Your brakes are crucial for safe driving in the winter. Are your brakes in All-Star shape? Check out our blog to find out!

It's just about that time of year when snow makes travel a little more difficult. Don't get stranded in the snow, be prepared with these tips!se tips!

Protect your car from winter’s challenges in Columbia, MO. Learn how to prevent corrosion, battery drain, and other cold-weather issues with tips from All-Star Automotive.

Discover why All-Star Automotive is Columbia, MO’s trusted choice for vehicle care. From complimentary loaner vehicles and shuttle service to digital inspections, we go the extra mile for you.

Keep your car running smoothly with this college student’s guide to car maintenance. Discover essential tips to avoid breakdowns, save money, and stay focused on your studies.

Stay safe on Missouri’s winter roads with these essential tips from All-Star Automotive. Learn about tire care, battery checks, and more to prepare your car for icy conditions.

Your car battery is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly, especially during the colder months when battery issues are more common. The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded due to a dead battery, but with a few preventative steps, you can keep your battery in top shape. Here’s a guide on how to care for your car battery and avoid those unexpected breakdowns. 1. Regularly Test Your Battery Batteries naturally weaken over time, especially in extreme temperatures. Regularly testing your battery, particularly before winter or summer, helps ensure it has the charge needed to power your vehicle. Many auto shops offer free battery testing to determine if it’s close to needing replacement. Quick Tip: Schedule a battery test twice a year—once before winter and once before summer—to catch any issues early. 2. Keep the Terminals Clean Corrosion buildup on battery terminals can disrupt the connection and prevent your car from starting. To keep your battery running smoothly, clean the terminals every few months. You can do this by carefully disconnecting the battery cables and using a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away any corrosion. Quick Tip: After cleaning, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion. 3. Avoid Short Trips When Possible Short trips don’t allow your battery enough time to recharge fully, which can weaken it over time. If possible, try to drive for at least 20-30 minutes once in a while to keep the battery charged. This is especially important during colder months when batteries have to work harder to start the engine. Quick Tip: If you mainly use your car for short trips, consider investing in a portable battery charger to keep it fully charged. 4. Limit the Use of Electronics When the Engine is Off Using lights, radio, or charging devices while your engine is off can drain the battery faster than you might think. To avoid a dead battery, limit the use of electronics when your car isn’t running. This simple step can make a big difference, especially if your battery is older. Quick Tip: Turn off all lights and unplug any devices before leaving the car to prevent accidental drainage. 5. Park in a Garage or Shaded Area Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can reduce your battery’s lifespan. Parking in a garage or shaded area can help protect the battery from the effects of temperature fluctuations, keeping it healthier for longer. If you don’t have access to a garage, consider using a battery insulation blanket for added protection in extreme weather. Quick Tip: In cold weather, park your car in direct sunlight when possible to help warm the battery. 6. Watch for Warning Signs A weak battery usually gives you some signs before it completely fails. If you notice slow engine crank, dim lights, or a battery warning light on your dashboard, these could indicate a failing battery. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Quick Tip: If your car’s engine sounds sluggish when starting, have your battery checked right away. Why Trust All-Star with Your Battery Care? At All-Star Automotive, we believe in taking a proactive approach to car care. Our team can provide comprehensive battery testing, cleaning, and replacement services to keep your vehicle running reliably. We’re committed to helping you understand the steps involved in maintaining a healthy battery, ensuring transparency and peace of mind every step of the way. Taking care of your car’s battery with regular testing, cleaning, and mindful use can help you avoid the inconvenience of being stranded with a dead battery. For expert assistance, visit All-Star Automotive —we’re here to help you keep your battery and your entire vehicle in top condition, so you can hit the road with confidence.

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of people hitting the road to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving and beyond. Before you pack the car with gifts, food, and festive spirit, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your car for holiday travel, so you can drive with confidence, comfort, and safety. 1. Check Your Tires Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, making them crucial for safety—especially if you’ll be driving through varying weather conditions. Check the tire pressure to ensure it’s at the recommended level, and inspect the tread for wear. If the tread is low or uneven, it’s best to replace or rotate your tires before your trip. Tip: Bring a tire pressure gauge with you on the road and check tire pressure periodically, especially if temperatures drop. 2. Get an Oil Change Fresh oil ensures that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. If you’re due for an oil change or approaching the recommended mileage, take care of it before your trip. This will help prevent engine wear and ensure optimal fuel efficiency, which can save you money on gas for your holiday travel. Tip: If your car will be loaded down with luggage and gifts, consider using high-mileage or synthetic oil for better performance under added weight. 3. Top Off All Fluids From windshield washer fluid to antifreeze, make sure all your car’s fluids are at the appropriate levels. Cold weather can be harsh on your vehicle, so topping off fluids like antifreeze and brake fluid helps your car handle the trip with ease. Tip: Carry a bottle of windshield washer fluid in case you need to top off during the drive, especially if you’ll be on snowy or salted roads that can dirty up your windshield. 4. Inspect Your Battery A dead battery on a cold morning can throw off your travel plans. Test your battery’s strength or have it checked at a shop to ensure it has enough power for your trip. If it’s old or showing signs of weakness, consider replacing it before you hit the road. Tip: Clean the battery terminals to remove any corrosion that could prevent a smooth start-up. 5. Check Your Brakes Holiday traffic, especially on busy highways, often means a lot of stop-and-go driving. Make sure your brakes are responsive and free of any unusual sounds like squeaking or grinding. If you notice any issues, bring your car in for a brake inspection before your trip. Tip: Have your brake pads checked to ensure they’re thick enough for the demands of your journey. 6. Test Your Lights With shorter days and unpredictable holiday weather, it’s essential to make sure all your lights are working properly. Test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, replacing any burned-out bulbs. Proper lighting not only improves visibility for you but also helps other drivers see you on the road. Tip: Clean the lenses on your headlights to improve brightness and visibility, especially if you’ll be driving at night. 7. Prepare an Emergency Kit Even with the best preparation, it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected situations. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, blanket, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, and basic tools. Don’t forget some water, snacks, and a phone charger in case of delays. Tip: Add a bag of sand or cat litter to your kit if you’re driving in icy conditions—it can help provide traction if you get stuck. 8. Load Up with Care How you pack your vehicle can impact safety and fuel efficiency. Keep heavy items low and secure them to avoid shifting, and make sure not to obstruct your view out of any windows. If possible, avoid overloading your vehicle, as excess weight can affect handling and braking. Tip: Check your vehicle’s recommended weight limits before loading up for a safe and smooth drive. 9. Map Your Route and Plan for Breaks Knowing your route, traffic expectations, and places to rest along the way can help make the trip smoother. Plan to stop every couple of hours to stretch, refuel, and give your car a break, which can improve your focus and reduce travel stress. Tip: Use navigation apps that offer live traffic updates and detours in case of delays. Why Choose All-Star for Pre-Trip Maintenance? At All-Star Automotive, we’re here to make sure your vehicle is ready for any holiday adventure. Our experienced team can perform all the essential checks and services you need before a road trip, from tire rotations to brake inspections. We’re committed to providing clear explanations of every service, so you understand what’s being done and why. Let us handle the maintenance , so you can focus on making holiday memories instead of worrying about car troubles on the road. Drive Safe! Taking the time to prepare your car for a holiday road trip will give you peace of mind and ensure a safe, enjoyable journey. By following these tips and checking in with All-Star for any needed maintenance, you can drive confidently into the holiday season, knowing your car is in top shape.

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, regular preventative care is one of the best investments you can make. Not only does it keep your car running smoothly, but it also helps you avoid expensive repairs down the road. At All-Star Automotive, we believe in the power of preventative maintenance to save our customers both time and money. Here’s how staying on top of routine care can benefit you in the long run. 1. Avoid Costly Major Repairs One of the biggest advantages of preventative maintenance is the ability to catch small issues before they become big problems. Regular oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid top-offs can prevent engine damage, brake failure, or overheating, all of which lead to expensive repairs if neglected. Spending a little now on routine maintenance can save you from shelling out thousands for a major breakdown later. Example: Regularly changing your oil can prevent engine sludge buildup, which can cause engine failure—a repair that could cost thousands. 2. Improve Fuel Efficiency Well-maintained vehicles run more efficiently. Simple tasks like keeping your tires properly inflated, changing air filters, and ensuring your engine is properly tuned can improve your fuel efficiency, helping you save at the pump. Over time, these small savings can really add up. Example: Replacing a dirty air filter can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10%, meaning fewer trips to the gas station. 3. Extend Your Vehicle’s Lifespan Cars that receive regular maintenance simply last longer. Routine services like tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and fluid flushes reduce wear and tear on essential components, helping your car perform at its best for many years. A well-maintained car can easily outlast one that’s been neglected, meaning you’ll get more value out of your investment. Example: Consistently rotating and balancing your tires ensures even wear, extending their lifespan and preventing premature replacements. 4. Increase Resale Value If you ever decide to sell your car or trade it in, having a history of consistent preventative maintenance can increase its resale value. Buyers and dealerships are more likely to offer a higher price for a vehicle that’s been well cared for because it signals fewer potential issues down the road. Example: A car with a full maintenance history, including regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks, can fetch a higher price when sold or traded in. 5. Peace of Mind on the Road When your car is well-maintained, you’re less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns or emergencies, especially during long trips or in extreme weather conditions. Preventative maintenance gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in top condition and less likely to leave you stranded. Example: Getting your battery tested regularly can prevent a sudden dead battery and keep you from needing an emergency jump-start in an inconvenient situation. All-Star’s Commitment to Preventative Care At All-Star Automotive, we’re passionate about helping our customers avoid the hassle and expense of major repairs through regular preventative maintenance. Our team will walk you through each service, explaining why it’s important and how it helps your vehicle in the long run. We believe in transparent service, making sure you understand the benefits of each maintenance task we recommend. Preventative maintenance is more than just routine—it’s a smart way to save money, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your car. By investing in regular maintenance at All-Star Automotive, you’re not only protecting your vehicle but also your wallet. Schedule your next service today and let us help keep your car running smoothly for years to come.