JASPER Engines News & Information - Automotive Specialists | Kingman, AZ

Winter Driving Tips

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:22:44 GMT

Living in Wisconsin we have no choice but to drive in the winter snow and unpleasant weather. More than likely, you think, I do this every winter, I know what I am doing. But how often do you stop to really think about all the steps and precautions you can take to be sure you get where you are going safely.

Here are some tips, precautions and maintenance items to help you make it through the winter.

Maintain a full take of gas – H elps minimize the amount of moisture in the tank, and will help keep you prepared should you be stuck in traffic or snow
Care for your tires – Be sure you have enough tread depth and that your tire air pressure is at correct levels
Accelerate slowly to prevent wheel spin – This will help you get through intersections safely
Reduce speed and drive smoothly – Keeping your speed down gives you more time to react to slipper situations
Allow longer breaking distances – Breaking sooner than you would in dry conditions gives you extra time and distance to come to a safe stop
Be extra cautious of other motorists – Others may not drive as carefully as you, if you feel you are being pushed, pull over and let them go by

This is just a small list of all the things to consider when out driving in our wonderful Wisconsin winters. There are many other factors to consider. Check out this article from Consumer Reports with Tips for Safe Winter Driving for more information.

Next time you schedule your oil change add rotation and balancing too! Check out complete list of services HERE .

JASPER 4-Speed Transmissions Used by Drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 07:27:00 GMT

JASPER Engines and Transmissions is pleased to announce that the JASPER 4-Speed Transmission is being used by 28 team/driver combinations in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

This is an exciting leap as the same transmission was used by 12 team/driver combinations in the series in 2021. These team/driver combinations accounted for 19 wins, 84 top-five finishes, and 147 top-ten finishes for the 2021 season.

Value: Retain the Value of your Vehicle

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 19:26:46 GMT

TRADE? SELL? RETURN A LEASED VEHICLE? It is something many of us do every couple of years.

What do we hope for each time? High vehicle value!

Your vehicles value will depreciate over time. Unfortunately you cannot stop the depreciation, but you can take steps to slow down the depreciation and to maintain your vehicles value.

Wash and Wax on a Regular Basis – help maintain the quality of the vehicles exterior
Invest in Seat Covers – small investment can extend the life of the fabric or leather on your seats
Don’t Smoke in Your Vehicle – cigarette smoke is tough to get rid of or cover up
Watch Where You Park Your Car – park away from others, park in the shade
Have Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly: especially oil changes, tire rotation and brake pads – keeps everything working properly and gives you the opportunity to replace parts before they go bad
Save Receipts and Maintenance Records – shows long term care and provides history on the vehicle

Check out this article from Kelley Blue Book with How to Maintain Car Value

You can find more information on our Services HERE .

Extend the Life of Your Tires

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:32:16 GMT

Tires are some of the most important parts on your vehicle. Traveling safely happens in part, by making sure they are in good condition. One of the most important steps in vehicle maintenance is tire care. Just like many things in life, your tires need to have a “check up” on a regular basis.

Check for signs of wear – over inflation, under inflation, tread wear on one edge of the tire, erratic tire wear, raised portion of tread or sidewall
Tire Tread Inspection – Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, have at least 4/32” of tread and are fine for continued use
Tire Inflation Inspection – Check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month with a quality gauge
Tire Maintenance – Several tire maintenance procedures are important, including:
Tire Rotation – Tires on the front and the rear of operate and perform different, resulting in unequal wear patterns. Your tires should be rotated typically every 5,000 – 7,000 miles
Tire Balancing – New tires should be balanced after installation, older ones should be balanced whenever a vibration is noticed or whenever a tire is removed from the wheel
Wheel Alignment – Wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted when new tires are installed, and any time when unusual steering characteristics are observed

Check out this article from AAA Exchange with Tire Safety and Maintenance

Got Tires?? WE HAVE A TIRE MACHINE AND BALANCER!

You can find more information on our Services HERE .

Keep your Air Conditioning working when its HOT out!

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:56:57 GMT

We may live in Wisconsin but that does not mean that it can’t get HOT here. Lately we have had some pretty high temperatures, and likely there will be more before summer is over. We know you want your AC to work its best for you on those hot days, so here are some great tips:

Don’t Precool – Your AC works better when you car is actually driving
Go Low – If you set your temperature higher you are forcing the system to re-heat the cooled air which takes more effort
Don’t Recirculate – If you have backseat passengers the air can get hot and stale back there
Turn off Stop/Start – Auto stop/start will not only turn off your car, but also your AC
Make sure your filter is clean – A dirty air filter prevents optimal air flow
Set Auto Climate Control and forget it – lowering the temp doesn’t make the car cool off faster

Check out this article from Consumer Reports with 5 Tips to Get the Most Cool from Your Car Air Conditioning

You can find more information on our Services HERE .

Local Racing Season is HERE!

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:03:56 GMT

We spend a lot of our time blogging about vehicle care and maintenance suggestions, but we want to switch gears a bit this month.

Let’s be honest, the last year has been a challenge with COVID, being stuck at home, not being able to attend gathering, sporting events or even go to dinner at a restaurant. But, things are getting better. The world is opening back up again, especially for outdoor events, and that means it is time to GO RACING!

Whether you are a local short track fan (dirt or asphalt), a NASCAR fan or even a fan of going go-kart racing yourself, you can find it all close to home! Wisconsin is home to many different race tracks and go-kart tracks. The closest race track to Janesville is Jefferson Speedway, only 25 miles north and you can find the closet Go-Kart track only 15 miles away in Milton.

If you have never experienced local racing, make 2021 the year to try something new! We listed some of the local tracks and their main events below.

Here are just a few race tracks and races scheduled for this year:

Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI – Indycar Series, June 17-20; Nascar Cup and Xfinity races, July 1-4
Milwaukee Mile – West Allis, WI – ARCA Midwest Tour, June 20; ARCA Menards Series, August 29
Slinger Speedway – Slinger, WI – Slinger Nationals, July 6; Slam Fest, August 21
Madison International Speedway – Oregon, WI – Joe Sheer Classic, May 2; Salute to America (with fireworks) June 25; Howie Lattow Classic, August 27
Jefferson Speedway – Jefferson, WI
Dells Raceway Park – Wisconsin Dell, WI – Monster Trucks, July 16
Great Lakes Dragaway – Union Grove, WI – Memorial Holiday Classics, May 29; Night of Fire Jet Spectacular, June 2

Want to race yourself? Here are some local kart tracks!

Sugar River Raceway – Brodhead, WI
MRM Raceway – Milton, WI

Spring Vehicle Care Tips

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 19:07:28 GMT

Spring is officially here – Fingers crossed the snow and ice are gone until next winter! The salt, sand and rock should all be clearing from the roads, so it is time to think about Spring Vehicle Care. It is always a great idea to use the change in seasons as a reminder to take care of your vehicles. Before long it will be time for weekend getaways and summer vacations. Its best to get your care ready sooner rather than later.

Curious what are the important steps in getting your vehicle ready for the warmer weather? Auto Trader has helpful article on caring for your vehicle in the spring.

Tips for getting and keeping your vehicle in good condition heading into spring:

Clean your vehicle inside and outside – spring cleaning isn’t just for your home!
Check your tire pressure – changes in temperature can change your tire pressure
Inspect your wiper blades – Spring means rain showers, be sure your wiper blades are ready
Check under the hood – be sure belts and hoses survived the cold temperatures
Check alignment and suspension – Rough Wisconsin roads can cause issues with alignment
Check the filters – keep out allergens and pollen with new filters

Check out the complete article: 6 Simple Spring Car Care Tips HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

JASPER Transmissions Used in Racing

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:41:00 GMT

Here at McCann's Garage, we take pride in our work and that’s why we choose only the best of products for our customers. We already have faith in Jasper Engines and Transmissions because of the products they provide and the warranty that backs them up, but this latest news justifies our choice even more. There are thirty NASCAR® team/driver combinations in 2021 that are using the JASPER 4-Speed Transmission. Of those thirty team/driver combinations, eighteen are being used for the NASCAR® Cup Series and twelve are being used for the NASCAR® Xfinity Series.

How to Properly Use Jumper Cables to Jump Start Your Car

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:12:48 GMT

You are in a hurry to get somewhere and you get in your car, turn the key (or push the start button) and your car won’t start. FRUSTRATING! We have ALL been there at some point. To get on the road fast, a quick option is to jump start your vehicle. Most of us carry jumper cables, and if not, hopefully the vehicle that is helping you will have jumper cables. Once you have the cables in hand, do you know the proper order of steps to jump start your car? It is one of those things maybe you have never done, or haven’t had to do in a long time. So, do you know what to do? Consumer Reports has an informative step by step article on jumpstarting a car.

Common Steps for Jump Starting Your Vehicle:

Park the car you will use for jump starting close enough to the vehicle with dead battery so that jumper cables will reach between vehicles
Turn off the ignition on both vehicles
First clamp one end of the positive cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal
Next connect the other end of that cable to the other battery’s positive terminal
Now connect one end of the negative cable to the good battery
Finally connect the other end of the negative cable to a ground on the dead battery
Start the car with the good battery
Now start the car with the dead battery
If it doesn’t start check connections and try again
If it does start, let it run for 20 minutes to allow battery to charge
Disconnect cables in reverse order from install

Check out the complete article: How to Jump-Start a Car With a Dead Battery HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

JASPER Now Offers Turbocharger for Nissan Juke 1.6L Engine

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:59:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions as we are always looking for ways to provide our drivers with only the highest quality of service and products. JASPER recently announced the availability of a turbocharger for the 2011-2017 Nissan Juke that is equipped with a 1.6L engine.

Why Do Cars Break Down in the Winter?

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:16:10 GMT

The last thing anyone wants to happen, especially in the winter, is have their vehicle break down on the side of the road.

The GEICO.COM website has a great article explaining what causing our vehicles to break down when it is cold outside.

Even if you take all precautions to keep your vehicle from breaking down, always be prepared and have an emergency kit with you. Curious what should be in an emergency kit, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation breaks it down for you HERE .

4 common causes of winter car breakdown:

Car overheating – In the winter months the oil runs thicker making it harder to it to circulate and keep your car running smoothly
Dead battery – Batteries have a harder time producing a charge in winter
Squealing noise when you start the vehicle – Hearing this noise may mean your radiator has frozen and cracked
Bald or under inflated tires – Either of these issues will make it harder for your tires to grip the road or dig into loose surfaces

Check out the complete article, Top 4 Causes of Winter Car Breakdowns HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

How to Make Your Heater Work Best For You

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:31:24 GMT

We all know it, and considering we live here, we have all accepted it…Wisconsin winters can be BRUTAL! Lets face it, we know there will be those days that the thermometer reads negative numbers. No one wants to ride around in a freezing cold car. We want our cars to warm up as fast as possible. The Consumer Reports website has a great article about what should be done to keep your car warm!

Here is a list to help maximize your vehicle’s heater:

Get the car moving – the quicker your engine creates heat, the quicker it can warm your passengers
High will not speed up the heat – until your car is up to temperature, turning on high will not do anything but force more cold air into your car
Keep the A/C on – keeping the A/C isn’t going to cool your car, but instead keep your windows from fogging up
Don’t use the recirculation mode – bringing in fresh air will help keep your windows clear
Crack a window – if you have many passengers, cracking a window will release some of the moisture in the air
Higher fan speeds help the backseat – this helps ensure the warmer air makes it to the backseat
Keep it as warm as you like – heat is generated by the engine so it is free!

Check out the complete article, How to Get the Most Out of Your Car’s Heater HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

JASPER Releases New Ford Engine Options

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:55:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we are always looking for ways to provide our drivers with the highest quality of service and products. That’s why we are proud to partner with the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain products. Jasper Engines and Transmissions are consistently looking for ways to improve products. They recently announced that the Ford 6.2L engine would be available for the 2010-2014 Ford F150/Raptor, 2011-2019 Ford F250/F350, 2017-2020 Ford E350/E450, and the 2015-2020 Indmar Marine (Raptor Engine).

JASPER Expands their Chrysler Transmission Product Line

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:21:00 GMT

Here at McCann's Garage, we are always striving to provide drivers with the highest quality products. That’s why we proudly work with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is a leader in the nation for remanufacturing engines and drivetrain products at a price point that is affordable. Their latest offering is no exception. JASPER recently announced that they have expanded their remanufactured Chrysler 68RFE transmission product line. This remanufactured transmission is available for both 2WD and 4WD 2019 RAM 2500-3500 diesel applications.

Fall Car Care and Maintenance

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:34:20 GMT

Summer months we are all so busy taking vacations, spending time with friends and running here and there, that we forget about taking care of our vehicles. The change of season from summer to fall is a good time to get your car ready for the winter months. The Consumer Reports website has a great article about what should be done to get your vehicle winter ready.

Here is a checklist of things you need to maintain on your vehicle in the fall:

Car Battery – check all connections and clean if needed and make sure they fit snug
Headlights – check headlight covers if they are dull or hazy replace or restore them
Tires – check your tread, making sure you have more than 1/8 inch
Wash and Wax – remove dirt, bird droppings, etc and wax to keep the surface looking new
Wipers – if leaving streaks clean or replace them

Check out the complete article, Fall Cleanup and Maintenance for Your Car: Tips for getting ready for the change of seasons HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

Best Vehicles of 2020 Breakdown

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:38:49 GMT

Curious how all the new vehicles stack up against each other? Car and Driver has compiled an extensive list detailing what they believe is the top 20% of vehicles on the market today.

Categories of vehicles are:

Trucks, SUV’s, Vans
Coupes, Convertibles, Hatchbacks, Sedans, and Wagons

Check out the complete article, 2020 Editors’ Choice: The Best New Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Minivans, by Car and Driver HERE .

McCann’s Garage and our experienced technicians can service many makes and models of both new and older vehicles.

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

JASPER Releases Remanufactured Engine Options for Ram 1500 Drivers

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:57:00 GMT

When it comes to our drivers, we strive to provide them with only the highest quality of products. That’s why here at McCann's Garage, we are excited to announce the latest availability of the Chrysler 5.7L Hemi MDS-Delete engine by Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is a leader in the nation for remanufacturing engines and drivetrain products at an affordable price point. The Chrysler 5.7L Hemi MDS-Delete engine is available for the 2009-2014 Ram 1500 applications and is not currently for sale, or use, in California.

New Chrysler Engine Options from JASPER

Wed, 27 May 2020 12:09:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we strive to provide only the best products to our customers and that’s why we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER has recently announced the expanded availability of the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar engine line. This engine is available for the 2011-2014 Volkswagen Routan.

Now Offering Push-To-Start Vehicle Repairs

Tue, 19 May 2020 19:42:32 GMT

McCann’s Garage is excited to share some of the great things happening at our shop while everyone has been dealing with the “Safer at Home” situation.

Recently we purchased 3 new factory scan tools for GM, Ford, and Chrysler – This will help us diagnose your vehicles issues so we can get you back on the road.
We are now licensed through NASTF (national automotive service task force) in order to legally be able to program and replace newer push-to-start vehicle keys and key fobs – This means you have an alternative to taking your vehicle back to the dealership to fix any issues.

Do you know what an Engine Immobilizer is? Curious what issues your vehicle can have with its Engine Immobilizer?

An article on cartreatments.com says an engine immobilizer system is basically an electronic technology that serves as an anti-theft system in your vehicle. This system is in place to help keep your vehicle from being stolen. Most vehicles produced within the last 20 years have some form of an engine immobilizer system.

Symptoms of an Engine Immobilizer Malfunction

Locking Problems
Unlocking Problems
Engine Won’t Start
Key In Ignition Won’t Turn
Car Alarm Problems

For complete information on what an Engine Immobilizer is and how to know if your immobilizer is malfunctioning, read the full article HERE .

Find out more about our SERVICES and call us today for an appointment!

Maintaining your Vehicle During COVID-19

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:45:04 GMT

It is unprecedented times that we are living in currently, with the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this many of our customers, friends and neighbors are having to resort to unprecedented measures. With the sudden and abrupt loss of jobs we know finances have gotten pushed to the forefront of everyone’s minds. Between rent, mortgages, food, and everything else that we require, your vehicle is probably pretty low on the list of priorities. Our family at McCann’s would like to offer to everyone free drive-up fluid and warning light inspections. Simply drive in, honk, and someone will come out to address any of your concerns. We will top off any fluids, air up tires as needed, and inspect any other concerns you may have free of charge. We don’t want you to have to decide between feeding your family or keeping up with basic maintenance on your vehicle. Please everyone be safe.

There are some steps you can take to help keep your vehicle running during this crazy time. Consumer Reports has an article on Car Care and Maintenance During the Coronavirus Pandemic. Click HERE to read the full article.

Don’t let your vehicle sit idle
Stretch our your service intervals
Be sure to check and change your oil
Check your tires
Check and change your air filter
Make sure your wipers are in good shape
Keep your car clean

New Ford Engine Options from JASPER

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:31:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we provide only the best products to our customers and that’s why we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. That’s why we are excited to announce the availability of the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo GDI engine from JASPER. This engine is available for the following applications: 2011 - 8/26/2015 F150, 2015 - 6/23/2016 Transit, and 2015 - 8/26/2015 Expedition and Navigator.

Unique Innovations in F1 Racing

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:08:19 GMT

In Motorsports engineering, ingenuity and innovation all play important roles. Each manufacturer and team is always striving to be the fastest and to be the best of the best. Sometimes new inventions and designs work and other times they don’t. Sometimes designers find loopholes in the rules to create a faster car and beat the competition. No matter what the invention or design is, there is always a chance it doesn’t work, it doesn’t follow the rules or it gets banned.

Here are some of the most unique innovations in F1 Racing.

10. X-Wing
9. Renault’s Tuned Mass Damper
8. Red Bull’s Internal On-board Camera
7. F-Duct
6. McLaren’s Rear Brake Pedal
5. The Double Chassis Lotus
4. Double Diffuser
3. Water Cooled Brakes
2. Six-Wheeler
1. Fan Car

Find the video HERE .

The Great Midwest - Ultimate Bucket List

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 21:11:39 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Living in the Midwest should feel like a privilege. There are so many great destinations to visit. Some man made and some made by nature. Whether its big city excitement or the calming effects of mother nature, you can find the perfect destinations to visit in the Great Midwest! A few of our favorites are of course in Wisconsin – Door County, Lambeau Field and Wisconsin Dells. You can also find many great spots in Illinois, our neighbor to the south – Head to Chicago and visit Grant Park, Wrigley Field or the Art Institute of Chicago.

For a detailed list of all the great Midwest bucket locations check out this article from Midwest Living – Read The Ultimate Midwest Bucket List

Before you head out to check all these great locations off your bucket list, remember McCann’s can help keep your vehicle running great!

View our complete list of services HERE

JASPER - Good Enough for Racing

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:02:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage,, we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we are excited to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is known for its great transmissions, some of which are even used in NASCAR. The JASPER 4-Speed Transmission is currently being used by seventeen team/driver combinations during the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The 4-Speed transmission is also being used by ten team/driver combinations for the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series as well.

Le Mans Winning Ford GT40

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 21:14:50 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

If you are a fan of Ford products or a fan of racing you have likely heard of the Ford GT40. If you have heard of the Ford GT40 you probably also know that it was designed as Ford’s way to win long-distance races against Ferrari. Winning the 24 hours of Le Mans was the goal. Ferrari had won it every year from 1960-1965, until the Ford GT40 game along winning from 1966-1969.

For a full account of the history, design and production of the Ford GT40 from Top Gear – Read Here’s The Real Story Behind The LeMans – Winning Ford GT40

You may not have a LeMans winning vehicle, but McCann’s can help keep your vehicle running great!

View our complete list of services HERE

JASPER Has New Cylinder Head Offerings

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:33:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the newest offering from Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products and now they are offering Ford/International 7.3L/444TE Diesel Cylinder Heads.

JASPER Option for Medium-Duty On-Road Trucks

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:13:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the expanded availability of the Cummins 6.7L ISB/QSB Rear Gear Running Complete engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products.

If you are experiencing issues with the current engine on your 2013-2018 medium-duty on-road trucks, agriculture, construction, and industrial applications you now have an affordable option for an engine replacement. This engine is available with and without head studs and is completely remanufactured using a standard set of new parts. At McCann's Garage, we love JASPER products because we know that our customers can depend on the quality of the product while having peace of mind because of the warranty this great company offers.

Important Winter Car Care

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:16:59 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

The cold is here and the snow is sure to follow. Keeping your car running great during the winter months is important. Caring for your car properly will help ensure it will get you where you need to go without any problems.

Here is a great article from AutoTrader offering tips to keep your car running this winter – 8 Simple Winter Car Care Tips

Don’t get stuck out in the cold. Stop by McCann’s Garage for a vehicle check up.

View our complete list of services HERE

Stay safe and warm this winter!

Own a Ford Truck? New Engine Options Available for You

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 11:12:00 GMT

At McCann's Garage, we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the availability of the Ford 6.7L Scorpion Running Complete Diesel Engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products.

If you are experiencing issues with the diesel engine on your Ford truck, you now have an affordable option that will allow you to keep the truck you love by installing a remanufactured Ford 6.7L Scorpion Running Complete Diesel Engine giving you more power to do the work you need your truck to do. At McCann's Garage, we love JASPER products because we know that our customers can depend on the quality of the product while having peace of mind because of the warranty JASPER offers.

New Engine Options Available for Chevrolet and GMC Vehicles!

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 11:41:00 GMT

Here at McCann's Garage, we offer only the best products for our drivers and the new GM Gen V 5.3L GDI engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions, who is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products, make no exception.

When you experience issues with your Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, or Sierra (Hybrid) you now have an option to KEEP your vehicle and install a New JASPER GM Gen V 5.3L GDI engine which comes with their 3 yr | 100,000-mile Parts & Labor nationwide warranty which is fully-transferrable. That vehicle you love is now ready for lots of vacation trips and hard work.

The JASPER way is to fix any issues with the engine and re-design any inherent problems in the original product which is why they have been a leader in the market since 1942! We love their products because we know our customers can depend on the quality as well as the warranty if there should be an issue which brings complete peace of mind.

Road Trip Through Beautiful Wisconsin

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 20:19:32 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Summer is a time to get outside and enjoy everything that this world has to offer. We are lucky to be living in the great state of Wisconsin. If you are looking for something to do this summer, grab your friends, your family, your pets or take a journey alone. Pack your bags, grab some snacks, roll your windows down and Road Trip Through Beautiful Wisconsin!

The beauty can start right here in Janesville, Wisconsin’s Park Place. Did you know Janesville has over 60 parks throughout the city? A few parks that should definitely be on your list to visit are:

Palmer Park – 2501 Palmer Dr.
Traxler Park – 600 N Main St.
Rockport Park / Peace Park – 2801 Rockport Rd.
Riverside Park – 2200 Parkside Dr.

Before leaving Janesville and traveling the rest of the state don’t forget to stop at Rotary Botanical Gardens and take in the 20-acre, 24 garden showcase featuring 4,000 varieties of plants.

Once on the road you will find so many wonderful places to visit: Madison, Baraboo, Door County, Wisconsin Dells. The list keeps going.

Here is a great article from Thrillist.com that showcases a small portion of the beautiful places you can road trip to in Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Most Beautiful Road Trip Destinations

Before heading out, be sure your car is up for the task. Stop by McCann’s Garage for a vehicle check up.

View our complete list of services HERE

Enjoy your Road Trip Through Beautiful Wisconsin!

Everything You Need to Know About Your Air Conditioning

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 13:22:45 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

With the warm (and HOT) weather soon upon us, it is time to think about your car Air Conditioning. No one wants to be driving around and have their AC stop working on one of those HOT summer days.

Things to consider:

Does my car Air Conditioning need to be serviced?
How to tell if my AC needs to be serviced – Are there any noises? Is the air coming out ice cold?
What happens when my AC is serviced? – Recharge refrigerant, replenish system lubricants, etc.

Here is a great article from Euro Car Parts – Does Your Car Air Con Need a Service?

Air Conditioning Service is just one of the many services we offer. View our complete list of services HERE

AWD vs 4WD

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:27:30 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Curious what the difference is between an AWD (all wheel drive) vehicle and a 4WD (4 wheel drive) vehicle? This video by Engineering Explained walks you through the what differences are.

View our complete list of services HERE

New Wheel Alignment System

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:32:40 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

New things have been happening at McCann’s lately. We now have a Wheel Alignment System. Wheel Alignment is the alignment or adjustment of the front wheel suspension and steering mechanism of an automotive vehicle. It is important to have proper wheel alignment to reduce tire wear and to ensure that vehicle travels straight. You don’t want to feel your vehicle pulling to one side or the other. Contact us today and schedule an appointment. Our new system is waiting for your vehicle!

Additional Services Added

Wheel Alignments
Ball Joints
Struts
Coil Springs
Tie Rods
Rack and Pinons

View our complete list of services HERE

Below is a factory photo of the alignment system we are now using.

Warm Weather Means Road Trip Season

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 13:35:56 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Great weather is here and for many Americans that means it’s road trip season. With so many places to see and so little time, here are some road trip hacks to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Click HERE for 17 Road Trip Hacks that will Save Your Summer

Make Sure Your Air Conditioning Works For You

Thu, 10 May 2018 13:37:54 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

When summer arrives and it gets HOT no one wants to be driving around all hot and sweaty. We all want our air conditioning working at its best! I found a great article, 5 Tips to Get the Most Cool From Your Car Air Conditioning , published on consumerreports.org. It is going to give you tips on how to make sure you utilize your AC properly to keep you cool during the summer months.

Click HERE for 5 Tips to Get the Most Cool From Your Car Air Conditioning

Spring Car Care Tips

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:39:54 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

March came screaming in like a lion that was hyped up on too much Mountain Dew. Thankfully at last, the light at the end of the long wintery tunnel is finally upon us. Flowers blooming, birds chirping, and at ever last the warmth of the sun beating down on our pale white Wisconsin skin. Almost like a new beginning the Spring gives us all hope and also an opportunity to start that dreaded Spring cleaning. As every wife in America begins coming up with her honey-due list, the one thing that is often overlooked, is the basic Spring Care for your automobile. Wisconsin winters can cause havoc to your car, with all the salt, sand, and potholes your vehicle has to traverse through. It’s no wonder after 10 years your $50,000 Silverado starts to look like a jalopy. Thankfully through, some basic maintenance and car care you’ll have your prized Z71 looking cherry for a long time to come.

Click HERE for 6 Simple Spring Car Care Tips from Autotrader

How to Jump Start Your Vehicle

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:41:49 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Cold weather can be tough on a number of different things, people’s joints, the bug population, but one thing most people don’t think about, before its to late, is their cars battery. Having a pair of jumper cables in your car at all times is a great way to help prevent any unwanted extended stays at work or the grocery store. I know most people claim to know how to jump start a car, after all it certainly isn’t rocket science. However ever Winter we see dozens of cars towed in, only after the owner claimed the battery wouldn’t take a jump. So here is a quick reminder on the steps to jump starting your car and also hopefully some helpful hints.

The first thing you should do is to make sure the battery isn’t frozen. If your able to see the battery in your vehicle. Make sure the sides of the case aren’t frosted over, it will also be extremely cold to the touch. You’ll also want to make sure the outside of the case isn’t bulged out. If this is the case, you’ll want to just remove the battery, and replace it.
If the battery isn’t frozen you’ll want to start out by first finding a willing good Samaritan to help get your car started.
Then after you’ve opened both hoods and removed the jumper cables from the trunk you can get started.
Put the red cable onto the positive battery terminal of the dead vehicle, and then the black cable onto the negative battery terminal. Car batteries almost always have a + and a – to help distinguish which is positive and which is negative.
Being extremely careful not to let the other ends touch one another, repeat that step on the vehicle that is running. Always remember to never let the red cable touch the black cable. This will cause a short to ground and end up blowing one of the large MAXI fuses in one of the cars or even fry one of the control modules.
Once all the cables have been attached on the two batteries its time to try and start the dead vehicle. If your car fails to start to worry. The biggest problem we see when jump starting a car is people don’t get a proper connection between the 4 terminals on the batteries. Get back out and give each one of the clips a little shake, if the cables aren’t getting a good connection at the batteries, the dead vehicle won’t get a good charge from the car that’s running.
Depending on how run down your battery is, it might take several minutes of charging in order to let your battery get enough power to start the vehicle.
Finally, after all that you get the vehicle started. The final step is to remove the jumper cables. You should use the same amount of care removing the cables as you did when clipping them on. Again, always remember to never allow the two cables to touch one another.

Autonomous Cars

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 14:49:40 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

For years science fiction writers, such as Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, told fare off stories of robotic cars that would one-day ferry us simpletons from place to place without much more than a thought. Cars with no steering wheels, brakes or gas pedals. For many in the 20 century these fables were mere fantasy, the ideas of a few creative minds meant to inspire and excite the ones reading. Fast forward to 2017, and many of those fantasies are slowing turning into reality. After reading several articles regarding the level of autonomy in cars today, I found the article, How Self-Driving Cars Work, and When They’ll Get Real to be the most informative and easiest to read. Written by Bill Howard, it gives you simple and easy to understand facts regarding the present and future of autonomous vehicles.

For the full article, found on ExtremeTech.com click HERE .

Road Trip Mania, Top 5 Road Trip Songs

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 13:51:50 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

With the last few weeks of summer dwindling away, and the kids going back to school. Family’s and friends across the country are trying to squeeze out the last remaining bits of summer fun. Whether that fun is a weekend away with the boys, or a nice long family vacation far from home. Millions of people this time of year hit the road with their phones fully charged and ready to rock. A road trip means different things to different people, some people opt to quietly listen to the latest New York best seller on audio book, and others like to roll the windows down, crank the volume to 11, and belt out their favorite vocals. Earlier this summer, as a close friend and I were heading out to Baltimore for a wedding, we opted for the later of the two. From Garth Brooks to Diana Ross, there were very few types of music we didn’t touch on our little trip. With that said here is my non-scientific list of my top 10 favorite road trip songs.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive “taking care of business” This single was released in 1974 on the album Bachman-Turner Overdrive II. Although B.T.O was a Canadian Band, it’s been no secret that our neighbors to the north know how to rock, and they certainly proved it with this single. From start to finish the song is a musical masterpiece made specifically to blow out your speakers and laugh at all those suckers you left at work.
John Denver “ Take me Home, Country Roads” Written by John Denver, Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert. Every good road trip needs a song where even the most tone deaf of passengers can feel like a true music legend. What better song is there to sing along with than “ Take me Home Country Road.” this 3 minute and 8 second work of perfection solidified John Denver as one of America’s greatest folk singers. Released in 1971 it was certified gold by August of that year and finally went platinum on April 10, 2017.
Motley Crue “Kickstart my Heart” Warning!!! Listen to this song at your own risk. Excess speed and erratic driving have been attributed to repetitive playing of this track. Just picture it, your co-pilot on the dash board drums, and you behind the steering wheel, wind in hair and air guitar in hand, Screaming at the top of your lungs and pulling those imaginary strings into the stratosphere. From the album Dr. Feelgood this 4:48 rock anthem is sure to get your blood pumping and the wheels spinning.
AC/DC “Highway to Hell” The theme song for every road trip to a bachelor party. The few times when grown men in their 30’s can act like rock stars only to find out their well past their prime. Like Bon Scott said, “If you think it’s easy doing one night stands, try playing in a rock and roll band. It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.
Wilson Pickett “Mustang Sally” A truly ageless song, a track that has and will continue to be a song that crosses generations. Despite its age every person with a set of vocal cords knows the hook of Mustang Sally.

The Future is Now

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:55:50 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Automobile technology has come a long way since the turn of the century. A lot has changed from Its humble beginnings as a roofless wooden carriage to the 3-ton hunks of steel, aluminum, plastic, and rubber we have today. Many people my age would have a hard time understanding how difficult it was to drive a vehicle at the turn of the century. From manually starting the car, to adjusting the spark timing as you drove, early drivers really had to have a complete understanding on how the automobile worked. Thankfully as tastes changed and more and more people started hitting the highways, the venerable automobile had to change as well. Soon the electric starter was introduced, vacuum assisted timing, hydraulic brakes, and electric chokes. With each passing model year improvements were made and we still thankfully see that today. There has never been a time in our history where vehicles have been as safe or as efficient as they are now. They produce more power, get better fuel mileage, and pollute less than vehicles 20 short years ago. For this month’s blog post I would like to talk about some of the possible things we may see 20 years from today.

Fuel Cell – This technology has primarily been devolved by Toyota and Honda, as the U.S has focused more on hybrids and E. V’s. The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is a type of car that uses fuel cells instead of a battery. Fuel cells in these vehicles generate electricity to power the electric motor, generally using oxygen from the air and compressed hydrogen. Most fuel cell vehicles are classified as zero-emissions vehicles that emit only water and heat. These vehicles also offer great range as compared to most E. V’s, the Honda Clarity offers an estimated range of 366 miles, and its hydrogen tank can be filled up in a matter of minutes. Of course, unless you live in New York or L.A, good luck finding a hydrogen fuel station.

The Camless Engine – Christian von Koenigsegg, is owner of Koenigsegg automotive. He has developed some of the fastest and most expensive cars you can buy today. He is also spearheading a new type of engine that doesn’t rely on camshafts to open and close the engine valves. A modern 4-cylinder engine will typically have two camshafts, one sometimes two-timing chain, several timing chain guides, a timing chain tensioner, and 2 variable valve timing actuators. At any given time if just one of those components fails, I can cause a catastrophic failure of your engine. With the introduction of the camless or “free-valve” system, all of those friction points would be eliminated. It would allow the computer to control each valve separately giving the engine huge gains, in horsepower, torque, and fuel mileage. When it was first tested in a 1.6L turbocharged engine, they were able to achieve a 47% increase in output to 230 hp; a 45% increase in torque, to 236 lb.-ft and a 15% reduction in fuel consumption. We’ll just have to see if they’re able to make it durable enough to ever see full production.

The E.V – Most experts agree that the most likely future for cars is going to be electric. As battery technology increases and the cost of ownership dips lower and lower I think it’s inevitable that instead of the sound of a finely tuned motor flying past you on the turnpike, the gentle wisp of a Chevy Volt will be there instead. In fact, Volvo just announced last week that by 2019 they will be phasing out all gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric. The obvious drawback to the electric vehicle is the limited range and the extended time it takes to recharge the battery. It takes 9.5 hours to fully charge a Tesla Model S using 210-volt system, and this still only allows the driver a 300-mile range. Unfortunately for all the E.V lovers, the trusty Tahoe still looks like the obvious choice for that summer road trip.

It will be quite some time before the internal combustion engine is completely kicked to the curb. With low fuel prices and ever continuing improvements on MPG, most manufactures will find it difficult to give up on the gas engine completely for some time. However much like everything that has come before, innovation harbors results. With those results, manufacturers will implement lessons learned from the past to continue to make vehicles safer and more efficient. I hoped you enjoyed reading this month’s edition of the McCann’s Garage Blog. Feel free to post and discuss what you would like the future of the automobile to look like.

Top 5 Strangest Car Options

Wed, 10 May 2017 13:57:59 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

The early part of the 20th century brought us some of world’s greatest thinkers and inventors. In 1903 the Wright brothers ushered us into the age of flight with the first successful flight of a heavier than air vehicle. In 1905 Albert Einstein published the Theory of Relativity and made famous the equation E=MC2. However, the 1908 debut of the Model T will forever go down in history as the start of the motorized age. This all became possible thanks to the pioneer spirit and relentless tenacity of one man, Mr. Henry Ford. The model T was built for the masses. It was large enough for the family but yet small enough for the individual to easily take care of. The vehicle was built so that any hard working person could afford it, and as Ford famously stated, “You could get it in any color as long as it was black.” From 1908 to 1927 Ford produced some 15 million Model T’s, and throughout that time very little changed. Every Model T, despite its body style, came in black and had a small 4 cylinder with a 2-speed transmission. In contrast, today’s vehicles come equipped with hundreds of different options and various engine sizes. From heated steering wheels, bluetooth connectivity, air conditioned seats, all the way to chilled glove boxes to keep your favorite beverage cold. The car of the 21st century is a far cry from what rolled off the assembly line in Detroit on October 1, 1908. 109 years have passed, and the United States has seen many changes. Many of which have helped shape the vehicle of today, into what we see.

Although I’m only 28 I find myself to be fortunate to have grown up in a family business, and in a city that once had a striving General Motors assembly plant. From a young age I was immersed in not only National history, because of the large number of customers who were veterans, but also automotive history. As I’ve grown older I’ve become more and more aware of the parallels 20th century history played into the eventual grown of the automobile. The various options in vehicles were sometimes in direct contrast to various social, and economic situations that were prevalent throughout America at that time. So this Month I would like jump in the DeLorean, get her up to 88 and turn that 1.21 gigawatts of power into a fun look back on some of the strangest car options throughout history.

1961-1964 Ford Thunderbird swing away steering wheel – This newly refreshed design introduced a number of changes from the classic Thunderbird that everyone knows and loves. The strangest of them was the swing away steering wheel. When the steering wheel was placed into park the steering wheel would slide almost an entire 20 inches to the right to allow the drive to exit the vehicle easier.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham with a magnetized mini bar glove box. – GM’s flagship company was trying to set itself apart from the competition with this model. There were many unique interior options in 1957 including plastic cigarette holders, and six magnetized drinking glasses with a small mini bar.
1955 Dodge La Femme, the first car designed specifically for woman- This vehicle was designed by Chrysler’s marketing department after management saw that more and more women were taking interest in automobiles. Each vehicle’s interior was upholstered in a pink rosebud material. Each Le Femme came with a costume purse with lipstick, cigarette case, comb, lighter and face powder. The drive seat had a special compartment, which contained a raincoat, rain bonnet, and umbrella. The main problem with the vehicle, of course, was the fact no man on earth would ever be caught dead driving it.
1960’s Chrysler Turbine Car – After the end of World War II the U.S population became enamored with the new jet powered fighters that grew from the ashes of the war. In order to try and tap into a new potential market, Chrysler engineers started experimenting with powering a small 2-door coupe with a turbine powered engine. The engine spun at 45,000 revolutions a minute and could run on diesel, unleaded, kerosene, or jet fuel. Although only 55 units were produced over 1 million miles were accumulated while in the testing face.
1950’s Chrysler with Highway Hi-Fi record player- The days before USB drives, CD players, and Bluetooth, drivers weren’t left with many options other than there AM/FM radio. The system was designed by CBS Electronics and appeared in Chrysler automobiles from 1956 to 1958. The vinyl records were specially designed and had the capability to hold up to 45 minutes of music.

The automobile has certainly changed throughout history. It’s always interesting to take a moment to look to the past so we can come to fully understand and appreciate the present. I hope everyone enjoyed this month’s blog, I know there’s dozens of other options and vehicles I could have written about. Feel free to leave comments about some of your favorites. Also don’t forget to vote for McCann’s Garage in the Gazette’s Readers Choice Awards .

Gas Gas Everyone needs Gas

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:00:34 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Hello again and thanks for tuning into this month’s edition of the McCann’s Garage automotive blog. Throughout the past year companies like Tesla and Chevrolet have been making headlines with their much-anticipated plug in electrics. The electric car powerhouse, Tesla, will be making their first deliveries of their Model 3 this July, and Chevrolet will be debuting the Bolt around the same time. The estimated range of many of these new vehicles could surpass 220 miles, which would mark the first time in history we’ve seen a practical plug in electric. With all these exciting new technologies coming into fruition many may think the trusted old gasoline powered engine is done for. However, with less than 1% of vehicles sold in the U.S making up hybrids and EV’s, I think we will unfortunately be having to gas up our old clunkers for a few more years to come. The internal combustion engine has been powering our lives for nearly 120 years, and for some reason many of us still haven’t the slightest idea what kind of gas to pump into our tank. There’s regular unleaded, premium unleaded, E85, and several others to choose from. Have you ever wondered what the hell is the difference between all these different types of fuel? Well I’m here to hopefully break it all down and maybe make some sense out of all the different options we have at the pump.

Regular Unleaded- For the majority of us drivers rolling down the highway, you’ll be happy to hear, along with your wallet, this is the only kind of gas you’ll ever need to buy. This type of fuel has a lower octane rating, which means it’s more susceptible to pre-ignition and engine knock. The only types of people who would use anything other regular unleaded, would be people who drive performance cars, or diesels.

Premium Unleaded- Premium gasoline is strictly used for performance vehicles. The reason why your Corvette or Camaro requires a different type of fuel is because they have what is called a high compression engine. Using regular unleaded in this type of vehicle could potential cause damage to the engine, due to pre-ignition of the air fuel mixture. Using premium in any other type of vehicle is a 100% waste of your money. Unfortunately, you won’t miraculously get better fuel millage in your Yukon XL because you decided to pump 30 gallons of premium into your tank.

E85- The main benefit to this type of gas is the fact that it’s cheaper. Although many people complain they get slightly less fuel millage because of its higher-octane rating. You should always remember that this type of fuel should only be used in vehicles that have been approved to burn E85. An easy way to check to see if you vehicle is equipped to burn ethanol, is to either check your owner’s manual, or to simple check your fuel cap. Most companies will use a yellow fuel cap to indicate it is safe to burn E85. If by chance you do accidently fill up with this type of fuel you shouldn’t panic. As long as you have the fuel tank drained and filled with regular unleaded permanent damage to the fuel system is unlikely.

Hopefully everyone found this information helpful and thanks for reading. If anyone has any questions regarding this month’s topic or any other blog I’ve written feel free to reach out to me at 752-8359 or at Jpm5260@gmail.com .

Spring Cleaning? Don’t forget your Car

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:03:08 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

SPRING HAS COME!!!….okay okay I know, I’ve got a feeling mother nature might have a couple surprises to throw at us before Winter can officially be considered done with. However with spring like conditions blanketing the area and the light at the end of the tunnel getting brighter and brighter with each passing day, I felt obligated to plant a few kernels of knowledge, so hopefully they’ll blossom into fruition by the time your vehicle is needed for that long family road. Although we have been blessed this year with a mild winter, the frigid conditions and tons of salt that are spread across the roadways can cause havoc on your automobile. From chipped paint to loose suspension, this information will hopefully keep your car rolling all the way through Labor Day.

RUST. Other than basic maintenance and brake repairs, rusted out components are probably the number 1 repair we do this time of year. The most forgotten part of everyone’s vehicle is the underbelly. The underside of the car is where all the various fluid lines are routed, and they all have a potential to rust out and begin to leak. Having your vehicle’s brake lines, fuel lines, and transmission lines inspected should keep your vehicle rolling through the summer.
SUSPENSION. As we all know this time of year the road -ways begin to show there age. Potholes are an inevitable part of living here in the northern states. Potholes and damage occurred from sliding into curbs and ditches can cause significant harm to the different suspension components on your vehicle. Not only do loose suspension parts cause a potential safety risk, they also cause premature wear on your tires. Having your ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, struts, and all of the other various parts checked and serviced is always a good idea to make sure you make it to that summer wedding safely.
SPARE TIRE. This one might sound odd, but many of today’s vehicles, especially light trucks have their spare tire mounted in the rear, underneath the bed of the truck. What happens because of all the salt and sediment that gets kicked up throughout the winter, the mechanism that holds the spare tire in places becomes seized up and doesn’t allow you to lower it when you have a flat. Unfortunately if the tire hoist is seized up there’s not a whole lot you can do other than replace is, but if the spare tire does lower from the vehicle it’s always a good idea to shoot the metal rope up with some WD-40 to prevent it from seizing up in the future.

If you have found any of this information helpful, or any previous blog informative please let us know by either contacting us on our Facebook page or by leaving a Google Review. If you have any questions regarding this month’s blog or any other car related inquiries please give us a call at 752-8359. Thanks for reading.

Top 5 Do it Yourself Auto Repairs

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 15:05:07 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Hello everybody and thanks again for checking in on this month’s auto blog. It’s a new year and for many of us that means a new start. Like everyone, I usually find myself slightly bloated and a little light in the checkbook after the holidays. With Christmas behind us and tax season right around the corner I’d like to discuss some of the easy DIY automotive repairs anyone with a basic set of tools can handle.

Many people today open the hood on their beloved vehicle and are completely overwhelmed. There’s hundreds, if not thousands of wires. Hoses that go God knows where, and dozens of warning signs, that in many cases are written in either Japanese or Korean. So, for someone who doesn’t know the coolant overflow tank from their windshield washer tank, I can completely understand why someone would be deathly afraid to attempt any kind of auto repair by themselves. Luckily there are a few things that even someone with a modest set of tools and a bit of knowledge can handle, and hopefully save some money along the way.

1. Oil Change . Changing your oil on a regular basis is without a doubt the easiest way to prevent premature engine problems. If you’re able to do it yourself, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Draining the oil and replacing the filter is quite possible one of the easiest repairs you can do at home. There are a couple handy hints to remember when attempting to change your own oil however.

Always remember to lift the vehicle in a safe manner, and always remember to have a quality set of jacks to support the weight of the vehicle.
Make sure the drain plug has a gasket and seal on it before reinstalling it. If the gasket or seal are no longer on the drain plug, you will notice a small leak accumulate over time.
Never over tighten a drain plug.
When replacing the oil filter. ALWAYS remember to check to see if the old seal has been removed before installing the new filter.
Always use the manufacturers recommend type of oil.

2. Air Filter . When it comes to replacing your air filter, the internet can be your friend. In almost all cases most manufactures make replacing the air filter relatively easy.
3. Spark Plugs . Before replacing your spark plugs, check the recommend service table that is usually printed in your owner’s manual. Today’s vehicles are equipped with platinum tipped plugs and have the ability to last well over 100,00 miles. If you’re experiencing a drivability issue and you’re under the 100k mark, spark plugs are rarely the culprit.

When removing a plug, if it doesn’t want to loosen, LEAVE IT!! To this day, I still have nightmares about broken spark plugs.
Always make sure the new plug is going into the cylinder head straight and you haven’t cross threaded the new plug
Try and use an OEM plug if possible. Any parts store can help if you have any questions.

4. Brake lamp bulbs. Replacing most brake lamp bulbs is simply a matter of a couple screws and about 5 minutes of time. Again, just like your air filter, if you have any questions. The internet can be a close ally
5. Car battery. In most cases replacing your vehicle’s battery is a simple repair. Many manufactures today install the battery underneath the rear seat or in other places around the car. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual if you have any questions.

Always buy a quality battery. The difference between a value brand battery and a premium may be as much as $40.00, but no one likes getting out to their car when it’s minus 10 and windy only to find out there 2-year-old battery turned into a brick of ice.
Just like spark plugs, always make sure you haven’t cross threaded the bolts.
Always make sure the cables are good and tight. A poor connection at the battery can cause problems down the road.

Knowing the difference between a DIY job and something that is better left to the professionals, is also a good bit of knowledge to have. Most of the time your wife’s brother’s cousin, who used to be the towns best motorcycle mechanic, isn’t qualified to remove the cylinder head on your wife’s Equinox. The best way to save money and your marriage, is to know the difference between a job you can handle at home, and a job best left to a qualified technician. Hopefully this information was helpful and if you have any questions regarding these DIY tips or anything else. Feel free to call McCann’s Garage at 752-8359.

The Truth about your Change Oil Soon Light

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 15:40:13 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Hello everyone and thanks again for checking in on our monthly blog. Before I start, I’d like to take this chance to thank all of the great friends, family, and customers we have at McCann’s Garage. Thanks to you we were able to collect nearly $10,000 dollars that will go towards a nursing scholarship at Loyola University in Chicago. I know my brother loved his job, and he loved all the wonderful people and patients he was able to care for throughout the past 10 years. Hopefully this scholarship will help a young student continue Pats tireless vision for a better and healthier future for everyone.

This month I’d like to discuss the most basic of maintenance on your vehicle, that dreaded and annoying, but ever so important, oil change. Have you ever found yourself looking at your oil change sticker on the upper left corner of your windshield and realize your 500 miles overdue? Just to look at your oil life monitoring system to find out you still have 60% life left? If you have don’t worry, you’re in good company. Today’s engines are a vast improvement in comparison to what we had 40-50 years ago. The advancements in engine oil has a lot to do with the extended life that we see in our vehicles. With synthetic oil and synthetic blended oil, the old adage of three months or 3,000 miles, thankfully is something we can all forget. While I know, my grandfather would roll over in his grave, if he heard me say the 3,000-mile no longer applies. The reality is, thanks to the use of in-vehicle oil life monitoring and new oil formulations, there’s no longer one specific mileage interval to adhere to. In other words, changing your oil every 3,000 miles will likely lead to wasting oil by replacing it before it is actually necessary.

While this new technology has been great for extending the life of your vehicle. What many technicians and now the manufacturers are beginning to see is that people are following the in-vehicle oil life monitoring system to well. Depending on how you drive your vehicle, it’s not unheard of to have nearly 12,000 miles in between oil changes. If you follow the oil monitoring system like it’s the word of God, you might still have 15% life left. The problem is that throughout those 12,000 miles, your engine will have likely used one maybe even two quarts of oil in the process. Most manufactures stick firmly to the statement that oil consumption is a normal part of a car’s operation. Subaru considers a quart burned every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable. Certain Audi and BMW models state that a quart burned every 600 to 700 miles is reasonable. That means on a typical engine that holds between 4-5 quarts of oil, going 10 to 12,000 miles on a single oil change could result in an expensive repair. According to an April, 4 edition of AutoWeek ,

General Motors is warning owners of almost 800,000 2010-12 vehicles that they may need oil changes more frequently than the on-board oil monitoring systems are telling them. After high warranty claims on several models with four-cylinder engines, GM will reprogram software to make oil change warning lights go on sooner. The change only affects 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Buick LaCrosse and Regal models with 2.4-liter LAF and LEA four-cylinder engines. GM sent letters asking 778,956 owners of those vehicles to take them back to dealerships. The service will be done at no charge until Feb. 28, 2015.

“Even if they were out of warranty, they would still be good to have this done through that period,” said GM spokesman Alan Adler. “After that, the dealers have discretion to make the customers happy.”

Much like everyone else, I don’t like spending my hard-earned money on unnecessary repairs, and I hate seeing good customers and friends come out with major engine problems that could very well have been prevented by simple changing their oil more often. At McCann’s Garage we charge $32.00 for a conventional oil change and $49.00 for synthetic oil. I fully understand it’s an inconvenience for everyone and something most people dread, but overall getting your oil changed more frequently will prevent costly repairs down the road. If you do decide to follow your oil life monitoring system, it’s a good idea to check your oil on a regular basis. Even having old oil in your engine, is better than not having any at all.

Hopefully you found this information helpful, if you have any questions regarding engine oil or the General Motors software update that was stated above, give us a call at 752-8359. Before I finish I’d like to thank everyone again for reading. With the new year upon us, I know it’s extremely helpful to get feedback from our great customers to allow us as a business better serve you, and grow as a company. If there’s any comments you like to leave, I’d invite anyone who we’ve been able to serve, to please leave a Google review. Thanks again, and have a happy holiday.

2500 Miles of Healing

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:42:43 GMT

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Automotive Winter Weatherization Tips

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 14:46:38 GMT

Written by: Joe McCann

Hello everybody, I would quickly like to take a moment and thank everyone for taking the time to read the first monthly McCann’s Garage automotive blog. I’ve thankfully had the pleasure of working at McCann’s throughout the entirety of my adult life. Without a doubt my favorite part of the job is meeting and getting to know the number of great customers we’ve been able to serve for the past 56 years. After nearly six decades of being in business, our location has stayed the same, but the types of vehicles that we service has not. Much like most things in today’s modernized society, the vehicles we drive are leaps and bounds more advanced than vehicles even 20 years ago. The purpose of this first blog is to discuss winter car care tips, and for you the better understand some of the features that your vehicle has, to make driving on slippery roads safer.

It was Benjamin Franklin who famously said “The only two things certain in life are death and taxes.” For most of the continental U.S that is absolutely true. However, I’d like to add a third certainty to Mr. Franklin’s famous quote. If you are lucky enough to be one of the 5.7 million people who live in Wisconsin, unfortunately death, taxes, and a bitter cold Winter are all just part of life for us Wisconsinites. The most important thing you can do for your vehicle, when those frosty January mornings inevitably come, is to make sure your coolant is not only full, but also strong enough to handle the cold temperatures. Remember from your high school science classes, when water freezes, it expands. When it expands in your engine, it makes for expensive repairs. The term coolant and antifreeze are technically two different things. Coolant refer to the mixture of antifreeze and water in your engine. If sometime throughout the dog days of summer someone poured pure water into either the radiator or the coolant reservoir. There’s a good chance the mixture isn’t strong enough. Typically, whenever you make a mixture of coolant, you’re looking for a good 50-50 mix of quality coolant and water. To check the strength of the coolant, you can take the vehicle to any qualified auto repair facility, and with a tool called a hydrometer, they can test to see if the mixture is up to par. Any maintenance done this time of year should not only include a check of your coolant, but also the following, to ensure you’ll be safe for the conditions ahead.

Antifreeze – 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water will bring the coolant to a strength of -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Condition of tires – Trying to drive in winter will bald tires is like how Elton John put it “It’s like trying to drink whiskey out of a bottle of wine”, it just doesn’t work out well.
Battery – Anyone who has lived in Wisconsin knows, Winter is tough on batteries, always make sure you get your starting and charging system checked to prevent any starting issues during those bitter cold mornings.
Wiper blades – Spending a little extra to get a premium set up blades is always a good idea. You’ll thank yourself when the snow starts blowing and you have a nice clean windshield.

If you look back throughout the history of the automobile, there isn’t a single time in the past 100 years, when vehicles have been as safe and as efficient than they are now. In fact, 2014 saw the fewest automobile deaths since the late 1970’s, and it’s certainly not because people are driving less. It’s in due part to many of the safety features many of us don’t even know we have. Your antilock brake system or ABS may be one of them. The ABS system allows the driver to apply the brakes on slippery roads and still give the person the ability to maintain control of the vehicle. Before the days of antilock brakes, drivers were told to pump the brake pedal in slippery conditions. This would prevent the front wheels from locking up, and allow the drive to safely maneuver in dangerous situations. The ABS system actually has the ability to apply the brakes for you electronically. It gives the driver the ability to maintain control of the vehicle in harsh weather without having to also worry about pumping the brakes. One thing many people don’t realize is that your ABS system and your hydraulic brake system are two different things. If your ABS light does come on… DO NOT WORRY …you will not lose control of your brakes. The light simple means there is a problem in the electronic part of the brakes also known as the ABS system. The stabilitrak system is another feature many people either don’t know they have or simple don’t know what it does. The stabilitrak works in correlation with your ABS. Simply put, it helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during certain low-traction driving conditions on loose, snowy, icy, wet or uneven roads. The system uses inputs from sensors in your steering column and compares them with actual driving conditions to make small braking changes to insure you stay on your original path. Again like your ABS light, if you do see a stabliatrak light come on… DO NOT PANIC …the vehicle is 100% safe to drive. Simply give a call to your trusted auto repair specialists and have it diagnosed. Hopefully this information was helpful. I know first-hand how difficult it is to keep up with the ever changing technologies the manufactures are implementing into their products. If you ever have any questions about winter weatherization or any questions regarding your vehicle. I know the experts at McCann’s Garage will be able to help.