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Archive for May 2011

Get Where You're Going with Power Steering Service in Anchorage

Posted May 31, 2011 12:00 PM



Today we're going to talk about power steering service in Anchorage. If you took an informal poll around Anchorage you'd probably find that most vehicle owners have never heard of power steering service. That's not surprising. Even though power steering is standard on every vehicle, most people in Anchorage aren't aware that it needs periodic service.

If you're younger than a certain age, you've probably never driven a vehicle without power steering. To get an idea of the difference; if you've ever cut a board with a hand saw, you know it's a lot of work. Using a power saw is easy-peasy by comparison.

Without power steering, your arms have to do all the work to steer the wheels, and that's hard, especially around downtown Anchorage. That's why old cars had such big steering wheels: to get enough leverage to steer.

Most vehicles in Anchorage have a hydraulic power steering system. The serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid. This actuates a hydraulic cylinder that provides power to help steer.

Some vehicles in Anchorage use an electric pump to pressurize the fluid rather than a belt driven pump. We're also seeing vehicles with electric motors providing the power assist, not using power steering fluid at all. We'll see a lot more electric systems as more hybrids and electric vehicles hit the market.

At least for now, the vast majority of power steering systems use power steering fluid that needs to be serviced. The fluid needs to be changed for a couple of reasons. For one, it attracts moisture. Water has different hydraulic qualities than power steering fluid, and that makes a difference in steering performance. Water is also corrosive and can damage power steering components. The fluid also just gets dirty and needs to be changed. Removing the old fluid and flushing out the system gets rid of dirt and deposits. The clean, fresh fluid lubricates and provides better corrosion protection.

So ask your Anchorage service advisor at L and M Motors Inc or check your owner's manual to see when power steering service is recommended. It'll extend the life of your power steering components.

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



Buying the Right Tires and Wheels in Anchorage, AK

Posted May 26, 2011 12:00 PM

Everyone in Anchorage, AK eventually replaces their tires, whether it's because they're worn out or they're just looking for something different. There are so many great tire choices in Anchorage, it can be difficult to sort them out. Let's group the broad spectrum into several categories that will help in the selection process.

One category is often referred to as "summer tires". Summer tires are designed to be driven on the road when temperatures are generally above 45 degrees F (7 degrees C). Their tread design is optimized for traction on dry roads around AK and they're also able to effectively displace water on rainy roads.

So if you live where its summer all year round, these tires will work well for you. If you like maximum performance in warm weather, but still live where it gets cold and snowy, you'll want to change your summer tires for winter tires as the weather starts to change.

There's a range of tires within the winter tire category. If you live where there's a lot of snow and ice, look for the mountain and snowflake icon that signifies a severe snow rating. If you have milder winters and still want a performance component, they make a winter tire for you as well.

For many people, an all-season tire is the answer. You will give up some of the performance at the extreme ends of the summer tire/ winter tire spectrum, but you will find a long wearing tire that gives both good highway performance and winter traction on our Anchorage, AK, roads.

Within the all-season category, there are many choices that your tire advisor at L and M Motors Inc can help you evaluate.

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

 



Fuel Saving Tip: Tire Pressure Saves Fuel in Anchorage

Posted May 17, 2011 12:00 PM



Underinflated tires waste gas for lots of folks in the Anchorage area. Think how hard it is to walk in sand – you just have to work harder because of the resistance. When your tires don't have enough air in them, their rolling resistance is dramatically increased and it simply takes more gas to get from here to there.

Always check your tire pressure when you gas up at one of our local Anchorage service stations. If they're low – even just a little bit – bring them up to proper pressure. There's a sticker on the inside of your driver's door that gives the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.

And don't rely on your tire pressure monitoring system to alert you to when you need more air. The TPMS system is set to warn you when pressure drops 20 percent below recommendations. That's severely underinflated and you needed more air a long time ago. And if you have a slow leak – get it fixed right away at L and M Motors Inc.

Get some air and save some gas.

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



Fuel Saving Tip: Anchorage Tune Up

Posted May 11, 2011 12:00 PM



Have you ever gone to listen to an orchestra? The musicians take the stage early and tune their instruments. Each individual instrument must be in tune, but the critical thing is for the entire orchestra to be in tune with each other. That's why they tune up together.

Now this is no surprise; I'm going to relate the orchestra to your vehicle. Your engine has many component systems that each need to be working properly. And the components need to be working in sync, all timed up together in order for the engine to work efficiently.

We call this... (ta-da) a tune-up. When an orchestra's out of tune you get a bad concert. When your vehicle's out of tune you get bad performance and bad fuel economy.

So check your owner's manual for recommended tune-up intervals. Or ask your Anchorage service advisor at L and M Motors Inc what he thinks.

...Just be careful not to say you want to make beautiful music together – that kinda makes us uncomfortable.

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



Fuel Saving Tip: Dirty Oil in Your Anchorage Vehicle

Posted May 6, 2011 12:00 PM



If you're a quart low in your vehicle, there isn't enough motor oil to lubricate your engine properly. The extra friction causes drag that reduces fuel economy while you're driving around the Anchorage area.

The same goes for dirty oil; it doesn't reduce friction properly. The result is you get to watch those numbers at your local Anchorage gas pump rolling higher and higher.

The transmission also needs the proper amount of clean fluid to do its work. When it's in need of service, the transmission drags your fuel economy down.

So keep it clean at L and M Motors Inc  and give yourself a fighting chance.

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



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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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