In the automotive world, Iowa City industry associations and Iowa professional licensing organizations are very committed to high ethical standards.

Yet some people are still uncomfortable with automotive service and repair in Iowa City.

If we understand what’s recommended and the benefits of taking care of the work – and the pitfalls of putting it off – we’ll have more trust in the recommendation. So communication is key. It’s like going to the doctor. If she’s using medical jargon and takes a lot of basic medical knowledge for granted, we have a hard time following her train of thought. We understand It can be like that with your service advisor at Skay Automotive Service, too. He’s so familiar with all things automotive, he may forget you don’t know a PCV from an EGT.

If you don’t understand what your doctor’s talking about: ask some questions. If you don’t understand what your Iowa City automotive advisor at Skay Automotive Service is talking about: ask some questions.

Let’s go back to those ethical standards. When we hear a repair recommendation, we always ask ourselves, “Is this really necessary?” Well, here’s the industry standard:

If a Iowa City auto technician tells you that a repair or replacement is required, it must meet one of the following criteria:

1. The part no longer performs its intended purpose;
2. The part does not meet a design specification;
3. The part is missing.

For example, it you take your car in for a grinding noise when you step on the brakes, you may just think you need new brake pads. After the inspection, the technician says that you have a cracked rotor and need to replace it. If you tried to get him to just put new pads on, he would say that if you didn’t want to replace the rotor, he would ethically have to refuse the repair. To just put pads on a cracked rotor would have been very wrong. The brakes could’ve failed at anytime: they needed to be repaired – not just have a band-aid slapped on them.

Now, looking at something not so serious, Skay Automotive Service may suggest repair or replacement if:

1. The part is close to the end of its useful life – just above discard specifications or likely to fail soon;
2. To address a customer need or request – like for better ride or increased performance;
3. To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer;
4. Based on the technician’s informed experience.

Of course, Skay Automotive Service has the burden of making ethical recommendations and properly educating their customers. For the customer, if you are uncomfortable with a recommendation, ask some questions. More information is always a good thing.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

You may not be familiar with all of the items on Skay Automotive Service’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Skay Automotive Service Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Skay Automotive Service Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at Skay Automotive Service gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Iowa City and on Iowa City freeways, by the way.

Skay Automotive Service Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your honest Skay Automotive Service advisor for information.

Skay Automotive Service Inspections: Iowa City drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Iowa City. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at Skay Automotive Service may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Skay Automotive Service Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Iowa City auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Skay Automotive Service PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Skay Automotive Service Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your Skay Automotive Service technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Skay Automotive Service Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at Skay Automotive Service before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

Skay Automotive Service Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Iowa City motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Skay Automotive Service Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Skay Automotive Service Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Iowa City.

Give us a call

Skay Automotive Service
319.351.2832
1936 Boyrum Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Wheel alignment is often overlooked by busy Iowa City car owners until serious tire damage has been done. One wheel can be knocked out of alignment from the rest by hitting a curb or pothole on Iowa City roads.

The tires will wear out very quickly and will need to be replaced prematurely. It could also lead to suspension damage. Conversely, worn suspension or steering components can lead to alignment problems for Iowa City motorists.

But the big issue for Iowa City motorists is safety. When your car wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you’re out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Skay Automotive Service.

Signs of alignment problems are: Your car pulls to one side. Also, your steering wheel may not be centered when you’re going straight. If you see the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down, you should have your technician at Skay Automotive Service look it over.

If you’ve been in an accident in Iowa City that involved a wheel, you should get your alignment checked. A big jolt can seriously knock things out of alignment, but Iowa City drivers also need to understand that a series of smaller ones can add up. Worn steering or suspension components can also lead to alignment problems for Iowa City drivers. That’s why your car manufacturer recommends periodic alignment checks.

If your car owner’s manual doesn’t specify, once a year might be appropriate. Or check with Brian Skay or your service advisor at Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City. He’ll also be able to tell you if your vehicle requires a four wheel alignment or if just the front wheels can be aligned.

One thing’s for sure: the cost of the alignment at Skay Automotive Service is cheaper than having to buy a couple of new tires because of neglect.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Your car cooling system’s job is to keep your engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the cooled mix circulates back through the car engine to absorb more heat.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures in Iowa City.

Without coolant, the car’s metal engine parts would expand so much that the engine would seize up and stop running.  Expensive parts could be broken or warp so badly they would have to be replaced at Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City. It could even be so bad that the whole engine is ruined and has to be replaced.

Also, if it’s freezing outside in Iowa City, the water in your engine could freeze while your vehicle is sitting out in the Iowa cold. This is why you check coolant levels frequently and have your cooling system inspected for leaks. Also your manufacturer has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant. These recommendations can vary widely, so check your Iowa City owner’s manual or ask your service advisor at Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City.

The reason you need to change the coolant is that it has additives in it to protect the cooling system. As you can imagine, with all the heat, the cooling system’s a pretty harsh environment. The additives keep the fluid from becoming corrosive and damaging the radiator and other Iowa City cooling system components. Over time, the additives are depleted and the coolant just has to be replaced. A simple pH test can measure the coolant’s acidity.

You may have noticed that there are different colors of antifreeze at Skay Automotive Service: it is very important that you use the correct type.  The different coolant types are different colors so you don’t mix them up.  Manufacturers use different materials to make the cooling system, and they require different types of antifreeze to protect them.

So check with your honest Skay Automotive Service service advisor or owner’s manual for the right kind because using the wrong coolant can void the warranty for your car cooling system.

Ask us about tires, transmission service and power steering service.

Give us a call

Skay Automotive Service
319.351.2832
1936 Boyrum Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Every Iowa City car owner who has taken their car in for an oil change has been told that their engine air filter’s dirty. Here’s what goes into the determination of when to change the filter: First, your car owner’s manual will have a recommendation of when to change the filter. Second, a visual inspection by your Iowa City technician may determine that your filter it is visibly dirty and needs to be changed.

So between your car owner’s manual and your Iowa City technician’s inspection there’s really no guesswork involved.

Now, most air filters purchased in Iowa City don’t cost a lot to replace. It’s just that Iowa people hate getting caught with an unexpected expense. On the plus side, though, changing a dirty air filter at Skay Automotive Service can often save enough on gas to pay for itself before your next oil change.

Think about a dirty furnace filter in your Iowa City home. When it’s all clogged up, enough clean air can’t get through. In your car, that means that your engine can’t get as much air as it needs to burn the fuel efficiently. So it makes do with less air and has to use more gas to move your vehicle around Iowa City roads.

Your car actually needs about 12,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gas it burns. Engine air filters don’t cost much in Iowa City at Skay Automotive Service. When it’s time to change yours, just get it done. You’ll save money, have better performance and protect your engine.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Iowa City auto owners sell cars for a lot of different reasons. Maybe they just want something new or maybe they’re selling the car because it has a problem or two. So how do you know what you’re getting into when you sign the papers for a used car in Iowa?

When a car comes into Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City with maintenance records, we can see if the factory maintenance schedule has been followed.

If it doesn’t come with records, Iowa City and Iowa City used car buyers have to assume the worst. How many Iowa City people who are turning in a leased vehicle at 36,000 miles will perform the transmission service recommended at 35,000?

So what do you do? At Skay Automotive Service, we suggest getting on track with the maintenance schedule and staying on track. Lacking evidence to the contrary, assume it needs an oil change. The thorough Skay Automotive Service inspection that comes with a full service oil change will reveal basic problems.

Be sure to bring up any specific concerns with your Skay Automotive Service service consultant. When buying an older used vehicle in Iowa City, there’s more to be concerned with because there’s been more time for things to go wrong. A used vehicle inspection at Skay Automotive Service is a good idea: the peace of mind is well worth the money.

In addition to the scheduled maintenance items, look for uneven wear on the tires. That could be a symptom of an alignment problem, worn shocks, or some other suspension issue. Listen for unusual sounds and pay attention to strange odors. Keep track of any problems you have when driving so you can consult with your honest service advisor at Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City.

If you just bought a used car in the Iowa City area, give us a call at 319.351.2832.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Too often, Iowa City police and rescue workers must sift through pockets, glove compartments, wallets, purses and cell phone directories for clues – often wasting precious time.

A brilliantly simple solution is now spreading around the globe: ICE. ICE – standing for ‘In Case of Emergency’, is a way of identifying emergency contacts in your cell phone directory.

Simply put ‘ICE’ before a contact name, like ‘ICE – Dad’, ‘ICE – Nancy’, or ‘ICE – Doctor Roberts’. Rescuers will be able to quickly identify your emergency contacts, saving valuable time.

It’s easy and just takes a few minutes to designate some ICE contacts in your cell phone. Remember to keep the listings current.

From your friends at Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa, we’d like you to be as safe as possible while out on the road. Give us a call any time for great automotive advice.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Even when we go into the doctor for a medical problem, we’re paying her to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests that go along with it. So receiving a diagnostic charge for a tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise.

Automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your brakes, a quick visual check is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you’re having an intermittent problem with your engine, diagnosis may be much more involved.

Some think that when the check engine light comes on, the engine computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is. The reality is much different. The trouble code just tells your Iowa City technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what’s causing it. Your Iowa City technician at Skay Automotive Service needs to determine the underlying problem that’s causing the symptom.

As you can imagine, some automotive diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved and difficult. Of course, we at Skay Automotive Service want to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving around Iowa City. At Skay Automotive Service, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

• Most trips are less than four miles
• Most trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing in Iowa City
• You drive in very hot Iowa weather
• Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your car

Most Iowa City drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your car?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your Skay Automotive Service advisor can help you with your decision.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Let’s focus on stopping in wet Iowa City conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can’t move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water.

That’s called hydroplaning. At Skay Automotive Service we want our customers to know that if it’s really bad, you can actually spin out of control. At best, you won’t stop as fast.

So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at a tire and you’ll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They’re designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better.

And the deeper the channel, the more water it can move. A brand new tire has very deep channels and can easily move a lot of water. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. When it wears down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet Iowa City roads.

So that’s why it’s so important for Iowa City drivers to replace the tires on their cars when they get worn. Consumer Reports and other advocate groups call for a standard of 3/32 of an inch and they have the studies to prove it.

By comparison, you’ve probably seen the wear indicator that’s molded into tires. When tires are worn 3/32 of an inch, the tread wear bar is visible. So the recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn out tire.

And that little bit of additional tread makes a big difference. Stopping distances are cut dramatically on wet roads. A safe stop from Iowa freeway speeds with 4/32 of an inch of tread would result in a crash with worn out tires.

There’s an easy way to tell when a tire’s worn to 4/32 of an inch. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

You’ve probably heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln’s head. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount.

Of course, tires are a big ticket item for Iowa City car owners. Most of us want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there’s a real safety trade-off. It’s your choice.

At Skay Automotive Service in Iowa City Iowa (52240) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 319.351.2832. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.