Point to Point Automotive & Paint and Body

ATOTW: MAY 17 2021 Forced Induction: Most McDonough residents associate turbochargers and superchargers with hot rods and racing. However, the number of everyday cars and trucks coming to McDonough from the factory with chargers is growing every year. Here's why....Continue reading

ATOTW: 5/3/21 Slippery as Ice (Driving on Wet Leaves) We all know driving on slippery ice can be dangerous. What you might not know is that wet leaves can be just as slick. If you live in an area that has trees that drop their leaves, or if you're traveling in an area where the fall foliage is worth a look, here are a few things that could help you avoid an accident.... Leaves are similar to ice when they get wet in that they create a barrier between the road and your tires. With ice, it's a layer of water. With leaves, it's the slippery surface they have on both sides added to a layer of water. Some tests have shown that stopping distances more than double when you're traveling on a road with wet leaves compared to that same street that's dry and clear of debris. If you find yourself skidding on wet leaves, use the same driving techniques as you would on ice. Speed is your biggest enemy when you encounter any slippery surface, so just slow down when you are driving into any slick situation. Having tires with enough tread will help you in challenging road conditions. Your NAPA AutoCare Service Advisor is a good one to discuss this and can help you choose the right tire for your driving habits. After all, your tire is the point of traction between the road and your vehicle. Also, this might be a good time to have your tires evaluated. How is your tread depth? What condition is the rubber in your tires? Rubber doesn't age like a fine wine; it gets more brittle with age and can start to deteriorate not only because of the wear and tear it takes but simply from the number of years that have passed since your tires were manufactured. And just remember always to keep an eye on the road ahead and never drive too fast for conditions, wet leaves or not. It's a simple tip to remember, and it really works. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 4/26/21 Used Car Inspection at Point to Point Automotive in McDonough It's natural for McDonough drivers to be a little anxious when they buy a used car in the McDonough area; you worry that it has something wrong with it or that it hasn't been well maintained. If it's possible, bring the vehicle in for a used car inspection at Point to Point Automotive. Your friendly and knowledgeable Point to Point Automotive service advisor can tell you if there are current or emerg...ing problems. The peace of mind is well worth the price of the inspection service. It's also important for McDonough drivers to get on track with the maintenance schedule and stay on track. If you don't have maintenance records for the vehicle, assume the worst and get started with an oil change at Point to Point Automotive. The inspection by Point to Point Automotive that comes with a full service oil change will reveal basic problems. Be sure to bring up any specific concerns with your service advisor. A more intense inspection can find hidden problems like body damage and sealer in A/C units which can be major expenses down the road. Purchasing a Carfax report may let you know if the vehicle's been in a major accident and give you a title history. You can find out if that '71 Barracuda really was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays in McDonough. If you've bought well, there's no reason to believe that with proper maintenance your new used vehicle won't last a long time. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOW: 4/19/21 Let’s Make One Thing Clear When we drive, it's important for us to be able to see well. That means, of course, keeping the glass in our vehicles as crystal clear as we can.... If you've ever driven your car directly into bright sunlight, you know dirty, scratched or fogged windows can render you almost completely blind. Not a good thing when you're moving down the road. And, it's important to be able to see your mirrors and other vehicles behind you. So, a little clarity here can go a long way. Let's take a look at how you can maximize your visibility: Clean windows with the right cleaner. Don't use cleaners that have ammonia or alcohol in them. Ammonia can cause the surfaces of your vehicle's interior to dry out and can damage some window tints. Special automotive glass cleaners are available, and your service advisor can make recommendations. Don't use abrasives on your windows. Some kitchen sponges have a pad on one side meant to clean pots and pans. Don't use those! That abrasive can scratch glass and permanently damage it! Instead, a microfiber designed for cleaning glass is the one recommended by pros. We may remember to clean the outside, but the inside is just as important. We've all seen that film that develops on the inside of our vehicle windows. It can be caused by cigarette smoke or by sunlight baking your vehicle's plastic and leather interior surfaces, releasing oils into the cabin. Thoroughly clean that oily layer. Once your windows are clean, it's important to be able to keep them clean when you're on the road, especially your windshield. Replace your wiper blades regularly since the material used in them deteriorates over time even if they're not used all that much. There are several different types of wiper blades, and among the newest is the "beam" blade. Beam blades have several advantages over more traditional blades, including a more contoured fit to the windshield surface. Some even incorporate an aerodynamic design that presses them tighter to the glass at higher speeds. Your service advisor will be able to recommend the best blade for your vehicle and install them properly. If you are having trouble seeing out your windshield, let us inspect your wiper blades at your next service. Stop by or give us a call. 770.957.2900 Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: QUESTIONS FROM CUSTOMERS 4/12/21 Point to Point Automotive Tech Question on Your Drive Shaft Point to Point Automotive Tech Question:... I'm Doug. A few years ago I was driving my '85 powder blue Dodge Ramcharger with about 80,000 miles (129,000 kilometers) on it. I was going up a hill in McDonough and heard a noise like a tin can rolling down the road. I looked back and saw my drive shaft bouncing down the hill. I put it in four wheel drive and drove to my McDonough mechanic to get it fixed. What could I have done to prevent that? Point to Point Automotive Tech Answer: Now that's quite a story. Doug was fortunate that his vehicle had a part-time four wheel drive system that would let him get home without a rear drive shaft. This case of the missing drive shaft highlights the need for regular inspections. Now most drivers in McDonough are familiar with recommendations for preventive maintenance services like oil changes and coolant replacement. What you may not know is that there are also recommendations for inspections at various intervals. By the time a vehicle gets the number of miles on it like Doug had, the owner's manual would have called for of things like checking the suspension, brakes and the drive line. Chances are that such an inspection at Point to Point Automotive would have revealed early signs of a worn u-joint, and Doug could have had it fixed before his drive shaft went rattling down the road. Ask your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Point to Point Automotive about the inspections your vehicle should have. Stop by or give us a call. 770.957.2900 Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: 2/8/21 Simple Answers from Point to Point Automotive for McDonough: Battery Replacement Question... When do I need to replace my battery? Answer That’s a smart question. All batteries wear out and need to be replaced but some are being replaced before their time. Look, if your battery is dying and you need a jump-start, it could very well be that you have a bad battery. But have your service center test the battery first to see if it’s bad. The problem could be parasitic drain or a bad alternator that’s not properly charging your battery. But you also need to have your alternator tested. A surprisingly high percentage of bad alternators are actually just fine: the problem is a worn serpentine belt and/or belt tensioner. If the belt is slipping, it’s not spinning the alternator properly so it can’t fully charge the battery. So, you see a dead battery can be the result of a chain of events: a worn serpentine belt, a worn belt tensioner, a bad alternator or a bad battery. If you don’t check the belt, tensioner and alternator you can just end up replacing batteries that are still good. That brings us back full circle to when batteries do fail. There’s a chemical cycle that takes place inside your battery: the battery is discharged when you start the car and is recharged by the alternator when you drive. Short trips with frequent stops and starts, may mean that your battery is never fully recharged. When a battery isn’t fully charged, parts of the battery harden and are no longer available to store electricity. Over time, your battery just can’t hold enough charge for the needs of your vehicle. This overworks your alternator, causing it to wear out prematurely. Batteries generally last longer in colder climates and wear out faster in warmer climates. The fact is that, on average, 70% of batteries fail within four years. Many experts recommend replacing your battery every five years. This can help avoid you being stranded with a dead battery as well as undue wear on your alternator. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 2/1/21 Oxygen Sensor Many people hear the term oxygen sensor" and figure it must have something to do with sensing oxygen. But they don’t really know much beyond that. Let’s break it down; your vehicle has an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold that measures how much un-burned oxygen there is in the exhaust. The sensor reports its findings to the engine control unit (ECU), which knows how much oxygen there should be in the exhaust. Based on that information, the ECU... will adjust the amount of fuel it sends to the engine. This feedback and adjustment loop is non-stop. The goal is to have the optimal air to fuel ratio for performance, efficiency and to lower harmful emissions. Now there is a second oxygen sensor located in the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. It also measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust after it has been treated by the catalytic converter. As this measurement is reported back to the ECU, the computer compares the oxygen levels before and after the catalytic converter to determine if the converter is still functioning properly. Four-cylinder vehicles have two oxygen sensors. V-6 and V-8 engines have four sensors, two for each bank of cylinders. As you can imagine, the oxygen sensor lives and functions in a pretty hot environment so they do wear out over time. Substances in the exhaust can also damage them, leading to failure. Outside elements like water and road salt can corrode an oxygen sensor. When the sensor goes bad it simply needs to be replaced. You may be interested to know that oxygen sensors are often replaced needlessly. When the oxygen sensor returns a measurement that is out of the specified range, it may trigger a trouble code in the ECU, and the Check Engine light is illuminated. Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers or parts store employees may read a trouble code that reports an out-of-range sensor reading. That could mean that the sensor is bad, but it could also mean that the sensor is accurately reporting a condition caused by some other malfunction. A skilled diagnostician can sort this out and will only replace the oxygen sensor when it has truly gone bad. When you have a Check Engine light come on and stay on, it’s good advice to have it checked out by a qualified service technician at Point to Point Automotive. The cause may be minor or quite significant, so it’s best to play it safe and let the professionals weigh in. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: 1/25/21 Disc Brakes Question: What are the signs that I need a brake job?... Point to Point Automotive Answer: Signs of brake problems often fall into one of two categories for McDonough : making noise or a pulsation in the brake pedal. Let's start with the noise. Most brake pads have an audible brake wear indicator. This is a small piece of metal that rubs on your brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point they should be replaced. The noise is a chirp or soft squeal. This noise gives McDonough drivers enough warning to get their brakes serviced while there is still enough brake pad left to enable you to stop safely. McDonough residents who ignore the chirp find that the sound changes to a grinding noise. That is more serious. It means that the friction material on your brake pad is worn away and metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor when you press on the brakes. Obviously, this metal-on-metal means that your brakes aren't stopping very well. It also means that your rotor is being damaged. It may need to be resurfaced or even replaced. Pedal pulsation is another noticeable sound. When your rotor is not in perfect alignment, it pushes against the brake pads unevenly as you apply the brakes. There could be a number of reasons for this. The rotor and wheel hub may not be mating well, causing the rotor to be spinning out of vertical alignment. This misalignment can be caused by either the rotor or the hub, or a combination of the two. If this persists, the rotor may even start to wear unevenly to the point that its thickness varies, causing an even more noticeable pulsation. This uneven mating of the brake pad and the rotor when braking means less contact and it will reduce braking power. Your service center or the team at Point to Point Automotive in McDonough can determine the cause of the misalignment and remedy the problem. Either unusual brake noise or pedal pulsation are signs for McDonough residents that there are brake problems. McDonough drivers should have a tech at Point to Point Automotive check their brakes thoroughly and recommend any steps necessary to correct the issue. A regular brake inspection is on every vehicle's recommended list. Ask your friendly and knowledgeable Point to Point Automotive service advisor if it's time for brake inspection. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 1/18/21 A Few "Key" Facts (Ignition Key Issues) You expect your key to turn in your vehicle's ignition. But sometimes it won't, and that's a problem, whether you're trying to start your vehicle or trying to leave it. Several things can cause this. One of the most common is that the steering column locking mechanism is stuck. Locking steering columns are an anti-theft feature introduced in the 1970s. If yours is sticking, try moving the steering wheel a little from... side to side as you turn the key; sometimes it will release. A key may also stick if the vehicle is in gear. Most vehicles will only let you start in neutral or park. If you have an automatic transmission vehicle, make sure it's in park. Move the shift lever through the gears and back into park to make sure. If the key still doesn't turn, you can try jiggling the shift lever as you turn the key. Electrical and mechanical contacts sometimes don't line up properly, and a little jiggle might nudge them into place. Sometimes vehicles with alarms can cause a key to jam; some require the doors to either be closed or open before the key will move. Other vehicles with newer electronic ignition systems won't allow you to turn the key if the battery is dead. Another possibility is something jammed in your lock cylinder. The little pins and springs that figure out you are putting in the correct key can stick as well. Your key may also be the culprit. The ridges can wear down, or the shaft can get bent. Oh, and speaking of the key, are you trying to use the right one? Double check it. If you have a key that resists turning and you're able to get it unstuck, consider yourself warned. It probably won't "heal" itself, and it's time to have your qualified NAPA AutoCare technician dig a little deeper to track down the root of the problem. You could be less "luck-key" the next time it happens. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 1/13/21 Simple Answers from Point to Point Automotive for McDonough: Tire Pressure Monitoring System Question... My tire pressure warning light came on recently. What does that mean? Answer It means that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. The dashboard warning light, which looks like a cross-section of a tire with some lines in it, comes on when the tire pressure is 20% below what the vehicle manufacturer recommends. So, if your recommendation is for 35 psi (pounds per square inch), the light will come on when your pressure falls to 28 psi. It’s important to note that 20% below recommended pressure is significantly under-inflated. This means that you will be experiencing degraded handling and that your tire will be running hotter than it should. This can not only be a safety hazard, but your tires will wear prematurely and could even suffer a heat related failure. You should not use your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light as your trigger for checking your tire pressure. You should still check tire pressure at least once a month. Some people mistake the tire pressure printed on the side of the tire as the recommended pressure for the vehicle. This is not the case. The information on the tire is the range the tire can handle. The correct pressure for your vehicle is on a plate or sticker on the driver’s side door or door jamb. This is the pressure your tires should have to match the engineered handling capacity of your vehicle. Please note that the pressure may be different for your front and rear tires. You TPMS does not have a regularly scheduled maintenance interval. However, be aware that the batteries in the sensors mounted in each wheel will eventually die, illuminating the warning light and necessitating replacing the sensor. Sensors can also be damaged by road salt and other contaminants. Some TPMS systems indicate tire pressures for individual wheels which will tell you which tire is low as long as the system has been reset after rotating your tires. Other systems will simply give a warning and it is up to you to check all your tires (including the spare). The government mandated TPMS systems to reduce tire-related accidents, property damage, injuries and deaths. Please have your tire pressure checked at least once a month to maintain your safety and increase tire life. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: How to Save Gas in McDonough October 5th, 2020 High GA gas prices have hit most of our budgets here in McDonough. If increased fuel costs are consuming a bigger portion of your budget, you may be tempted to skimp in some other areas like scheduled maintenance.... According to GA news reports and industry studies, you're not alone. Nine out of ten personal vehicles on the road have at least one maintenance or repair item that hasn't been . Some of these items are serious safety concerns. Others are just more likely to affect the cost of operating your vehicle. In this area, we can take a lesson from professional vehicle owners in the McDonough area: fleet owners and operators like trucking companies and McDonough delivery services. Because their livelihood depends on it, they have gotten scheduled maintenance down to a science. And the last thing they skimp on is regular maintenance. Why is that? Well, for one thing they know that routine maintenance prevents repairs and costly breakdowns. They also know that a well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel. For them, even a small decrease in fuel economy may mean not being profitable. Here are some services that could potentially save you some gas in McDonough: Fuel system cleaning, transmission service, differential service, wheel alignment, oil change, tune-up. Ring any bells? Is there at least one thing on the list that hasn't been done? Let's suppose you chose to spend $150 at Point to Point Automotive and get caught up on some of these services and that they combine to improve your fuel economy by 15 percent. What would that mean to your pocketbook? Well, the average personal vehicle in GA is driven about 12,000 miles a year. If you get 20 miles per gallon, over the course of one year you would pay for the $150 worth of service and save an additional $165 if gas is $3.50 in McDonough. If gas is $4.50, you would save $255. And you'd rack up savings of $345 with gas at $5.50. From this you can see that the more fuel costs in McDonough, the more it pays to take care of your vehicle. Some of us McDonough drive trucks for work or recreation or want a large SUV for family needs. A 15 percent improvement in fuel economy can generate huge savings $660 a year if gas is $4.50 a gallon at your McDonough gas station. So catch up on those services at Point to Point Automotive in McDonough. Talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Point to Point Automotive about your vehicle's needs. Get a couple done now and a couple next time. Chances are you'll save a lot of on fuel this year and a lot more on repairs in years to come. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: Wiper Blade Design Sep 28th, 2020 Wiper blades may not be the most exciting topic for most McDonough residents but they are pretty important. Most of us McDonough residents have had an experience when a sudden snow or rain storm hits while we're driving; then when we turn on the wipers nothing but streaks. This can be especially disconcerting at night when the glare of on-coming headlights distorts your vision....Continue reading

Simple Answers From Point to Point Automotive For McDonough: Air Conditioner Sept 14h, 2020 Réponses Question:... Why isn't my air conditioner blowing cold air? Point to Point Automotive Answer: Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to create cold air. The most common reasons McDonough drivers lose their cold air have to do with the refrigerant. The first is not enough refrigerant. Refrigerant is a gas in the system, and very small holes in a hose, seal or coupler can allow enough to leak out to prevent the creation of cold air. Another potential problem for McDonough auto owners is contamination. Over time the inside of the rubber hoses can deteriorate, and little bits of rubber can clog up various filters and other parts of the vehicle A/C system, preventing proper circulation of the refrigerant. And a component could also be worn or broken. So the first step for McDonough drivers who can't cool their vehicle is a thorough air conditioning inspection, looking for leaks and worn parts. In fact, Federal law requires an inspection before adding refrigerant. Some states do not allow topping off a leaking system. Once any repairs are made, refrigerant is added. At the same time, special oil is added to the system. This oil cools and lubricates various components as it circulates along with the refrigerant. If you have a refrigerant leak, you also have an oil leak and it's important that both be replenished for proper function and protection of your A/C system. Sometimes overlooked by McDonough drivers is the fact that a worn serpentine belt (which drives the A/C compressor) leads to belt slippage which puts additional strain on the compressor. Replacing your serpentine belt and belt tensioner on schedule at Point to Point Automotive will extend the life of your A/C compressor and other belt driven accessories. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: (Automotive Tip Of The Week) 9/7/2020 MAF Sensor and Engine Air Filter Today's Point to Point Automotive post focuses on the importance of protecting your mass air flow sensor or MAF. Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. The amount is controlled by how hard you press on the accelerator or by external factors like climbing hills or hauling loads. Based on how much air you need and how much is available your engine management computer tells yo...Continue reading

AUTOMOTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK: AUG 17 2020 Six Warning Signs Your Vehicle Needs Service (Repair Warning Signs) Some drivers don't worry at all about their vehicles and neglect taking them in for service. Here are six warning signs that it's time to head over to your NAPA AutoCare Center and get things checked out.... Warning light is on. Vehicles have warning lights for everything from engine troubles to brakes to battery issues. They usually look like the system they're warning you about (a tire for under or over inflation, an engine for engine problems, etc.). It's telling you something. Have it checked out, especially a flashing Check Engine light. Shaking or vibrations. Your vehicle should go smoothly down the road, but if you feel shakes where there once were none, something's wrong. You might feel them in the steering wheel or through your seat. It could be a suspension, tire, or electrical problem (among other possibilities), so have it checked out, so you know what's going on. Burning smell or smoke. If you smell something like oil burning or see smoke coming out of your exhaust or from under the hood, don't just hope it will go away. These can be signs of serious troubles that need attention. Bad fuel economy. If you find you're filling up more frequently, that's not a good sign. Many vehicles now have computers that will give you a numerical reading of your fuel economy. If you notice a dip, you may have something as simple as underinflated tires or something as serious as a sticking brake caliper. Puddles under your vehicle. Vehicles use fluids for such things as cooling, lubrication, steering, and stopping. If you see them underneath your vehicle, it means they're leaking, and that can have very unwelcome consequences. Mushy or noisy brakes. When you first got your vehicle, the brakes were probably quiet and didn't require a blacksmith's touch on the pedal to stop. Not only does your safety depend on properly working brakes, but other drivers on the road are also counting on your brakes as well. When your vehicle breaks down, it can be inconvenient, dangerous, expensive, and time-consuming. Your vehicle communicates with you every time you drive it. Drive, look, and listen for signs that are trying to forewarn you about impending problems. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

Automotive Tip of the Week: Cooling System Repairs Aug 10th, 2020 We all know how important the cooling system is. Coolant/antifreeze circulates around the engine, absorbs heat, and then dissipates it in the radiator. Cooling system failure can cause extensive engine damage. There are a couple of fine points that may be useful to you.... One is about minor coolant leaks. It’s tempting to put off repairing small cooling system leaks we just keep topping off the coolant. There are several problems with this. First, coolant is messy. It doesn’t just evaporate away. The puddle is harmful to the environment and is toxic to pets. Second, the cooling system needs to maintain a certain pressure to do its job. A leak compromises the pressure. Third, small leaks can unexpectedly become big leaks that leave you stranded. Fourth, you need to keep the correct balance of coolant/antifreeze and distilled water to maintain proper boil and freeze properties. Another point is corrosion protection. Antifreeze/coolant contains a package of anti-corrosion additives. These additives coat internal surfaces throughout the entire cooling system. They protect against oxidation which can lead to leaks as well as scale that clogs cooling system components. The protective coating is constantly reacting to chemical compounds created by the extreme heating and cooling cycle the coolant goes through. Over time, the coating is depleted and there is nothing left to protect the exposed metal in the engine and other system parts. Therefore, your vehicle manufacturer recommends your coolant/antifreeze be changed periodically. Even though your old coolant may be cooling your engine just fine, it leaves it exposed to corrosive elements that will damage the system. A best practice is to also have a coolant exchange performed when replacing a cooling system component. For example, when you put in a new water pump it is not coated with anti-corrosion additives. If your anti-corrosion package is already depleted, the new water pump will immediately be subject to corrosive elements that will quickly start to reduce its life cycle. If you change the coolant when the new water pump is installed, it will be protected the first time you start the engine. When we do a coolant exchange, we try to remove as much of the old coolant and accumulated sediment from the system as possible. We also give your cooling system a thorough inspection. Ask us if it’s time for a cooling system service. And if you suspect a leak let’s get that repaired right away. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

Automotive Tip of the Week: August 3rd 2020 Simple Answers from Point to Point Automotive... Tire Tread Depth Question How can I tell when my tires are worn so much that they need to be replaced? Answer That is a very important question. As we discuss the matter, keep in mind that one of the most important jobs of your tire tread is to move water. The channels in the tread act as passages for water to escape from underneath the tire. The deeper the tread, the deeper the channel and the more water that can be evacuated. When enough water can’t be moved from underneath the tire, the tire can ride on the water often called hydroplaning. The tire is literally not contacting the road but rather is floating on the water so there is little traction and the vehicle can slide. So somewhere between a brand-new tire and a bald tire lies the point at which the tire should be replaced. Some governmental jurisdictions have minimum tread depth requirements others do not. So, check the laws where you live to learn the legal minimum. Tire manufacturers are required to mold a tread wear bar into the tire. This bar appears across the tread when the tire is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. If you were to insert a US penny upside down into the tread on your tire and the tread did not come to Abe Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn below 2/32 of an inch. Studies have shown, that there is a significant difference in stopping distances in wet conditions with tires that have less wear. For example, in controlled, wet conditions a vehicle with 4/32 of an inch of tread traveling at highway speeds was able to stop in about 85 feet less distance than the same car with tires with 2/32 of an inch of tread. That could easily be the difference between a safe stop and hitting the vehicle in front of you. You can gauge 4/32 of an inch by inserting a US quarter upside down into the tread. If it covers George Washington’s head, you have more than 4/32 of an inch of tread. New tires are a big-ticket item so it’s natural to want to get as much value out of them as possible. Just remember that a huge part of that value is the ability to stop safely in wet conditions. Talk with your tire professional for help with tire replacement. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

AUTOMOTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK: Fuel Pump JULY 13th, 2020 Help your fuel pump last longer. One pump killer is contamination in the fuel tank. Sometimes this comes from the fuel itself. Buying fuel at a reputable McDonough station will help make sure you are putting clean fuel into the tank. Older vehicles tend to have more sediment in the tank from years of rust or corrosion from the tank itself. The tank may need a thorough cleaning or replacement.... Another thing you can do is refill your tank when it gets down to about a quarter full. The fuel pump is submerged in the fuel which cools and lubricates it. When the tank runs low, the pump has to work harder to suck up the fuel from the bottom and there is no fuel to cool it. This can lead to premature wear. When the day comes that your fuel pump needs to be replaced, Point to Point Automotive in McDonough will use a quality replacement pump that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. The entire assembly should be replaced. Your Point to Point Automotive service advisor will be sure to install a replacement pump that is compatible with your fuel type. For example, if you have a FlexFuel vehicle that can run on gasoline with up to 85% ethanol content, your fuel system components including the fuel pump must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of high alcohol content fuel. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

AUTOMOTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK: Questions to Ask Your Point to Point Automotive Service Advisor...Continue reading

AUTOMOTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK: Jun 29th, 2020 Don't Be a Stranger You wouldn't walk into a different dentist's office every time you needed a tooth looked at. You wouldn't pick out someone at random every time you needed your hair cut. And on Tax Day? You probably wouldn't trust your taxes to a stranger.... There are some professionals for whom you feel your relationship is more than just client and customer. They're almost like friends, and since you know them well after years of going to them, you know the quality of their work and that they have a track record of doing their best for you. You may not realize it, but the relationship with your automotive service professional should have that personal connection, too. It may take some time to find the one place where the rapport just feels right. But when you do, you know when you walk in the door, and your service advisor greets you with a smile, things are going to be done right. And you'll be confident that they'll only recommend and perform work your vehicle really needs. Just as with your accountant, lawyer, or person who cuts your hair, the relationship with your auto repair center is a two-way street. The longer we get to know you, the more we understand your needs and expectations of us. And you get to know our work, our professional ethics and the quality of work we do. That mutual trust is something we both value. Facilities that have been in business for a long time know how important that long-term relationship is. That's why we hire and train professional technicians who take their job and training seriously but also know the human side of automotive repairs and trust. So, don't be a stranger. It's a relationship that is a win-win for both of us. Give your friends a call for all your automotive needs. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com Home Car Browser Articles Share Contact Us

Automotive Tip of the Week: Timing Belt Replacement June 22nd, 2020... QUESTION: My friend had a broken timing belt and it was very expensive to repair his engine. What can I do to avoid a broken timing belt? Answer Well, a broken timing belt can lead to one of the most expensive engine repairs you’ll ever face. The good news is that replacing your timing belt on its recommended schedule can help avoid those problems. Here’s a brief overview of what the timing belt does: Air is drawn into the cylinder of the engine through the intake valves. After the air and fuel mixture is burned, it’s pushed out through the exhaust valves. The timing belt, which is driven by the engine, turns the camshafts which control when the intake and exhaust valves open and close. It is important that the opening and closing of the valves take place at exactly the right time for the engine to run properly. Beyond that, on some engines the valves extend into the combustion chamber far enough that they can be hit by the piston as it moves up and down in the cylinder. When everything is timed just right no problem. When the timing is off, the piston will slam into the valves and cause big (expensive) damage. The timing belt makes sure everything is timed just right. However, the belt does have a useful life. Beyond that it can break or slip and that’s when the damage can be done. If your vehicle has a timing belt (some have metal timing chains) it will have a recommended interval for replacing it, typically in the 60,000 to 90,000-mile range. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or with your service advisor to make sure you know when your timing belt needs to be replaced: there is a lot at stake. Now, getting to the timing belt requires a lot of labor so it is an expensive service item, but it is certainly less expensive than repairing a damaged engine. If your timing belt drives your water pump, change them both at the same time to save labor costs down the road. Ask your service advisor when your timing belt should be changed and get an estimate for what it will cost so you can budget for this important service. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

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Automotive Tip of the Week: June 15th 2020 Selecting Tires Simple Answers Service Intervals... Question: I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get? Point to Point Automotive Answer: Let's look at selecting new tires in light of three factors: Function, Fit, and Value. Function: This gets at what your needs are for new tires: GA weather conditions, McDonough terrain, McDonough temperatures, etc. Most new family vehicles in GA come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most GA road conditions but they aren't ideal at the extremes. Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on roads, and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as McDonough temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for McDonough vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhance warm GA weather performance driving for McDonough . If you drive off-road around McDonough, there is a wide spectrum of tires from all-terrain (a good mix of highway and off-road capability) to dedicated off-road tires. The key is to discuss function with a Point to Point Automotive tire professional to get the type of tire, load rating, speed rating and wear rating you need. Fit: The easiest thing is to purchase tires in the same size that were installed by the manufacturer. If you want a different size wheel or tire profile, be sure to work with your Point to Point Automotive service advisor so you can make sure that your new wheels and tires fit properly and don't rub in bumps or turns. It's also important to make sure that important safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control aren't adversely affected by the new tire size (the computer may need to be recalibrated to make necessary adjustments). Value: Note, I didn't say price. The tire that meets all your needs AND has the warranty and tread life you expect will not be the least expensive option but it may well return the best value for your tire dollar. Point to Point Automotive tire professionals help McDonough drivers with this automotive decision. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com https://pointtopointautomotive.napaautotools.com//selectin