Toll Free: 1 (800) 649-2844
Tel: (508) 255-2844
. ▪ Full Service Gasoline
▪ Massachusetts State Inspection
▪ Oil and Filter Change
▪ Tires and Tire Rotation
▪ Battery Service
▪ Wipers Replacement
▪ Light Bulbs
▪ Get your Car Ready for Winter
▪ Get your Car Ready for Summer
▪ Pre-Trip Checkup
We are a CITGO station, providing full service gasoline. While you are getting your gas we can check your oil level, tire pressure or make an inspection or oil change appointment for you.
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This is a joint program of
the Massachusetts Registry
of Motor Vehicles and the Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection |
The Massachusetts Enhanced Emissions & Safety Test has been in effect since October 1999 for all motor vehicles registered in the Commonwealth. Your vehicle must be inspected for safety every year and for emissions every other year. You need to have your vehicle inspected before the current inspection sticker expires. If you buy a vehicle, whether new or used, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (http://mass.gov/rmv/regs/index.htm) requires you to inspect it within seven calendar days of registration.
What happens when the vehicle passes inspection?
If your vehicle passes (and the majority will), you will receive an inspection sticker plus a report of the test results that you need to keep with your registration.
What if the vehicle fails inspection?
If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have 60 days from your initial inspection to make the necessary repairs and pass a re-test. Otherwise, you may be issued a citation or your registration may be suspended. If you have a model year 1996 or newer vehicle, your OBD system may need at least one week of combined highway and city driving to collect enough data for a re-test following repairs.
If your vehicle fails the safety test, it may not be driven until repairs have been made. After it is repaired, you are entitled to a free re-inspection within 60 days of the original test at the original inspection station. For more information regarding your vehicle inspection visit http://www.vehicletest.state.ma.us
To avoid end-of-the-month lines, make an appointment early in the month. Together, the safety and emissions tests take 20-30 minutes. The inspection fee is $29.
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How often do I need to change my oil?
We recommend changing you oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 moths (whichever comes first).
Why do I have to change my oil and filter regularly?
The oil in a car’s engine protects the internal parts and provides lubrication against wear. Because it is continually circulating throughout the engine, over time it breaks down and accumulates substances such as dust, metallic shavings, condensation, and even antifreeze that can damage internal engine parts.
The oil filter works to trap and remove debris and other contaminants. When the oil filter becomes saturated, the oil is no longer “cleaned” and the risks posed by contaminants intensify. Oil pressure can also suffer once the filter becomes clogged. As a result, fuel economy decreases and the risk of emissions increases along with the potential for engine failure.
What does the oil and filter change include?
Every time we change your oil, we also change the oil filter; check tires’ condition and tire pressure; check belts and hoses; do lubrication, if applicable; check breaks upon request; check and top all fluids (brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer solvent, coolant freeze point and level); check air filter. The air filter keeps abrasive dust, dirt, bugs and other foreign matter out of the fuel system air intake. A dirty filter can decrease gas mileage and increase emissions.
The oil change takes 30-40 minutes.
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We stock Cooper Tires, but upon request we can deliver most of the popular brands within few hours. Tires are regular wear items and having them in good condition is a safety issue. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads.
Generally, it is best to replace tires in sets of four. If your car’s tires show signs of abnormal or unequal wear have us look at them, because this can be indicator for other problems (under-inflation, over-inflation, worn suspension parts, wheel balance problem, wheel misalignment).
We recommend to check your tire pressure regularly. Proper tire inflation pressure is the specified air pressure given by a carmaker for a certain tire on a specific vehicle. Some vehicles may specify different pressures for the front tires and the rear tires. Correct inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life, and proper vehicle handling performance.
If your car has a flat tire we can check if it is repairable. Since most flats are caused by damage to the tire, such as a puncture, we can plug it for you.
Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads.
Why and when do I have to rotate my tires?
Tire rotation refers to the regular practice of switching the position of each tire on the car. Tire rotation helps to equalize tread wear and get the maximum life from your tires. Generally we recommend rotation every 6,000 miles. The rotation pattern varies with different make and model vehicles and tire type. Some vehicles have different size tires on the front and rear or directional tires. This limits the locations that a tire may take on the vehicle.
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We stock Interstate batteries. Just stop by and we will test your battery and if it is necessary, install a new one. As an AAA Provider we also have a battery service truck that can install an AAA battery at your home or workplace.
What does the battery do?
The battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy and vise versa. Given this unique ability, the battery: 1) supplies power to the starter and ignition system, 2) delivers the extra power needed when the electrical load exceeds the alternator's supply, and 3) stabilizes voltage in the electrical system.
When do I have to change my battery?
Batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail. If your vehicle's battery is three years old or more, it's wise to consider replacement. Battery efficiency drops off drastically in cold temperatures and the extra capacity can make the difference in starting on cold winter mornings.
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For best results, we recommend replacing the wiper blades twice a year, each spring and fall. When worn or damaged, bad wipers can do more than impair visibility; they can damage the windshield. We do not recommend using your wipers to clear ice and snow after your car has been sitting. The wiper system was never intended to be an ice scraper and over-stressing the wipers can cause damage to the wipers, the wiper linkages and transmission, and the wiper motor.
It is important to keep windshield washer solvent reservoir full. Running the system out of fluid can damage the windshield washer pump.
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We can check if all lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Vehicle lighting provides a means of communicating among drivers and is vital to any properly functioning vehicle.
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To get you car ready for the winter months we will:
• Check and top all fluids (brake fluid; power steering fluid; transmission fluid; windshield washer solvent; check antifreeze/coolant freeze point and level). The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. For most of the vehicles coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years.
• Check if your vehicle is due for oil and filter change. We recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first).
• Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system.
• Check the battery and exhaust system.
• Check if the heater and defroster are working properly.
• Check tires. We will check the tire pressure; check for bulges and bald spots; the tread depth; inspect the tread for uneven wear, which can be an indicator for other problems (under-inflation, over-inflation, worn suspension parts, wheel balance problem, wheel misalignment). You may want to consider special tires for snow and ice.
• Check if all lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
• Check the wiper blades condition. We recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months.
• We also recommend keeping the gas tank at least half full. This will decrease the chances of moisture to form in the gas lines and possibly freeze.
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To get you car ready for the summer we will:
• Check and top all fluids (brake fluid; power steering fluid; transmission fluid; windshield washer solvent; check antifreeze/coolant freeze point and level). The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. For most of the vehicles coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years.
• Check if your vehicle is due for oil and filter change. We recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first).
• Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system.
• Check the battery. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which is damaging for the internal structure of the battery.
• Check tires. We will check the tire pressure; check for bulges and bald spots; the tread depth; inspect the tread for uneven wear, which can be an indicator for other problems (under-inflation, over-inflation, worn suspension parts, wheel balance problem, wheel misalignment). You may want to consider summer tires for your vehicle. When there is a heavy rain, thin tread can causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.
• Check if all lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
• Check the wiper blades condition. We recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months. Rainy weather affects driver‘s visibility; so a clean windshield is essential for your safety.
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To make sure that your car is ready for a long trip we will:
• Check and top all fluids (brake fluid; power steering fluid; transmission fluid; windshield washer solvent; check antifreeze/coolant freeze point and level). The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. For most of the vehicles coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years.
• Check if your vehicle is due for oil and filter change. We recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first).
• Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system.
• Check tires. Check the tire pressure; check for bulges and bald spots; the tread depth; inspect the tread for uneven wear, which can be an indicator for other problems (under-inflation, over-inflation, worn suspension parts, wheel balance problem, wheel misalignment).
• Check if all lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
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