Now that you’ve learned how important oil changes are, let’s get a bit more advanced. You may be surprised that changing your oil is an easy, do it yourself project that can help you learn your way around the things under your vehicle’s hood. There’s a little bit of cash outlay at the beginning, but lots of folks think it’s worth it in the long run. Here’s a quick guide:

Gather Your Supplies:

• Motor oil: Use the recommended type for your vehicle. Grab your owner’s manual. If we’ve done your oil changes in the past, there is a note on your windshield…
• Oil filter: Ensure it matches your vehicle’s specifications. This is also in your owner’s manual.
• Box-end wrench or socket for the drain plug. Ask at your nearest auto parts store for help.
• Funnel, disposable gloves, and safety glasses.
• Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks for lifting the vehicle safely.

Prepare and Lift Your Vehicle:

• Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
• Jack up the vehicle. Important – never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack!
• Use jack stands and wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.
• Let the engine cool off if it has been running recently.
• Remove the engine-oil dipstick to aid drainage.

Locate the Oil Drain Plug:

• Slide under the vehicle with safety goggles and gloves.
• Find the long-bolt head at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Some vehicles have two drain plugs, so be aware.

Drain the Spent Motor Oil:

• Position a catch pan beneath the drain plug.
• Loosen the drain plug in a counterclockwise direction.
• Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
• Be cautious; the oil may still be hot.

Replace the Oil Filter:

• While the oil drains, locate the cylindrical oil filter.
• Loosen the old filter using an oil-filter wrench.
• Remove it and check if the gasket came off with the filter.
• Apply fresh oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket.
• Install the new filter and tighten it properly.

Make sure that you dispose of the old oil and filters responsibly. Take it to the landfill, or to most auto parts stores.

Changing the oil on your car isn’t hard, and some people prefer to do it on their own. Others would rather outsource it, and bring it to us! At Norris, we’re here for the little things – like oil changes – the big things – like transmission repair – and everything in between. As always, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

It’s back to school time. Even if you’ve already graduated, we need to remind you that learning is a lifelong event. And this month, we want you to learn about oil changes for your vehicle!

First up, why should you change your oil?

1. Running Smoothly. Imagine all the moving parts inside your car’s engine: pistons, valves, and other components working at high speeds. Regular oil changes ensure proper lubrication, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Clean oil keeps these parts running smoothly and efficiently.
2. Running Cool. Moving parts without adequate lubrication generate friction, which leads to heat buildup. Fresh oil dissipates this heat, preventing overheating and potential damage. Proper cooling helps maintain optimal engine performance.
3. Running Cleanly. Oil changes remove engine wear particles and sludge. Dirt particles are detrimental to engines. Over time, oil accumulates debris and contaminants. Regular oil changes prevent these particles from causing premature wear, ensuring your engine stays clean and healthy1.
4. Running Efficiently. Dirty or low oil levels result in increased friction, reducing fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes help maintain optimal viscosity, allowing your engine to operate efficiently and achieve better gas mileage.
5. Running Longer. Neglecting oil changes can lead to costly consequences. Premature engine wear, decreased performance, and expensive repairs are all risks. Regular maintenance ensures your engine’s longevity and protects your investment.

Remember, following your manufacturer’s recommendations for oil type and change intervals is crucial. Whether you do it yourself or run it over to the Norris team, prioritize regular oil changes to keep your engine running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

An OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner is a small diagnostic tool that connects to your car’s onboard computer system, allowing you to read error codes and monitor various parameters to identify potential issues. Owning an OBD2 scanner can be incredibly advantageous for vehicle owners. Here’s what it does…

It Decodes That Random Light on the Dashboard. It’s hard to know what all those dashboard lights mean. When your car’s warning lights illuminate, an OBD2 scanner provides well-defined messages. It deciphers error codes related to malfunctioning sensors, underperforming components, or other issues. No more guessing—it’s like having a car whisperer in your pocket!

It Saves You Money. Instead of rushing to see us (although you are welcome!) every time the check engine light blinks, use your OBD2 scanner. It helps you identify minor issues (like a loose gas cap) that you can fix yourself. Saving money? That’s a green light!

It Gives You Peace of Mind. Whether you’re commuting daily or getting ready to go on a road trip, knowing your car’s health is reassuring. You can drive with confidence. It’s like having a knowledgeable Norris mechanic by your side!

An OBD2 scanner is your car’s secret decoder ring. And – yes – you can use it. Read our next blog post and find out how!

Understanding dashboard warning lights is crucial for every driver. But what does it mean when one of those nebulous symbols begins to glow? Is it a warning that maintenance is needed soon, or a warning that if you don’t stop right now your car’s engine is in mortal danger? How do you know?!

Here’s a basic guide.

Check the Color!
Red Warning Lights: These require immediate action. If you see any red lights, address the issue promptly. Examples include the engine oil warning light (indicating low oil pressure) and the check engine light (signaling various engine problems).

Orange/Amber Warning Lights: These are just advisory signals. They indicate situations or issues that need attention. For instance, the low tire pressure light (exclamation point inside a half-circle) means your tires need air. Find a safe spot to stop and inspect them.

Green or Blue Lights: These remind you that a feature or system is operating normally. No immediate action is needed.

Check the Manual, or…
For more specific information on what the lights mean, check your owner’s manual. You can also use a smartphone to do an image search.

Or you can call us. “My car has a yellow light with an exclamation point and a squiggly line under it” may not mean much to you, but we know it means that you need to check your tire pressure.

One HUGE word of warning. Remember, when your check engine light illuminates, don’t ignore it—get it checked out promptly! We’re warning you. That light on your dashboard needs immediate action. So give us a call!

Our primary business is fixing engines and changing oil, but for a long time, but we have a secondary passion – youth sports! For more years than we can count, we’ve been sponsoring local youth sports teams. At Norris, we love kids, and we love baseball and soccer and basketball! We love to cheer from the sidelines, and we’re grateful we can provide financial support, too.

Mike Norris, our owner, is a mechanic with a heart of gold. He once played Little League himself. He knows firsthand the camaraderie, discipline, and life lessons that youth sports imparts. He loves to keep that tradition alive.

We love to see the kids gain that sense of belonging and being on a team. We love the values that it instills.  The players proudly wear jerseys with the garage’s logo, and when they step onto the field or court, we like to think they play with a little extra determination, knowing that someone believes in them.

If you look real closely at the faces of the players, you may just see family resemblance to some of the Norris and Elite Motor Car employees. Listen to the parents yelling from the bleachers, you’ll probably recognize the voices!

So, next time you drive by Norris Automotive, remember that it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about fixing hearts and building dreams. 

Here are a few of the teams we’ve sponsored through the years.

We’ve all been there, that frustrating moment when your engine – um – hesitates – and stutters. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Engine hesitation is one of those quirks that can leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s going on under the hood.

So, why exactly is your engine hesitating?

Fuel Delivery Woes: When there’s a hiccup in fuel delivery, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump, your engine might hesitate as it struggles to get the proper amount of fuel. It’s like trying to run on an empty tank.

Ignition Troubles: Your engine’s ignition system can sometimes feel like it’s trying to get up the courage to ask someone out. Faulty spark plugs, damaged ignition coils, or a misfiring distributor can lead to incomplete combustion, causing your engine to hesitate as it tries to find its rhythm.

Airflow Snags: Your engine needs the perfect balance of air and fuel to perform at its best. Any disruptions in this airflow, like a dirty air filter or a vacuum leak, can throw off this delicate equilibrium and leave your engine stumbling and hesitating like a novice on a tightrope.

Sensor Shenanigans: Modern engines are equipped with a ton of sensors that monitor everything from air intake to exhaust emissions. If one of these sensors goes rogue – say, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor – it can send mixed signals to your engine’s computer, resulting in hesitation as it tries to make sense of the chaos.

Of course, knowing which of the above is the culprit to your shy engine is still a question. Whether it’s a simple fix like replacing a worn-out spark plug or a more complex issue requiring diagnostic wizardry, bring your engine to Norris Automotive. Our team of skilled technicians is ready to get your engine purring like a contented kitten once again.

You know that prevention is the best medicine, and keeping up with regular maintenance can go a long way in warding off engine hesitation to start with. So, don’t skimp on those oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups!

Do you still have questions? Don’t – um – hesitate to give us a call! We’ll turn your shy, stuttery engine into a confident machine that will transport you and your family safely and efficiently.

Suspense is fine for movies, gender reveals, and lottery tickets. But when it comes to the things that keep your vehicle up and running, being in suspense is not a good thing. That includes knowing about your car’s suspension.

What is a Car’s Suspension? Simply put, your car’s suspension is the complex network of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects your vehicle to its wheels. It’s responsible for a smooth ride, ensuring that road bumps and potholes don’t send you and your groceries bouncing around in your seat.

Why is Suspension Important? The suspension system has two primary roles. First, it absorbs the energy from road irregularities, so you’re not feeling every single bump and dip. It also keeps your tires firmly planted on the road, which is vital for safe steering, braking, and overall stability.

Types of Suspension Systems. There are several types of suspension systems. Leaf Springs are often found in older cars and heavy-duty vehicles. Coil springs are the most common type of suspension system, giving you a good balance of comfort and control. If you have a luxury vehicle, it may have air suspension, which offers a supremely smooth ride, often seen in luxury cars.

Signs of Suspension Problems. Keep an ear out for unusual noises or a change in ride quality. If your car continues to bounce after hitting a bump, it’s time for a check-up. Uneven tire wear could indicate misaligned suspension components. If your car drifts or pulls to one side during turns, the suspension might be to blame.

Maintenance Tips. There are a few things you can do to keep your suspension in tip-top shape. First off, don’t overload your car; it puts extra stress on the suspension. Avoid potholes and rough roads when possible to reduce wear and tear. And finally, have your suspension checked by a pro (you know, like Norris Automotive!) regularly.

Remember, your car’s suspension is key to a comfortable and safe driving experience. If you suspect any issues, swing by our garage. We won’t keep you in suspense. We’ll get you back to cruising smoothly in no time!

Today’s auto parts market is competitive – and international. Vehicle owners and garages often can often choose between new and used original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts. We’d like to help you understand the pros and cons of using aftermarket parts, so that you can make an informed decision.

Pros of Aftermarket Parts:

1. Cost-Effective: Aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts, sometimes by a significant margin.
2. Variety: A wider selection is available, giving you more options to find the part that suits your needs and budget.
3. Quality: While quality can vary, many aftermarket parts are comparable to, or even exceed, the quality of OEM parts.

Cons of Aftermarket Parts:

1. Overwhelming Selection: The vast array of options can be confusing, making it harder to choose the right part for your specific vehicle model.
2. Variable Quality: Not all aftermarket parts are created equal, and some may not match the quality of their OEM counterparts.
3. Potential Fit Issues: Some aftermarket parts may not fit as seamlessly as OEM parts, leading to additional adjustments or compatibility issues.

At Norris, we prioritize your car’s health and your satisfaction. We’re here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you get the best part for your vehicle. Whether you opt for the affordability of aftermarket parts or the reliability of OEM parts, we’ve got you covered.

Remember, the road to the perfect car part is paved with knowledge. Drive confidently into your next repair or upgrade with the facts in hand, and Norris Automotive, as your roadmap!

At Norris, we know a lot about cars, which means we also know a lot about Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Since 1926, KBB has been the go-to resource in the automotive industry. It offers a range of services, assisting consumers like you and professionals like us in determining the fair market value of vehicles. Using data from dealerships, auctions, private sales, and industry experts, KBB analyzes factors such as make, model, year, mileage, condition, and geographic location.

Three primary values are typically provided by KBB:

Trade-In Value: This represents the amount a dealer might offer for a vehicle if the owner decides to trade it in. Generally lower than the private party sale value, it accounts for the dealer’s need to resell the car for a profit.
Private Party Value: This figure indicates the price one might expect to receive when selling a vehicle to another individual. It typically falls between the trade-in and dealer retail values.
Dealer Retail Value: Often referred to as the “asking price,” this value reflects what one might expect to pay for the same vehicle at a dealership. It tends to be higher than the private party value due to additional costs such as dealership overhead and profit margins.

We usually advise customers to utilize KBB as a starting point when negotiating to buy or sell, with the caveat that KBB values are estimates only. Things like a vehicle’s condition, maintenance history, and local market demand can significantly influence its true worth.

Kelley Blue Book serves as an invaluable resource in the automotive market, to our customers when they are navigating the buying and selling process. At Norris, we’re a resource for car sales, too. We can help you evaluate a vehicle that you’re thinking of purchasing. PRO Tip: If you’re selling a vehicle, ask us about Elite Motor Cars, our sister company.

If you’re getting ready to sell your car or truck, we can help you get your vehicle in its best condition, so you in turn can get the very best price at the sale. Kelly Blue Book and Norris Automotive – both great resources to have on your team!