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If you're the proud owner of a new vehicle from SMITHTOWN VOLVO CARS, we have some tips that we'd like to offer you that will help keep your vehicle looking beautiful for years to come. Not to mention, you'll be adding a layer of protection to your vehicle that you don't get from just the paint job.

Car wax is a product that comes in a few different varieties. It's pretty easy to apply and take off again, but these products go a long way towards protecting your investment. There is a lot of dirt…

Flat tires are an inconvenience, but it can be helpful to know how to change one yourself. That way, you won't have to sit around waiting for roadside assistance to show up. Here are some helpful tips from SMITHTOWN VOLVO CARS.

Your vehicle should be pulled off to the side of the road where you're away from other vehicles.

Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire to gain access to taking the wheel off. 

Raise the vehicle up on the jack so you can remove the lug nuts completely and remove the tire.

Replace your flat tire…

Some people use their vehicles very frequently. They'll rack up the miles in a very short amount of time. If you're someone that uses their automobile very infrequently, you may be wondering how often you should change your oil. You don't necessarily need to stick to the once every 6 months / 1000 miles rule. You can get by with just checking your oil frequently and making a service appointment when it's necessary.

The color of oil in your engine should be the original amber color that it was when you bought it. When you see the…

The battery gets a lot of credit when it comes to powering the electronics in your car. In reality, the alternator does a lot of the work. While the battery stores enough electricity to start the vehicle initially, it is the alternator that generates electricity while it is running.

There are a few ways that drivers in Saint James can tell if their alternator is starting to have problems. The most obvious is a red indicator light on the dashboard. It often looks like a battery or simply says "alt." Even if that does not happen, 

The battery in your car or truck is one of those things that you likely take for granted. You do not even give it a second thought. After all, it does the job it is expected to time after time. However, there will come a day when your vehicle does not start and it will be because of the battery.

Extreme temperatures often cause a battery to wear down much more quickly than you would expect it. In the winter, extremely cold temperatures will cause your battery to use a lot of amps just to get the engine turned over…

If you've ever had a vehicle break down, you know it's a situation that's equal parts frightening and aggravating. You can lessen the inconvenience by preparing in advance so your next breakdown is as painless as possible.

Even if you're not mechanically inclined, learn how to use your vehicle's jack and how to change a tire so you're not struggling to figure it out by the side of the road in the dark. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car at all times, refreshing its contents according to the seasons. 

You already know about the importance of regular maintenance checks and oil changes, but what should you do if something else goes wrong with your car? For example, what's the best way to identify that you have a leaky exhaust? There are several symptoms that indicate you have an exhaust leak. If you experience these problems with your car, it's time to bring it in for a repair.

One of the biggest indicators that a car's exhaust has a leak is a hissing or popping sound when you turn on your vehicle. You might also notice small…

When we hear about or see a roadside emergency kit, it usually appears like a good idea yet so few drivers actually have them in their vehicles. In a perfect world, we’d never need them, but it’s always better to be prepared. If you’d like to make up your own roadside emergency kit, stop at Smithtown Volvo Cars and let our auto maintenance professionals give you a helping hand and offer suggestions.

If you’re considering making your own roadside emergency kit or restocking a current one, it’s easier than you might think. 

When we hear about or see a roadside emergency kit, it usually appears like a good idea yet so few drivers actually have them in their vehicles. In a perfect world, we’d never need them, but it’s always better to be prepared. If you’d like to make up your own roadside emergency kit, stop at Smithtown Volvo Cars and let our auto maintenance professionals give you a helping hand and offer suggestions.

If you’re considering making your own roadside emergency kit or restocking a current one, it’s easier than you might think.