Let’s talk about the proper time to replace your vehicle’s filters.
Air Filter: It is extremely important to keep the air filter clean for the engine to run efficiently and maintain good fuel economy. The air filter should be inspected at every oil change. Remove the filter and determine how much dirt is embedded in it. The best way to do this is to take a flashlight and shine it through the filter and see if the light shines through to the opposite side. Also, tap the filter on the ground to see how much dust and dirt comes out. If there is no light shining through and there is an excessive amount of particles coming out, then it is definitely time for a new filter.
Fuel Filters: Always remember that a restricted fuel filter is the number one cause for fuel pump failures. Most fuel pumps are located in the gas tank and can be expensive to replace. Many newer model vehicles also have the fuel filter in the tank. These particular filters do not require replacement. (Check the owner’s manual to see what type of fuel filter your vehicle contains.) Most manufacturers recommend replacement of external fuel filters every 30,000 miles. My experience tells me that this may be too long. I’ve seen fuel filters become restricted at 10,000 miles. This all depends on fuel quality. Always try and get fuel at the same gas station. After 20,000 miles have your mechanic check the filter for restriction. If it is restricted, then it is time to change gas stations. (It has been suggested not to get fuel when you see gas being delivered into the station. This possibly stirs up dirt that will get into your gas tank.) Your mechanic should know the best stations for clean fuel in your area. Also, the fuel filter may be restricted if the vehicle is not shifting properly or there is hesitation.
Cabin Filters: Cabin filters are more common in newer model vehicles. They work to filter the air coming into the vehicle. Once again, check the owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle has a cabin filter and what the recommended replacement intervals are. If the vehicle has this filter, keep in mind the air quality in the area that you live. If driven in big city, high construction and high pollen areas then they will need to be checked more frequently. A good indicator that a cabin filter needs to be replaced is when there is low air flow from the vents.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to share!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Make a Checklist
Taking a trip? At least one week before traveling have a checklist ready for your vehicle:
1. Check the oil change sticker and see if one is due. If the mileage will be reached during travel, go ahead and have it changed at a reliable garage.
2. Let the auto technician or service writer know that you will be traveling. Ask them to inspect the vehicle for any impending problems that may arise while traveling and to check all fluids.
3. Before traveling, drive around in the vehicle without the radio on. Are there any unusual noises? Note them. Unusual noises are a sign that something is wrong.
4. Press the washer button. Are there streaks? Thoroughly clean the wiper blades. Test again. If they are still streaking, they may need to be replaced.
5. Are the tires properly inflated and treads intact? DON’T FORGET TO INSPECT THE SPARE TIRE!!!
6. If anything about the vehicle is questionable or definitely needs repaired, have it done locally before traveling. It is worse to break down out of town and have a vehicle repaired in a garage that could be unreliable and dishonest.
Some items that should always be kept in your vehicle:
1. Flashlight
2. Tire pressure gauge
3. Reflectors
4. Blanket
5. Many people keep a handy tool that will cut seat belts and break glass. Make sure that this is kept where the driver and passenger can get to it.
6. Spare Tire
7. Jack
Once the vehicle and all the components are in tip top shape, please remember to DRIVE CAREFULLY and have a wonderful holiday!!!
1. Check the oil change sticker and see if one is due. If the mileage will be reached during travel, go ahead and have it changed at a reliable garage.
2. Let the auto technician or service writer know that you will be traveling. Ask them to inspect the vehicle for any impending problems that may arise while traveling and to check all fluids.
3. Before traveling, drive around in the vehicle without the radio on. Are there any unusual noises? Note them. Unusual noises are a sign that something is wrong.
4. Press the washer button. Are there streaks? Thoroughly clean the wiper blades. Test again. If they are still streaking, they may need to be replaced.
5. Are the tires properly inflated and treads intact? DON’T FORGET TO INSPECT THE SPARE TIRE!!!
6. If anything about the vehicle is questionable or definitely needs repaired, have it done locally before traveling. It is worse to break down out of town and have a vehicle repaired in a garage that could be unreliable and dishonest.
Some items that should always be kept in your vehicle:
1. Flashlight
2. Tire pressure gauge
3. Reflectors
4. Blanket
5. Many people keep a handy tool that will cut seat belts and break glass. Make sure that this is kept where the driver and passenger can get to it.
6. Spare Tire
7. Jack
Once the vehicle and all the components are in tip top shape, please remember to DRIVE CAREFULLY and have a wonderful holiday!!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Let’s talk safety
The two things on our vehicles that we take most for granted are wiper blades and tires. Simply taking a few extra steps and a little more time with their maintenance can make a difference to your safety on the road.
Wiper Blades: They’re important to your vision in inclement weather. I recommend buying a good pair of wiper blades that are durable and streak free. The Rain X Latitude and Bosh Icon wiper blades fit this profile. They cost approximately twenty bucks and are well worth it. With regular care and maintenance they will continue to provide you with quality vision during those times of heavy rain, snow, etc…
How about making this your rule of thumb: Instead of watching your dollars go down your tank every time you fill up at the gas station, take the time to clean the dirt off your windshield and run a paper towel down both sides of each wiper blade. You won’t believe the black dirt that comes off. This dirt mixed with rain or snow can smudge your windshield impairing your vision on the road. Alcohol wipes work well to remove the dirt too. You may want to use the wipes on the blades with every car washing. Simply getting into this habit will save you many regrets on that next foggy night!
Also, pay attention to the condition of your wiper blades. When they become cracked and are no longer performing well with regular upkeep, it’s time to change them.
Tires: Regularly checking the air pressure in your tires (use the owner’s manual to find the specific recommended pressure for your vehicle) and the condition of your tires can make a difference between life and death on the road! Air pressure should be checked at least once per month, and pay attention to how your tires look when properly inflated. Look at the sidewall near the ground. There should be a small bulge. The number one reason for tires to blow out is low air pressure causing the sidewalls to overheat and blow! You don’t want that happening going down the road at any speed. When a tire blows you can lose control of your vehicle and end up in a serious accident.
Here is something that many never consider: Take your hand and lay it on the table with your fingers spread out. That area times four (all four tires) is how much contact tires have with the road. That’s it and it’s not a lot. How many times do you walk around your car before driving off to check the condition of the tires? This should be done EVERY DAY! Do all four tires look properly inflated? Is the tread worn? To check the tread take a penny and stick it in the tread (Lincoln’s head first). If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered then the tread is still intact. If you can see all of his head and any part of “In God We Trust” is showing, then it is time to get new tires!
Regular maintenance of wiper blades and tires is detrimental to your safety on the road. Practice these precautionary steps until they become second nature to your driving routine. Good habits like these can save lives!
Wiper Blades: They’re important to your vision in inclement weather. I recommend buying a good pair of wiper blades that are durable and streak free. The Rain X Latitude and Bosh Icon wiper blades fit this profile. They cost approximately twenty bucks and are well worth it. With regular care and maintenance they will continue to provide you with quality vision during those times of heavy rain, snow, etc…
How about making this your rule of thumb: Instead of watching your dollars go down your tank every time you fill up at the gas station, take the time to clean the dirt off your windshield and run a paper towel down both sides of each wiper blade. You won’t believe the black dirt that comes off. This dirt mixed with rain or snow can smudge your windshield impairing your vision on the road. Alcohol wipes work well to remove the dirt too. You may want to use the wipes on the blades with every car washing. Simply getting into this habit will save you many regrets on that next foggy night!
Also, pay attention to the condition of your wiper blades. When they become cracked and are no longer performing well with regular upkeep, it’s time to change them.
Tires: Regularly checking the air pressure in your tires (use the owner’s manual to find the specific recommended pressure for your vehicle) and the condition of your tires can make a difference between life and death on the road! Air pressure should be checked at least once per month, and pay attention to how your tires look when properly inflated. Look at the sidewall near the ground. There should be a small bulge. The number one reason for tires to blow out is low air pressure causing the sidewalls to overheat and blow! You don’t want that happening going down the road at any speed. When a tire blows you can lose control of your vehicle and end up in a serious accident.
Here is something that many never consider: Take your hand and lay it on the table with your fingers spread out. That area times four (all four tires) is how much contact tires have with the road. That’s it and it’s not a lot. How many times do you walk around your car before driving off to check the condition of the tires? This should be done EVERY DAY! Do all four tires look properly inflated? Is the tread worn? To check the tread take a penny and stick it in the tread (Lincoln’s head first). If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered then the tread is still intact. If you can see all of his head and any part of “In God We Trust” is showing, then it is time to get new tires!
Regular maintenance of wiper blades and tires is detrimental to your safety on the road. Practice these precautionary steps until they become second nature to your driving routine. Good habits like these can save lives!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Let’s discuss Fluids Maintenance:
There are three important fluids to maintain and they should not be neglected.
Engine Oil: It is crucial to pay attention to engine oil. Very old oil or lack of oil can completely ruin your engine. Engine problems are some of the most expensive to repair, but regular oil changes can make the difference. The rule of thumb is to have your oil changed every three months or three thousand miles—whichever comes first. Remember that oil can oxidize over time and should be changed regardless of the mileage. Check the oil levels in your vehicle frequently. If it drops by a quart or two in a relatively short period of time, you may have a leak. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual that will give you specific details about the frequency and type of oil specifically required for your make and model vehicle. Keep in mind that the types of driving you do the majority of the time will determine the frequency of oil changes.
Transmission Fluids: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will give you details on the specific transmission services required for your car. What the manuals don’t always recommend is a complete fluid flush that replaces all the fluid in the transmission. This is a service that I strongly advise having performed (every 30,000 miles of city driving or 60,000 miles of highway driving) regardless of what the fluid looks like on the transmission dip stick. Many times while performing a flush, I have seen that the fluid on the dip stick is red (normal color) but it actually comes out black from the machine when drained. Don’t judge a stick by its color!
Differential Fluid: Check your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle has a differential. Four wheel drive trucks commonly have two including a transfer case. The fluids inside a differential can break down depending on city, highway and towing conditions. Your owner’s manual will provide guidelines as to regular maintenance of these fluids.
Fluid maintenance is detrimental to the upkeep of your vehicle’s engine and its overall operation. Know your vehicle. Read the owner’s manual and don’t procrastinate taking your vehicle in for regular fluid services.
Engine Oil: It is crucial to pay attention to engine oil. Very old oil or lack of oil can completely ruin your engine. Engine problems are some of the most expensive to repair, but regular oil changes can make the difference. The rule of thumb is to have your oil changed every three months or three thousand miles—whichever comes first. Remember that oil can oxidize over time and should be changed regardless of the mileage. Check the oil levels in your vehicle frequently. If it drops by a quart or two in a relatively short period of time, you may have a leak. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual that will give you specific details about the frequency and type of oil specifically required for your make and model vehicle. Keep in mind that the types of driving you do the majority of the time will determine the frequency of oil changes.
Transmission Fluids: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will give you details on the specific transmission services required for your car. What the manuals don’t always recommend is a complete fluid flush that replaces all the fluid in the transmission. This is a service that I strongly advise having performed (every 30,000 miles of city driving or 60,000 miles of highway driving) regardless of what the fluid looks like on the transmission dip stick. Many times while performing a flush, I have seen that the fluid on the dip stick is red (normal color) but it actually comes out black from the machine when drained. Don’t judge a stick by its color!
Differential Fluid: Check your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle has a differential. Four wheel drive trucks commonly have two including a transfer case. The fluids inside a differential can break down depending on city, highway and towing conditions. Your owner’s manual will provide guidelines as to regular maintenance of these fluids.
Fluid maintenance is detrimental to the upkeep of your vehicle’s engine and its overall operation. Know your vehicle. Read the owner’s manual and don’t procrastinate taking your vehicle in for regular fluid services.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Finding the right mechanic
Finding the right mechanic can save you a bunch of headaches down the road. Always remember that this is your car and your money. This holds true for the service writer too. It is important to find people that can be trusted with your car. You may have to try several locations before you find the people and service that are right for you.
To start with, spend some time at the repair shop. Look and ask for the technician’s certifications (sometimes displayed in the customer lounge). Start with basic repairs like oil changes and tire rotations. Consider how well your vehicle was treated. Was it kept clean? Is the shop clean? Is the technician’s area clean? (A clean and organized area is always a good sign of a THOROUGH technician.) Did the service writer spend time asking applicable questions? Were your questions answered to your satisfaction?
Remember, you don’t have to play Russian roulette with your vehicle. A good technician will have a good reputation. Ask around! Friends, neighbors and work associates will most likely volunteer information that leads you to a trust worthy and reliable technician and service shop. Investigating your options and trusting your instincts will be worth it in the end.
To start with, spend some time at the repair shop. Look and ask for the technician’s certifications (sometimes displayed in the customer lounge). Start with basic repairs like oil changes and tire rotations. Consider how well your vehicle was treated. Was it kept clean? Is the shop clean? Is the technician’s area clean? (A clean and organized area is always a good sign of a THOROUGH technician.) Did the service writer spend time asking applicable questions? Were your questions answered to your satisfaction?
Remember, you don’t have to play Russian roulette with your vehicle. A good technician will have a good reputation. Ask around! Friends, neighbors and work associates will most likely volunteer information that leads you to a trust worthy and reliable technician and service shop. Investigating your options and trusting your instincts will be worth it in the end.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
communication
So you are headed to the shop with that check engine light on. A few things to do, first lets take control of the visit. Read the work order and make sure it matches your complaint. Ask to talk to the technician that is going to work on your car (if possible). If not ask that he calls you.
Here is an example of a common communication problem.
Work order reads will not start. Tech starts car several times during the day. No problem found, now you are frustrated. A good tech will ask you if this is a “cranking” problem or “starting” problem. There is a big difference.
Second ask for old parts, and to be shown where the fault is, (if possible). And last you want them to go over the bill.
Here is an example of a common communication problem.
Work order reads will not start. Tech starts car several times during the day. No problem found, now you are frustrated. A good tech will ask you if this is a “cranking” problem or “starting” problem. There is a big difference.
Second ask for old parts, and to be shown where the fault is, (if possible). And last you want them to go over the bill.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What to do first
So you are driving down the road and you notice the check engine light on. "what to do". Lets turn off the radio and cell phone and pay attention, do you notice anything? Gauges, noise, engine run ok? Now if you have had experience with this light in the past, then you no what it means, if not pull over and lets get out the owners manual and find out. A good rule of thumb is if the light is red pull over now, yellow or amber and on steady u have some time(don't panic). If the light is flashing u need to find a shop soon.
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