Gardner Auto Repair

  Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause aerodynamic drag. But, operating the air conditioner on the maximum level can reduce your mpg by 5% to 25%, compared to not using it. Also, try to park your car in the shade so you won't have to keep the AC working as hard. Properly inflated tires are safer, lasts longer, and improve your gas mileage by more than 3% per tire. Slow down! Although vehicles reach their optimal fuel economy at different speeds, gas mileage usually decreases over 60 mph.  Try to drive at a constant speed—both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel.  Use cruise control when possible. The car's cruise control system's minor, more precise adjustments will keep your speed constant and save you fuel. Wax your car and keep it clean. This will reduce aerodynamic drag, thus providing better mileage. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as10%. Perform routine maintenance

If your car's brakes are squeaking, squealing, or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads or rotors. Ditto if the brake pedal has more travel than usual before you feel much braking force, or if it just feels like your car requires longer distances to stop Sometimes, though, you may hear squeaks or squeals because the brakes are coated with moisture, light surface rust, dirt, or grime, particularly after the car has been sitting either overnight or for several hours. Those noises might go away after you apply the brake pedal a few times or more (and the brake pads have cleaned the offending substance off the rotors or drums). Noise can also be caused by a loose brake pad or caliper. If you hear a high-pitched scraping sound, that could be pad-wear indicators sounding the alarm that you’re late in getting your car’s brakes fixed. Because there are several possibilities, the best way to tell if you need brake work i ... read more

Do you suffer from spring allergies or breathing problems? Replace your cabin air filter, which will eventually become clogged with pollen, bacteria, and dust which then allows those contaminants into your car. Cabin Air Filters are also an important component in your vehicle's heating and cooling system.  If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car. The simple act of changing your cabin air filter will dramatically improve the air quality in your vehicle. Give us a call at 913-764-8677 to schedule an appointment

4 Types of Car Filters and What They Do for You Air Filters: Cleans the Air Used by the Car Engine If you’ve seen an older car with its engine sputtering and puffing out black smoke, it could be due to a dirty air filter. Long before a newer car starts puffing smoke, the check engine light will come on because the air filter is past its prime.     Cabin Filters: Purifies the Air in the Vehicle Whether or not you’re using the air conditioner, the cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and other air pollutants out of the air you breathe while driving. The cabin air filter is part of the ventilation system. This rectangular screen keeps several things out of the air inside your car: Exhaust fumes Dirt Dust Pollen Bugs Leaves In addition, the cabin air filter prevents all this gunk from clogging up the vehicle’s AC system.   Oil Filters: Clean Lubrication That’s Critical for Engine Performance ... read more

Just another awesome classic car to share with you. This one is a 1962 Land Cruiser. 

We have been blessed over the years to meet a group of very remarkable people. Life has thrown them some curves, but instead of giving up, they work day in and day out to make a better life for themselves, their families, and others. Great organizations are also part of their story; churches and nonprofits have helped us connect and make Wheels 2 Hope a reality. A year ago, we were lucky to be introduced to a young man trying to attend school. He needed a vehicle to get back and forth from work and school. We were so happy to hear he completed his classes and obtained a job. At his point, he no longer needed the vehicle we had given to him through Wheels 2 Hope, so he returned it so someone else could move forward with their life. Now, the vehicle has moved on to a single mom and her son. We are so pleased to be able to provide them with a car. Thank you to NAPA for providing all the parts needed to complete the service and maintenance of the vehicle. Thank you to the connections tha ... read more

Look at this lineup! We do repair and service all makes and models! You know it is a great day when you have all of these beauties in the bays. 

Many of us love classic cars. Maybe they are reminders of “the good ole days,” or what we perceive as better, less stressful times. Maybe we associate the classics with family trips to the beach, mountains, or just driving around with friends. Did you ever cruise around Main Street or a local drive-in restaurant? We believe for all those reasons and more, we need to help keep the classics around and running well. You certainly don’t want to miss out on the looks and smiles you receive driving one of these old treasures. It is priceless. You might be wondering what classifies a vehicle as a classic? For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. We are proud to have worked on a few of the classics this past year, so they can keep running like new! We want to keep everyone smiling, and this year we needed some smiles! EVERYONE LOVES A CLASSIC CAR INCLUDING BRET’S! Did we me ... read more

  When you’re getting ready to jump-start your car battery, you should find a set of jumper cables and another vehicle you can use to get a jolt.   First, park a vehicle with a good battery close to the dead vehicle to almost touch their hoods. Engage both parking brakes and make sure both vehicles are turned off before you go further. Open both hoods and locate each battery. In some cases, the battery could be covered by a plastic hood. Identify the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on both batteries. If they’re clean and free of corrosion, you’re ready to proceed. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal on the dead battery Uncoil the battery cable and hook up the other red clamp to the positive terminal on the live vehicle. While you’re facing the excellent battery, connect the black end of the cable to the negative terminal. Going back to the vehicle with the dead battery, connect the last black cable clamp to a flat ... read more

If your car's brakes are squeaking, squealing, or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads or rotors. Check out the info below from AAA, we are a AAA Approved Auto Repair Service. Know the five warning signs that it may be time for brake repair service. In each of the listed cases, AAA recommends taking the vehicle to a qualified auto repair shop for inspection and service. A professional inspection will help determine the extent of the needed repair, from brake pad installation to brake replacement. You apply the brakes and hear a high pitch or grinding noise. This is a strong indicator that the brakes have worn thin. You apply the brakes and feel a vibration. This indicates warped brake rotors. A professional inspection can help determine whether they should be resurfaced or replaced. The brake pedal feels differently – either low or spongy – and takes more effort to apply. This means there’s a potential pr ... read more