Automotive Industry News & Information - Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive in Clarksville, TN, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

Mechanic taking apart of an engine out from under the hood

An engine can last anywhere from 50 to 500,000 miles depending mostly on how well you maintain it. While some engines are certainly more reliable than others, all of them depend on maintenance to fulfill their greatest potential. Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive in Clarksville, TN has provided for you some of the determining factors of engine lifespan, to help you make sure your engine lasts as long as it possibly can.

It doesn't matter if you are driving a car or truck, jeep or SUV, a diesel 4x4 or a classic when those dash warning lights go off the first thing you do is think "how bad is it?" and "how much will it cost me?" followed quickly by "when was my last service visit?"!! Driving your vehicle longer safely is all about getting it serviced based on what your vehicle manual recommends and these warning lights are alerting you to a situation that requires your attention.

While not all warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator light should ever be ignored!

Transmission fluid leaks can often be a pain to track down. If you have a leaky transmission, Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive in Clarksville, TN has some information for you on what you can expect. We’ve repaired countless leaky transmissions, and now we’re here to share some of our knowledge with you.

transmission fluid being poured into car

Our goal at Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive in Clarksville, TN is to provide you with the best transmission service possible. One way we do that is by helping you understand a little more about your transmission and the way it works. Knowledge about your vehicle and its systems allow you to catch problems when they arise and deal with them appropriately, saving you money and easing some of the stress of car ownership. You probably already know how to check your oil, and when to change it. Checking and maintaining transmission fluid is something people tend to understand far less about, however. Here’s what you need to know.

You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car to get great fuel efficiency. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

1. Change Your Driving Style - If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the rush of hard acceleration, typically runs 10 mph over the speed limit and brakes abruptly, we’ve got bad news: you’re hurting your vehicle’s fuel economy, and your wallet, in a big way. Depending on the kind of vehicle you drive and just how extreme you are with the throttle and brake, tempering your driving style can up your vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 5 mpg. That’s a serious bump. Scaling back the speed by just 5 mph means you’ll also see an increase in fuel economy.

The exhaust on your truck is an important series of components, that work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation. At Tony Kennedy's Crain's Automotive in Clarksville, we also know that exhaust systems are especially susceptible to damage and rust; pipes, mufflers, and other parts are exposed to hazards on the road, and to the environment. This situation, combined with caustic emissions and extreme heat, creates a perfect opportunity for problems to arise.