Lowell’s can perform all preventive and factory scheduled maintenance on your Toyota or Lexus, whether it’s brand new, mature, has 5000 or 500,000 miles. 

Our extensive inventory of parts and years of Toyota and Lexus experience will keep your new car warranty (and all extended warranties) intact, no matter where you bought your car. 

To protect your warranty, all required service we perform will be noted in your maintenance book and recorded in our database for permanent record.

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Getting Ready for Winter Driving

Old man winter is almost here. The leaves are mostly off the trees and the snows of winter aren’t far behind.  The last thing you want is to be caught unprepared when it comes time to hit the road during the cold months. 

With that thought in mind we offer a few tips for getting and keeping your vehicle in shape for winter driving. 

First of all, give your car a thorough wash and wax (for more on waxing your car, see an earlier newsletter).  This will get rid of built-up road grime and give your car’s paint some degree of protection from dirt and salt this winter.  Speaking of salt, be sure to clean the wheel well arches and the undercarriage of a mud and grime, so that salty slush doesn’t soak into them and form rust. 

Now is a good time to get out your touchup paint and cover up any nicks, dings, or scratches that may have found their way onto your car.  Taking care of these blemishes now will also help prevent rust formation this winter. 

Next, check the tires to make sure you have adequate tread for the winter.  Most tires have wear indicator bars running perpendicular to the treads.  Make sure that the tread on your tires is not worn down to these bars.  If it is, it’s time for new tires.  Also, make sure that your tires are properly inflated.  Generally, 32-35 psi is a good recommendation for most tires. 

There are several things to check under the hood, beginning with the belts and hoses.  Belts should be tight and free of cracks, while hoses should be somewhat pliable, but not squishy or brittle.  Then check all the fluid levels and conditions:  antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and engine oil.  Lastly, inspect the air filter and wiper blades to see if they need replacement. 

Remember, if checking all these components seems a little overwhelming to you, we’ll be happy to schedule your car in for a comprehensive inspection.  We’ll give it a good once over and present you with an estimate of any maintenance or repair items needed.  Just give us a call at (859) 233-1173 or email us. 

Once your car is ready to hit the road, you still need a “winter emergency kit”.  Following are a few items to keep in your trunk in case of a roadside emergency:  flashlight (with extra batteries), first aid kit, blankets, mittens, hat, small sack of sand or kitty litter (for traction), small shovel, small tools (pocket knife, pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver), jumper cables, canned fruits and nuts (with can opener), and bottled water.  Even keeping a few of these items handy is better than having none of them. 

Now, be careful and enjoy your travel this winter!
   

Lowell's Holiday Hours

We will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, but we'll be open on Friday, November 24 for business as usual.  If you have the day off and it's convenient for you to have your car serviced that day, give us a call at (859) 233-1173, or email us.  We'll schedule an appointment for you.

Also,  we'll be closed for vacation from December 23 until we return on January 2.  If you're going to be traveling for the holidays, let us perform a trip inspection on your car before you head out.  

A patrolman who came to the rescue of a woman motorist has managed to get her car started using her dog.

Juliette Piesley, 39, had changed the battery in her electronic key fob but was then unable to start her car.  When patrolman Kevin Gorman arrived at the scene in Addlestone, Surrey, he found its immobilizer chip was missing.

Ms. Piesley said her dog George had eaten something, and when the officer realized it was the chip, he put the dog in the front seat and started the car with the key.

The officer said, "They will now have to take George [the dog] with them in the car until things take their natural course.  It is the first time that I have had to get a dog to help me to start a car."

                                                             
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