What's your favorite car of all time?

I am going to depart from the typical Jiffy Lube blog today and get just a little personal. I want to tell you about the car that for me has always been the definition of cool. The car, of course, is none other than the Ford Mustang. The original Ford Mustang debuted in 1964 with a sticker price of $2368. 

Today the stripped down basic model will cost you at least 10 times that much and the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang goes for close to $60,000. But even that is considered a great performance car within reach of the American everyman. That is part of what has created the Mustang legend. It may not be a Ferrari 575M, but it doesn’t cost $246,000 either.

The 1966 will always be THE Mustang for me. The semi-notched back and the almost petite lines make it a woman’s sports car in my mind, and well, I’m a woman.

Many people consider the 1967 Mustang to be the ultimate design in the 1960s. The back was redesigned with a full-Fastback roofline. A longer nose was added, as were triple tail lamps and a wider chassis. A bigger grille was also featured, giving the Mustang a more masculine appearance.

Admittedly, the Mustang wavered a bit in the late 70’s and 80’s. The 1979 Mustang looked WAY too much like the Crystler K car.

Fortunately the body style got back to cool by the mid 90’s, and the resurgence of the American car industry has fueled a desire to return to the strength and power of the muscle car’s glory days.

In 2005, Ford launched the fifth generation of Mustang. As Ford put it, “The new platform is designed to make the Mustang faster, safer, more agile and better-looking than ever.” In styling, Ford returned to the classic cues that made the Mustang popular to begin with. The 2005 Mustang featured C-scoops in the sides, a 6-inch longer wheelbase, and three-element tail lamps. In the performance arena, Ford said replaced the 3.6L V-6 with a 210-hp 4.0L SOHC V-6 engine. The GT model featured a 300-hp 4.6L 3-valve V-8 engine.

Whatever your definition of cool is for cars, Keep Your Ride Alive with Jiffy LubeSignature Service® Oil Change. Here is a coupon to help in the quest. 

What’s your favorite car of all time? We’d love to hear about it.  

Are you car Crazy?

People get a little crazy when it comes to their cars. For example, this guy probably spent 150 hours making his car look like it might fly away at any moment. He could be the modern Caractacus Potts from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Then there is this old dude who wants you to believe he was in a drive by shooting in his PT Cruiser.

And what about this thirty something who fills her car with toys, even though there is not a child in sight. What’s that about?

And for the person whose passion is fast food and fast cars…there’s the French Fry holder. You wouldn’t want to waste a single salty delight as you peel out of the drive up window.

Whatever your passion is, it’s important to keep your ride alive. Enjoy savings at Jiffy Lube to help you in the task!

JIffy Lube Can Clean Your Fuel System

Should you really have your fuel and induction system cleaned? Generally it is done by running a cleaner through the fuel system, throttle body and intake manifold.  And the answer is yes.

This cleaner removes carbon and deposits from the injectors, throttle and intake, and even works its way down into the combustion chamber and catalytic converter in some cases. 

Many people believe that this is just some type of scam. The fact is that it's a real service with real benefits for fuel economy, engine performance and lower emissions. In fact, it wouldn't be overstating things to call fuel sys­tem cleaning the tune-up for the new millennium.  

In the past most basic tune-ups included cleaning the choke, throttle plate and all of the carburetor passages using a highly caustic, aerosol cleaner. This cleaner removed the carbon and deposits from the entire carburetor and then ran through the engine, where it cleaned away deposits built up on the intake, valves and combustion chamber — much like the fuel system clean­ing service does today. 

What has changed is just how critical this cleaning service has become. That's because today's fuel systems work with clearances and tolerances that measure in microns — some less than half the thickness of a human hair. Even the smallest deposits on these components can have a dramatic effect on engine performance. 

Keep in mind that today's cars must adhere to very strict fuel mileage and emissions standards. Years ago, manufacturers could overcome the effects of fuel system deposits simply by enlarging passageways adding more fuel through the system. 

Today that isn't one of the choices: To meet the standards for fuel economy and emissions, fuel systems measure fuel more precisely than ever before. There's no room for error — or for deposits. 

"OK," you say, "you've convinced me. My car's fuel system needs to be clean. But why does it have to be cleaned by a service technician? Can I just run one of the off-the-shelf cleaners through the gas? For that matter the gas I use claims it includes detergents to keep my car's fuel system clean — why do I need to have it cleaned at all?" 

Let's start with the first question: Do you need to have your car cleaned professionally, or can you use one of the off-the-shelf cleaners? Most off-the-shelf fuel system cleaners aren't effective enough to clean the fuel system properly. In fact, in many cases those cleaners can cause more damage than they correct.      

                                         

Take a look at the label. Most fuel system cleaners offered to the do-it-yourselfer market use a base of kerosene, alcohol, methanol, acetone or ketones. These are highly flammable, highly caustic cleaners, which cause one of two specific problems:

1. The cleaner's high flammability causes it to burn up long before it can become effective in the combustion chamber. This not only reduces its effectiveness, but also can create additional deposits, compounding the original problem.
2. The caustic nature of these cleaners can damage the fine electronics, seals and coatings in many of today's injection systems.

Fuel and induction system cleaning is a service with real benefits. It can improve performance; reduce fuel consumption and lower emission levels. How often should you have your car's fuel system serviced? Most experts agree that — provided you aren't experiencing a problem — you should have your car's fuel and induction system cleaned yearly to keep it running right. To find out more about Jiffy Lube's Fuel System Cleaning Service click here.  And while you are there get your oil changed with this free coupon.

Check your Wiper Blades Because Rainy Weather is Here

No doubt about it. The Rainy season is here. Now is an important time to check your wiper blades.

Worn or damaged windshield wipers can pose a serious safety hazard. When windshield wipers wear, they crack and become brittle and can ultimately prove ineffective, leaving unwanted streak marks. Click here to read more about wiper blades.
Our wiper service includes:

• visually inspecting the windshield wipers
• removing the old windshield wipers and
• installing new, high quality windshield wipers

And while you are at it, here is a coupon for our Signature Service Oil Change. 

Drive Safely! 

Spring is Coming...Time for a Scenic Drive!

New England is home to some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. So as spring approaches, think about getting out to see a little more of our gorgeous region. There really is nowhere else like it. For some road trip ideas visit http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenic.html. And before you head out stop into Jiffy Lube to make sure your car is in top condition for the trip.  Here is a coupon to make it a little easier on the pocket book. Enjoy!

Driving Tips for Wet Roads

Wet roads in New England during the winter can be a safety hazard.  That's why we're re-posting an excellent article by newenglandtire.com.  Make sure you visit the site for more information, and drive safely!

Driving Tips for Wet Roads

Driving in the rain can be dangerous; in fact thousands of car accidents each year are caused by wet driving conditions.

Routinely Check Your Tires

It is a good idea to always check your tires before you hit the road. To ensure your tires are working at their best, make sure you do the following routine maintenance:

• Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle placard located on door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owners manual. The number listed on the side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tire -- it is the maximum air pressure for the tire.
  You should check your tire's air pressure at least once a month.
• Check the tires tread depth. Tires should have minimum 1/16 inch tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and hydroplanning.
• Have your tires rotated at least every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. This will aid in detecting alignment problems and help prevent irregular wear.

Slow Down

As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tires tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

Recover From a Skid

Skids can even happen to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes, and do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead apply pressure to the brakes in a firm manner and steer the car in the direction of the skid.

Keep a Safe Distance

It takes about three times longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep a little more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Recover from Hydroplaning

When it rains, water creates a barrier between the road and your tires. The liquid film that forms can cause you to loose traction and glide or hydroplane across the waters surface. If this happens, do not hit the brakes. It is better to take your foot off the gas, hold the steering in place, and lightly apply the breaks. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.

Give Your Car Some Love This Valentine's Day

It's nearly Valentine's Day. Why not give your car a little love? Jiffy Lube offers you a valuable coupon to help you do just that. When you keep up on preventive maintenance for your car, your car stays healthy longer, and you avoid costly repairs in the future. Use this coupon for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change at your nearest New England location today. You--and your car--will be glad you did.