Springfield Auto Repair

Where are the stick shift cars these days? This is an inquiry more driving enthusiasts are asking as  fewer automakers are making them these days, Manual transmissions used to be the go-to car choice for lower up-front costs, good fuel economy, impressive durability, and more driving involvement for those that love driving. Nowadays, more drivers are choosing automatics because quite simply, they've gotten better. Significantly fewer vehicles are sold with a stick shift. Nowadays manual transmissions are usually just seen in sports cars, such as the Ford Mustang and Mazda Miata. They are even rare to find in exotic rides like Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Some smaller SUVs also provide manuals, but usually only on loss-leader two-wheel drive models. Full-size pickups don't even have manual transmissions any longer. It's challenging for stick shifts to keep existing because they don't seamlessly accommodate modern technology without distraction. As car drivers find ... read more

    It doesn't get much better than driving on the open highway alone or with loved ones listening to tunes that soothe our souls. Besides, it’s fun feeling like you’re living inside a musical. Here are some songs that are sure to have you belting, feeling joy, and just being in the moment as these tunes enhance the vibe as you drive. “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin It’s hard not to tap your fingers and sing along to this song that comes with a message. Driving and rambling on seem to go hand in hand. We just always need to be moving forward regardless of what life serves us. “I want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles This song is the epitome of joy and hope. The Fab Four have the gift of bringing a festive touch to any room (or vehicle.) “Walls” by Tom Petty “Some days are diamonds Some days are rocks Some doors are open Some roads are blocked” This song reminds us that life is a tapestry of experiences and ... read more

During the hot weather, there's the possibility that your car could overheat. At the first sign of overheating, turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. This will lessen the load on the engine. Turn on the heat and blower if the vehicle continues to overheat. This moves the heat from the engine to the passenger compartment of the automobile. If the temperature gauge is rising and you're stopped in traffic, shift into Park or Neutral and rev the engine a bit. This allows the fan and the water pump to speed up and draws enough fluid and air through the radiator. Your vehicle will cool off when there is an increase of liquid and air circulation. Avoid riding your brakes. Move along slowly in stop-and-go traffic. Braking repeatedly causes brake drag, and that increases the load on the engine which leads to more overheating. If traffic is crawling, drive up only when the gap between your car and the car in front of you gets too big. If you feel that your automobile is ... read more

  If you're feeling it's time to take a little getaway vacation away from Springfield, MO, there are so many wonderful locations not too far away. Consider some of these ideas if you're sensing it's time to reward yourself with a fun adventure.   1) Sleep in a Yurt at StoneWind Retreat If your main mission for some time away is relaxation, check out StoneWind Retreat just outside of Chester, Arkansas. Located just under 3 hours southwest of Springfield, this 160-acre retreat is located on a mountaintop in the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. This area truly is a slice of paradise, and the quaint yurts are ideal for a romantic getaway or a fun family bonding experience. These yurts aren't just tents. They have peaceful views, luxurious furniture, and hot tubs. There are also walking trails at StoneWind, and it's a fast drive to Devil’s Den State Park and Lake Fort Smith.     2) Take in Some Fine Theatre in St. Louis If you're a th ... read more

For car owners who don't enjoy the intense summer temperatures, getting into an automobile that has been parked in steaming weather can be wildly unpleasant. Keep yourself cool and use some of these suggestions to keep your vehicle cooler when it's parked.   Put a hand towel over the steering wheel and throw blankets over your seats: Applying a small towel over the steering wheel will assist in keeping the contact temperature of the steering wheel down. If your vehicle has leather or vinyl seats, you're aware just how hot they become when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. Throw blankets over them to keep them cool. Park in a shady area: It's wise to park in a shady area if you're sensitive to the heat. If you need to be out of the car for a period, it's worth it to find the shade even if you have to walk a little further. The payoff is returning to a comfortable vehicle. Use a window visor or sunshade: This is an effective way of keeping your c ... read more

When it’s time to purchase a vehicle, you have a wide array of choices available. Not only do you need to choose the model and make of an automobile, you also need to determine whether a used or new car makes the most sense for you. This is a crucial choice and it can make a make a significant difference in your future financial output. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a newer car or one that's used.   Advantages of a New Car The big advantage of purchasing a newer vehicle is that you are getting a car that usually comes with a warranty, has better gas mileage, and fewer emissions. Newer cars will most likely need few auto repairs in the first few years and the money you spend will most likely be for general maintenance. A dealership may also provide financing at an interest rate that is lower. As a result, this will decrease the amount of interest over the lifetime of the loan. New cars usually have the latest and greatest technology and that ... read more

Spring has arrived and with it comes the need to do a vehicle cleanse after a long winter. Cars go through so much during the chilly season— ice, snow, salt, slush sand, gravel, and dirt can all can pull a number on the cleanliness of your ride. Even if you live in a warmer part of the world, these are helpful suggestions for spring cleaning your vehicle and getting your car ready and sparkly for the warmer weather and longer days:   Clean Under the Cloth Floor Mats You'll be surprised how much salt, gravel, and dirt can get stuck under the floor mats. If left there, all this debris can eventually work through the mat and corrode the body of the car.   Wash the Headlights and Taillights The headlights and taillights can take a beating in winter and by the spring, they're generally pretty foggy and filthy. For safety and visibility at night, it's so important to make sure your headlights and taillights are clean. Just washing them with warm water on a d ... read more

  Having the right snacks in the car when you're on long road trips or even just short car rides is wise so you can keep your hunger down and energy up. Here are some 7 suggestions for foods to eat that will keep you alert and focused on the road:   1. Popcorn   Microwave popcorn is coated with chemicals but the naked kernels are incredibly healthy. They're an excellent source of antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and digestive-supporting fiber.   2. Beef Jerky   Protein is one of the most satisfying nutrients. There are healthier versions of beef jerky with less sodium and preservatives available at organic grocery or natural-food stores.   3. Greek yogurt with nuts or fruit   Greek Yogurt is a protein powerhouse that will keep your hunger at bay for hours. The nuts and fruit offer energy, fiber, and healthy nutrients.   4. Hard-boiled eggs and whole-wheat crackers   Hard-boiled eggs are full of hunger-repelling p ... read more

  February 14th is approaching so romance is in the air. If your sweetie is a car enthusiast, you will definitely score points for gifting your loved one an automobile-related gift. The good news is there are all types of creative presents and ideas out there that car-crazed folks will certainly find appealing. Here are some suggestions:   Prepaid Gas Card – What car enthusiasts wouldn’t love a free tank of gas?   New Sound System – If you have a bass loving sweetheart, a new sound system is certainly going to be well received. Also, you can also consider gifting upgraded speakers.   Rent A Ride – Is your beloved into Lamborghinis but stuck with a Volvo? Rent your sweetheart’s dream car and have the weekend of your dreams.   Sirius – If your Valentine is interested in upgrading from local radio to nationwide music with few commercials and no fade outs, this could be the winning choice.   Quality Cleaning Prod ... read more

It’s true. Driverless cars are here. The revolution of the self-driving car is building—and will alter our everyday lives in ways, major and minor. The transition may take longer than industry leaders had wished but its eventual impact on the world we live in is impossible to ignore.   There are many reasons to get excited about an autonomous car. Driverless automobiles will eliminate distraction and human error, major causes of accidents. So basically, self-driving cars could save lives! Also, people who spend long periods driving will have the opportunity to use their time in the car for work or leisure.  So when can we enjoy the benefits of the autonomous car? By 2020, driverless automobiles will start to be noticeable on the roads. It’s projected that 95% of new vehicles sold, will be fully autonomous by 2040.   This means big business. Google, Tesla, and Apple are tech companies that take pride in combining software and hardware, the basics of ... read more