Northeast Columbia Auto Repair

According to World’s Top Exports (www.worldstopexports.com, an independent education and research website, the United States imported $173.3 billion in automobiles in 2016. The top 10 countries that sent cars to the US, with the total dollar amount and percentage change from 2015 were: 1.   Canada: $45.9 billion (up 0.5%) 2.   Japan: $40 billion (up 3.1%) 3.   Mexico: $24.1 billion (up 35.5%) 4.   Germany: $22.3 billion (down -6.4%) 5.   South Korea: $16.4 billion (up 49.9%) 6.   United Kingdom: $8.9 billion (up 95.3%) 7.   Italy: $4.2 billion (up 320.1%) 8.   Sweden: $1.8 billion (up 123.2%) 9.   Slovakia: $1.6 billion (up 79.6%) 10. South Africa: $1.5 billion (down -20.5%) Sitting solidly at number four, German imports enjoy a large following among American automotive enthusiasts. That country’s flagship makes -- which are BMW ... read more

Here in South Carolina, we don’t typically experience the harsh winter weather conditions our neighbors to the north endure. But with the fewer daylight hours, it seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to do a lot of the stuff we seem to be able to accomplish in the summer. And one of those chores that often gets neglected is cleaning our cars. Now that spring is upon us, it’s time to start thinking about those summer road trips to the beach and other destinations. We all strive for that “beach body” to parade around the sand, but what our car looks like in the parking lot is just as important. It doesn’t take much to bring your vehicle back to looking like it just rolled off the showroom lot. If you’re on a budget, just spending a few hours with a bucket, hose, a sponge, and a chamois can make your pride and joy sparkle again. This is also a good time to apply a nice coat of wax, possibly one with UV protection to keep the paint from ... read more

Looking for something perhaps a little different to do this Valentine’s Day? Sure, flowers, chocolates, and cards are nice, but how about giving your love an experience instead? Here are a few suggestions: Valentine's Cinema: Sabrina Once again, Midlands Technical College presents its annual screening of this 1954 Billy Wilder classic. The film stars Humphrey Bogart and William Holden as two very different brothers who fall for the same woman, played by Audrey Hepburn. It’s a mix of comedy, drama, and romance featuring stellar performances from three of the biggest box office draws the time in an interesting and amusing love triangle. The fun begins at 7 pm in the theater lobby for dessert, champagne, and dancing before the film. Tickets are $17; Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063. Click here for ticket information. Yoga and Beer at Conquest Brewery Honestly, what says &ldq ... read more

Brown Motor Works wishes you and yours a very Happy New Year. The holidays have come and gone, so it’s back to the grind. We’ve made several 2018 New Year resolutions to improve our daily routines, even if that means giving up some of our favorite bad habits. This year, why not take those New Year resolutions a step further? We invite you to include your vehicle in your pursuit of good habits. To help you take better care of your vehicle, here are some ideas for you and your car: Set service appointments in advance Call Browns Motor Works and schedule your maintenance for the year. Think of it like dental checkups. Most of us go twice a year, and our appointments are scheduled way in advance, so we don’t have to worry about keeping up. Keep your car cleaner this year. Resolve to keep your car clean on the inside and out, including fluids and filters. Start a vehicle savings account. Set aside a percentage each month to deposit int ... read more

It’s winter, and that means a change in road conditions. Are you and your vehicle ready? Brown Motor Works in Columbia, SC, offers this cold weather vehicle safety checklist: Tire Tread: Be sure you have the proper tires for the weather and be sure they’re correctly inflated. If you live in higher elevations, you may want to consider installing snow tires. Belts and Hoses: Harsh weather, coupled with normal wear and tear, can make belts and hose brittle causing them to crack and break. Be sure their flexible and are not leaking. Oil and other Fluids: Your Vehicle is full of fluid. These fluids include engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid and others that may need to be refilled or replaced to keep you up and running. For example, engines need different weights of motor oil in the winter. Be sure to have yours professionally checked to protect your engine from the cold. Brakes: Be sure your brake pads and roto ... read more