A Guide To Vehicle Warning Lights

There are a number of instances that cause a warning light to appear on the dash of your vehicle. Many drivers get a panicked feeling when a warning light shows up on their vehicle. The best thing to do is be safe and get your car checked over. Spieler’s Inc. has an experienced service department to help you repair and resolve a light that may be on in your vehicle’s dash. Your trusted car dealer in Mid-MO is here to point out some of the most common warning lights, and what they mean.

Brake System Alert

This light indicates a low level of brake fluid caused by a leak or low brake lining. A professional repair service should be consulted if your brake system alert light is illumined.

 

Engine Management Light

When a fault with the engine management is detected, this light will appear on a vehicle’s dash display. Immediate attention is usually required when this light comes on.

Battery Alert

A low battery or issue with the battery charging can cause the battery alert symbol to show up. Check your battery charge and bring to a professional for help replacing or repairing a battery issue.

Traction Control Light

When the vehicle experiences hazardous road conditions, such as sliding on ice or hydroplaning on water, this light is illuminated. It can also come on in conjunction with the ABS light, signaling a fault in the brake and traction systems.

Low Fuel Notification

Fuel should be added to the vehicle’s gas tank soon, when this light appears on the dash display. The purpose of this light to help prevent a car from running completely out of gas, leaving the driver stranded.

Coolant Temperature Warning

This warning light alerts the driver to a temperature issue in the coolant system. If the engine is overheating, the vehicle should be stopped to allow the engine to cool off. The car should then be repaired to help prevent overheating.

Tire Pressure Monitor

The tire pressure light indicates that the improper pressure level is in the tire. Check your tires with an air pressure gauge, and then add more or release air, depending if the pressure is over or under the suggested level.

Oil Pressure Warning

If the oil pressure is low in a vehicle, this light will illuminate. Professional help should be sought if the incorrect level is present in the engine.

Now that you have a key to some of the warning lights that may illuminate in your vehicle, you can better prepare to fix the issue. Be aware that some light symbols may vary from car to car, be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for a complete list to your vehicle’s warning lights. If you do experience a warning light, bring your car into the professional vehicle maintenance department in Mid-Missouri. Contact Spieler’s Incorporated at 573-796-3129 to schedule your vehicle maintenance if you experience a warning light. 

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

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7 Fall Maintenance Tips For Your Vehicle

Is your vehicle prepared for the season to change? It may seem like there is not much difference between summer and fall driving, but there is. A number of maintenance tasks should be performed during the fall months. At Spieler’s Inc., we want to help keep you be prepared and safe on the roadways this fall. The best vehicle maintenance department in Mid-MO has provided some items to check over to ensure your vehicle will run its best during the fall months.

1. Tire Pressure

For safe travels on the roadway, ensure your tire pressure is consistent between all four tires and that each is at the recommended level. The tire pressure at the accurate level can help promote even tire wear and prolong the life of your tires. As the temperatures change from summer to fall, it may cause the tire pressure to deflate a little, ensure you check the pressure level on a regular basis as the season changes.

2. Wiper Blades

The blades on your windshield wiper should be changed every six months, usually in the spring and fall. Ensure your blades are in proper working condition without any flaws. Many times the heat of summer will dry out the rubber, causing it to crack and break. A new pair of wiper blades can help keep your windshield clear of debris as you travel this fall.

3. Check Battery

If your batter has not been looked over lately, it is time to run a maintenance check on it. Clear any debris and corrosion build up around your battery with a wire brush and ensure the charge is full. This can help prolong the life of your battery and prevent a dead battery in your vehicle.

4. Tire Condition

Although you should check your tire condition periodically throughout the year, fall is a good time to look them over as well. If the tread is wearing down on your tires, it may be time to replace them. Ensure you have good tire tread before the winter weather approaches. New tires can help you get better traction as you navigate the roadways in snowy or icy conditions.

5. Check Fluids

Ensure the fluids in your vehicle are full and clean. You should top off your windshield wiper fluid tank this time of year to make sure you do not run out at an unfortunate time. If your oil has not been changed in the last 3,000 miles, it is time for new oil to keep your vehicle running properly. Clean oil can help lubricate your engine and keep it in good condition.

6. Wax Vehicle

Fall is a great time of year to wax your vehicle. Protect your paint from the soon-to-follow winter months with a coat of wax. This can help keep winter salt and debris from damaging your vehicle’s paint.

7. Repair Windshield

If you do have a crack or chip in your windshield, this is the time of year to take care of it. An untreated fracture can spread or grow as the temperatures begin to drop in the fall season. Paying for a repair now is much cheaper than an entire windshield replacement after the crack grows.

Now that you know these helpful tips to prepare your vehicle for optimum performance this fall, you are ready to start checking items off the list. Contact your trusted car dealership near Jefferson City, MO to schedule a maintenance check to ensure your ride is ready for fall. If you are in need of an inspection, a coolant system flush, tire replacement, or other maintenance, Spieler’s Incorporated is here for all of your vehicle needs. Call the service department at 573-796-3129 to schedule your vehicle maintenance for fall today!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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What To Bring When You Are Car Shopping

The purchase of a vehicle is an exciting time. Aside from a home, a car is usually the biggest investment many people make. For a pleasant, no-pressure car shopping experience, visit Spieler’s Incorporated. To help you better prepare to shop for a new ride, the best car dealer in Mid-MO has provided a list of things you should consider bringing along with you. Even if you are not sure you will make a decision right away, it never hurts to be prepared in case you do decide to make a vehicle purchase.

Documentation Needed to Test Drive:

Driver’s License-
If you find a vehicle you wish to test drive, the first item needed is a copy of your driver’s license. The dealership will keep this on record while you are out driving their vehicle.

Current Vehicle Insurance-
Before you can take off in a car for a test drive, you will also need to show the sales person proof of current auto insurance for their records. A dealer wants to make sure that you are insured if something were to happen while you are driving one of their vehicles around town.

Paperwork for a Purchase:

Payment Information-
Whether you are receiving financing for the vehicle you plan to purchase, or paying upfront, you will need to get your payment strategy solidified. If you wish to get pre-approved from a lender, you can bring proof of that with you to the dealer. Many car dealerships provide financing services, in which they can help you find a bank that can do a loan on the vehicle you wish to purchase.

If You Have A Trade-In:

Vehicle Title-
If you plan to trade your current vehicle in when purchasing a new one, be sure to bring the title with you to the dealership. A trade in cannot happen without the proper title work performed. Check your title over and ensure there is not a co-signer, if there is, that individual will need to sign the title as well.

Proof of Insurance-

You will have to provide proof of insurance on a new vehicle before driving it off the lot, if it is financed. A simple phone call can be made to your insurance agent so they can get the paperwork squared away. If you have proof of full coverage on the vehicle you are trading-in, the dealership may accept that as proof of insurance. If this is the case, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to ensure your new car is properly covered.

Vehicle Registration-
Registration of your trade-in will be needed as well. Bring your current vehicle registration with you to the car dealer when looking for a new ride.

Another Helpful Tip:

Clean Out Your Trade-In-
To save you time at the dealership, ensure all personal belongings are removed from the vehicle you plan to trade-in. You will be excited to get in your new ride and drive away, don’t let this task slow you down.

Now that you know what to bring when considering buying a car in Mid-MO, you can be better prepared to make a purchase after you find the right vehicle. For an enjoyable experience at a car dealer, visit Spieler’s Inc. in California, MO. We have no hidden fees— the price you agree on, is the price you pay! If there is a specific vehicle you are interested in, call us at 573-796-3129 to schedule a test drive.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

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5 Tips to Safely and Effectively Fuel up your Vehicle

Gasoline is an essential part of powering most vehicles on the road today. Filling up your tank properly can help improve the longevity of the gasoline and your fuel tank. A repair to a fuel tank can be costly, to help avoid a major expense, your trusted car dealer in Mid-Mo has provided some tips to help prevent damage to your tank as your fuel up. If you do experience an issue with your fuel tank, the service department at Spieler’s Inc. can help fix the problem, and get you back on the road quickly.

1. Reduce Static Electricity

While pumping gasoline at a gas station, it is recommended that you avoid creating static electricity. This can ignite the fuel vapors in the air, causing a dangerous fire near the gas pump. To help reduce the amount of static electricity around your vehicle, keep your car turned off while fueling up. Also try to avoid climbing in and out of your vehicle while gasoline is being pumped into your car.

2. Avoid Topping Off Tank

Many people try to get as much fuel in the tank at one time as possible, to make the most out of their trip to the gas station. Once the automatic nozzle at the pump clicks off, do not force any more fuel in the tank. Fuel can slop around or seep out of a fuel tank when it is over-filled. In addition to wasted gas spilling out, over-filling the tank actually puts added pressure on the fuel pump, which can cause damage.

3. Be Consistent With Fuel Choice

If you are unsure of what fuel to use in a vehicle, consult the owner’s manual. Once you start using a certain kind of fuel, whether it be regular or premium, be consistent with your fuel choice at the pump. Different fuel consistency burns at different rates, which can cause an internal issue for your vehicle.

4. Don’t Run Low On Fuel

It is recommended to keep your gas tank over one-fourth full at all times. This can help prevent dirty gasoline or debris from getting sucked up into your fuel pump. The fuel pump also uses the gasoline in the tank as a lubricant to keep it properly functioning. To help avoid a fuel pump repair or replacement down the road, do not run your vehicle down to empty before fueling up.

5. Tighten Your Gas Cap

Ensure your gas cap is properly tightened after fueling up at the gas pump. A sealed tank can help keep gas from evaporating out of your tank. According to the Car Care Council, 147 million gallons of gasoline evaporates each year from loose, damaged, or missing gas caps. Some vehicles will notify the driver if the cap is not properly placed on the gas tank.

Now that you know some of the tips for a safe and efficient fill up at the gas station, you are ready to help your gasoline and tank last longer. Your vehicle’s fuel system is an important part in powering your vehicle. Contact the service department at the best car dealership in Mid-MO to schedule a repair, if you do experience an issue with your fuel system.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

                               Follow us on LinkedIn