What Do These Lights Mean?

Dashboard Light Help

I think it's pretty fair to say that most people do not enjoy when their dashboard lights appear. Your dashboard lights are great because they let you know when things aren't working properly within your vehicle. Typically they are a warning, giving you some time to get your vehicle looked at, but don't wait too long and definitely do not ignore them. It's important to know what each one stands for, and every vehicle is different. Some designs may vary depending on the vehicle. Be sure to consult your owner's manual to find out specifics for your vehicle type. We put together some of our "favorites" (we actually just prefer our dashboard lights off, but what can you do?) to give you an idea of how serious, and not so serious some of these lights can be.

Oil Light: This sensor detects low oil pressure. Don't wait on this one, and get an oil change ASAP. Oil is the life blood for your vehicle! (PS. We have an awesome everyday low price of $19.95 for oil changes)

Brake System Alert: This determines low brake fluid levels. Leaks or low brake linings are a common cause of this.

Glow Plug: Used on diesel vehicles only. There should be no attempts to start the vehicle until this light is off. If you must drive, make sure you drive slow and avoid highways.

Temperature Warning: Possibility of engine over heating. Stop driving the vehicle as soon as possible so damage to the vehicle is minimized. Towing may be necessary for this situation.

Battery Warning: A fault in within the car battery. Seek professional help to figure out exact problems.

Front Airbag: A fault in the airbag system, the airbag will not deploy.

ABS Warning: A fault in the ABS braking system. ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. Your normal brakes will continue to work, but your ABS brakes are not working properly when this light appears. This should be reviewed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Windshield Fluid: Lower washer fluid is detected and needs more.

Check Engine: A fault in the engine management system. The check engine light can light up for numerous reasons, including your gas cap not being closed tight enough. Seek professional help to determine exactly where the problem lies.

As always, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to give our service center a call at (888) 903-0537

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

3 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

Prepare for Warmer Weather!

1. Protect Your Car From Road Salt

As many may already know, road salt used during the winter months is bad for your car. Not only does salt cause your car to rust inside and out, it can also ruin your paint and cause other damages.

Check out this article to learn how to protect your car from road salt.

2. Detail Your Car

Detailing your car has more value than enhancing looks; it can actually improve a vehicle's safety and reliability - both essential to summer road trips.
 
Check out this article to see how important detailing is to your vehicle's health.

Fun fact: Hoselton Auto Mall has a detailing service!
 

3. Perform a General Maintenance Check on Your Car

Dramatic changes in weather from harsh winters to hot summers can negatively affect your vehicle. A general maintenance check, most of which can be done at home, can improve the overall health and longevity of your vehicle.
 
Check out this list of general maintenance checks you can conduct on your vehicle! 

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Get Ready for Spring Driving!

Hoselton Service Centers are Ready to Help!

Have you and your vehicle had enough of the harsh weather? Winter was extremely tough in Rochester, NY this year and that means that your tires, wiper blades and interior have also had a rough time. Well, the Service Departments at Hoselton Auto Mall are here for you! 

Here is a list of things that you should tune up, clean up or replace to get your vehicle ready for our wonderful Rochester Spring weather! Our knowledgeable and friendly service and parts advisors can assist you with any of these services as well as answer any other questions that you may have.

Wiper Blades: Check your wiper blades for signs of wear and cracks. If they are leaving water or streaks, then it's time for a new pair. This is a great time of year to replace them in preparation for our April showers!

Air Filters: What is one of the best parts of this time of year? Breathing in the fresh Spring air! You don't want to miss out with old, dirty air filters in your vehicle. This is a quick job that can be done in any of our Express Service lanes or you can do-it-yourself and purchase filters from any of our Parts Departments.

Tires: If you have snow tires on your vehicle, now's the time to switch them out. Snow tires generally don't perform their best on dry or hot payment. Additionally, you don't want the added miles and wear on them if they are not needed.

If you did not switch out your tires this winter for snow tires, this is a great time of year to check for wear and appropriate tread. Make sure you rotate your tires as recommended by your service advisor. Even wear on your tires will extend their lifespan.

Making sure that your tire pressure is at the correct levels will also extend the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires will lower your fuel efficiency, reduced tread life and could even lead to tire failure.

Air Conditioning System: Make sure you test your conditioning system to ensure that it is working well. You don't want to be stuck in a 90 degree weather with a broken system! If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of your system our knowledgeable service advisors are here to answer any questions!

Interior: It's time for some Spring cleaning! Remove all the extra items in your car that you may not have taken out because of the cold weather. Extra, unneeded weight in your vehicle will lower the fuel efficiency. Shake out your floor mats and give them a good vacuum or wash (if you have all-weather mats). 

Exterior: Take the time to make sure all of the winter salt is off your vehicle. A good thorough car wash will take car of this. This is also a great time to add a coat of wax. This will give your paint an extra layer of protection. If you don't have the time or materials to do so yourself, the service professionals at Hoselton have a variety of detail options for your vehicle.

Have a great Spring!

> Schedule a Service Appointment
> Service Specials
> Parts Specials
> Hours & Directions
> Contact Us 

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

4 Tactics for Dealing with Potholes

Tips to Protect your Vehicle

It's no surprise that the roadways in Rochester, New York are listed as some of the worst roads in the country. Our roadways are constantly filled with dangerous obstacles that demand our constant attention. The largest and one of the most dangerous obstacles is the pothole. Some potholes are small and seem innocent but these road monsters can really do a lot of damage to your vehicle.

In order to help you deal with these craters, here are a few tactics to use when traveling the roads, especially this time of the year.

1. If possible, avoid the pothole.
If you are on a road that you believe is infested with potholes be more mindful and slow down, this will help you to react to avoid the pothole, a car horn beeping at you is less expensive than a flat tire or a damaged wheel.

Watch out for puddles, what might seem to be a innocent puddle may suddenly become a rim bending pothole, it is hard to avoid every puddle in the road but being mindful does help.

2. If avoidance is not possible, reduce the damage. If you see a pothole coming at you in your lane and you are not able to avoid it, slow down as safely as possible but do not brake directly over a pothole as this may cause more harm.

3. After you hit the pothole, be wary of the symptoms.
We all have hit a pothole that causes your vehicle to lurch. If, after checking the tire and wheel for damage, there is no visible damage found you should still have your vehicle looked at by a professional. Even if immediate problems are not noticed you should get your car checked out when hitting that nasty pothole. Problems such as steering or suspension damage or causing the front end alignment to be out of specifications, can be more costly if you fail to have your vehicle inspected. Being pro-active will help you out in the long run.

4. If something is broken...You did your best to avoid the pothole but in the end you could not elude that pesky crater. What do you do now?

Don't worry, the expert technicians at Hoselton Auto Mall can help! Our technicians are factory trained and know how to pinpoint the repairs that are needed to get your car back on the road. We promise to repair your vehicle with the right parts, and at the right price. Call us today so that we may show you why so many customers use Hoselton for all there automotive needs.

> Questions? Give us a call at 585-586-7373
> Schedule a Service Appointment

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Winter Driving Quiz!

How Much Do You Know About Winter Driving?

Put your winter driving knowledge to the test with this short quiz!

Questions:
1. TRUE OR FALSE - The usefulness of daytime headlights has never been established as reducing the number of traffic accidents.

2. Should you under-inflate or over-inflate your tires in cold weather or leave them at the same tire pressure as in warm weather?

3. When sliding into a skid, what is the best course of action?
a. Turn in the direction of the skid
b. Turn in the opposite direction of the skid
c. Try to steer straight ahead

4. When approaching an icy or snowy hill should you…
a. Speed up to reach the top of the hill as quickly as possible
b. Come to a complete stop then accelerate to reach the top of the hill
c. Slow down before reaching the hill and make the assent slowly and steadily

5. When coming down a snowy or icy hill, should you…
a. Come to a complete stop and then make your descent
b. Shift into a lower gear and make a slow descent
c. Use only your brakes to slow you down as you descend

6. If you are ever caught in a snowstorm and have to walk in the street, should you…
a. Walk with the traffic
b. Walk against the traffic

Answers:
1. False. Every report published indicates that the use of daytime headlights reduces accidents by as much as 37%. 

2. The answer is to always keep tires inflated at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Both under and over-inflation can increase the incidence of blowouts and skidding. 

3. The correct answer is a. Turn in the direction of the skid. This is your best chance to restore some traction. 

4. The correct answer is c. Slow and steady ascent has been proven to be the best course in ascending an ice-covered or snow-covered hill. 

5. The correct answer is b. By shifting into a lower gear before descending you will gain more traction. 

6. The correct answer is b. Walk facing the oncoming traffic. By doing this you are better able to alert oncoming traffic to your location and see if any cars are veering into your path. Wearing or waving bright-colored clothing is also advisable.

How did you do?

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Insurance Myths and Collision Advice

To All of Our Customers...

It has been brought to our attention that some Insurance Companies may be directing our customers to their Preferred Shops where they can control the repair process of your vehicle. I would like you to take a moment and think about this - it sounds like the cat telling the fish where they should swim in the pond! It is important to remember that by New York State law, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. 

Why Hoselton's Collision Center? At Hoselton, we have Trained & Certified, GM, Toyota & Nissan technicians all under one roof. Many other shops may have to send your vehicle elsewhere for repairs that they cannot perform at their location. Who better to repair your vehicle than the people who know your vehicle best? As proof of the confidence that we have in the quality of our work, we guarantee the work done for as long as you own it!

If you ever need our help with any kind of repairs, remember Hoselton has it all conveniently under one roof on the corner of Fairport and Marsh Roads in East Rochester, NY. We truly care about the way your vehicle is repaired. Your satisfaction is what we strive for.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your time,

Lee Patterson

Hoselton Collision Center Manager

> Learn more about the Hoselton Auto Mall Collision Center

> Questions? Contact Hoselton's Collision Center
> Directions to Hoselton Auto Mall, Rochester, NY

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

FAQ's from the Service Department

Ask Our Service Team Pros!

You asked, we answered! Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions from customers answered by the service pros at Hoselton. If you have a question, feel free to reach out anytime!

> Contact the Hoselton Chevrolet Service Department!

> Contact the Hoselton Nissan Service Department!

> Contact the Hoselton Toyota Scion Service Department!

We appreciate your questions! We look forward to hearing from you!

Q: I just heard about a recall. How do I know if it's for my vehicle?

A: It is always in your best interest to keep your Nissan operating safely and running in top condition. To find out if your Nissan has been recalled, you can call a Hoselton Auto Mall Service Department directly or information will be sent to you through the mail from the manufacturer. Your service technician will inspect and perform any outstanding recalls or voluntary service campaigns that may apply to your vehicle in case of a recall. These important repairs will be performed at no cost to you. Please make an appointment promptly; we are more than happy to make sure your vehicle performs at its peak capacity!

Q: Is it true that an alignment can improve my gas mileage?

A: Yes! There are many benefits to an alignment. A properly aligned car will reduce friction and drag on your tires and help maximize your MPG. When a vehicle is out of alignment, there is excessive tire wear and steering/tracking problems. A wheel alignment will adjust the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This service results in less resistance between the tire and the road, which maximizes tire life and improves your gas mileage.

Q: My car just went over 75,000 miles. Now that it has so many miles, what should I be doing differently?

A: Like anything with some age on it, treating your vehicle with a little more kindness will go a long way. The proper care of your vehicle will reward you with a long vehicle life span. Be sure to continue to have regularly scheduled maintenance performed, as this is the best way to care for your car, truck, van or SUV. Over time, certain items will eventually need to be replaced. When that time comes, remember you’re always better off with genuine OEM (GM, Nissan or Toyota) parts because they are specifically engineered for your car and will ensure many more happy miles ahead.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Combating Gas Prices

Top 10 Gas Relief Remedies

These days, we all need a little relief from the high prices of gas. That’s why we’ve come up with 10 easy gas saving tips and service specials to keep your vehicle running at maximum fuel efficiency. Let us help ease the pain of high gas prices.

Keeping Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emission test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor, your gas mileage may be affected as much as 40 percent!

Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.

Use Factory Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1 - 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1 - 1.5 percent.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

Keep Your Wheels Properly Aligned

Less resistance between the tire and the road = longer tire life and better gas mileage.

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding and rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 3 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit

Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears

When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

The Season of Change is Now

The Season of Change is Now

Change is good. Making certain changes to your vehicle as the seasons change to fall and winter is a great way to stay safe and protect your vehicle.

OIL & FILTER: This fall/winter, changing your oil and filter is the single most important service you can do to ensure the life of your Nissan’s engine. As your oil and filter age and are exposed to the heat of summer, they can become contaminated and lose their ability to keep your engine running efficiently. Changing your engine oil and filter re-powers your engine and keeps critical parts lubricated, clean, and running properly.

WIPER BLADES: Worn out windshield wiper blades can impair your vision, putting you and your passengers at serious risk during the rainy seasons of fall and winter. Fall/winter is the ideal time for a vehicle safety inspection, including your lights and windshield wipers. As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure your visibility is not compromised. Change your wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.

TIRES: Changing your tires is a wise investment in your safety. To quickly check your tread depth, insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington’s head upsidedown. If you are able to see all of Washington’s head, the tire needs replacement. An alignment or suspension will help extend the life of your tires and prevent uneven wear. Protecting your tire investment will reap many rewards for miles to come.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Keeping You and Your Family Safe this Winter

Changing weather conditions can quickly alter road conditions. To ensure that you arrive at your destination safely this winter, it’s a good idea to follow some basic safety tips while behind the wheel:

1) “Know Before You Go” by checking road conditions BEFORE you travel.

2) Turn on your lights. This will increase your visibility to other motorists and snowplows. Brush snow from your car could cover your lights.

3) Slow down and drive according to the conditions. Most winter crashes are caused by driving too fast for conditions.

4) Never drive through “white-outs” or “snow fog” caused by cross winds or plowing snow. Wait until you can see a safe distance.

5) Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow fog and any sanding material being spread; snowplow operators will turn off the sander, pull over, or raise the plow for better visibility when it is safe to do so to allow traffic to pass.

6) Be patient. Allow more time to get to your destination. Remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip. Know where the plow is on multi-lane roadways.

7) Be extremely cautious when passing a snowplow. They can be moved sideways by drifts and hard snow pack. Watch for plow trucks on interstate ramps and “authorized vehicle only” cross-overs.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com