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Tag Archives: OEM type spark plug replacement

Extended Warranty Car Repair Shop in Blaine

Extended Warranty Car Repair Shop in BlaineDo you have an extended warranty from a car that you purchased from a dealership? If so, you likely aren’t aware of the fact that most extended warranties can be serviced by an independent authorized service center like Clark Automotive. If you’ve been taking your car to the dealer for any type of extended warranty car repairs, why not work with a local, family owned shop that will ensure you’re always treated fairly?

What is an Extended Warranty?

An extended warranty is used to help defray car repair costs after the purchase of a new or used vehicle. It’s important to not confuse an extended warranty with a manufacturer’s warranty. Extended warranties are completely separate from manufacturer’s warranties and kick in after the expiration of a manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, extended warranties are typically not included with the purchase price of a vehicle.

Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing an Extended Warranty

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, you’ll likely be asked whether you’d like to purchase an extended warranty. It’s important to keep the following things in mind to determine if you can benefit from this type of warranty.

Is your vehicle still under a manufacturer’s warranty – If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, you should check to see if it’s still covered by any type of manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties typically cover a car for a certain period of time or mileage.
How long do you plan to own the car – If the car you’re purchasing still has a manufacturer’s warranty, it’s important to think about whether you’ll still be owning the car once that original warranty expires. If you’re quick to trade in vehicles, an extended warranty may not be the best option for you.
Check on deductibles – Be sure to look into whether a deductible is required for repairs.
Coverage options – Be sure to check what is covered under the extended warranty. Does the policy offer full bumper-to-bumper coverage or is only the drivetrain covered?

Reach Out to Clark Automotive – Your Extended Warranty Car Repair Shop in Blaine

If you’re in need of extended warranty car repair, don’t head straight to the dealer. Be sure to reach out to our team at Clark Automotive to determine if we can provide the same level of service. We can be reached by phone at 763-784-7944. We look forward to working with you soon.

Automotive Replacement Parts Are Important Blaine MN

What Tune-up Parts are Used?

Vehicle Repair Parts MNAt Clark Automotive Clinic, located in Blaine, MN we utilize parts equal to or better than the Original Manufacture (OEM) Parts. Many parts are upgraded after the car is manufactured and specific problems start to arise. These issues are published in Factory Service Bulletins and if serious may end up being a Factory Recall. An example is the common problem of conducting a Tune-up on certain Ford Pickups. In this vehicle the spark plugs are recommended to be replaced at 100,000 miles. What happens is many break off during removal. There are numerous articles published on how to successfully do this tune-up and how to remove the broken spark plugs. We at Clark Automotive will develop an article on this problem.

There’s a variety of upgraded parts to use. Each customer and the repair shop may have automotive part brand preferences. Getting together with the auto repair shop to select the desired parts is important before the tune-up is started.

The selection of parts can have a bearing on quality, price, availability, compatibility, and factory recommendations. We feel most comfortable recommending OEM type spark plugs. Generally the manufacture recommends regular (Copper), platinum, double platinum, iridium, etc. There are some aftermarket tune-up products that fall outside those factory recommendations and should be used with great caution. When it comes to the older cars using spark plug wires, we use wires with a life time warranty (just in case they break).

Are Aftermarket Treatments and Additives Relative to the Tune-up?

I was just asked about fuel treatment procedures conducted by the many oil change places. There is a time and place for fuel treatments, following factory recommendation as shown in service bulletins. These are not part of an oil change! These are specific and recommended repair procedures utilizing specific chemicals in a specified manner. The need for fuel injector cleaning as part of an oil change, and is not recommended by most automotive manufactures. In fact all gasoline dispensed by gas stations in most states contains the required amount of cleaners and additives. There was a time in the far ago past when certain additives did have a place, but that is very rare today.

Oil additives on the other hand, are a much harder subject to address. Generally speaking there is not a need for these additives in a well running vehicle nor do automotive manufactures recommend any. In fact, there are numerous service bulletins explaining what the harmful affects are. In the case of an old, tired engine there may be some appropriate applications of some additives. But in general, there is no need for you the vehicle owner to be spending money on additives and cleaners unless executing a factory recommended service procedure.

If you’ve got questions about any of the areas we have covered in this blog or you would like to schedule an appointment call Clark Automotive at 763-784-7944!

Or stop by our Blaine, MN shop:

9985 Davenport St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Shop Hours:
MON – FRI 8:00 – A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
SAT (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

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