DIY electric car conversions aren't for the automotive faint of heart.

Your donor car should have room for multiple, heavy batteries.

Converting to electric power also requires some serious toys. Aside from a large toolkit complete with an assortment of wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, hammers and saws, you will also need an engine hoist, jack stands or a hydraulic lift.

Electric car conversion kits abound on the Internet so do your homework to find the one that’s right for you. You can also find instructional videos both for purchase and on YouTube. The conversion kits may or may not provide you with some of the special tools necessary for the installation of the electric motor, but most of the tools will need to be purchased. Some tools and even an engine hoist are available for rent so you’ll save a bit here.

Additionally, you will need a lot of space. A double garage that has plenty of free space will do, or better yet a good, roomy shop. You definitely need high ceilings to accommodate removal of the engine. This is not a small garage kind of project.

The tools and workspace are only a part of the challenge. Extensive knowledge of automotive systems and mechanical ability are essential for a successful conversion. Much of it can be learned on the go, but it helps to have some experience with automotive technology.  Or at least a friend or two willing to go the distance with you.

If you're going to convert your car to electric it pays to have a friends.

Does this sound like you? There are more details on what to consider before you attempt your own conversion but if you can see yourself spending the time, money and effort then this could be the project for you. Or maybe you have the desire but not the automotive chops. If so, let Sallas Auto Repair step in and help. We can advise you on car choice, financial and time investment and all of your other options to help you decide if electric is the road for you.

So what are the Pros and Cons of making the switch?

PROS

Cleaner than regular vehicles-carbon emissions are projected to be roughly half of an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Lower dependence on fossil fuels-40% of the total US oil usage is reserved for personal cars and trucks. EV cars use either a modified internal combustion engine or a rechargeable plug-in battery.

Lower greenhouse gas production-electric vehicles that use energy derived from coal release 25% fewer pollutants into our atmosphere. Getting energy from wind, water, natural gas or solar will reduce these emissions even more. Conventional automobiles are responsible for a third of the US greenhouse gas emissions.

Easier to repair-this may be a bit premature but EV cars have less moving parts to may be easier to fix once your local repair shop gets used to them.

CONS:

Cost-one of the biggest obstacles to you and me might be the cost of an electric vehicle. Average price is the $30,000-$50,000 range with some of the higher end models into the six figures. And the batteries aren’t off the shelf; they’re expensive, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

Fear of running out of power-Finding a place to plug-in your EV may be more problematic and although public charging stations are becoming more common it still takes more time to recharge

Not quite as green as a “Leaf”-a study sponsored by Greenpeace suggests that a proliferation of EVs will cause an increase in electricity production without necessarily reducing oil demand for ICE cars.

Imperfect batteries-cold weather makes batteries sluggish, air conditioners, stereos or heaters use the same battery as the car so there will be an added drainage.

Gas powered automobiles are all the US (and the world) has ever really known. It’s going to take a retraining of our brains to bring the EV into the norm. But the rewards are immense. Not only will we reduce or eliminate our need for foreign oil we’ll reduce the atmosphere killing residue we willingly produce every day. And if you think you can’t join the EV revolution stay tuned, Sallas Auto is on the case and we’re getting ready to show you how to convert your Mini or Beetle to the electric dream mobile you’ve always wanted.

Which wax you choose is a matter of taste so rather than go into a long list of types and ingredients we’ll just go with Nu-Finish or Turtle Wax as they were Consumer Reports top performers. Just stick to the non-abrasive waxes no matter your brand. And carefully read the directions.

Of course you’ve thoroughly washed and completely dried your car, it’s still out of the direct sun and you’re not completely worn out. One firm rule about waxing your car is that temperature and humidity will greatly affect your results. So above 60 degrees and below 50 percent humidity is best.

Use an applicator sponge to apply the wax. If you use a cloth the pressure from your fingertips will leave a heavier application and potentially little dots.

Forget the Karate Kid and his “wax on, wax off” technique. If there are any contaminants left on your car you’ll make big circular scratches. Use a linear stroke or even better the W and Z approach. This literally means making W motions followed by Zs. The smaller motions will help to disguise any potential scratches.

Don’t slather on the wax. A decent wax is expensive and using more than you need just makes for more work and more money. It should be a fine coat, almost invisible. And the less wax means you’re finished faster.

If the instructions advise it apply the wax over the entire car and let it dry. If not work in small sections starting with the hood and working backwards.

When the surface is ready it’s time to remove the wax. Start with a micro-fiber towel. Using two will prevent wax build up so you won’t just reapply what you just removed. Remove the wax in the same motion you used to apply it using some pressure to make sure it’s completely removed. Finish with a soft cloth such as a cloth diaper to remove any left-over residue and buff to a spectacular shine.

If you find that you’ve missed a spot or two later and they’ve dried too much to buff out try putting your car in the sun for about fifteen to twenty minutes then back into the shade. The heat will soften the wax and you can remove it.

Wash your towels and clothes for future waxings. Use a good quality fabric softener to guarantee that the towel will not scratch your car in the future.

We know a good quality wax job on your car protects the finish and reduces the need for frequent washing. But we also know how great it is to walk outside and see that smashing, shiny ride in your driveway. Sallas Auto Repair knows the satisfaction you get from a car that looks and runs great. So if you’re having trouble with the inside just bring it in and we’ll make sure it matches the outside!

Sallas Auto Repair doesn’t wash cars but we care about cars so we’ve compiled some tips for you to keep your car looking great.

There's a right way to wash your car!

First of all don’t grab the dish washing soap to wash your car! This is your baby so you want to use a product made especially for autos and dish washing soap will strip the wax from your car. Mix according to the directions for the best results, don’t just pour into the bucket and add water.

Heat causes soap to dry faster and can cause spots on your car. So an overcast day is best as is late in the day as the sun is lower in the sky and won’t shine directly on your car. Same goes for a car that’s still hot from being recently driven, let it cool first. Under a tree can be good unless it’s fall and you feel like picking leaves off your wet car. And then there are the birds that just love a clean car.

Remove bird droppings, tar, bugs or road chemicals as soon as you can as they can damage the paint on your car. Spray or apply automotive soap directly onto the stains to pre-treat before you wash.

While the pre-treating goes to work start on your wheels. There are many products dedicated just to wheels and the gunk they attract. A brush works well as does a mitt or towel but don’t use the same one when you wash the rest of the car.

Grab two buckets. Most people just use one bucket of soapy water but you’re just reapplying all the dirt you just rinsed off. Use one for the soap and one just for clean water. Wash in small sections, rinsing in the clean water before adding more soap.

Working from the top down start with a good water rinse to loosen dirt and grime. Then start with the soap. Concentrate on the pre-treated areas to get all that gunk off and in small sections scrub and rinse your mitt. Continue with the water rinse as you move around to keep a wet base for the soap. Don’t wash in circles as this can cause minor scratches and no one wants a car covered in circles.

Time to rinse: use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water. Keep the hose close to the car and again it’s top to bottom.

To dry your car you should drive around the block very fast several times. Ok, not really. You can use old towels but today’s drying towels hold a ton of water and are made just for drying without scratching. You can finish with a micro-fiber towel for a smooth dry finish that can actually buff a bit.

So that’s how you keep the outside of your car spanking clean and looking great but how about the inside? Sallas Automotive Repair serves the Kansas City metro area with two locations, 14 service bays and 18 employees so we’re here when you need us to keep your car running at its best. Check back soon and we’ll go over how to wax your car to keep it looking shiny and new!

TIRES

Proper Inflation: Under-inflating your tires creates resistance and reduces mileage. You can find proper tire pressure recommendations on the inside or your car’s door or on the side of the tire itself. Keeping tires within 5-10 pounds of the maximum will improve your mileage.

Balance: Tires that are unbalanced create an uneven vibration that hurts your mileage.

Alignment: You know that wiggly feeling in your car when you’re driving at a higher speed? This is caused by tires that are out of alignment and creates more rolling resistance which lowers mileage. Check your alignment twice a year and have it adjusted at least once a year.

Tread: Good tread not only makes a safer tire it also decreases the rolling resistance that increases fuel economy.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Air Filters: A dirty air filter restricts your car’s “breathing” and lowers gas mileage considerably.

Spark Plugs and Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors spray gasoline into your car’s motor and the spark plugs ignite the fuel. Dirty injectors make for a messy relay of gas and old spark plugs inefficiently burn the fuel. Both of these problems reduce your mileage. At Sallas Automotive Repair we use a MotorVac that cleans the injectors and the inside of the motor and can increase mileage up to 3 MPG on a car with 100,000 miles. Replace spark plugs according to your owner’s manual.

Engine Light: We’ve probably all done it. We see the Check Engine light is on and we just sort of ignore it. This is a mistake for a couple of reasons. When the light goes on your car enters a “fixed values” mode and stops managing fuel usage. Secondly, if another problem arises with your car and your engine light is already on you won’t know about it. If your engine light is on your best bet is to take it in.

Mass Air Flow Sensor: This sensor is normally between the air filter and your car’s engine and it measures the airflow. If this sensor is dirty or restricted it is a blow to your mileage.

FLUIDS

You have a choice of the kinds of fluids you add to your car. We recommend using all synthetic fluids if possible as they increase your car’s performance all around. So choose synthetic oil, transmission and differential fluids.

Engine Coolant: This is crucial. Dirty coolant makes your car run hotter which, you guessed it, makes your fuel efficiency go down.

Another good recommendation for fuel efficiency is to keep an eye on your O2 sensor. The sensor is in the exhaust stream and is part of the vehicle’s emissions control system. It monitors the ratio of oxygen to fuel and adjusts the amount of fuel your car uses. To keep a consistent ratio it’s best to replace your O2 sensor every 100,000 miles.

Keeping your car running smoothly improves your gas mileage so making any of these adjustments will help. Better gas mileage also means more money in your wallet and that’s a great reason to see just what’s going on under your hood. For more vehicle maintenance advice you can visit our Vehicle Maintenance page or just keep reading our blog.

We hope you find our information useful and if you have any questions or need our expertise please contact us at 816-765-6060 or you can visit us at www.sallasauto.com

We know that there are men and women alike who are passionate about their vehicles.  Even if you are not into your car, but are looking for a fun new Valentine’s date idea, we have you covered. This year for Valentine’s Day we have come up with a top five list for creative, fun and romantic dates that incorporate your vehicle!

1. Take a Scenic Drive around Kansas City

As the “City of Fountains,” we have some fun options when it comes to taking a scenic drive. Kansas City is full of history and there are some great “hot spots” to visit while traveling around in your car! You could start at the Country Club Plaza and travel around to see the beautiful buildings and statues. Jackson County, MO area is home to the historical site Fort Osage and the Pony Express isn’t too far north in St. Joseph, MO.

Or, for an old-fashioned scenic drive, give Kansas City’s “Cliff Drive” a try. You’ll travel through several cities while viewing limestone bluffs, vegetation and wildlife. It’s a great way to take a romantic drive in Kansas City.

2. Road Trip

If you are looking to spend a little extra cash this Valentine’s Day and really want to impress your loved one, plan a surprise road trip! With the right preparations, planning a road trip is easy. For a quick getaway, go online to Travelzoo or Priceline for affordable hotel prices.

For the car enthusiast, a road trip allows you the excuse of giving the car a good scrub down inside and out. Also be sure that your oil is changed and you have your preventative maintenance done before you hit the road. Making sure your car is in the best driving condition possible will save you from unexpected breakdowns. Plus, giving your car a little extra shine will hopefully impress your significant other!

3. Go to a car show

Are you a car enthusiast but don’t know where to go on your road trip? Try finding a car show! Car shows are great for the motor-minded. And there is usually a car show, big or small, going on every weekend in a city across the country. Research which shows are close to you and then make your plan!

Want to get a head-start on Valentine’s Day??
Go to the World of Wheels car show at Bartle Hall car show THIS WEEKEND!

4. Drive-Thru

Don’t have enough money for a road trip or even the movies for that matter? Why not get really creative and take your date on a drive-thru meal. You don’t have to go to McDonald’s, there are plenty of places that make delicious, affordable food. You could even try a Curb Side pick-up from your favorite restaurant.

Why do a drive-thru? There are actually many perks. Valentine’s Day is crazy at any restaurant. It is usually loud and the atmosphere is never intimate. Grab a to-go order and go some place where the two of you can actually have real conversations. Pick a romantic spot, and if the weather is nice, try having a picnic!

5. Star Gaze

If you do choose the drive-thru route, one of the best ways to dive into your meal and create a romantic atmosphere is to find a place to star gaze! And nowadays you don’t need a telescope to get a good view at what is above you. There are mobile apps available that allow you to zoom in on stars and planets around you. Try downloading a free star-gazing app and test it out before you pick your perfect star-gazing spot.

This Valentines Day, whether you are an auto enthusiast or not, try mixing up your agenda by adding in a little random spontaneity! Feel free to use an idea from our top five list. And don’t worry, we won’t tell your significant other it was our idea!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Sallas Auto!

Before you buy an extended warranty, be sure to do your research to see what types of repairs are covered.

What is an Extended Warranty?

After a designated time the manufacturer’s warranty on a vehicle expires. Most warranties tend to last around three years or three thousand miles. Some cars can even have multiple warranties that vary from comprehensive coverage all the way down to seat belt coverage.

An extended warranty is a warranty that can be added to a vehicle once the first warranty has expired. But adding an extended warranty also means adding additional fees. And some fees may not be worth adding.

Research

When you are purchasing a used vehicle be sure to do your research. Find out which cars have a longer road life or work best for your driving purposes. Will it be a commuter car, the family car, or the first car for your 16-year old? All of these questions will help you answer what type of coverage you will want to purchase.

Also before you sit down to sign on the vehicle find out what types of warranties are offered by the dealer. Warranties can come in many different varieties. Make sure you know exactly what the warranty does and does not cover and if there are any deductibles that need to be met on repairs.

Doing your research before hand eliminates the pressure you might feel when you sit down to sign for the car. Having a plan in advance allows you the freedom to make a wise decision instead of an impulsive one.

Seek an Expert

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself in making a decision to add on the extended warranty is to seek out an expert opinion. At Sallas Auto we deal with warranty companies often and can easily distinguish between a reliable warranty and a lemon.

The truth of the matter is that there are some extended warranty providers out there that sell reliable warranties, but there are others that, unfortunately, have a warranty that is not worth the money. Car dealers can often charge two to three times more for a warranty than what they actually paid for it themselves.

Think critically when buying a warranty. If the extended warranty is $2,000 and the deductible is $250 and the warranty pays for very little repairs, then the warranty is not worth the money invested. The dealer would be paying a minimal amount and the purchaser would be over paying.

If you are looking to purchase a used vehicle, don’t get pressured into a quick decision on the warranty. Making a wise decision on an extended warranty can be easily done with a little research and knowledgeable advice.

At Sallas Auto we are happy to lend our expert advice and help guide you through the process of choosing a warranty that would fit you best. Saving money and promoting safety is one value in which we pride ourselves.

Before you make a purchase on a used vehicle, please call Sallas Auto, at 816-765-6060.

Performing maintenance on your car can prevent you from seeing the over-heating indicator.

The health of your car heating system is vital. Without a properly running heating system, not only will the temperature inside your car suffer but your engine will eventually call it quits.

How it Works

Your heating system functions by using excess heat from the internal combustion. Because the internal combustion produces so much heat, if not used by your heater, it would kill the engine.

The heating system also works as a cooling system. Hoses transfer coolant from the engine to the heater core. The engine and heater core then work in a cycle to keep your car from over-heating.

Maintenance

Heating system maintenance will keep your car running longer and prevent over-heating. Over-heating is the number one reason most cars break down. Having regular maintenance done on your vehicle is the best way to prevent breakdowns and unexpected repairs. When you take your vehicle in for maintenance checks there are several things the mechanic will look for when it comes to the heating system.

Anti-Freeze

An overheating problem is most likely to occur when your coolant is running low. Low coolant causes the temperatures in the heating system to remain high which can hurt the engine.

Hoses

Another area that is commonly checked are your hoses. If you have a hole in your hoses or if a hose is leaking fluid, your heating system will definitely be affected.

Heater Core

Over time, gunk and debris can block air from traveling to your heater core. When air is not allowed through the heater core it then creates excess heat.

More Than a Bad Engine

By not taking proper care of your heating system other problems beyond a major engine shut down can occur. One such problem is an ill-functioning air conditioning unit. One great way to prevent this from happening is to perform preventative maintenance on your car by taking it to a certified and properly trained mechanical technician. With preventative maintenance you will be able to get the most life out of your vehicle and save money by avoiding unexpected repair work.

At Sallas Auto our certified and master certified technicians are experts at performing preventative maintenance. With good quality care and regular checks your car and your wallet will be thanking you.

Having your oil changed is key to the health of your vehicle!

Oil changes are one type of preventative maintenance that can do wonders to extend the life of your car. Oil changes greatly reduce the risk of engine problems down the road.

To understand the importance of regular oil changes, we have compiled a list of the top five reasons to have an oil change:

1. Oil Stress

Because of high operating temperatures, oil experiences a thermal breakdown. The thermal breakdown wears on the oils additives and lubrication. When the lubrication wears down, parts of the engine may begin to rub against each other causing dysfunction and a shorter life span for your engine.

2. Combustion Gunk

Combustion gunk can do major damage to your engine and makes your car run less efficiently. Gunk occurs when there are corrosive byproducts that build up in your oil over time. Gunk left for a long period of time can cause your engine to overheat, leaving you with a major bill.

3. Corrosion

Along with sludge, that is naturally produced by combustion, your oil can also accumulate debris such as water, dirt and dust. This debris can actually corrode the inside of your engine. By keeping fresh oil, you clean out any oil with saturated debris.

4. Clogged Filters

When you have your oil changed you will also get a new filter. The filter works to keep the sludge from reaching your engine. But if the filter is not changed regularly, it too becomes clogged with particles from old oil, dirt or combustion sludge and decreases the amount of good oil that gets to your engine. A decreased amount of oil to your engine could kill it.

5. Leaks

Over time some cars can leak gasoline or coolant into the oil. While this is rare, you wouldn’t be able to tell if this is occurring unless you had a an oil change. These leaks can seriously contaminate your oil which will, overtime, damage your engine.

The bottom line is to take the best care of your vehicle as possible. The easiest way to do that is to check the oil often and to have your oil changed regularly. Most change their oil every 3000 miles or 3 months. If you are using a synthetic oil you can go 5000 miles or every 5 months.

Don’t ever discredit an oil change as just a basic thing because it really is the foundation all maintenance. The benefits of having your oil changed far outweigh the price you will pay if you don’t. Paying for an oil change is a lot cheaper than paying for a new engine.

Finding an honest mechanic doesn't have to be a daunting task.

Many people are leery of trusting just any mechanic. And unfortunately over the years, mechanics have gotten a bad wrap for over-charging. But the good news is that there are many mechanics out there who take pride in their work and want the best for you and your car, too. Being able to decipher the genuine from the others doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Really it is all about what you know…. and some of the shop’s credentials.

Research

The number one way you can avoid getting the wool pulled over your eyes is to do research on your vehicle. The more you know about your vehicle, the better you are when it is time to take it to the shop. And the great news is that there are plenty of tools to help you school yourself up on your ride.

Owner’s Manual

While it may be growing dust in your glove box, your owner’s manual could actually save you time and money! Yep, that’s right! That little book taking up space in the glove box holds a wealth of information. Knowing that information might not only help you diagnose the problem, it can also help you tell the mechanic you are working with exactly what part of your car is having a problem. Your Owner’s Manual is also what to follow as far as preventive maintenance; match up the shop’s recommendations with what your booklet says to do.

The more you know about your vehicle, the less likely you are to get swindled by someone who thinks you have no clue. For car owners the saying, “knowledge is power” definitely rings true.

The Repair Manual

Almost every auto parts store has a collection of repair manuals. To help you better understand what could be wrong with your vehicle, try purchasing the repair manual specifically for your car. This is an affordable way to get in the practice of learning more about your vehicle. Your local library should also carry them.

This, just like having the owner’s manual, will help you better diagnose the problem and will give you a better understanding of the ins and outs of your car. And if you take your car into the shop, you will be more aware of any extra or hidden fees they may be trying to add to your bill.

History Matters

Is your car still under warranty? Is there a part on your car that has been recalled? These are great answers you need to discover before you ever take your car in for a repair. If something goes wrong with your vehicle and you are still under warranty, it will save you a lot of money. Your car may even have problems based on a recalled part. A reputable auto shop like Sallas will even tell you if it’s under warranty and advise you on how to get it fixed at the lowest cost to you.

Opinions for your Auto Repair

If you go into a shop and you are not satisfied with the estimated charges (and always remember to get an estimate before any work is ever done!) be sure to get a second opinion from another auto shop. For that matter, get a third or fourth opinion as well. It is so easy to get a second opinion. All you need to  do is get your estimate itemized and then call around to other auto shops in the area.

A word to the wise though, if you call around to multiple shops and you stumble upon one whose estimate is too good to be true, be sure you double-check for hidden fees. Unfortunately, in some cases it is too good to be true. And always be sure to check the Better Business Bureau.

Look for a AAA – Approved Auto Repair Shop

Another designation to look for when it comes to finding an auto repair shop you can trust if AAA designation. Shops who can proudly display the AAA logo have met strict requirements – with one including customer feedback. Also ask to see if mechanics are ASE-certified, which shows commitment to training and best practices. Sallas Auto employes several ASE-certified technicians, and has been an AAA-approved shop in Kansas City for many years.