It’s officially springtime in McPherson County, which means it’s time to start your spring cleaning. This year, don’t forget about your vehicle! Here are three steps to clean your car and protect your investment. Step one: Scrub the exterior. The same contaminants and salt can damage your vehicle’s paint, so wash the exterior too! Pay special attention to the bottoms of doors, tires and wheels that can collect excess grime. Use only clean rags that will not scratch the paint. Avoid washing in direct sunlight which can leave the paint susceptible to scratches and cause the soapy water to dry early.Step two: Clean the interior. Sometimes it feels like we live in our vehicles. Take the time to tidy and freshen the interior by removing trash and unnecessary items that have been forgotten or left behind. Organize the items you …… ( more )

Like a doctor reading a patient’s bloodwork, a lot can be learned about a transmission’s health simply by taking a look at its fluid. When transmission fluid is new or fresh, it is typically transparent and virtually odorless. If the fluid has taken on a distinct tint or has coloring of any kind, it could mean any number of issues – ditto for any odors that may become detectable. Here are some guidelines for the eye/nose test you can conduct on your transmission fluid: CLEAN/CLEAR, RELATIVELY ODORLESS – your fluid is good as new and your transmission should be working just fine. Even if this is the condition your transmission fluid is in, it’s never a bad idea to check your mileage since the last time your transmission was serviced to see if it could us an inspection. BROWNISH COLORING, …… ( more )

Your vehicle’s transmission is tasked with keeping your engine running smoothly, properly distributing power to various components in a perfectly synced manner. If this vital component fails, your engine will follow suit and you’ll be dealing with a breakdown. In order to avoid this precarious situation, you should be cognizant of your transmission’s health and be on the lookout for the following warning signs that the component might be in danger of failure in the near future: – Noises when shifting gears. Any noise – rattles, hums, clunks, etc. – coming from your engine should be worrisome. Grinding sounds are the one to really be concerned with in terms of your transmission though. If you hear these types of noises when you shift gears be sure to have your transmission inspected ASAP. – Leaking fluid. Your transmission’s fluid enables all …… ( more )

With the Holidays now officially in High Gear, people in Kansas and throughout the country are in full-on SHOP MODE, buying gifts for friends, family, coworkers and so on. During the Season of Giving, don’t forget to pick something up for your family vehicle! Here are some gift ideas for your van, truck or car that will make it (and you!) a happy camper this winter: Blind Spot Mirror These devices are designed to increase the range of your view from your rearview mirrors to more easily spot vehicles in your blind spot. Add these mirrors to your vehicle for an extra safety boost. Emergency Kit If your vehicle isn’t already equipped with one, now is the perfect time to purchase or build an auto emergency kit. Put one together for your own vehicle or for a loved one to …… ( more )

Your transmission is one of the most complicated and integral parts of the your vehicle and an extremely-expensive component to replace. For these reasons and several more, it’s important to be mindful of transmission maintenance and make sure your transmission is in great shape. What Causes Transmission Problems? Most transmission troubles start because of overheating. Overheating can occur when towing a heavy load, rocking the vehicle from the snow, having continuous stop-and-go traffic in hot weather, racing, and other activities that work the transmission hard. At high temperatures, the transmission fluid loses its lubricating power, which could result in premature failure. When that happens, the next step is a transmission rebuild or replacement. Ways to Prevent Damage Luckily, taking care of your transmission isn’t complicated. Just taking a few extra steps here and there can go a long way towards …… ( more )

The problem with transmission fluid is that you can’t always tell when it is dirty just by looking at it. Transmission fluid is often a bright red or green color. When you look into the fluid while your car is parked, it may seem clean and clear. But hidden underneath is dust and debris waiting to mix in and flow through your engine. That’s why you need to have a transmission flush performed every now and then. Just like the motor oil and other fluids in your vehicle, transmission fluid wears down over time. It collects contaminants, breaks down, and needs replaced periodically in order for it to be effective. When the fluid becomes contaminated, it carries the debris through the engine as your car operates. Over time, this can wear down the components in your vehicle, leading to extensive …… ( more )

September marks the beginning of a new school year and, while students are getting acquainted with their new classmates, a new crop of teen drivers will be on the road in Galva. Early mornings, school buses, kids dashing through parking lots, and fall weather can provide plenty of challenges for a new driver… Luckily, our team at Nightingale Transmissions has some driving tips for beginners: Get enough sleep – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as intoxicated driving and, if you’re a night owl, getting up early can make a commute to school all the more challenging. Make sure to unwind and disconnect from video games, texting, web surfing or movies before you fall asleep. You’ll be better rested in the morning. Remember, if you are too tired, don’t drive. Watch out for school buses – It’s illegal in …… ( more )

Your vehicle’s transmission is tasked with keeping your engine running smoothly, properly distributing power to various components in a perfectly-synced manner. If your transmission fails, your engine will follow suit and you’ll be dealing with a breakdown. In order to avoid this precarious situation, you should be cognizant of your transmission’s health and be on the lookout for the following warning signs that the component might be in danger of failure in the near future: Noises when shifting gears. Any noise – rattles, hums, clunks, etc. – coming from your engine should be worrisome. Grinding sounds are the one to really be concerned with in terms of your transmission though. If you hear these types of noises when you shift gears be sure to have your transmission inspected ASAP. Leaking fluid. Your transmission’s fluid enables all of its moving parts …… ( more )

Let’s face it – flat tires happen. No matter how careful you may be, any car can succumb to an unexpected flat. But you can be prepared! Car manufacturers have made the tire change process simple so that virtually anyone can do it. And with our guide, you can be confident in your ability to change a flat tire! Before you head out for a long drive, or even your regular commute, check your spare tire. Flat tires can’t be replaced with flat spares! You can also look at your tires – if you see any worn spots or skimpy tread, invest in new tires. You can even stop by our shop for a full inspection before any big road trips! But even the most prepared drivers can encounter unexpected flats – not to fear! With this guide, you will …… ( more )

Regular maintenance on your car can be a hassle. But ignoring signs like leaking fluids, grinding, or shaking can mean bad news for your transmission, and nobody wants to get stuck on the side of the road with a smoking engine. Finding a trustworthy transmission repair center in McPherson County is half the battle. When you feel comfortable bringing your car in to get checked out, the more relief you’ll have on the road — and your bank account. Let’s say you’re on your way home from a long day on the job. All you want to do is pull in the driveway, enjoy a nice dinner with your family, and lounge around before you have to do it all over again. You shift into autopilot, cruising down the road just as you’ve done countless times before. But maybe the …… ( more )