Point To Point Automotive, LLC

ATOTW: Has Mat? Hazmat November 2nd 2020 In the sloppy weather months, many drivers rely on protective mats to keep moisture, grime, ice, and snow from making a mess of a vehicle's interior. But if your vehicle has a mat it could become a hazardous mat if you don't follow some safety precautions. Here are some things to avoid with your vehicle's mats in the driver's footwell. Make sure your mats aren't creating a safety problem by jamming the pedals. One way this can happen is by a driver buying an all-weather floor mat and putting it on top of another mat. Stacking the mats can make them sit up too high on the floor. One result can be a jammed accelerator that causes the vehicle to speed up and stick. Another result can be an obstructed brake pedal that prevents the driver from stopping. Experts say don't stack mats, period. It's also important to make sure any mat is affixed to the floor, so it doesn't slip into spots it shouldn't. Many vehicles have a Velcro-type fastener on the back of the mat; others have a hook that fits into a hole in the mat. Use these features. They could save your life. Keep in mind, too, that if you have loose objects rolling around in your vehicle, especially under the driver's seat, a hard turn or stop can propel those forward, into the driver's footwell. Something could get stuck under the brake pedal and prevent you from stopping; another could stick between the accelerator pedal and the floor or carpet. Finally, it's best to get mats that are designed especially for your vehicle since they are contoured correctly for the pedals. Using ill-fitting mats can cause the same problems as stacked mats. If you have any questions about which mats will work best for your vehicle, ask your NAPA AutoCare Service Adviser for some recommendations. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com SERVICEASSISTANT.AUTONETTV.COM Introducing the New NAPA Service Assistant

ATOTW: EGR Valve Nov 12th, 2020 It is pretty amazing how auto makers have been able to consistently build more powerful engines in vehicles that get better fuel economy while at the same time meeting increasing environmental standards. One of the little miracles that helps make this happen is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve. The EGR valve routes some exhaust back into the air intake system in both gasoline and diesel engines. The exhaust gas takes up some space in the engine cylinders, replacing some of the oxygen-rich air that would otherwise be in there. This means that the fuel burning event is cooler. Cooler combustion means fewer harmful nitrous oxides are produced. Your EGR valve can get gummed up, messing the timing and amount of exhaust that is supposed to be recirculated in the engine. Symptoms of EGR valve problems are rough idle and poor engine performance. Performance can be restored by cleaning or replacing the EGR valve, depending on how dirty it is. EGR valves in diesel engines are particularly susceptible to becoming clogged because of the high soot content in diesel exhaust. [Note: the soot is ultimately filtered out of the exhaust further down the exhaust system, but not before it passes through the EGR valve] There are a couple of things you can do lengthen the life of the EGR valve in your diesel engine. First, extended idling allows for more soot build up because the engine operating temperature is reduced as it idles and the valve is not opening and closing, allowing particulates to accumulate in the valve. Next is fuel quality. Diesel fuel has a cetane rating: the higher the rating, the better the combustion will be. Unfortunately, the cetane rating is rarely posted on the pump and can vary from location to location. Adding a cetane booster to the fuel tank can help with this. So, if you are experiencing rough idling or poor performance in your gas or diesel vehicle, have our expert technicians diagnose the problem. They can set things right and restore your vehicle’s performance. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 11/17/20 Fuel Saving Tip: Check Engine Light on? How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your check engine light? Hey, it’s not there to create ambiance – it’s a warning that something’s wrong. When your check engine light comes on get it checked. Many conditions that cause the check engine light to come on affect fuel economy. Some very dramatically. Always make sure you tighten your gas cap until it clicks. A loose gas cap can cause a false sensor reading that’ll make the check engine light come on. If your date’s eyes are smoldering in the reflected glow of the check engine light, try to think of all the gas money you’ll save by getting it fixed. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com Point to Point Automotive & Paint and Body

ATOTW: 12/2/2020 The Fallacy of Cheap Tires Sold in McDonough New tires are a big ticket item for most McDonough drivers. You're not only concerned about the price, but you want to know that it'll be a long time before you need to buy new tires again. And of course there's the safety aspect as well. The tires do a lot of work – they carry the weight of the vehicle and you and your passengers around McDonough. They need to be up to the task. You want to be sure they hold the road and provide good traction. McDonough drivers who carry heavy loads or tow a trailer need a high load tires to be up for the job. The tire professionals at Point to Point Automotive think it's important that McDonough drivers understand the effect of price on a tire's performance and durability. The major tire brands sold in McDonough that you're familiar with are known in GA as Tier 1 tires. These tires are well-engineered and very high quality. Comparable tires are usually in the same price range from brand to brand. Stepping down in price you come to private label tires. Some large McDonough tire store chains carry tires with the chain's own brand. It's important to know that most private label tires sold in the Henry Co. area are built by the same Tier 1 brands that you are familiar with – so they are a quality product. You can ask your Point to Point Automotive tire professional who makes their private brand. The lowest priced tires on the Henry Co. market are Tier 3 tires. These tend to be imported from China or South America. Since you get what you pay for, you can't expect a Tier 3 tire to deliver the same performance and durability as the others. Hey, sometimes the budget will only allow for a Tier 3 tire. That's OK because it's a good thing to be driving with safe, new tires than pushing your old tires beyond their safety limits. But it's good counsel to buy as much tire as you can afford, because it will be much less expensive in the long run. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the McDonough road. You're only as safe as your tires are well built. Buy value – not price. Give us a call. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Point to Point Automotive & Paint and Body

ATOTW: 12/7/20 What's Shakin' with my Brakin'? (Brake Rotor Service) If you feel your vehicle vibrating when you’re braking, or if you don't stop in as short a distance as you used to, it may be time to have your brakes checked. All newer vehicles have disc brakes in the front, and more manufacturers are using disc brakes all around (instead of an older technology called drum brakes), so there's a pretty good chance at some point you'll find yourself facing a disc brake repair when yours begin to wear out. Before we go any farther, here's how disc brakes work. If you've ever had a bicycle with hand brakes, you know there is a caliper that pushes pads on each side of your bicycle wheel when you squeeze the brake handle. Disc brakes are similar, but there's a metal disc (called a brake rotor) there instead of the bike wheel's rim. In disc brakes, the vibration you feel when you are stopping is often because the surface of the rotor is not flat, or the rotors have an uneven thickness. Sometimes, the rotors can be re-surfaced or "turned” (basically shaving them off until they are straight and even). But newer vehicles are using thinner, lighter rotors with a slightly different construction. So, when the rotors are not true, shaving the metal off may make them thinner than the manufacturer deems safe. The only option for them is replacing the rotors. In most cases, it’s wise to replace the brake pads when replacing the rotors because the rotor damage was either caused by worn pads or the damaged rotor has caused uneven pad wear. Some drivers will decide to replace rotors with the same type that was on the vehicle originally. Others may decide to upgrade with premium rotors that provide better performance than the original equipment. Depending on your vehicle and driving habits, your NAPA AutoCare Service Advisor can suggest the high-quality brake parts that are the best choice for you and your vehicle. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com Home Car Browser Articles Share Contact Us

ATOTW: 12/7/20 What's Shakin' with my Brakin'? (Brake Rotor Service) If you feel your vehicle vibrating when you’re braking, or if you don't stop in as short a distance as you used to, it may be time to have your brakes checked. All newer vehicles have disc brakes in the front, and more manufacturers are using disc brakes all around (instead of an older technology called drum brakes), so there's a pretty good chance at some point you'll find yourself facing a disc brake repair when yours begin to wear out. Before we go any farther, here's how disc brakes work. If you've ever had a bicycle with hand brakes, you know there is a caliper that pushes pads on each side of your bicycle wheel when you squeeze the brake handle. Disc brakes are similar, but there's a metal disc (called a brake rotor) there instead of the bike wheel's rim. In disc brakes, the vibration you feel when you are stopping is often because the surface of the rotor is not flat, or the rotors have an uneven thickness. Sometimes, the rotors can be re-surfaced or "turned” (basically shaving them off until they are straight and even). But newer vehicles are using thinner, lighter rotors with a slightly different construction. So, when the rotors are not true, shaving the metal off may make them thinner than the manufacturer deems safe. The only option for them is replacing the rotors. In most cases, it’s wise to replace the brake pads when replacing the rotors because the rotor damage was either caused by worn pads or the damaged rotor has caused uneven pad wear. Some drivers will decide to replace rotors with the same type that was on the vehicle originally. Others may decide to upgrade with premium rotors that provide better performance than the original equipment. Depending on your vehicle and driving habits, your NAPA AutoCare Service Advisor can suggest the high-quality brake parts that are the best choice for you and your vehicle. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 3/1/21 What McDonough Drivers Should Do After a Car Accident Getting into a car accident can ruin a lot more than just your day. So, consider these tips to make sure the damages aren't worse than you originally think: 1. Make sure everyone is ok, and call 911 to report the accident. Not only will this help in case of serious injury, but it will also enable official documentation - which may save you a lot of frustration and money later. 2. Call your insurance agent to find out what information he/she needs. Listen to any advice based on their experience and based on your coverage and role in the accident. 3. Exchange insurance and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. If you can, take your own photos of the scene and damage with your cell phone. 4. Follow the directions of your agent to file a claim, if necessary, and consider the repairs that might be needed. But remember, if your insurance agent tells you that you have to use a certain shop, check the laws in GA. Many states prohibit insurance companies from requiring you to use their contracted facility. You also want to be careful that your service center doesn't use inferior parts that may void your warranty. If you have any questions about vehicle repair after your accident, please call our professional service advisors at Point to Point Automotive. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com At Point to Point Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

ATOTW: 2/22/21 The Smell of Danger (What Causes Gasoline Odors) A driver recently noticed that her garage had begun to smell like gasoline after she parked her vehicle inside. Her Check Engine light had also just come on. This was something she'd never experienced before. So, she called up her NAPA Service Advisor and asked what was causing it. The answer, of course, is that many things can cause a sitting vehicle to smell like gasoline fumes. But it can sometimes be tricky to track down the source, so here are a few things you can look for that may help your NAPA AutoCare Center technician pinpoint the origin of the odor. Gasoline odors can be caused by a leak somewhere in the fuel system, meaning gasoline can be dripping out. Some possibilities? It could be a break in a fuel line. You could have a leaky fuel-injection line or injector. There's a vent for your fuel tank that may also leak. The fuel filler neck can wear out and fail. One thing you should look for is to see if there are any puddles of gasoline on the floor of your garage. Any time there is gasoline sitting around, it can be dangerous. Fumes can be a health hazard, and you know gasoline can catch fire if exposed to a flame or spark. A couple of other causes of gas smells? Your vehicle may have a charcoal canister which stores excess fuel vapor. If it cracks or its seal is damaged, you may smell a strong gasoline odor. This may also cause your Check Engine light to come on. And don't rule out something as obvious as your gas cap. It may be loose or worn out, so it doesn't seal the fumes in. A leaky, loose, or missing gas cap may also cause the Check Engine light to come on. Whatever the cause, if your garage has started to smell strongly of gasoline, call your NAPA AutoCare Center before you attempt to start the vehicle. Fire risk is high, so you may be advised to have your vehicle towed to the service center. Gasoline is the source of your engine's power. If that power is unleashed in an uncontrolled way, it could hurt or kill you or others around you. Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonettv.com

ATOTW: 3/8/21 Distracted Driving When asked, most people think they are good at multi-tasking. Scientific studies, however, reveal that only around 2% of the population can truly demonstrate the capacity to effectively multi-task. For the rest of us who are not so biologically wired, no amount of practice can increase our effectiveness at multi-tasking. Turns out, multi-tasking is almost a superpower. Think of fighter pilots: capable of maintaining their orientation in three-dimensional space, performing specific and highly complicated functions while accessing life threatening situations, and coming up with an appropriate response. Admit it – you can’t do that. Yet when it comes to driving, we seem to think we are very capable of safely operating a motor vehicle with a myriad of distractions. 77% of young adults feel somewhat confident that they can safely text and drive while 55% claim it’s easy to text and drive. Can they possibly be right? Let’s look at some statistics. Nearly 23% of all accidents in the United States involve cell phones. Every day, 11 people are killed and over 900 are injured in texting-related accidents. In fact, texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving intoxicated. Just think back at your own experiences: how many of your “near misses” as a pedestrian or in a vehicle have involved a driver with a cell phone in their hand? There are three types of driving distractions: Visual (eyes off the road) Manual (reaching for something or manipulating an object) Cognitive (mind off the task of driving) Of course, texting or using a cell phone involves all three. Eating, applying make-up, arguing and working on-board features like the stereo and navigation system are all very real distractions. You may be interested to know that hands-free cell calls are not substantially safer than using a handheld phone. Any time you glance away from the road (like looking at a text or incoming phone call) your eyes are off task for at least 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour you will cover the length of a football field in that time. Would you ever consent to strapping on a blindfold and driving off down the road for that distance? So, what do you do? First, accept the fact that you are not part of the 2% of all the people on the planet who can truly multi-task (if you are one of the lucky ones you would know by now because your performance does not degrade no matter how many additional tasks are added). Next, don’t EVER drive distracted. Incoming text: it will wait for later. Juicy hamburger: eat it in the parking lot. No exceptions, ever. And don’t accept anything less from drivers of vehicles in which you are a passenger. Another way to avoid distractions is to keep on top of scheduled maintenance and necessary repairs so that your vehicle itself doesn’t become a distraction. We can help you with that. Give us a call Point to Point Automotive 595 Macon Street McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.2900 http://serviceassistant.autonett Point to Point Automotive & Paint and Body