With summer holidays quickly approaching, many motorists are scrambling to make certain their vehicle is up to the rigors of warm-weather travel.
Scorching sunshine, coupled with extreme temperatures, can be more than a nuisance when it comes to your automobile – it could mean fading paint, overcharged batteries, or an overworked cooling system. When it comes to “summerizing” your car, it helps to ask the professionals. We met with Phil Line, of Reeder’s Auto Service Center in Portage, to discuss the keys to preparing one’s vehicle for a steadfast season of driving.
PortageLife.com: So Phil, summer is the hottest time of year, when car owners are putting their air conditioners into overdrive. Do you have any tips for drivers to help them avoid overheating their air conditioning systems?
Phil Line: Maintaining your cooling system and AC system is key to having a problem free and cool summer. We see a lot of problems with store bought AC charging cans. Customers need to realize that the charge has to be measured – too much or too little will cause the system to not work properly, or even damage the system.
For Do It Yourselfers, Phil’s concerns may seem a biased, but they are far from unfounded. The average car owner may not be aware of the recent changes made to automobile refrigerants that recharge their vehicle’s system. Cars over a decade old (built before 1994) used R-12 refrigerant. Nowadays, a vehicle’s cooling system should be converted to utilize the more environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant. Also, older systems used mineral oil, but now must use PAG oil to lubricate the compressor. The problem for a lot of folks who wish to re-charge or repair their vehicle’s cooling system themselves, is that PAG oil can’t be added without using sophisticated equipment. And if the AC system runs too low on PAG oil, it could lead to more expensive compressor issues.
An auto service center like Reeder’s is willing and able to assist motorists in examining all of these mobile cooling system components and then some.
PL.com: Specifically, what types of services does Reeder’s offer in terms of AC systems, fixing them or tuning them up?
Phil: An AC system check [by a Reeder’s technician] will ensure that the system has the proper charge. This system also contains oil, which must be serviced as well. The cooling system is also evaluated. Once the proper charge is installed, system pressures are [analyzed] for any possible problems and a dye is installed to help find any leaks in the system.
Above and beyond what the average car owner would be able to do at home, Reeder’s capabilities in the realm of air conditioning services is not only assuring, but impressive. However, with so many folks on the road today, burning copious amounts of petrol to fuel their air conditioners and their engines, some may wonder what else drivers need to know about vehicles’ effects on the environment. Refrigerants like the R-12 have been modified; clean air car checks have been instituted, but it's important to know what more needs to be known about what vehicles emit into the earth’s atmosphere.
PL.com: As the United States moves towards greener, environmentally friendlier means of transportation, automobile emissions seem to garner more attention. What should drivers know about their car’s emissions?
Phil: I know that emissions testing is a sore spot for some Porter and Lake County residents. We are in a bit higher polluted area than the rest of the state. How much worse would the air be if [there were no] emissions testing? [Keep in mind…] we have to live with this air and so do our children.
It’s true, air pollution often follows industry and Northwest Indiana has long been a hotspot for mills, manufacturers, and power generation facilities. Sitting adjacent to Chicago, both Lake and Porter counties have battled air pollution, but perhaps motorists can do more to help improve air quality for the betterment of their families, children and community.
PL.com: Is there any way for drivers to cut down on their car’s emissions? Also, could you provide advice for those wishing to make sure that they are following proper procedures when it comes to emissions testing?
Phil: The best way to cut your car’s emissions and ensure it passes testing is maintaining it. A lot of customers like to ignore the CHECK ENGINE light, because the car seems to run ok. Once that light is on however, the computer system can stop running its monitors. Once you let that go for a long period of time, you might think your light being on is one problem, but come to find there are 2-3 problems. Simply follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and if something doesn’t seem right, get it looked at before it breaks down.
Sound advice from a family owned establishment that has seen its fair share of automobiles. It’s obvious from the now 50-plus years in business that Reeder’s Auto Service Center thrives on the loyalty of their customers. That loyalty has been earned by way of high quality service and unflinching sincerity on the part of Reeder’s technicians, mechanics and staff.
"Anytime you have a family business, honesty and integrity are at a high level," Phil said. "After all, your name is on the business and there’s a huge amount of pride that goes along with that. We’ve been around for a long time and our customers are use to the level of service we provide. When you combine that with a group of technicians that have a combined 100-plus years of experience, our customers know they can rest assured they’re in good hands."
Being named “Neighbor’s Choice #1” by the Post-Tribune hasn’t hurt this growing business, either. But it’s not the accolades or awards that drive Reeder’s in their pursuit for success – it’s their dedication to their community and their passion for automotive excellence. No matter what the season, Reeder’s aims to be the best auto service place in Northwest Indiana. There is no doubt that many in Portage and throughout Porter County already consider Reeder’s their primary choice for service, repair and advice.
Thank you to Mr. Line for taking the time to answer our questions regarding Reeder’s Auto Service Center and for informing our readers on how to better maintain their automobiles.
To learn more about Reeder’s Auto Service Center, please visit them here.
Reeder's is owned and operated by Jeff, Jim and Jeremy Reeder. The family has served the Portage community since 1962.