Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road- is routine maintenance.  Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics.

A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:

54 % had low tire pressure

38 % has low or dirty engine oil

28 % had inadequate cooling protection

19 % had dirty air filters

10% had low or contaminated brake fluid

The inspections included volunteers checking fluids levels, tires, lights and other system components.  After the inspections are complete, volunteers and motorists review any problems that may have been found and motorists receive information about proper vehicle maintenance and repair.

In the world of automotive emergencies, motorists need to learn certain procedures for “safety’s sake.”  Two of the most valuable lessons, changing a tire and hooking up jumper cables are best learned before an emergency arises, according to the Car Care Council.

The process of boosting a battery is especially important in cold weather.  Jumper cables or cables on a portable battery maintainer/charger should be connected properly to avoid sparks, which can cause an explosion of the hydrogen gas emitting from the battery.  Beyond this, an incorrect hookup can damage critical, and expensive, electronic components.

The procedure is simple:

Connect the positive (+, red) clamp to the positive terminal of the healthy battery and the other positive clamp to the corresponding terminal of the dead battery.

Next, connect the negative (-, black) or ground clamp to the terminal on the good battery and finally, the negative clamp to the negative terminal on the dead battery, engine block, frame or the other grounded metal. 

When using a portable battery maintainer/charger, the process is much the same.

Connect the positive clamp of the battery maintainer/charger cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.  Then connect the negative cable clamp to the negative battery terminal, engine block or other grounded metal.

The Council offers an additional suggestion: if you are buying jumper cables or a maintainer/charger, buy the best quality you can afford.  Look for well-insulated clamps and 8-gauge wire.  (Note the lower the wire gauge number, the heavier the gauge).  Under the heavy electrical load of good starting, lightweight cables may not be able to deliver enough current to start some engines.  In fact, they have been known to melt in the user’s hand.

If your battery is three-years old or older and you haven’t had it checked, it’s a good preventive measure to do so, suggests the Council.  A battery’s power is reduced as the temperature drops and that’s when the engine’s starting demands are greatest.

You can always contact Marque Motors and one of our technicians can talk you through the hook-up process or please stop by the shop and we can demonstrate proper battery safety on your specific vehicle.

Independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion annually or $360 per family, according to a new study conducted for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

“This comprehensive data provides even more evidence that the automotive aftermarket is a central part of the economy and that consumers will realize significant savings form a competitive vehicle repair marketplace,” said Ray Pohlman, president of CARE.  “An extra $360 annually can help a family buy groceries and pay medical bills.”

To reduce sludge build-up and prevent corrosion, add fuel stabilizer to your fuel then fill your gas tank.   Drive your car for a few minutes to make sure the stabilizer has had time to circulate completely through the system.  To minimize condensation in the fuel tank, it is recommended to fill it to maximum.

Changing the engine oil will prevent internal rust and corrosion.  For water cooled cars, test the antifreeze levels and if needed; flush and refill the cooling system with new coolant, typically every two years.  Brake fluid flushes are also on the two year schedule.  So if it has been two years, it is a good idea to flush and refill with new brake fluid.  Keep the differentials and transmission fluid to maximum level during storage to decrease moisture levels.

Today’s cars have many computers and memory systems.  They will drain your battery even when your car is off and not in use for many weeks.  A battery maintainer is highly recommended to maintain the electrical charge on your car’s battery.  When a battery is not in use or is disconnected, the battery’s internal plates become sulfated and cause premature battery failure.  With a maintainer, the battery’s life is longer and keeps it’s capacity restored.

Even the softest car covers will scratch your paint job unless your paint is clean.  Have your car washed and waxed just prior to storage.  Never cover your car with plastic tarps, this will not only scratch your paint, but it can also trap moisture in and under your car.  Discourage the rodents from nesting inside your car by getting the interior detailed.  Get rid of all the crumbs and random debris for eating and nesting. 

If your car has a convertible top, always store the car with the top up to prevent creases and permanent wrinkles.

Spray a paint safe lubricant to all your car’s hinges, latches, handles and key cylinders.

Over pressurize your tires to maximum pressure listed on the tire to prevent flat spots and compensate for loss of air during storage.  Make sure to recheck your tire pressure when you go to drive your car.

One more note.  Regardless if your car is in your garage or a storage unit, please make sure to keep your comprehensive insurance in the event of an unforeseen problem.

So when you pull your baby out on those rare beautiful winter days or in the spring, your car will be ready and waiting!

Batteries that are improperly charged need premature replacing.  Battery chargers, also known as trickle charges, are ideal for when you are ready to put your special car into storage.  Marque Motors recommends the CTEK US 800.  It is sensitive to all your car’s electronic equipment and computer systems.  The CTEK US 800 also comes with a 5 year warranty.

If you have any questions about connecting your new charger, click on Tech Tips for help, call our shop or stop by and one of our technicians will show you a safe hook-up demonstration on your car. 

The CTEK US 800 has multiple stages of charging to keep your battery and car safe from spark formation, reverse polarity or short circuit.

July 19th, come see classic cars from the early 1900’s to the 70’s in Forest Grove. While looking at the cars, enjoy live music and food.  The event is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. CLICK HERE to link to more info.

BG Products is now offering limited protection for a lifetime on your vehicle!

What is BG Products you ask?  BG Products is one of the largest chemical and lubricant manufacturers in the United States.  They research and produce chemicals and lubricants for protection in engines, automatic and manual transmissions including differentials, power steering, cooling systems and fuel systems.

Do we at Marque Motors use BG Products?  You bet!  We chose their chemicals and lubricants because of their reputable effectiveness of making great products.  We found BG Products to be cost effective and can enhance the longevity of our customer’s Porsche, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen & MINI systems.

What is the BG Protection Plan?  The first question to ask is; “How many miles does my car have?”  The BG Protection Plan has two schedules.  Schedule A includes cars with 0-36,000 miles and schedule B includes cars with 36,001-75,000 miles.  The second question you may have is; “What does this Protection Plan cover in my mileage schedule?”  Plan A and Plan B cover all essential lubricated systems in your vehicle.  In order to put the Protection Plan into effect, simply have Marque Motors add BG Products to your Porsche, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen & MINI on your next automotive appointment.  CLICK HERE for detailed information about the BG Protection Plan.

CLICK HERE to see a quick video about the BG Protection Plan.

BG Products also offers a Roadside Assistance program when qualifying products are installed at Marque Motors.  When Marque Motors installs BG Products K-6500 (110 & 203) or K-24A (105 & 203) we will activate your roadside assistance card before you leave from your next appointment.  The Roadside Assistance Program is effective for 4 months. 

Here are a few of the BG Products that we use at Marque Motors…

Sometimes a picture or video can help make a connection and increase understanding to what kinds of wear and tear is going on in your car…check out this link to see the 10 Most Wanted Car Killers.

 BG MOA® prevents oxidation and thickening of engine oil under even the most severe stop-and-go, high temperature driving conditions. It fortifies all qualities of engine oil to provide superior long-lasting engine protection and helps maintain optimum engine performance. BG MOA® keeps piston ring belts, hydraulic lifters and other engine components clean to help extend engine life and reduce costs of operation. It is compatible with both synthetic and petroleum-base oils.
The Thin Film Oxidation Uptake Test (TFOUT), ASTM Test Method D4742, proves BG MOA’s remarkable resistance to oxidation by more than 200% longer than six major brands of SL quality oil. At the conclusion of the API Sequence IIIF Engine Test‚ a major brand, high-quality reference oil barely passed the 80-hour test with a viscosity increase of 255 percent. At 80 hours, another brand of oil fortified with BG MOA® had a viscosity increase of only 57 percent. At the conclusion of the triple-length, 240-hour test, it was still well within the viscosity limits with an increase of only 198 percent

BG Quick Clean for Engines restores power and performance to your engine by rapidly and effectively removing accumulated deposits that form in the piston ring belt, hydraulic lifters, rocker arms and other critical engine parts. Add BG Quick Clean to the oil, then run engine for 10-15 minutes. When the old oil is drained, contaminants are quickly flushed away. 

 BG Fuel Injection System Cleaner is a specially formulated blend of solvents, high molecular-weight dispersants and deposit control additives which will quickly, effectively and safely clean fuel injectors and help remove upper engine deposits. This product is designed to be used with the BG 9210 Inject-A-Flush® Apparatus and BG 44K® Part No. 208. BG Fuel Injection System Cleaner contains deposit control additives which “pre-soak” rock-hard valve deposits. This allows the powerful cleaning ingredients in BG 44K® to provide even more effective cleanup. Not harmful to any fuel system components including gaskets, hoses, metals, fuel tank bladders, fuel pumps, O-rings, etc. Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe.

 BG 44K® Power Enhancer® safely, rapidly and thoroughly removes engine deposits in combustion chambers, intake manifolds, ports and on valves. It restores flow in fuel injectors and cleans the entire fuel system. BG 44K® Power Enhancer® improves fuel economy and reduces exhaust emissions. It restores that “like new” driveability to an engine’s performance and keeps it running better, longer and more efficiently. Add one can or bottle to fuel tank at fill up. Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe. NOTE: After cleanup with BG 44K® Power Enhancer,® regular use of BG Supercharge®II, Part No. 202, in gasoline engines or BG Diesel Fuel Conditioner with DPL, Part No. 2276, in diesel engines will prevent deposits from forming in the fuel system and upper engine for maximum driveability and fuel economy.

BG ISC® Induction System Cleaner™ will quickly and safely clean fuel injectors and remove hard, baked-on carbon deposits from intake ports, intake valves and combustion chamber. It is designed to be used with the BG 9210 Inject-A-Flush® Apparatus. For complete cleanup, BG ISC® should be used in conjunction with BG 44K,® Part No. 208, added to the vehicle fuel tank at time of service. BG ISC® will not harm gaskets, seals, hoses or any component in the fuel system if recommended cleaning procedure is followed. Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe. 

 BG Air Intake System Cleaner is an extremely effective solvent/degreaser formulation that quickly removes sticky, heavy deposits which accumulate in the air throttle body assemblies and plenums of modern, multi-port fuel injected engines. Cleanup reduces harmful exhaust emissions and restores engine performance. Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe. BG Air Intake System Cleaner is designed to be used with the BG 9210 Inject-A-Flush® Apparatus.

BG 244 quickly and effectively cleans diesel fuel injectors. It removes carbon deposits from combustion chambers, restores performance, smooths engine idle and helps prevent costly repairs. In only a few short miles of driving, engine response is restored! One quart (946 mL) of BG 244 treats 20-40 gallons (75-150 Liters) of diesel fuel. To maintain fuel system cleanliness and engine performance, add BG 244 to fuel tank at 7,500 to 9,000 mile (12,000–14,500 km) intervals. Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor safe. This diesel fuel additive complies with the Federal low-sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles.

 BG Diesel Thaw is a fast, effective means of thawing gelled diesel fuel and restoring fuel flow. It will liquefy thickened fuel and melt ice crystals. It is non-corrosive and contains no alcohol. It is compatible with fuel and all system components. This diesel fuel additive complies with the Federal low-sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles. Catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter and oxygen sensor safe.

BG Universal Cooling System Cleaner is a revolutionary formulation with amazingly safe and effective cleaning capabilities. It removes tough organic deposits that result from oil fouling, grease and glycol oxidation residues—yet contains no harsh chemicals. BG Universal Cooling System Cleaner can be used in either gasoline or diesel engines. It is completely harmless to all cooling system components, and the cooling system does not require neutralization after service.

BG Universal Super Cool® coolant additive is specially formulated for use in conventional, long life, hybrid and heavy duty coolants. It provides outstanding protection for all metals utilized in modern automotive cooling systems. It has excellent corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam capabilities, and is biodegradable in its unused form. Passes ASTM 2809 and ASTM 2570 in ASTM reference synthetic used coolant.

NOTE:  If you are interested in using BG Products on your next appointment to start your car’s protection plan, tell Marque Motors.  When you schedule your next repair/service we may need to preorder some of the products we will need to complete your car.

MARQUE MOTORS, INC

Porsche Audi BMW Volkswagen MINI

Service and Repair

7310 SW Macadam

Portland, OR 97219

 503.293.5386

■■ Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI ■■

Print out a coupon and bring it with you to your next appointment.

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MARQUE MOTORS, INC

Porsche Audi BMW Volkswagen MINI

Service and Repair

7310 SW Macadam

Portland, OR 97219

503.293.5386

■■ Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI ■■

Your child’s safety is very important also while you are on your road trip.  That new car seat you just purchased can be tricky to install for the first time.  If you are having trouble or are wondering in the back of your mind if you clipped that piece into place correctly or is that seat suppose to recline that far?  Please click on our link to visit the Beaverton Police Department’s web page, click community then calendar of events and check out when they are having their car seat workshop clinics.  Their certified child safety seat technicians will install your child’s car seat properly for you.

You have just hopped on the freeway and suddenly “GASP, we’ve forgotten something!” Don’t let the worst feeling in the world happen to you.  Use the checklist below to help assist you so you don’t forget anything and decrease your chances of having an automotive problem on your much needed vacation.

Your car

Tire & spare pressure

Fluid levels

Lights

Wipers

Belts

Hoses

First aid kit

You

Shoes/flip-flops

Hat

Sox

Undies

Pants

Shirts

Sweatshirts

Jammies

Jackets

Shampoo

Conditioner

Shower gel/soap

Deodorant

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Hairbrush

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Shorts

Contact lenses/solution

Glasses/reading glasses

Wallets/extra cash

Cell phones/chargers

Camera/charger

Swim suites

Plane tickets

Hotel confirmation

Bottled water

Personal snacks

Baby

Binkies

Blankets

Diapers

Wipes

Onzies big and small

Jacket

Socks

Bibs

Bottles

Bottle cleaner/travel soap

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Cars eat/base

Stroller

Diaper bag & diaper pad

Hat

Spoons

Baby washcloth

Spit rags

Toys

Formula

Jar food

Please don’t hesitate to call Marque Motors and make an appointment to have a safety inspection performed on your vehicle before you leave on your trip.  503.293.5386

■■ Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI ■■

Overall during inspections, failure rate was 80% in 2008.  That means more than eight out of ten vehicles failed at least one component of the vehicle inspection process.

During April and extended to the end of May, as a participant in this program, Marque Motors is offering free safety inspections for your automobile.

The following tables below show a percentage of people partisipating in National Car Care Month who’s vehicles failed this part of the inspection.

Lubricants and Fluids

Windshield Wipers

Parts

Battery

Lights/Vision

Tires

So, please call for an appointment and receive your free safety inspection.

MARQUE MOTORS, INC

Porsche Audi BMW Volkswagen MINI

Service and Repair

7310 SW Macadam

Portland, OR 97219

503.293.5386

■■ Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI • Porsche • Audi • BMW • Volkswagen • MINI ■■