Conventional or Synthetic? (Switching to Synthetic Oil)

February 20, 2022

If you keep up on technology trends, then you may be intrigued about synthetic motor oil. It was introduced in the 1960s when Mobil came up with it. Mobil's oil was different from conventional motor oil because it was first broken down to its basic molecules. Then, Mobil removed additional imp... More

Automotive Tips from Charlie's Fast Lube Anna: Air Conditioning Inspection

February 13, 2022

Most auto manufacturers recommend an interval for an air conditioning system inspection. The inspection uncovers leaks, worn hoses and assesses the condition of the other components.Environmental laws in some around Anna require leaks to be repaired before refrigerant can be added. Also some part... More

No Yolk! Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur Smell Causes)

February 6, 2022

The pungent smell of rotten eggs can send people running for the hills. So when that odor is inside your vehicle, yikes! Yolks! The good news is that a trained service technician can search the source of that smell and stanch the stench that comes from another words that begins with S. Sulfur... More

Not-So-Common Sense (Sensor Failures)

January 30, 2022

So your vehicle won't start. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Battery dead? Starter motor worn out? Out of gas? Well, those are all reasons that make sense. But your vehicle may be refusing to start because one of its computers is being warned that to do so might damage it. Here's ... More

Battery Maintenance Tips From Charlie's Fast Lube Anna

January 23, 2022

When it comes to your vehicle, it all starts with the battery. Proper battery maintenance is important for two reasons:First, your vehicle won't start or run without it. Second, it is the key to the long life of your auto electrical system. If your battery isn't working efficiently, your alterna... More

A Fluid Situation (Check Fluid Levels)

January 16, 2022

There's one fluid in your car you are always careful to keep at a certain level: the fuel. If you don't have fuel, you're not going anywhere. Your vehicle has other fluids which are vitally important to proper and safe operation, too. So, here's a "level" headed approach to those "other" fluids... More

Bouncy Bouncy ? Are My Shocks Bad?

January 9, 2022

When Anna drivers think about preventive maintenance, what usually comes to mind is oil, fluids and brakes. We don't generally think about our shocks or struts, but these auto parts keep our tires on the road.Anna drivers don't think about shocks as often as oil changes because shocks and struts... More

Commitment to Make Your vehicle Last at Charlie's Fast Lube Anna

January 2, 2022

These days many people in the Anna area are really committed to making their cars last a long time. First thing: you've got to start with what you've got. It'd be ideal if people started with a brand new car, never missed a scheduled service item, paid attention to the severe service maintenance... More

What's in a Number? (What Tire Numbers Mean)

January 1, 2022

You've probably never paid much attention to the writing on the sides of your tires, but they contain a wealth of information. There's a long combination of letters and numbers that can tell you a whole lot about what tires your vehicle was designed to be riding on. Let's check out this example... More

Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)

December 26, 2021

It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More