Maintenance Milestones For Your Vehicle

Just like your body needs good food, exercise, and a little tune up at the doctor every so often your car needs the same. When you invest quality parts and time into your vehicle, you can reap the rewards of your vehicle running smoothly and keeping you safe on the road. It's important to not neglect routine maintenance on your vehicle, not just for short-term advantages, but long term as well. Here at Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive, we know that vehicle maintenance can get away from you, so we have a timeline to help you remember important car maintenance to perform and when.

3 Months or 3,000 Miles

When your odometer turns over 3,000 more miles, or it's been three months since you've been to the best Lake of the Ozarks mechanic - it's time to take a pit stop. There are a few things that need to be inspected on your car, starting with the oil and filter. It's important to make sure this is done on a routine basis for the long-term health of your vehicle. You should also make sure all of the fluids are topped off, have the air filter inspected, check the tire pressure, have the belts and hoses inspected, and make sure the wiper blades are still in good working condition.

6 Months or 6,000 Miles

It's time to rotate your tires! At Bledsoe's, we not only have a great selection of tires at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can take care of rotating your tires as well. You should also have your brakes inspected at this point as well. It's imperative that your brakes continue to stay in good working order because they not only affect you but others on the road as well. Finally, make sure that your car is ready for the next season - whether it be summer or winter.

12 Months or 12,000 Miles

Align the suspension, rotate and balance tires, install new wiper blades, and install a new fuel filter. You should also have your fuel injector cleaned, and get a new cabin air filter. This is basic maintenance that needs to be performed once a year - and while you may not notice it, you will if it goes bad.

Every 30,000 Miles

Bring your vehicle in for a full vehicle inspection. This is important for your vehicle because we can catch some maintenance needs before they become a big deal or cause trouble for your vehicle. Next, you'll want to flush the transmission fluid, have the transmission filter services, flush the brake fluid, check the battery, clean the throttle body, and replace the spark plugs and distributor cap. Even if you don't know what any of these items do - they are still important and need to be done.

Every 60,000 Miles

Replace your timing belt. While not every vehicle has a timing belt (some have timing chains), it's still a vital maintenance need for your vehicle. In fact, it can be SO important, that if you don't have it done in time, you could need some very expensive maintenance done on your vehicle, and it could be in the shop for a long time. Don't skimp on the timing belt. If you don't know the status of your timing belt, come out to Bledsoe's Towing, we can take a look and let you know when you need to have it replaced. You should also have your power steering fluid flushed at this point.

Automotive Shop in Camdenton, MO

Along with finding a mechanic that you trust, you want to find one with a trusted reputation. Bledsoe's Towing has been the best auto mechanic shop at the Lake of the Ozarks for over fifty years, and this is just the beginning. We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle in good working order for years to come. Give us a call, or stop by the shop. We would be glad to assist you in caring for your vehicle.

Serving the Lake of the Ozarks with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Is it Time to Replace Your Timing Belt?

With the busyness of life, and often times lack of knowledge in regard to your vehicle, your timing belt can be forgotten. Unfortunately, the timing belt plays a bigger role in your vehicle than you may have realized, and if it fails, you could be stranded on the road or without a vehicle for a while. Here are a few important things to know about your timing belt, and how the best automotive center at the Lake of the Ozarks can help.

What is a Timing Belt?

A timing belt is a ribbed belt that can be found on the side of your engine. It's placed in such a way that it keeps the top half of your engine in sync with te bottom half. In a non-interference engine, it doesn't cause any issue when the timing belt breaks, but in interference engines, it's a whole different story.

What Does My Timing Belt Do?

If you have an interference engine, the valve's and piston's stroke take up the same space in the cylinder. The timing belt essentially keeps the pistons and the valves from smashing into each other. If the timing belt snaps, they run into each other. There are many things that can happen from bent valves to cylinder head or camshaft damage, maybe even piston and cylinder wall damage.

In a non-interference engine, the pistons and valves don't share the same space, and if the timing belt snaps there is no cylinder or valve damage. You can just add a new belt and the engine should typically be fine.

How Much Does it Cost to Change a Timing Belt?

It's not always as simple as just replacing the timing belt, because of this, the cost is not very straightforward until we can get under the hood and take a look. It is suggested to also replace the water pump, tensioner, and pulleys when you replace the timing belt, as well as any damage that could have occurred when the timing belt snapped.

Signs That My Timing Belt Needs to be Replaced

Occasionally, when the timing belt needs to be replaced, you'll hear a ticking sound from the engine. Sometimes you'll also notice that the engine misfires or doesn't even turn over at all. Sometimes you'll even notice oil leaking from the front of the engine. Unfortunately, in many cases, you don't realize the timing belt needs to be replaced until it's too late. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to get a better idea of when the belt replaced. Many manufacturers say it should be replaced no later than 120,000 miles.

Vehicle Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

From easy maintenance like tire changes and windshield wiper replacements to more complicated maintenance like having to replace a timing belt at the Lake of the Ozarks - we can help. Count on your local automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks to care for your vehicle and get you back on the road - FAST!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Common Car Maintenance You May Forget About

If you've ever looked under the hood of your car, you know that there are many details, and most are pretty complicated. All of those details need a fair amount of maintenance in order to continue working, thankfully, at Bledsoe's Towing, we can help you stay on top of all maintenance that your car needs in order to continue working properly. Here are a few maintenance procedures that should be done on a regular basis that you may have forgotten about.

Oil Change

If you forget about this important detail, you could find your vehicle in worse shape than you expected. A survey by Car Care actually found that 25% of vehicles actually have issues with their engine oil. What would your car do without oil? It would be like you running around without blood. The car oil coats the metal and keeps it from pressing too hard against each other.

Air Filter

Did you know that your car had an air filter? This little - but important piece - plays a huge role in your vehicle, and when it's dirty, it won't run to it's fullest potential. The same survey by Car Care actually found that 18% of vehicles on the road had problems with their air filter. It's important to bring this into the best car maintenance shop at the Lake of the Ozarks to get it taken care of.

Brake Fluid

This is important, for pretty obvious reasons! 13% of cars on the road had issues with their brake fluid, and we think that it's too high. Your brakes are part of what keeps you out of the ditch, and it's vitally important that you stay on the road where you belong.

Coolant Levels

Don't be one of the 17% of cars with low coolant levels. Engine coolant protects the aluminum engine parts, keeps the engine from overheating, and also keeps it from freezing. You don't just need enough coolant (also known as antifreeze) in the summer, it's just as vitally important in the winter.

Wiper Fluid

You only realize that you don't have it when you need it. This can go unnoticed because you only use your wiper fluid when your windshield is dirty. 16% of cars don't have the appropriate amount of fluid, and this can impact your visual abilities, which can affect the safety of you and your passengers.

Belts

There are many vehicles that need their belts changed after so many miles have been put on the engine. When these belts aren't changed enough, they don't just break, and you go on. They can actually cause serious problems, that can cost a lot of money to repair. Are you one of the 17% that needs new belts? Don't be in the category. Come out to Bledsoe's Towing to get your car belt changed at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Vehicle Service at the Lake of the Ozarks

Don't be one of the 84% of vehicles on the road that need service or repair! That number is way higher than we'd like to see it, which is why we make it our priority to care for your vehicle with expert care. Come visit our shop, give us a call or drop in, and we'd be glad to get your car looked at, and even answer your questions. Sometimes it's as simple as tightening your gas cap, other times, it needs full repair - and we can take care of this.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Decoding the Lights on Your Dashboard - Part 3

If you've ever been driving down the road, only to realize there is a light on your dashboard that doesn't make sense, we know how you feel. Bledsoe's Towing has not only had the same thing happen, but we know how to fix it. Sometimes you'll get warnings that are hard to distinguish, but thankfully we have the technology to determine what the issue is. If it's an easy light on your dashboard, you can use this blog to help you determine the problem. Here is the third part in our series for decoding the lights on your dashboard!

Tire Rotation

If you have a newer vehicle you may see this light to remind you that it's time for a tire rotation. Rotating your tires provide even wear and helps to extend the life of your tires. Are you looking for a great place to get your tires rotated at the Lake of the Ozarks? Look no further, Bledsoe's Towing & Automotive can help!

Traction Control System

This system is also known as Anti-Slip Regulation. The main purpose is to engage during slippery conditions when your tires are out of synch. This will then alert your anti-lock braking system, and help to apply brake friction. This can help stabilize your vehicle and have you driving on the straight and narrow again. If you find this light on in your vehicle, and it won't go away, bring it out to our shop. We'll be able to take a look at it and see what's causing the traction control system to have an error.

Service Engine Soon

This light helps to signify that some abnormality has been triggered in your engine. It can be as simple as the gas cap being loose or the catalytic converter being faulty. If you notice that this light has appeared in your dash, the first thing you can do is check your gas cap. If it's loose, tighten it and see if the light will go away. If your gas cap is fine, bring your car out to the best automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks and we'll take a look at it.

Hazard Lights

This light is pretty self-explanatory. If you see this light on your dash, you've either purposefully turned on your hazards, or bumped the button accidentally. Hazard lights signify caution to the other motorists, and there are many reasons to use them.

Airbag Light

If you see this light on, there are a few explanations. One, it could just be that you have automatic airbags and too much weight in the passenger seat without the seatbelt. Some vehicles will turn off the airbags if there is weight on the seat and no belt buckled. If you can't find a good reason for this light to be on, you can check your vehicle's manual, or give us a call to schedule a check.

Door Ajar Light

The infamous, door ajar light. If you see this light on, you most likely have a door ajar - even if just slightly. This can also apply to your trunk. If the light illuminates, try re-closing all of your doors and your trunk. If the light still remains lit, you may need a reset to your computer system. Bring it out to Bledsoe's and we'll take a look!

The Best Auto Mechanics at the Lake of the Ozarks

From simple fixes to complex maintenance, we have the experience to get you back on the road in no time. Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive has been operating since 1964, and we are proud to continue the tradition of getting our hand greasy and getting your car back to normal. Let our team service your car today!

Did you miss the other blogs in the series? You can read them here:
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 1
Decoding the Lights on your Dashboard - Part 2

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing & automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Your Vehicle Timetable

Much like your home needs specific repairs periodically, your vehicle needs to be inspected and repaired on a routine basis as well. One of the worst things you can do for your car is to neglect vital service procedures because not only will it not operate at it's fullest potential, but you could be harming it for future use. Here at Bledsoe's we can take a look at your vehicle, and complete the necessary jobs, because we're the best auto service company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here is a list of tasks that need to be performed on your vehicle, and the time at which it needs to happen.

Check Every Month

To help make it easier to remember, pick a date that you'll remember, or a specific time of the month (like the third Saturday), and program your phone with the reminder. This will help you not only develop a routine, but also keep from forgetting it. These are the tasks you'll want to accomplish every month - even if you aren't replacing anything, just inspecting it and knowing what it's supposed to look like will go a long way in keeping your vehicle in good condition.

Oil Level 
If the oil is low, add more, and inspect for leaks.

Hoses
If your hoses are bulging, rotten or brittle they need to be replaced.

Belts
Are they worn, frayed or glazed? This is a sign that they need to be replaced.

Tire Pressure
Use a tire guage to see what level your tires are at, and then refer to your owner's manual to see where they should be. Some tires have different levels based on the weather.

Coolant or Antifreeze
Add the appropriate type depending on the weather, and check for leaks.

Air FilterIf this is dirty, it will need to be replaced.

Inspect TiresLook for damage, bulges or uneven wear.

Check Every Three Months

You can set a reminder on your phone to make these checks every three months, and then stick to it. If you picked the third weekend for your monthly checks, stick to this date and make plans to spend an extra couple minutes of your weekend inspecting your car. If you find problems in advance, you'll appreciate that they didn't get bad before having to replace them - or worse.

Oil and Oil Filter 
The oil and oil filter need to be replaced about every 3,000 miles. You can refer to your owners manual to verify. Bring your vehicle out to Bledsoe's Towing for your routine oil changes at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Windshield Washer Fluid
If it's low, add more. Also be sure to change it out depending on the season.

Power Steering Fluid
If this is low, you'll certainly want to add more - you'll notice if it's gone completely!

Transmission Fluid
If it's low, you'll want more to be added.

Battery Terminals & Cables
Are they corroded? This is a great time to clean them off and have them looking like new.

Lights
Checking yoru lights and signals on a routine basis will help keep you from having burnt out bulbs. Always remember to replace them in pairs.

Check Every Six Months

Finally, every six months you'll want to perform a few extra tests and checks to make sure a few neglected areas don't go unattended.

Wiper Blades
If these are brittle, worn, or smeary, you'll want to have new ones put on. While you're inspecting these, you can also take a rag and wipe them off. If there is any form of debris on your blades it can scratch your windshield.

Horn
If you haven't tried your horn out in a while, test it and make sure it's still working. You'd hate to not have that next time someone cuts you off!

Brakes
Have your brakes inspected, and make sure there is not unsual wear and tear on them. Of course, if your brakes aren't working at all, bring it out to Bledsoe's!

Spare Tire
If your spare tire isn't fully inflated, it's not going to do you much good when you're stranded. Check the air level and fill it if needed. If you do find yourself stranded, don't forget to call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks - we would love to come rescue you.

Exhaust System

Your exhaust system needs to be inspected ever six months for rust, damage, or loose parts. While you may not know what you're looking for on your own, you can bring it out to us and we'll take a look.

Shocks
Oil seepage or wear are two of the things you'll want to have looked at every so often. This can save you some trouble in the long run.

Vehicle Maintenance in Camdenton, MO

Are you looking for a trustworthy company to take a look at your vehicle and check all of the necessary details? Here at Bledsoe's, we've been working on vehicles since 1964, and we would be honored to take a look at your car. Give us a call, or bring it and out let us work our magic on it.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing & automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Protecting Your Car From Summer Heat

With temperatures rising higher and higher as we get into the summer season, your car needs just as much protection as you do from those hot rays. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to help you care for your car in every way possible, so from protecting it from the heat to providing the best vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, we care for it all. The harsh ultraviolet rays can be hard on the surface of your car because pain oxidizes in the sun, and interior surfaces can crack and deteriorate over time. If you take the right steps to care for your car, you can get better use out of it for longer periods of time, and maybe even keep from having to jump into a burning sauna every day after work!

Beware the Battery

Extreme heat and cold can both drain the life out of your battery. By testing your battery regularly and keeping the top clean you can help add more life to your battery and keep it running well.

Wash Your Wagon

As the summer gets hotter and rain becomes less common, you'll find that the dirt and dust become even heavier. When dirt and debris rest on the surface of your car if can scrape and scratch the top coat. When it does rain, that rain is often mixed with dust and can leave water spots on your car's paint. By washing it regularly you can potentially prevent damage to that protective top coat.

Wax On. Wax Off.

Adding a coat of wax to your vehicle can prevent the sun and other elements from damaging your paint. Wax can also help repel the dirt and debris, prevent water spots and keep the surface looking shiny.

Stay in the Shade

When at all possible, park in a shady spot. It obviously keeps the harsh rays from beating down on your car with can help protect the finish. It also keeps your leather or vinyl seats from heating up to extreme temperatures and keeps the general temperature of the interior from getting too hot.

Cover Your Car

If there is no option for parking in the shade at your home or work you can always invest in a fitted car cover. Think of it like SPF for your vehicle! This may not be as effective as a garage or carport, but it will help keep the sun from beating down too harshly, and protect the interior of your car from being burnt by the sun.

Pop Up Protection

You can pop up those convenient windshield sun shades to help protect your dashboard from overheating. This can also help the overall temperature of your car a little bit. While it's always better to find a shady spot, this does at least repel the sun from the front of your car where you sit.

Wind Down the Windows

Before leaving your car sit for too long, crack all of the windows just a bit so that there is some extra circulation. Venting the hot air out can keep the temperature down, which protects the interior surfaces and keeps them looking nicer longer.

Car Protection In Every Way

At Bledsoe's Towing, we know how important your vehicle is to you. It helps you get from point A to point B. Because of this, we don't want to see you kept off of the road because of minor car issues and repairs. If something does happen, though, we want to help you get it fixed fast and have you back on the road in no time. Call the best automotive company at the Lake of the Ozarks for all of your car needs, and don't forget that we offer Lake of the Ozarks towing as well! Stay cool through these hot summer days, and count on the company who keeps you on the road longer.

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Local Spring Events at the Lake!

The Lake of the Ozarks has been a wonderful place to own a business. For the last 50 years, we have been proud to be a part of the Lake community providing you with the best auto service at the Lake of the Ozarks. Aside from many wonderful people who live here, one of the best things about the Lake of the Ozarks, is the fun events that are always available. Not only will we be informing you about ways you can keep your car in good working order, but we also want to help you get involved in the community and let you know about fun events! Here are just a few of the great events you can attend in March!

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

St. Patricks Events

Lake Ozark St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 12th
1:00 PM at the Bagnell Dam Strip
Call 573-280-5477 for more info.

St. Patrick's Short Bus Shuffle - March 12th
4 PM - 2 AM at Multiple Venues
Visit www.Facebook.com/shortbusshuffle for more info.

St. Patrick's Water Parade - March 12th
8 AM - 4 PM at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill
Call 573-374-5500 for more info.

Easter Events

Palm Sunday Art Show - March 19th - 20th
12:00 PM at Quality Inn Ozark Room
Call 573-964-6366 for more info.

Easter Eggstravaganza - March 26th
12 PM at First Assembly of God in Eldon

Call 573-392-5781 for more info.

2nd Annual Osage Beach Easter Egg Hunt - March 26th
12:00 PM at the Osage Beach City Park
Call 573-302-2000 for more info.

Easter Egg Hunt in the Park - March 27th

2:00 PM at the Laurie Fairgrounds

Call 573-374-8776 for more info.

Easter Brunch at Tan-Tar-A Resort - March 27th
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Tan-Tar-A
Call 573-348-8619 for reservations.

Easter Brunch at Inn at Grand Glaize - March 27th

10 AM - 2 PM at the Inn at Grand Glaize

Call 573-348-4731 for more info.

"He is Risen" Easter Pageant - March 27th
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the Kent Memorial Lutheran Church in Sunrise Beach
Call 573-374-5267 for more info.

Other Fun Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Beer Pairing Dinner - March 10th
6:30 PM at Redhead Lakeside Grill
Call 573-693-1525 for more info.

Liverpool Legends at the Lake - March 11th - 12th
8:00 PM at the Main Street Music Hall
Call 1-800-386-5253 for more info.

The i-Berry's Live at Shawnee Bluff Winery! - March 12th
Call 573-365-9935 for more info.

Lake Arts Variety Showcase - March 12th
7:00 PM at the School of the Osage Cummings Auditorium
Visit www.artsatthelake.com for more info.

Tri-County YMCA of the Ozarks Spring Dance - March 12th
6:00 PM at the Lodge of Four Seasons
Call 573-348-9230 for more info.

Mid-Missouri Collectors Show - March 19th - 20th
9 AM - 5 PM on Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM on Sunday
Call 660-426-6600 for more info.

Liberty Jazz Band Concert - March 19th
7:00 PM The Royal Theatre
Call 573-378-6226 for more info.

Jacob's Cave Spring Swapping Days - March 31st - April 3rd
Jacob's Cave Meadowlands in Versailles, MO
Call 573-348-4374 for more info.

Supporting Local Events and Local Businesses at the Lake of the Ozarks

We have been honored to be one of your first calls in the middle of many different emergencies. Whether you need towing at the Lake of the Ozarks, or you were having car troubles or needed your keys rescued from your locked car, we are here to help. For any type of automotive service at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are your one-stop shop, with great service and a friendly team. Give us a call at (573) 346-7050, and we'll help you get where you need to go!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

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