

Duxler's comprehensive services include:

New Tire Replacement: Featuring Every Brand Warehoused
Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation
Exhaust and Muffler Repair
Shock and Strut and Suspension Service
Brake System Repair
Engine Tune-Up
Glass and Window Replacement
Fuel Injection Diagnosis and Repair
Heating and Air-Conditioning Service
Cooling System Maintenance and Repair
Transmission Service
Batteries, Alternators, and Starters
Electrical Accessories
Headlights and Vehicle Bulbs
Oil Changes and Manufacturer's Mileage Inspections
Timing Belt Service
Drive Belt Replacement
Engine Coolant Flushing or Replacement
Engine Filters Service
Snow Tire Storage

To learn more about today's Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

Company His-TIRE-y

Today's Duxler Complete Auto Car enjoys a rich history dating back to its founding by Samual Duxler in the 1920s. Primarily a tire company in those early days, the Duxler family found that through honesty, fairness, and great service its business would thrive. From its first location in Chicago to multiple locations on the north side of the city and into the suburbs, Duxler developed a strong reputation as a leader in its field.

That strong tradition continued when Samual's son, Woody, took over the business. Among his many accomplishments included Woody's ability to maintain the strong ethical foundation built by his father -- "Take care of the customers as you'd like your own family taken care of." This focus on family and operating within a community became cornerstone values that remain in place today.

In 1979, and new to Chicagoland, Glenn Moak who developed his skills as a certified auto mechanic in New Jersey was looking for the right opportunity for building his career. He found what he was looking for at Duxler. Almost as important, Woody Duxler found a man who represented a perfect fit with his company's mission and values.

At the time Glenn joined the company, Duxler operated 5 locations. Glenn began as a mechanic at the facility in the suburb of Morton Grove. Glenn quickly become the shop's top producer and within one year was promoted to store manager. In 1982, and flirting with the idea of retirement, Woody began selling his facilities. Among the shops he planned to make available was the one in Evanston, which he felt was underperforming. Confident in his abilities and recognizing a tremendous opportunity, Glenn approached Woody about acquiring the shop.

On April 1, 1982, Glenn Moak began operations at his Duxler located at Chicago Avenue and Main Street in suburban Evanston.

Check back next week to read Company His-TIRE-y Retread and learn more about Duxler's history under the guidance of Glenn Moak. To learn more about today's Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

The Basics of the Basic Systems

Duxler Complete Auto Care is pleased to share the second part of our series on the basic components of your vehicle. This series is aimed at helping car care novices demystify how their vehicles work. We hope that through this education, consumers will feel knowledgeable about their cars and what we do with them.

Today we focus on the steering, suspension, and electrical systems.

In its most basic form, the steering system consists of the steering column, the steering gear, and the steering linkage. What about the steering wheel? The steering wheel is part of the steering column. When you turn your steering wheel, the steering gear transfers your turning of the wheel to the steering linkage, which actually moves the vehicle's wheels left and right. In most cars today, this type of steering gear is called a rack-and-pinion system. The ease with which we can turn our cars is possible by power steering, which uses hydraulic fluids pumped through the steering system to set the mechanical parts of the system in motion.

Given the number of potholes and bumps we face driving in Chicagoland, the ride we experience can be quite smooth. This comfort is created by the vehicle's suspension. Struts or shocks are attached to each wheel at one end and the car's body at the other. Constructed with heavy duty spring assemblies, the coils absorb the bumping and bouncing of each wheel and help hold the vehicle's body in place, thereby creating the comfortable ride we often take for granted.

To operate today's vehicles, computers and other electrical components are relied upon. As such, the electrical system is another major system of your car. The most basic function of this system is to start the engine. The four primary components of the electrical system include the primary on-board computer, battery, alternator, and starter motor. Putting your key in the ignition and turning the switch starts the computer and sends power from the battery to the starter. While the starter initiates the rotation of the engine, the computer signals the spark plugs to begin firing which, as we noted in last week's article, ignites the fuel vapors which moves the pistons enabling the engine to run. The alternator regenerates the power to the battery.

In our next part of this series we will start focusing on the preventative maintenance required to help you keep your car running well.

To learn more about Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

Demystifying Your Vehicle

At Duxler Complete Auto Care we hope to inspire confidence in our clients when they come to us for their vehicle maintenance and repair needs. Aside from doing good work and having the vehicle ready when we promise, we want you to feel knowledgeable about your cars and what we do with them.

To this end we are happy to offer this basic information about how your vehicle works. As daunting a task as this may seem -- particularly for the car-care novice -- the basic components and mechanics of the vehicle are really not that complicated.

Let's start with the engine, the energy source that moves your car. In the engine, fuel and air are mixed, the vapor is ignited by a spark plug, and then the energy from this mini-explosion forces the pistons in the opposite direction. The repetitive motion of the pistons rotates the crankshaft. It's this rotation that essentially powers the car.

The transmission is the part of your car that actually allows it to move. The transmission captures the power created by the engine and transfers it to the axles and wheels. This transfer can only happen when the transmission is engaged with the engine. For example, when your car is in neutral and you step on the gas, the engine revs but the car does not move. In neutral the transmission is disengaged from the engine. By contrast, when you put the car in gear, or engage the transmission, the car moves at a rate in proportion to the amount of power created by the engine.

Making your car go is one thing, how to make it stop is everything. When you take your foot off the gas pedal to apply it to the brake pedal the engine slows down. Less power is transferred to the transmission, which results in fewer rotations of the axles and wheels. The brake system then takes over. When stepping on the brake, the brake pad or shoe is pushed against a rotor or drum which creates friction. This friction inhibits the wheel from rotating freely and brings your car to a stop.

Check back for our next article to learn about the other basic systems of the car -- the suspension, the steering, and the electrical system. In future articles we will go a bit more in depth about each of these parts of your car, and also offer you some basic tips on how to best care for these critical systems.

To learn more about Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.

Queen of the Castle

Owned by the Moak family since 1982, but serving Chicago's North Shore since the 1920s, Duxler Complete Auto Care has developed a reputation for family friendly car care. Our commitment to this philosophy is best demonstrated by how we take care of the "queen of the castle."

Whether she stays at home or is a busy professional, how we work with our women clients sets the tone for how we work with all of our customers. "Our industry has a reputation for being intimidating for women and for being an industry that takes advantage of people," notes Brian Moak, who along with his dad, Glenn, owns Duxler. "We treat women the way we want our moms, wives, and sisters treated," adds Brian.

Duxler's female-friendly philosophies are exhibited in many ways. Since 2004, Duxler has been a proud Corporate Partner to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Duxler employs women service writers and mechanics, provides a children's play area in its waiting rooms, and offers a free in-town shuttle service when clients can't stay and wait for their repair or maintenance. The company has also hosted basic car care clinics and soon will be launching its new-driver boot camp, a program that teaches new drivers the essential things thing they need to know.

To learn more about Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.