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AUTONET TV

Archive for December 2009

What Anchorage Automotive Service Consumers Should Know

Posted December 31, 2009 1:00 AM

There are some things drivers should know about Anchorage car service and repair. First and foremost, L and M Motors Inc cares about you and your family's safety. And we really appreciate your business. L and M Motors Inc in Anchorage wants to build a trusting relationship that becomes the foundation for a mutually beneficial experience for years to come.

Building on that foundation, there are some things that would help you understand the auto service and repair business better. First, it can be really hard to fix vehicles. The days of shade tree mechanics are long gone. The majority of automotive systems are computerized. It takes a lot of training and very expensive equipment to diagnose and repair modern vehicles. The pros who work for L and M Motors Inc need extensive computer training – not just how to run the diagnostic systems, but also searching for the right parts, networking with other technicians to help them with a difficult problem and pulling together a job order that makes sure that each step of the process is addressed.

The threshold for getting started as a technician gets higher all the time in AK, and there is a huge commitment to on-going training every year. This training takes time and money. It contributes to business overhead. Average consumers in Anchorage may not realize the business and environmental regulations L and M Motors Inc must comply with. Of course that costs money, too. Like any AK business, overhead is a big factor.

When you go into your favorite Anchorage area restaurant, you don't value the meal by what the food would cost at the grocery store. The restaurant has rent, wages, insurance, taxes, utilities, professional fees, equipment, supplies – you get the picture. The restaurant has to charge enough to not only pay for the ingredients, but for all these other things as well while making enough profit to remain in business. If you value the meal and are satisfied with your dining experience, you'll come back and tell your friends.

It's the same for L and M Motors Inc. The value of its service is not the cost of the parts they replace, but in your satisfaction with the results. If they deliver a good product at a fair price, customers are happy to see them succeed as a AK automotive business.

Contact L and M Motors Inc to learn more about our extensive auto service training.
You can find us at:
L and M Motors Inc
400 W 53rd Ave
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-563-4994
l-and-m-motors-inc.autotipsvideo.com

At L and M Motors Inc, we love to see our Anchorage customers whenever they come in, but we would much rather see them three or four times a year for routine maintenance than once a year on a tow truck. We want to work together with you to avoid breakdowns. Tell your friends and family to come in for their scheduled maintenance too. That lowers our marketing costs and helps keep labor rates down. That's good for everyone in Anchorage.

 



Fuel Injection Basics for Anchorage

Posted December 25, 2009 11:00 AM



All modern Anchorage vehicles come with fuel injection systems, so it's a topic Anchorage drivers need to know something about. The mighty fuel injector is a valve that delivers the gas or diesel fuel to the right place, in the right amount at the right timeto be mixed with air and burned in the engine.

So how many fuel injectors does your vehicle have? There's one for each cylinder. So four, six or eight for most folks in Anchorage, AK. Some vehicles have 10 or 12 cylinders. The engine control computer makes adjustments to the fuel injector as it monitors the engine and other sensors. Fuel injectors are a pretty high-tech.

L and M Motors Inc can help Anchorage drivers with a fuel injector cleaning service. What's the benefit? In order to work right, the fuel injectors have to deliver the fuel at a precise pressure at a very precise time. It's important that the fuel is sprayed in a particular pattern as determined by the engine design.

Over time, varnish can start to build up in the fuel injectors, effecting the pressure, pattern and timing of the fuel charge. The result is that the fuel doesn't get burned as efficiently as it could. That robs performance and hurts fuel economy.

What about dirty fuel? How does that affect the fuel injectors? The fuel injectors are the last stop in the fuel system. It starts at the fuel tank. Frankly, the best way to keep your fuel injectors working well is to use high quality fuel. It's tempting to shop for bargains in Anchorage with fuel prices as high as they are, but major brands in the Anchorage, AK, area have better detergents and additives and deliver consistent quality.

What about a good fuel filter? The fuel filter is component of the fuel system. Its job is to filter out the dirt and rust that collect in the fuel tank. If it's clogged up, the dirt will bypass the filter and head upstream to the fuel injectors.

It's important to replace the fuel filter when your manufacturer recommends it. That's part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning.

There are different kinds of fuel injection systems. Port fuel injection systems, the kind most gasoline engines have, operate at 60 pounds per square inch. The injectors for the new gas direct injection engines Anchorage drivers are starting to see require 10 to 30 times as much pressure. And some diesel engines for passenger vehicles have injectors that operate at 30,000 pounds or more per square inch. There's no room for dirt and gum in a precision part like that.

There are a lot of good products available in Anchorage, AK, that can clean fuel injectors. They're best used to prevent fouling in the fuel injectors. Many can't clean a seriously gummed up injector – that requires a professional deep cleaning, like those we offer at L and M Motors Inc in Anchorage. But putting the cleaner in the fuel tank after you've had L and M Motors Inc take a look at your fuel system will help keep it clean. Be sure to read the label for directions.

Give us a call if you think your vehicle may be ready for a fuel injector cleaning.

 

L and M Motors Inc
400 W 53rd Ave
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-563-4994

 



What to Do in Case of an Accident in Anchorage

Posted December 15, 2009 1:00 AM

Screeching tires, crunching metal – it's an accident! If you've ever been in a car accident in Anchorage, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do.

Let's review what Anchorage drivers should do in case of an accident:

When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident in Anchorage is considered a crime - even if it's not your fault. And hit and run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your AK driver's license or even jail time.

Your jurisdiction may require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able. Warn other motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood. Call Anchorage emergency services as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.

You should always file a police report. It's tempting to skip this if everything seems to be ok. But without a police report, the other guy can say whatever he wants about the accident later, and you won't have an objective report to help defend yourself. Discuss the accident only with the police. Emotions are strong after an accident and we naturally want to talk about it – don't. Never admit fault or guilt to anyone including the Anchorage police officer. Sometimes we may feel at fault, but in the eyes of the law, the other guy may be responsible.

Truthfully give the officer the facts: such as, "I was going 30 miles an hour," or, "I was going 55 kilometers per hour," not, "I wasn't speeding." Remember, anything you say to the officer or anyone else can be used against you. Also get the officer's name and ID number and ask where you can get a copy of the accident report.

Get the facts on the driver and owner of the other vehicle:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Driver's license number and expiration
  • Insurance information

Also take down a description of the other vehicle, license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN). Most AK auto insurance companies don't record license plate numbers, so the VIN is the best way to track a vehicle in AK.

Ask witnesses, including passengers, to wait for the police. If they can't wait, ask for contact information and request that they write a brief description of what they saw. If someone refuses to leave their name, write down their license plate number so the police can track them down later if necessary. Always call your insurance agent or your insurance company. Call or see a physician if you think you may have been injured. For vehicle repairs, call L and M Motors Inc at 907-563-4994.

Contact L and M Motors Inc to learn more about what to do in case of an auto accident.
You can find us at:

400 W 53rd Ave
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-563-4994



Anchorage Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules

Posted December 8, 2009 10:00 AM

Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Anchorage drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Anchorage drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are most of your trips less than four miles/six kilometers around Anchorage?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles/16 kilometers in below-zero AK temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in AK?
Do you drive often in dusty Anchorage areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around Anchorage?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold AK weather?


Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest Anchorage on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on Anchorage surface streets?

Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and Anchorage weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to.

Why should Anchorage residents care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around Anchorage or winter driving means that the engine doesn't heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn't let the oil protect it adequately. That's why AK residents need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.

Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in AK summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable L and M Motors Inc service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.

L and M Motors Inc
907-563-4994
400 W 53rd Ave
Anchorage, AK 99518



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Christine is so helpful and the sweetest lady! These guys are amazing! They are honest about what is being done to your car and don't overcharge you like dealerships! I just moved up to Alaska and plan on using these guys forever. Definitely recommend their service and expertise.
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So we started hearing a high pitched noise from the back brakes on a trip to anchorage from seward, after checking out another local shop who was extremely rude I jumped on yelp and stumbled across these lovely people. They got me in right away just to take a peek, saying they couldn't fit me in till later but would take a look just to see if it was still safe to drive and what to expect. They were curtious, friendly, honest and fair. I highly recommend this establishment! Thanks for getting us back to Seward safely xoxo
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