Fort Madison Auto Repair

                                              Celebrating Our Independence        As I reflect on the 4th of July holiday, we were blessed to spend time with our family. I will forever be grateful to the brave soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Independence from Britain. July 4th, our Nations Birthday, is a time of celebrating being an American. From all walks of life, this day and every day, we become one, AMERICANS! Let us not take this for granted.      Did you know that three of our Founding Father Presidents died on July 4th? Thomas Jefferson and John Adams passed July 4, 1826, and James Monroe passed July 4, 1831. Alexander Hamilton, founder of the New York Evening Post called this a “coincidence that has no parallel”.      Fun facts about the 4th of July ... read more

  HEY MOTHER NATUREWho made you mad?        It’s been a long, cold, and snowy winter one like we haven’t seen in years. I believe the younger generation has never experienced a winter like this one. On the positive side, the days are longer and getting warmer, or so we thought.      A couple of weeks ago, I sat at my desk looking out the window admiring the Mighty Mississippi with the bluffs of Illinois starting to pop with green. The temperature was almost 80 degrees. Days like these get us thinking of outdoor activities and delicious BBQ’s. Then Mother Nature throws us a 1-2 punch. The sky’s turn gray with rain and the wind blows relentlessly. As I was heading for home, I checked the weather on my phone. WHAT?  A feels like temperature of 28 degrees and possible snow on April 27th! A fool I was for not bringing a coat that day. This is just cruel!     ... read more

When the Rubber Meets the Road        I was amazed to learn about 2 BILLION gallons of gas each year could be saved if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated, according to the Car Care Council.      I have had looks of disbelieve from customers that want to order two tires and I inform them they need all four because their vehicle is either an All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive. Why is this recommended? A new tire is taller in diameter than one that is halfway through its tread depth, sometimes by ½ an inch.  A shorter tire must spin faster than a taller tire to keep up. This is the primary reason for drivetrain damage! There should be no more of a 3/32nds difference in tread depth.      Here at Griffins, we can help determine if you need replacing your tires. Just stop by at 535 Avenue G Fort Madison, IA and we’ll measure them for you. You can always do the ... read more