Not Too Hot and Not Too Cold (Temperature Gauge)
February 18, 2024
You know your body temperature is supposed to be 98.6 degrees F, 37 degrees C. Your vehicle has a normal temperature, too, and if you pay attention to it, that can save you some big headaches down the road. Many vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dash that takes the temperature of the engi... More
Getting the Right Tires and Wheels in Dexter
February 11, 2024
A lot of people get custom wheels in Dexter. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you're not careful. Sometimes, once they're mounted, they just don't fit right. The tires rub in turns or on bumps. You don't want that. Consulting your Charlie's Fast L... More
When Are Your Tires Worn Out?
February 4, 2024
Hey Dexter area drivers, are your tires worn out? What is the standard for our Missouri streets? How can you tell on your vehicle?While there may be legal requirements for the Dexter area, there are safety concerns that go beyond meeting minimum replacement mandates.Two-thirty-seconds of an inc... More
Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)
January 28, 2024
The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashbo... More
The Importance of Dexter Drivers Following Service Intervals
January 21, 2024
Today in our Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life in Dexter with recommended intervals: Let's start with twice yearly dental check-ups and regular physical exams. How about laundry, wat... More
A Squirrely Problem (Animals Nesting in Engine)
January 14, 2024
If you park your vehicle outside, you are exposing it to all sorts of critters that would love to use it for nesting, food storage and shelter. There are plenty of pictures online of people who've discovered there was more than an engine under the hood. In one case, the driver of an SUV started... More
Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)
January 7, 2024
There's a belt that snakes through your engine. It's even named for a snake, the serpentine belt. It'll bite you when it breaks, possibly leaving you stranded. So, it's good to know a little about this snake-like belt. In early engines, there were lots of belts. They were used to convert the r... More
Cool Running in Dexter
January 1, 2024
Unless you live in Death Valley, you really don't hear much any more about cars overheating. That's because cooling systems in vehicles have been much improved. That doesn't mean you can't overheat your vehicle engine, though. Without proper preventive maintenance, you could still find yourself ... More
Light's Out! Trouble Ahead (Exterior Light Bulb Service)
December 31, 2023
Whether or not your exterior light bulbs are all working probably is not at the top of your list when you think about your vehicle. But those exterior lights are more important than you think, and they're vital to your safety and that of other drivers near you. Headlights are important. Not onl... More
Go Big or Go Home: Upsize Your Wheels at Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter
December 24, 2023
A lot of us Dexter drivers like our vehicles to reflect our personalities. We're picky about color and body style. We'll customize anything from floor mats to window tints to license plates. One popular way for Missouri motorists to customize a vehicle is to get new wheels.Wheels come in thousan... More