Yearly Archives: 2014

What to Do in Case of an Accident in Scottsbluff

Screeching tires, crunching metal – it's an accident! If you've ever been in a car accident in Scottsbluff, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do.Let's review what Scottsbluff drivers should do in case of an accident:When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident in Scottsbluff is considered a crime - even if it's not your fault. And hit and run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your NE driver's license or even jail time.Your jurisdiction may require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able. Warn other motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood. Call Scottsbluff emergency services as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.You should always file a police report. It's tempting to skip this if everything ... read more

Categories:

Automotive News

Power Steering Service at Twin City Auto in Scottsbluff

Many Scottsbluff drivers have been hearing about technological advances in power steering, specifically electric power steering. Some very high-end cars have been featuring electric power steering. Power steering fluid has the necessary hydraulic properties and the ability to lubricate the internal parts. The power steering fluid also protects vehicle components from rust and corrosion.Scottsbluff car owners should be aware that vehicle manufacturers recommend that the fluid be replaced on schedule. At Twin City Auto, the old fluid is drained and the system cleaned thoroughly. Fresh fluid is then installed.Unfortunately, many Scottsbluff drivers don't realize how important it is to service their power steering, and some may not even know that it's necessary in the first place. A neglected power steering system can develop leaks that will shorten the life of the pump.Scottsbluff drivers shoul ... read more

Categories:

Alignment

Introduction to Diesels for Scottsbluff, NE

Something you're going to be hearing a lot about around Scottsbluff, NE, is diesel engines. We're not talking about semi-trucks and buses; we're talking about diesel engine cars, pick-ups and SUVs.Most people in NE are surprised to learn that around half the cars on the road in Europe have diesel engines. Nearly all import brands offer a range of diesel engines abroad – even the ultra-luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW. For the most part, these diesel engines haven't been available in Scottsbluff, NE. But that's about to change.In the past, North American diesel fuel has had a much higher sulfur content than European fuel. Recent environmental laws have required changes in diesel formulation and emissions standards here in Scottsbluff, NE, so we are now ready to start seeing more diesel options offered over the next few years.Why are so many Scottsbluff drivers interested in diesel engines? Well first off, diesel fuel is more energy dense. There's more power in ... read more

Categories:

Fuel System

Clean Air for Your Engine: Engine Air Filters In Scottsbluff

Every Scottsbluff car owner who has taken their car in for an oil change has been told that their engine air filter's dirty. Here's what goes into the determination of when to change the filter: First, your vehicle owner's manual will have a recommendation of when the filter should be replaced. Now, most air filters purchased in Scottsbluff don't cost a lot to replace. It's just that NE people hate getting caught with an unexpected expense. On the plus side, though, changing a dirty air filter at Twin City Auto can often save enough on gas to pay for itself before your next oil change in Scottsbluff. Think about a dirty furnace filter in your Scottsbluff home. When it's all clogged up, enough clean air can't get through. In your vehicle, that means that your engine can't get as much air as it needs to burn the fuel efficiently. So it makes do with less air and has to use more gas to move your vehicle around Scottsbluff roads. Your vehicle actually needs about ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance

Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down Around Scottsbluff

There's not much we can do about the price of gas in Scottsbluff, NE, but we do quite a bit about how much we use as we're driving on our Scottsbluff streets.Our driving habits can dramatically affect our fuel economy.The first thing we can do is watch the 'go-pedal.' Hard acceleration just sucks the gas. Gently leave stop lights and plan lane changes so you don't need to floor it. That can save you hundreds of dollars a year.Go a little slower on the freeway. Once you're going more than 65 miles an hour (105 kilometers per hour), your fuel economy starts to drop dramatically. Leave early so you don't need to rush to be on time. And cruise control is your friend – steady speed uses less gas.Plan errands ahead. Make fewer trips by combining errands.Hey at current gas prices, a lead-foot might as well be a gold foot. Twin City Auto 1802 E Overland Suite #4 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 308

Categories:

Fuel System

The Fallacy of Cheap Tires

Do you ever shop for shoes in one of our Gering area shoe stores?When buying a running shoe, is quality important?Does durability matter as long as the shoes look fabulous?Would you rather have one pair of long lasting shoes or two pair of lower quality shoes at the same price?Is the warranty important when buying tires?When you choose new tires in Scottsbluff, what's the most important factor for you? Give us a call at Twin City Auto at 308.635.7404 for tire recommendations. You know, buying tires in Scottsbluff is a big deal. It's a big ticket item so you know you'll be spending a lot. You're not only concerned about the price, but you want to know that it'll be a long time before you need to buy new tires again.And of course there's the safety aspect as well. The tires do a lot of work – they carry the weight of the vehicle and you and your passengers. They need to be up to the task. You want to be su ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

Emergency Items for Your vehicle

Local Scottsbluff roadside emergencies can range from a flat tire downtown to being stranded in a snowy ravine for three days. So you may want to consider a basic emergency kit to keep in the car at all times and a travel kit tailored to a specific trip.Your close-to-home kit for around Scottsbluff would have some basic items to work on your car: everything you need to change a tire, gloves, a couple quarts of oil, some antifreeze and water. A can of tire inflator is a great temporary fix for minor flats. You'll also want jumper cables or a booster box, flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools.Now for your comfort and safety: a first aid kit, drinkable water, high calorie food (like energy bars), blankets, toilet paper, cell phone, towel, hat and boots. Keep some change for a pay phone, emergency cash and a credit card.People who live in areas with frequent severe weather or earthquakes may want to carry provisions for longer emergencies.For trips away from home ... read more

Categories:

Parts

Fuel Saving Tip: Dirty Oil in Your Scottsbluff Vehicle

If you're a quart low in your vehicle, there isn't enough motor oil to lubricate your engine properly. The extra friction causes drag that reduces fuel economy while you're driving around the Scottsbluff area.The same goes for dirty oil; it doesn't reduce friction properly. The result is you get to watch those numbers at your local Scottsbluff gas pump rolling higher and higher.The transmission also needs the proper amount of clean fluid to do its work. When it's in need of service, the transmission drags your fuel economy down.So keep it clean at Twin City Auto  and give yourself a fighting chance. Twin City Auto 1802 E Overland Suite #4 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 308

Categories:

Fuel System

Protecting Your Vehicle from Theft in Scottsbluff, NE

Every car in Scottsbluff, NE, is at risk for theft. So it's up to us to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge – hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles: Common sense Visible and audible devices Immobilizing devices Tracking devices Let's review each of these. One is common sense; you would be surprised how many vehicles are stolen in NE where the keys were left in the ignition with the doors unlocked. Always take your keys and lock the doors. In fact, in some places it's against the law to leave a vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.And don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside – because a thief will find them. Scottsbluff drivers would be wise to park in well-lit areas that have a lot of foot traffic. If possible, park near the end of a ... read more

Categories:

Automotive News

Looking Down the Road - Headlamps

If you've ever been driving around Scottsbluff and had a headlamp go out, you've probably just wanted to replace the bad bulb. If your car uses halogen headlamps, they dim over time. So if you just put in one, they won't have the same brightness, which can be distracting and will affect your field of vision.To have your headlights inspected, visit us at Twin City Auto. We're at 1802 E Overland Suite #4 in Scottsbluff, NE 69361. Or give us a call at 308.635.7404.Experts at Twin City Auto recommend replacing your halogen headlamps every year. It's easy to remember if you do it when Daylight Saving Time changes in the fall. That way you'll have bright headlamps for those long NE winter nights.There are other types of headlamps in addition to halogen. There are the old standard bulbs that have been around for decades. These are OK, but you can usually upgrade to halogen. They cost a little more but you can't believe the difference. If you do a lot of night ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance