Friday, December 15, 2017

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours.

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours from your auto repair and maintenance friends at Able Auto Service.  The A-Team will be celebrating the holiday with our families, but will be here for you during the busy driving season as we have year after year for many decades.

As you get ready to head out on uncertain Kansas City area roads to grandma’s house or wherever please be prepared.  Have a first aid kit in your car.  Take extra blankets.  Make sure that your spare tire is fully inflated.  Above all, when was the last time that you had your oil changed, your windshield wipers replaced, your tires checked, etc?

The A-Team will be here for you always conveniently located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Able Auto Service has been a Kansas City area expert in auto repair and maintenance for years and will be here for you in the new year.  If you need us during this busy season stop in or give us a call at (913) 321-1030.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Brakes vs. Ice.

Winner…ICE!  Virtually every time, unless you fancy yourself a NASCAR professional then you need every advantage possible when the roads of the Kansas City area turn into hockey rinks.  The worst of it is something known as “Black Ice” when you can’t see for sure that the road in front of you has a thin coating of frozen water.

Simply put, your brakes are the most important safety feature of your vehicle.  While you hope that your air bags never deploy, you use your brakes dozens of times on every journey that you take.  Brakes must be in top shape…especially this time of year.  Did you know that your braking system should be checked twice a year?

This is not some “come-on” to get you to stop in and have them checked.  It is a TRUE safety issue!  The A-Team is ready, willing, and (you guessed it) able to help you stay safe this winter.  Able Auto Service is your Kansas City Kansas automotive brake specialist.  Make an appointment at their 837 Osage Ave. location by calling (913) 321-1030.

Kansas City's Ultimate Christmas Fun Guide

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"Christmas in Kansas City is a truly magical time of year. We're excited about the all-new WinterFest at Worlds of Fun, Astro Botanicals at Union Station, the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, and more."



Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Getting to the Core of the Matter.

Now that the weather is changing in the Kansas City area you need to get to the core.  The core of what, you say?  Well, your vehicle’s heater core, that’s what!  You might be wondering what the heck a heater core is, what it does, and what can happen to your vehicle when it breaks.  The heater core is what operates your car’s heating and defrosting functions.

Here are some signs that your heater core is going bad –

1.  The Fog…all of the windows are fogging up.
2.  The smell of a sticky, sweet aroma.
3.  You are going through refill after refill of coolant.
4.  The heater is not kicking out those BTU’s.
5.  The car overheats.

You can’t dodge the inevitable any more.  You need to get your heater core checked and repaired.  In Kansas City, Kansas the answer is Able Auto Service.  The A-Team are experts at repairing bad heater cores in your vehicle.  Make an appointment right away at their 837 Osage Ave. shop by calling (913) 321-1030.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Top Things to Do with Out-of-Town Guests During the Holidays in KC


"Entertaining guests during the holiday season in Kansas City and haven't a clue what to do? Look here for the top things to do with your out-of-town visitor when they come to KC."

 

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Click, Click, Click.

There is a sound that normally does not send confidence throughout your body.  It usually is the portent of something wrong.  When you hear click, click, click right after you put your key in your car’s ignition to start it up that is one of the very worst times!  As most of us have experienced there is a great feeling of helplessness.

Here are some signs that your vehicle’s battery is about to die –

1.  The headlights are dimmer
2.  Then engine cranks more slowly when started
3.  Your car backfires
4.  You need to push on the gas to start your car
5.  Of course, the dreaded clicking sound

At the very first sign of a failing battery or alternator you need to get into the shop to have it checked.  Kansas City’s best battery troubleshooter is Able Auto Service.  The A-Team has been around automobile batteries for decades.  You can’t afford to wait on this one.  Make an appointment at 837 Osage Ave. by calling (913) 321-1030.

Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial

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Tuesday - Sunday: 10am- 5pm

"The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community." 



Monday, October 16, 2017

There’s a Spider on my Windshield!

You wish that’s all it is.  A spider in this case is a small crack that is growing and “spidering” throughout your car’s windshield.  A crack in your windshield is not just ugly…it’s downright dangerous!  If you continue to ignore that small crack it will probably grow exponentially and become a real hazard.

Some things to remember as a driver –

1.  Have a glass repair kit in your trunk for temporary repairs.
2.  Super Glue may hold the glass together for a short period of time.
3.  Apply nail polish inside AND out.
4.  Assess the size of the crack.
5.  Seek out a professional repair shop.

That last advice is the best.  A cracked windshield on your vehicle is NEVER going away.  Before it becomes a driving danger get into the shop of Able Auto Service.  The A-Team at Able are Kansas City Kansas’ windshield repair professionals.  Make an appointment as soon as possible at their 837 Osage Ave. shop by calling (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Halloween Extravaganza Kansas City

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"All your favorite superheroes, princesses, and other beloved characters invade Union Station Sunday October 22nd."

 



Sunday, October 8, 2017

What is an Alternator?

I will bet that the majority of Americans could not find an alternator if it were put in front of them with three other auto parts.  So, what is it anyway?  The definition of an alternator is a generator that produces an alternating current.  Okay, that is still about as clear as mud!  The important thing for you to know is when you need to take your car into the shop.

Here are some signs that your car’s alternator is giving you problems –

1.  A dash light will flash on briefly
2.  The lights dim or flicker
3.  A smell or odd sound from beneath the hood.

Your car did not get possessed by Christine, but it may eventually die on you.

Not on my watch you say.  You need to get a check-up at the first sign of any of these maladies in your vehicle.  In Kansas City, motorists know to count on the A-Team.  Able Auto Service is your Kansas City KS area alternator specialists.  Call today for an inspection of this curious piece of equipment at (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Friday, September 15, 2017

How is Your Heater?

Come on, it is only September and you want me to start thinking about my car’s heater?  Okay, then wait until October and freeze your tail off when the first cold snap hits.  While the Royals are still suiting up every day you should be thinking about your level of comfort when you get behind the wheel this fall and winter.

If you start relying on the defrost to warm up your car then you will be driving around in a fog.  That is not safe and it certainly is not comfortable!  Suddenly, short trips to the grocery store, to work, dropping the kids off at school, etc. become mountain-climbing size challenges.  It is about time to address the issue.

If last winter ended with a cranky heater in your vehicle you can be sure that it did not heal itself over the summer.  At your first opportunity, make an appointment with the A-Team.  The mechanics at Able Auto Service will examine and (if necessary) repair your heating system.  Call (913) 321-1030 or drive over to 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Southside Fall Festival 2017, Sept 15-17th

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"Since 1988, Activities include game booths, musical entertainment, food, contests. The festival also features a parade, arts and crafts, street dances, and more."


Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Strut In and Check Your Shocks.

Shocks and struts…when is it time to have your vehicle checked for new ones?  Have you recently hit one of the Kansas City area’s famous pot holes and afterwards your car continues to shake?  That is a sure sign that your shocks and struts need mending.  Surely you know that this is not only bad for your car, but unsafe for all of your passengers!

Here are some sure signs to look for –


1.  Your ride quality is noticeably poorer
2.  When you brake your car tends to nosedive
3.  The car “leans” to one side or the other
4.  Look around for visible damage such as dents or leaks

With a change of seasons, this is the perfect time to pay close attention to your vehicle’s overall health.  Staying on top of that is your shock and strut expert in Kansas City, Able Auto Service.  You have trusted them for your car’s health and your family’s safety for years.  Call for an appointment at their location…837 Osage Ave. (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Back to School KC! Here are the dates you need to know!

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It's Back to School KC!!  Here are some important dates you need to know!



Look at this Roster.

Sports teams have rosters.  For our Royals some of the names that dot the list of the former World Champions are…Salvador Perez, Brandon Moss, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas (Moooose!), etc.  It is a team that ranks among the very best in Major League baseball.  It’s one that you count on for excellence.

There is a one big difference between us and our Royals.  The baseball team changes its roster frequently.  At Able Auto Service our lineup rarely changes.  Don has been working on diesel engines for four decades.  Bob could repair drive trains in his sleep (not that he would!) after forty years.  And Larry has devoted a half-century to auto repair!

If you visit our website at www.ableautoservice.net and click on the about us button you will see that roster.  Is there really any better auto service center in the Kansas City, KS area than Able Auto Service your complete Kansas City area family-owned auto repair shop?  When you need us we will be there at the traditional 837 Osage Ave. location.  Call (913) 321-1030.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Upcoming Events and Things to do in KC - August 2017

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Plan you next family day or date night in Kansas City!


EEEEEK…The Check Engine Light.

Can you think of any other inconsistent illumination in your life that sends more chills down your spine?  It is sort of a double-edged sword…thank goodness for the light, but I still never want to see it.  The important message here is DON’T IGNORE IT!  Do you want to wait until it goes away or shuts your car down on the side of the road?

Engine problems may result from a variety of different things and need to be troubleshot –

1.  Your engine may need to be “diagnosed” just like your body when you are down.
2.  The computer may have to be reprogrammed.
3.  The evaporation system should be checked.
4.  The air suspension should be looked at as well.

All of this, and much more is done by a professional vehicle repair shop.  In Kansas City, Kansas the answer is always Able Auto Service.  The A-Team has been your Kansas City area engine diagnostics pros for many years.  Go to the light!  If your check engine light comes on call for an appointment at their 837 Osage Ave. location (913) 321-1030.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Stopppp!!!!!

When that quintessential moment comes…and it will on the highways and side roads of the Kansas City area you had better have complete faith in your vehicle’s brakes.  They are, undoubtedly, the most important safety device on your car.  We tend to think that we can get a few more miles out of them, but that could be a fateful decision.

There are so many reasons why your brakes need to be in tip-top condition.  All of a sudden,  without warning someone’s beloved pet runs across the road.  Or some other driver is not paying attention and they run a stop light.  You need to have your brakes checked every 6 months even if you think they are in good working order.

Don’t make a mistake that you will regret for the rest of your life.  It may only take minutes.  Make an appointment with your Kansas City Kansas brake specialists Able Auto Service.  The A-Team is waiting for you.  Brakes are only one of the dozens of auto services that they provide.  Call for an appointment at their shop located at 837 Osage Ave. (913) 321-1030.

Luke Bryan and Brett Eldredge in Kansas City!

(Click the link above for more information)

July 21, 2017- Friday   7:30 PM -  SPRINT CENTER




Monday, July 3, 2017

Think about the Planet.


You don’t have to be a “tree-hugger” to appreciate the effect that a well-tuned car has on Mother Earth.  This is all we have folks, and keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition is part of your responsibility.  With temperatures and humidity rising in the Kansas City area it is important to have your car checked for noxious emissions.

When you think of your exhaust system your thoughts might turn to noise.  Of course, an old muffler will make noise, but it will also keep the planet free of more pollutants.  Replacing your muffler or exhaust system does NOT have to be “exhausting” or expensive.  It is, however necessary.  You could get a ticket!

Perhaps the best place for muffler and exhaust repair and/or replacement in the Kansas City area is at Able Auto Service.  Visit www.ableautoservice.net for all of the summer services that they provide.  It covers the gamut.  Then give them a call for an appointment at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS at (913) 321-1030.

Friday, June 30, 2017

4th of July Events in Kansas City

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 Independence Day Events in Kansas City -
From fireworks shows to special events spread throughout the metro, Fourth of July celebrations in KC are sure to knock your American flag socks off.





Thursday, June 15, 2017

Air Conditioning Season…Really?

You have not given it serious thought for months.  Now it is time to roll up the windows and crank up the a/c in your car.  Brace for three red hot months in Kansas City!  Are you going to be one of those who waits until it goes down in July, or are you going to be proactive before the first official day of summer?

Think of your vehicle’s air conditioning system just like you think of the refrigerator in your kitchen.  It contains a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a metering device, hoses (or lines), and refrigerant.  What allows it to function properly are your car’s electrical circuits and the dash system.

Keeping your A/C in tip-top working order should always include a late spring inspection from your favorite auto service center.  In Kansas City, people trust Able Auto Service at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  The A-Team is your area auto air conditioning specialist.  Get in there before summer sizzles by calling (913) 321-1030.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Make Your Father's Day Plans!

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"Father's Day in Kansas City has a lot to offer for the weekend. Take dad to dinner, a Father's Day brunch or one of the many events going on in Kansas City for Father's Day 2017."

 



Thursday, June 1, 2017

100 Things to do with Your Kids in KC This Summer!

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100 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Kids!



Your Car Should Help Protect the Planet.

We all try to do our part.  This is all we have…good old Mother Earth.  No matter what vehicle you are driving around the highways and byways of Kansas City there are things that you can do to operate your ride more environmentally-friendly.  Your car’s exhaust system is where a lot of this begins.

A well-maintained car pollutes the planet less…period!  Your emission system is what controls your car’s emissions, exhaust and pollutants using an array of sensors, computerized engine controls and exhaust components.  This is a great time to have that system inspected and insure a summer of safe planet-friendly driving.

Before you head out on that big summer vacation make an appointment with the A-Team.  Able Auto Service is Kansas City’s vehicle exhaust maintenance professional team.  They will check all aspects of your emission system and the rest of your ride to give you peace of mind.  It’s the right thing to do.  Call for an appointment at 837 Osage Ave. (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Memorial Day Max's Kansas City Festival 2017

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 - Bowery Electric in downtown Manhattan Thursday, May 25th through Saturday May 27th


It Ain’t Gettin’ Any Cooler.

Sorry for the bad grammar, but you get the point.  Soon it will be Memorial Day.  Before you know it, the daily high temperature will be in the nineties and beyond.  Yikes!  You should know how to protect your body against such extremes, but what are you doing to guard your vehicle against summer heat?

The first solution seems to be obvious.  Park in the shade.  Ideally you have a garage, but if not then seek shade during the hottest part of the day.  Let’s start with the basics.  Your car’s battery is filled with water and acid.  As temperatures heat up the water in the battery will do the same and evaporate.  That will leave the lead plates exposed.

By all means, have your battery checked now by a professional.  It just takes a few minutes and then you will either have peace of mind or a plan of action.  Make a quick appointment with the A-Team…Able Auto Service.  They are Kansas City’s summer auto maintenance headquarters.  Visit them at 837 Osage Ave. or call ahead at (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mother's Day Reservations 2017 at Topgolf Overland Park in Overland Park

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MOTHER'S DAY RESERVATIONS 2017 AT TOPGOLF OVERLAND PARK

Make her day. Reserve a bay! Treat Mom to food & fun without the wait on Sunday, May 14 for Mother’s Day!



Monday, May 1, 2017

May Day…May Day…May Day.

We hope you are shouting that for all of the right reasons.  Ahhh, the month of May.  It brings warm weather, Royals home games, the end of the school year, and an approaching vacation season.  Is your car ready for the rigors of summer driving?  Please tell me you won’t wait for a break-down before you consider your vehicle’s needs.

Brakes…check.  Transmission fluid…check.  Oil change…check.  Shocks and struts…check.  Exhaust system…check.  Tires…check.  A lot could go wrong without preventative vehicle maintenance before you head out on the highways and byways of the Kansas City area.  Let’s make sure that you are ready.

Schedule a complete maintenance check-up from Able Auto Service.  The A-Team is your best choice for a complete summer driving checklist of preventative auto maintenance in the Kansas City Area.  Visit their website at www.ableautoservice.net and call for an appointment at their 837 Osage Ave. location (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Kansas City Festivals 2017 - 2018 Calendar

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"We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto...or are we?? Spanning the Kansas-Missouri border is this quintessential American midwestern city known for three things: barbecue, barbecue, and more barbecue! While slow cooked meats and sauce are it’s thing, KC has some pretty gnarly festivals to boot. Old Shawnee Days, Fiesta Kansas City, and KC Fringe Festival just to name a few!"


Have you been Out of Line Lately?

No, you don’t have to confess your little indiscretions here.  We are talking about your car.  You have been dodging and riding over potholes all winter.  Now that spring is here it is time to have your car’s alignment checked.  Putting it off could lead to much bigger driving problems as spring turns into summer.

Here are a few signs that the time has come –

1.  Do you find yourself holding on to the steering wheel a little tighter?
2.  Does the wheel itself turn slightly when you drive on a straightaway?
3.  How long has it been since the wheel alignment was checked?  It should be yearly.

If you procrastinate, chances are that you will need to replace your tires much sooner.  There is an expense I know you would like to put off as long as possible!  Steer…or veer into Kansas City’s wheel alignment specialist.  The A-Team at Able Auto Service will get your car back on the straight and narrow.  Call them for an appointment at (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Make your Easter plans!

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"The Country Club Plaza makes its annual transformation into an Easter Wonderland this spring . The popular Plaza tradition brings colorful, larger-than-life bunnies and other springtime animals to the Plaza’s courtyards and street corners. Mermaid and Pomona Courtyards, on the west side of Seasons 52, are home to a lively collection of animals for children to play on, while the Easter bunnies line the Plaza’s sidewalks.

Visit the Plaza on Easter Sunday for great brunches, live music from noon – 3pm in Mermaid & Penguin Courtyards, and see the Plaza Easter Bunnies and Wonderland Animals."


Should I have my Brakes Checked?

We are finally coming out of winter.  Our Royals are about to fire it up again working toward getting back on track for a world championship.  Your car went through a lot this winter.  It always does in Kansas City.  Let’s concentrate on your brake pads for the time being as we did a partial spring maintenance check-list last month.

There are some obvious signs that you need your brakes checked.  A “mushy feeling” when you press down on the brake pedal is one.  Another is obviously any type of noise that you hear when you apply the brakes.  On Kansas City area highways traveling at 60 miles an hour it could take the length of a football field to stop…that’s WITH well-maintained brakes!

Brakes may not be the “sexiest” thing on your vehicle, but they are just about the most important.  Make sure that your brakes are inspected for the long spring and summer ahead.  Better weather usually means more driving.  Your Kansas City area vehicle brake expert is the A-Team.  Call Able Auto Service for a brake-check appointment at (913) 321-1030.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Turn Down the Heat.

Isn’t this a great time of year in Kansas City?  Our Royals are about to head north to begin the season.  The weather is also about to transition from chilly to mild, then downright hot.  I suppose that you could wait until May, but there will be a day sooner than later (mark my words) when your car’s A/C will be needed.

Why not have it checked now before you have an uncomfortable ride?  You haven’t turned on your vehicle’s air conditioning for some time now, so who knows what surprises may be in store when you do.  Late March is a great time to flush your coolant, have your freon checked, and make sure those lines and seals will hold up to the long summer ahead.

As always, when the seasons change your choice of auto maintenance is always the same.  For years, you have trusted all of your cars to the A-Team.  Able Auto Service is your Kansas City area vehicle air conditioning check-up professional.  Make an appointment soon to have your A/C checked and ready at their 837 Osage Ave. by calling (913) 321-1030.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Spring Auto Maintenance…Check.

Time to check off that list of springtime chores.  Check the batteries in the smoke detectors.  Make an appointment for a dental cleaning.  Clean up and make minor repairs in and around your home.  And, of course make sure that your vehicle is being maintained as winter turns into spring.

If you have not had your oil changed yet this year, then it is probably past time.  How is your battery life?  What do the air filter and the cabin filter look like?  Is your car veering to the left or right after a long winter of pot holes?  Your vehicle will give you maximum performance this spring and summer if you have it checked and properly maintained now.

Are you convinced?  Then it is time to find the right auto repair shop that understands the changing seasons of the Kansas City area.  That choice for thousands over the years continues to be Able Auto Service.  The A-Team is ready to serve your automotive repair needs.  Make an appointment at their shop located at 837 Osage Ave. by calling them today at (913) 321-1030.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

That Dreaded Check Engine Light.

Doesn’t the very mention of this little light on our dashboard make us cringe?  When we see it the first thing we tend to do is look away.  Maybe when I glance back it will be gone.  You know better, but you are hoping against hope.  Waiting and hoping can lead to waiting for a tow truck on the side of a snowy road.

With the variety of vehicles on the road that dreaded glare could mean so many different things.  Maybe the car’s computer needs to be reprogrammed (Henry Ford would roll in his grave).  An engine diagnostic is needed, or a smoke test, or the air suspension, or the evaporative emission system.  Yikes, the list goes on and on!

It takes a pro to fix what may be ailing your vehicle’s heart.  That pro is a phone call away in Kansas City.  Fortunately, if you act quickly any major problems may be averted.  Make an appointment as soon as possible to see the A-Team.  That’s Able Auto Service located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call them at (913) 321-1030.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

When Your Car Battery Says That’s Enough.

Unless we are very diligent auto owners we do not stay on top of our car’s degenerating battery.  Then, one day it decides that it has had enough.  You have heard that dreadful sound as it grinds to a halt or worse…no sound at all!  No matter what time of year this happens it just simply stinks, but when it happens in the dead of winter it can become positively dangerous.

Unless you are an auto mechanic you may not be certain of the exact problem.  It could be the alternator rather than just a dead battery.  What you need is a pro who can troubleshoot the exact problem and not only fix it, but offer a lifetime warranty on most alternators as well as having a large variety of brand new batteries in stock.

Kansas City is not warming up any time soon.  Why not get on top of things BEFORE an emergency strands you out in the KC area cold.  Make an appointment with Able Auto Service to have your battery and alternator checked.  The A-Team is always there for you. Call today at (877) 716-0776 to visit their shop at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Your Exhaust System this Winter.

Exhaust systems and mufflers need to be serviced and maintained year around.  This is not just for your own car’s performance, but for the planet as well.  A poorly maintained exhaust system pollutes the air around us.  Also, a bad muffler pollutes our ears!  It just makes sense to pay attention to these things during a Kansas City winter.

Here is a reason that your vehicle’s exhaust system needs to be in top shape in the dead of winter.  If you get stranded in the KC Metro in snow or freezing cold you have only your car to keep you warm.  Suddenly a leaky exhaust is not just noticeable, but downright dangerous.  You may HAVE to be able to run your heat to save your family.

Don’t become exhausted because of a bad exhaust system this winter.  Before we go through another 2+ months of this stuff make an appointment with Able Auto Service to have your exhaust system checked for potential winter problems.  The A-Team is always there for you. Make an appointment today at (877) 716-0776 to visit their shop at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Happy New Year Kansas City.

You survived the holidays and now comes the challenge of driving Kansas City area roads in the worst weather of the year.  If you have lived in the KC metro for years one thing is certain…don’t get used to today’s forecast, there is a new one on the way.  In January that could mean ice and snow and winds that make driving a real challenge.

Protect that battery!  It is the life blood of your vehicle.  Just as you keep an eye on your heart rate when you shovel snow listen to your battery.  Getting stranded on the side of the road at this time of year can be a REAL danger.  The winter cold will take a toll on your tires as well.  Slowly but surely they will deflate leaving you with uncertain traction.

Never has the old expression been more true, “pre-planning prevents poor performance”.  Stand up to Old Man Winter and call Able Auto Service to have your vehicle maintained for potential winter problems.  The A-Team is standing by.  Make an appointment today at (877) 716-0776 to visit their shop at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.