Check Engine Light: What To Remember, What To Do, & What It All Means

It’s one of the most common occurrences on the road, but how do you handle it?  If the “check engine” light comes on while you’re out and about, do you know what to do?  Here’s a hint: don’t panic!  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The first thing you should do is pay attention to the sound and feel of your car. Is there smoke coming out of the tailpipe? Any odd mechanical rattling? You should stop and call for help if you notice anything abnormal about the way your vehicle is running.

If that’s not the case, think about where you were before the light came on. Did you just buy gas?  If so, the “check engine” light might be on to alert you that the gas cap is loose. Pull over, tighten the cap, and continue driving. If that was the source of the problem, the light will turn off by itself.

If you’re not fresh from fueling up and everything is still running normally (no smokey/electrical smells, mechanical noises, etc.) call our Service Department and make an appointment or schedule a visit with us online. We want to make sure you’re safe on the road—let us diagnose and repair the problem for you.

Ballads For Back Roads: 11 Songs That Make You Happy To Own A Pickup Truck

There’s just something about a pickup truck that begs you to turn up the jams.  Whether you’re zipping across city asphalt or cruising through country back roads, there’s a melody to set the mood.  Here’s a list of our favorite truck tunes of all time.  What’s yours?

“All I Do Is Drive”

Johnny Cash

“I Drive Your Truck”

Lee Brice

“Truck Yeah”

Tim McGraw

“Dirt Road Anthem”

Jason Aldean

“Pickup Man”

Joe Diffie

“Truckin’”

The Grateful Dead

“Something ‘Bout A Truck”

Kip Moore

“Rough and Ready”

Trace Adkins

‘That Ain’t My Truck’

Rhett Aikins

“Mud on the tires”

Brad Paisley

“Pickup Truck”

Kings of Leon

“American Pie”

Don McLean

Today is Drive-In movie day!

June 6th is Drive-In movie day, so here's a little history of one of America's favorite pastimes! By the mid-50's West Virginia "peaked" with as many as 76 Drive-in movie theaters operating within the state. 

Since the heyday of the Drive-in, their numbers here have declined by 87%, and presently there are only ten of them operating within the Mountain State.

These are the most-recent closings and remaining Drive-ins that you can still enjoy and support.


Link to locations of Drive-In Theaters:  http://bit.ly/1k0UGmA

 

The art of Towing: Follow these guidelines

Whether it’s your first time using your pickup to haul cargo or you’re a regular pro with the tow, it’s important to haul your cargo the right way.  Don’t latch that trailer until you’ve asked yourself these four questions:

1. What are the restrictions?  Towing laws vary by state, so get to know the ones for your area.  Make it easier on everyone: abide by them.

2. What are my limits?  Brake slightly if the towing vehicle slows, or starts down a hill where your speed may cause you to begin to overtake him. Slack in the tow line while traveling can result in a serious jolt if the vehicle pulling your speeds up suddenly. By keeping the tow line tight, this risk is greatly reduced. 

3. What am I hauling?  Just like you adjusted the size of your trailer for the size of your truck, take into account what you’re moving. You might need to use a closed trailer so avoid cargo spilling onto the road.

4. Where am I towing this?  The last thing you need to keep in mind is the terrain you’ll need to tackle during this job.  Take note of any unpaved roads or other deviations from the norm– it can and will affect your experience.