Cruisin' on Down Main Street
March 4, 2022
When automakers first came out with cruise control, it was a real luxury item. The older cruise controls used a mechanical vacuum system but it worked. Well, some of the time. Now days, cruise control is all electronic, thanks to computers. It's reliable and a real convenience on long trips. ... More
Getting the Right Tires and Wheels in Poplar Bluff
March 3, 2022
A lot of people get custom wheels in Poplar Bluff. 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 ... More
Don't Be Shocked (Shock Absorbers)
February 27, 2022
If you've ever ridden down a rough road on your bicycle, you know how hard a ride it can be. Yet drive down the same road in your car, truck or SUV and it miraculously will smooth out the ride. That's because it is equipped with shock absorbers. They are built to dampen impacts from road irreg... More
Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff Tire Safety: Washington vs. Lincoln
February 27, 2022
Welcome to the Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff automotive blog. Today, let's talk about the effect of tire wear. Let's focus on stopping in wet Poplar Bluff conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can't move the water, ... More
Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
February 26, 2022
The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Poplar Bluff drivers, and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most people. Let's get the urgency issues out of the way first. If your Check Engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong ... More
Change Your Engine Air Filter at Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff
February 20, 2022
Many Poplar Bluff car owners have probably wondered: "What's the harm in putting off replacing an engine air filter? The answer is that not replacing it could cause your Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor to fail. This expensive sensor is situated between your engine air filter and your engine. Dirty ai... More
What Is That? Check Engine Light Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff
February 13, 2022
Okay. You went to your local Poplar Bluff car wash, and while your vehicle was under the dryer, the Check Engine light started flashing. Panic! What did you just do? Something is seriously wrong with the vehicle! You head for the nearest Poplar Bluff service center, but on the way, the Check Eng... More
The Key Won't Turn! (Ignition Problems)
February 6, 2022
You've just arrived at the store shopping and you're ready to head home. You put your key in the ignition and oh, no! The ignition won't turn! What do you do now? Don't panic. There are some things you can do to get going again. The first thing to do is see if you have a locking steering wheel... More
Winter Tires
January 30, 2022
What type of technology do you use? Do you prefer an 8-track tape or an iPod? When it comes to winter tires, much of Poplar Bluff driver's perception dates back to when 8-track was the best way to listen to the Bee Gees.Twenty years ago in Missouri, winter tires differed from highway tires only i... More
The New Blade in Town
January 23, 2022
If your windshield wipers are streaking and chattering when you turn them on in the rain or snow, it's time for a little "blade renewal." And when it comes to new wiper blades, there are some new designs that are worth a look. One of the latest is called the beam blade. It's different than conve... More
