Service Tip #3 - Magnesium Chloride

With the snow flying, in Colorado, Liquid Magnesium Chloride is being used on the roads to keep intersections and streets from icing up. This, along with sanding the roads helps our driving conditions. According to a 2002 study by the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Over four million gallons have been used per year in Colorado because it has been effective in cleaning the roads and is the most cost effective option.”

WHAT IS MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?

Magnesium Chloride is the name for the chemical compounds MgCl2 and its various hydrates MgCl2(H2O)x. These salts have many applications; such as medical, topical and culinary use. It is also widely used as an anti-icer by a number of state highway departments, who have decreased the use of rock salt and sand. This popular solution is sprayed on pavement to prevent snow and ice from adhering or bonding to the roadway. It is much less toxic to plant life and is less corrosive to concrete and steel.

WHAT IS THAT COFFEE-LIKE FILM ON MY VEHICLE?

When the sun comes out, after a heavy snow storm, the ice and snow on the roads begin to melt. The dirt and the Magnesium Chloride mix into the slush and water on the roadway. Then, you get the sloppy, back-spray onto your car from others in front of you and road splash from your own tires creating that sticky, coffee like ‘film’ on your car.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WASH MY VEHICLE?

Magnesium Chloride is corrosive to metal parts, plastic, rubber and chrome. It has been know to create a number of problems on vehicles. The highly corrosive compound can eat through wires, huts, bolts and even brake shoes and rotors.

WHAT ABOUT MY CHROME TRIM PIECES?

If you leave the Magnesium Chloride on your vehicle too long it will start eating through your exterior chrome accent pieces. It will develop small spots at first and then they will develop into bigger ones and eventually ruin your chrome pieces.

DOESN'T MY WARRANTY COVER ME?

Parts, including chrome pieces are not covered. This is considered wear and tear and is not a warrantable repair under your new vehicle warranty or extended service plan.

CLEANING:

“Why won’t this stuff come off?”

According to http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/mag_chloride.html Magnesium Chloride is a, "oderless, not quite clear liquid solution with a viscosity resembling whole milk. Different suppliers blend in various anti-corrosion or temperature lowering additives to achieve the exact end in mind."

The liquid is meant to stick to the roadways to help decrease the freezing temperature, and to keep ice from bonding to the surface of the road making roads less hazardous.This "milky" mixture, when kicked up by other vehicles, sticks to your vehicle and dries, making it difficult to wash off.

Many high end car washes have Magnesium Chloride cleaning sprays that help remove the film off your vehicle. If you don’t have a high end car wash near you, or don’t want to spend the money, at least take your car through an automated washer every couple of weeks or so. It is also important to use a high-pressure washer, hot water and soap to remove the grime from your braking systems and underneath your vehicle. Every few weeks use a soapy rag and hot water to wash off your chrome pieces thoroughly.

LET MARKLEY MOTORS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS HELP!

When you service your vehicle, at one of our two new locations, you receive a free car wash that scrubs the exterior of your car removing road grime. We also have a full-service detail shop that will clean your car, inside and out for $169. We will use a high pressure washer to clean your engine compartment, braking systems and undercarriage of your vehicle. Our detail crew will also wash the exterior, clean your carpets, interior and trim pieces.

Markely Motors Service Department
Click Here to Schedule a Service Appointment
3401 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-226-2213

Markley Motors Pre-Owned & Saturn Service Center
(Formerly Saturn of Fort Collins)
Click Here to Schedule a Service Appointment
3325 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-223-1234

DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE MAG OFF YOUR VEHICLE!

Written and posted by Tim Northburg - Sales / Internet Manager

Service Tip #1 - Wiper Blades

Now is a good time to check your wiper blades!

With the snow flying, if you haven't already checked your blades or changed them, now is a good time to do so. It becomes harder to see through smeared windows as the rubber cracks, spits, hardens, or peels off of the metal. When they peel off the metal you run the risk of the blade scraping your windshield, and that can impede your vision through the glass.

HEAVY SNOW

Scrape your windshield first:

When we get these bigger snowstorms, don't forget to turn off your wipers before you start your vehicle. We have seen several customers in the last few weeks coming in with their wiper motors burnt out. This happens when the blades freeze to the windshield and the wiper motor is still turned on. Also, the weight of the snow can burn your motor out as well.

REMEMBER: Turn your defrost on, scrape your windshield, then use your wipers.

These additional steps can save keep you from having to spend money on a new wiper motor.

To buy blades or schedule an appointment click the link:

Schedule Service Here

We have winter wiper blades available in our service department!

THIS SERVICE TIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY MARKLEY MOTORS

Written and posted by Tim Northburg - Sales / Internet Manager

Service Tip #2 - Tires

"Where the Rubber Meets the Road!"

This saying is a common idiom in the English language. It is used as an analogy for a defining moment in your life or when faced with an important decision or action you must take. When you think about this popular phrase it in car terms, its meaning is just as significant. Translated literally, it refers to when the tires make physical contact with the road surface. We all know that surface contact with the rubber and the road is VERY important.

TIRES: They are the only things, on your car, that are in contact with the road.

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR TIRES?

I don't drive many miles: It is known fact that rubber breaks down, over time. Even if you are not putting very many miles on your car your tires may succumb to "Dry Rot" which cracks the surface and sides of the tire. In many cases you might not even see the signs of accelerated degeneration of your tires. This can cause blowouts or tire tread separations.

TREAD DEPTH:

Friction: As you drive, the contact with the road and the rubber creates friction which gradually wears down the tire. Many experts say that as long as your tire is at or above the tread wear bars (Usually 2/32 of an inch) that as long as the tire has no visible cuts, bulges, uneven wear or excessive cracking then you are "generally safe." For the best traction and safety, we suggest to keep at least 5/32 of an inch of tread on your tires and replace them if they wear unevenly.

CHECK THEM:

The Stick Test: Check your tread depth on a regular basis. Some extremists say to check your tires every time you get gas. You may think that is a little to much, at least check your tires every time you get your oil changed or every season change. (Every 3 months) You can buy a simple tire tread depth tool and "stick" your tires.

If nothing else use the quarter or penny test. Place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Washington's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 4/32" of tread depth remaining. Place a penny, so the Lincoln memorial is facing you and is upside down, into several tread grooves across the tire. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered by the tread, you have more than 6/32" of tread depth remaining.

ROTATE THEM:

Where the power is: If you have a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle it is important to rotate your tires so that you have the tires with the most tread on the front. If you have a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicle, have the most tread on the back. All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles it is important to make sure your tires wear evenly. Many AWD vehicles act as front wheel drive until slippage and then the rear kick in and True 4x4 vehicles run as RWD until the 4x4 is engaged. You may get uneven wear on AWD or 4x4 tires. Many people don't know that when you replace AWD or 4x4 tires it is essential to replace all four at the same time. If you don't, you may end up damaging your AWD or 4X4 systems, just because the circumference is different and the tires rotate at different rates. On a FWD or RWD vechicle replace the two in the front or the back at the same time.

WINTER TIRES:

My tires are studs: Many questions come up whether studded snow tires are necessary in winter driving. It depends on where you live and how much snow you get. In Colorado, for normal driving, all season radials are all right. If you commute or drive in the mountains then you might want to consider getting a set of studded tires. The Bridgestone Blizak, has been a popular tire for winter time. We get more positive feedback from our customers on that brand, in the winter time.

MARKLEY MOTORS SELLS TIRES:

We sell tires at both of our service locations. Visit our service locations for:

• Tire Inspections at every oil change.
• Free quotes on brand name tires.
• Most competitive pricing.
• Ease and convenience of servicing.
• All MAKES and MODELS, cars, trucks, vans, SUV's.

ASK ABOUT OUR PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE!

Schedule a service visit:

Markley Motors:
http://www.markleymotors.com/ServiceApptForm

Markley Pre-Owned (Formerly Saturn of Fort Collins):
http://www.saturnftcollins.com/WebSiteSurvey_2

Written and posted by Tim Northburg - Sales / Internet Manager