School is about to be back in session and for busy parents, it’s about to get even busier. Shuttling kids to and from school plus all the miles logged going to and from work and all the other places you go really take their toll. And what if you’ve got a kid that’s taking their car off to college this year? It’s time to take a look at all the cars your family owns and make sure they’re road-ready.

Here are a few tips from your friends at Main Street Automotive in Crestview, FL, to help you stay safe when the back to school crunch hits!

• Check all fluids

Pop open the hood and take a look at the levels of your coolant, transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. If you don’t know where these are located, your car’s manual will show you.

• Check the battery

Every battery has a date on the top of it. If the date is over 2 or 3 years old, you should have it checked to ensure it’s still got plenty of juice.

• Inspect tires

Regular tire rotations help keep the wear even on your tires. If you’ve neglected to do so, you might have to replace them. Check all 4 of your tires for uneven tread or any hazards like nails. Your tires should also have the correct amount of pressure in them. While you’ll find that information in your manual, most cars today have a sticker with tire pressure levels on the inside of your driver’s door. While you’re at it, check your spare tire to make sure it’s inflated and that your jack, lug wrench, and other essentials are in your trunk. It can’t hurt to have jumper cables stowed away for an emergency either.

• Check the lights

It seems simple, but lights are an important part of any vehicle, especially the brake lights. Test them out to make sure they all illuminate when called upon.

• Prepare a list of local resources

Florida is a long state and with many kids heading off to college at the popular schools in and around the Panhandle, it’s important to have your kids prepared in case of an emergency. Look for local maintenance sources so that when it’s time for an oil change or if a problem arises, your kid will know the best place to take their car for repairs. If you’re new to an area, university safety departments or parking services may have a list of reliable resources you can count on.

Of course, if you’re in need of preventative maintenance or serious repairs and you’re in or around Crestview, FL, you know where to go. Come see us today at Main Street Automotive for all your automotive needs!

In Florida, there is nothing worse than being without air conditioning, especially in your car. Stuck in traffic on the highway, no breeze can save you from the sweltering heat, particularly during the summer month. You might be good about taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance, but if you’re not asking questions about your air conditioner, you might find yourself down the road without cold air blowing from your vents, making for a miserable commute.

Here are 5 of the most common car AC repair problems you may encounter:

1. Too much moisture

When your air conditioner is working properly in your vehicle, it keeps things cool. It dries and cleans the air while pushing the warmer air outside of the car. If moisture or even debris has gotten into the air conditioner, it will prevent it from effectively cooling your vehicle.

1. Foul Odors

You may not notice it if you have kids that eat in the car, but once you clean up, if the smell still lingers, it could be bacteria of fungi to blame. They can get into the air conditioning system, a dark and damp place which is ideal for them to flourish and create foul odors. If not treated early, you can wind up getting sick from them.

1. Low refrigerant levels

Refrigerant levels in the air conditioning of your car vanish over time by about 15% per year. During summer, it tends to disappear more rapidly though. This is a relatively easy fix, however one that must be watched for.

1. Dirty condenser

The air conditioning’s condenser cools the refrigerant vapors in the compressor. When the condenser is blocked from dirt or debris, it will prevent the air flow so that cooling won’t happen. Cleaning it is essential to get it to work again. If you’re not sure how a professional can help.

1. Mechanical malfunctions

By far, the most expensive fix will always be replacing a component in your car’s air conditioning system, so it’s important to always keep an eye out on it when you bring it for regular service. By asking your honest mechanic to take a quick look and make sure all systems are go, you can save money down the line. They can also alert you to parts that may need to be replaced sooner rather than later, leading to fewer costs for repairs.

Regular inspection of your car overall as well as the components of the air conditioning system will keep you cool all year round. For an honest assessment of your car’s air conditioning and functionality, be sure to bring it to Main Street Automotive, Crestview, Florida’s number one choice for honest car repairs and services. Family-owned and operated, you can expect to be treated like you’re a part of the family with fair and honest prices and practices to get you back on the road.

They say what’s old is new again and if cars are any indication, that statement is very true. Classic cars are taking to the road again in record numbers. With a growing segment of the population looking to reduce their carbon footprint and reuse as much as they can be coupled with a yearning for classic cars because they are built unlike anything else on the road today, it’s not uncommon for the mechanics at Main Street Automotive to watch a tow truck roll up with an oldie but goodie.

At Main Street Automotive, we’ve recently had the pleasure of working on some fine classic automobiles. One of them was this 1973 MG Kit Car.

A relic from the past, this green machine was among the last to be styled in this fashion that paid tribute to the older cars. Again, we see that theme of what’s old is new again. This stylish MG featured the spare on the back. From the outside, she was as beautiful as ever, but on the inside, she needed a little work to get going. We gave her an oil change, new suspension, and we checked the brakes and wheel bearings. She still needs a little more love before she hits the road, but we’ll keep you updated once we’re done pampering her.

Another one that recently came in to Main Street Automotive was this stunning red 1976 MG. It was towed in and definitely needs a lot of love inside and out. But we love a good challenge. And we love red cars. We’re dedicated to making your cars, both contemporary models and classics, run like the perfect pieces of machinery they are.

While we still have no idea what it’s going to take to get this 1976 MG to purr like a kitten again, we’re devoted to the cause of restoring her and other classic cars. Have a classic car you’d like to get back on the road again? Bring her into Main Street Automotive where you and your car will always be treated like family with quality service and fair pricing on all of your vehicle needs.

From general preventative service,  oil changes, and even beyond to full repairs, Main Street Automotive is the family-owned place you can trust and has been since 2003 right here in Crestview, FL. Can’t get it to run? Tow her in and we’ll take it from there, whether it’s from this century, or the last one you can count on us!  Just call today at 850-689-1728to schedule your appointment.

Road trips are the ultimate summer vacation for anyone from friends to couples to families seeking an adventure on the open road. But if your car isn’t road-ready for the long haul, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the highway in a place far from home. Oil changes, tire rotation, and regularly scheduled maintenance help to prevent breakdowns and avoid seeing that check engine light while traveling.

Don’t let that happen to you! Here are 10 tips to get your car ready for summer travels on the road to fun!

1. Take care of your tires

Tires are so important for performance and safety. Check for bubbles on the sidewalls, uneven or visible wear and if the tire looks too worn, have it replaced. Also, make sure the air pressure is filled accordingly to the specifications detailed on your vehicle.

1. Check the brakes

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your brakes maintained, have your mechanic pop off the wheels to inspect them. You don’t want to find out the hard way that your brakes aren’t up to par on the road.

1. Look at your brake fluid

Equally as important, your brake fluid needs to be good too. It should be clear and the container should be full. If it’s not clear, let your mechanic flush it out. This is a job for an expert and not something you should try without an mechanical knowledge or you risk damaging your vehicle.

1. Get an oil change

Oil is essential for keeping the engine running optimally. Make sure you’re up-to-date on oil changes to have a harmonious driving experience.

1. Be cool with your coolant

Engine coolant is another important fluid your car needs for proper performance. The radiator tank should be full and the coolant should have the right ratio of water to ethylene glycol. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, your mechanic will be happy to help you with this.

1. Look at your automatic transmission fluid

Most people these days drive an automatic model. If you’re one of them, making sure the automatic transmission fluid is in order will save you many headaches on your summer road trip.

1. Take care of your power steering

Keep your power steering fluid clean and topped off. It makes for easier driving too which is always a blessing on long haul drives.

1. Make sure your battery is ready to ride

Nothing puts a damper on a summer road adventure more than a car that won’t start. Make sure you’ve checked it to make sure the fluid in the battery is good to go.

1. Gussy up the inside

You’ll be spending lots of time inside the car when you hit the road to head to Disney or even drive out of state, so clean things up on the inside. Not keen on doing it yourself? Take it to an auto detailer. It will be money well-spent. Also, consider buying car seat organizers. They’re great if you have kids but even if you don’t, it can make keeping all those little things more organized and tidy.

1. Change the wipers

Summer is filled with afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Florida. You’ll be hard-pressed to avoid them. Make sure your wipers are working well so you can see. Replacing the blades is easy!

Let Main Street Automotive get you road-ready this summer! Schedule an appointment for maintenance today for complete peace of mind!