WHAT IS MOTOR OIL

The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate, clean, protect, cool and even restore your engine’s performance. For these reasons, it is obvious why motor oil is essential to the maintenance of your engine. The coating that oil provides protects the engine’s parts from coming in contact with each other. Oil is petroleum based and comes in a variety of type grades. Oil grades are determined by their viscosity characteristics and weight.  Ensuring that you are placing the correct oil into your engine is important. You can do this by consulting with your owner’s manual.  

IMPORTANCE OF OIL CHANGES

As oil ages it becomes dirty and it loses its friction-reducing capabilities.  This increases wear and tear within the engine. Changing your oil regularly ensures that engine friction is kept to a minimum. When friction is reduced, your engine’s operating temperature will decrease as well, keeping it from overheating. Properly lubricated engine parts are vital to the health of the engine. Making sure your engine’s oil is at the correct level is important. Oil changes also remove metal flakes and debris that fall from your engine.  These things are picked up off the road and causes severe damage to the components of your vehicle. 

SIGNS YOUR CAR NEEDS AN OIL CHANGE

Oil is an important component of a car’s engine operation. Due to the importance of engine health, it is good to be aware of the signs that your vehicle gives off. For best results, you should check your car’s oil regularly. As oil wears, it loses its natural color and becomes dark and murky colored. Motor oil should be clean and fresh, resembling a lighter honey color. Often times vehicles will alert drivers that it is time for an oil change. If your vehicle does not have this option you can get an indication of when your next oil change should be by looking at your mileage. Typically your oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. If your engine is making unusual noises, that could indicate that the oil level is low or that it is dirty.  This can cause friction causing parts to rub together. 

WHAT IS AN OIL FILTER

An oil filter is an important part of your workings of your car. Oil filters allow oil to move through various parts of your car, keeping it cool and absorbing harmful particles. When oil passes through the filter it removes contaminants from the oil allowing it to pass through your car again. Oil filters are made up of two parts. The first part removes smaller particles and the second part of the filter stops larger particles that the first part did not pick up. Once the oil passes through the filter it gets pushed through the engine free of harmful substances and continually repeats this process. Just like any car component, oil filters can go bad and need changed. Signs of leaking and overheating can indicate an issue with your filter. It is important to know what is going on under the hood of your vehicle. Therefore, be aware of symptoms that your car is giving off and make regular appointments with one of our auto mechanics to help your vehicle perform at its best. 

The Workings of the Radiator

The spring season brings to mind warmer temps, car rides, and bumpy roads. Many people get ready for the spring by performing their general car maintenance or their vehicle safety inspection. One thing that people become concerned with is the coolant levels. Coolants are considered one of the top fluids to check after engine oil. When car owners check their radiators, they look for leaks and check fluid levels, but not really understanding the purpose of the radiator. Radiators are important to keep the engine cool, especially in the spring when the coolant has been through torture over the winter months.

How Does it Work?

The radiator is essentially a network of tubing that travel through the engine block to carry coolants that absorb the heat from the engine. When the liquid is cycled away from the engine, it is cooled by the outside air and is then cycled back to the engine to repeat the process. The radiator pulls antifreeze from the reservoir down through tubes that run through the engine. As the liquid travels, it is heated by the energy generated inside. The hot fluid travels through a network of tubes, which is the radiator that is located in the front of the car where it is exposed to receive the maximum amount of airflow. 

How to Care for the Radiator

If you properly maintain your radiator, it can last for up to ten years, and an older metal one can last for the life of the car.  If you have a newer car, you may have a radiator that is made from lightweight aluminum or even plastic. Make sure that you inspect it for cracks that form from expanding and contracting with the temperature changes. If your car is overheating, a leak may be the culprit. You should also make sure you have the proper level of antifreeze. Make sure you have appropriate safety gear and exercise caution. When you take off the radiator cap, proceed slowly because the system is pressurized and fast removal can cause a rapid escape of steam and can cause burns. You should also check the hoses, clamps, and thermostat to make sure they are in good condition. Replace any worn, corroded, or damaged parts. Your mechanic will drain and refill the antifreeze if the liquid becomes contaminated.

What is Radiator Flushing?

Radiator flushing has been touted by many auto repair shops, causing a great amount of controversy over the process. Flushing involves pumping the antifreeze under pressure through the radiator in this process. This is done to ensure that all traces of the old fluid and contaminants are removed and to lubricate the water pump. Many mechanics feel that flushing a radiator is not needed and is not worth the trouble or expense. Radiators in newer cars are smaller and are situated at an angle in the front of the car in a very tight position, which makes reaching the radiator a tough job. The design of the radiator makes it almost impossible to remove all of the sediments that may have settled to the bottom or in the crevices. The design also makes it hard to insert any power-washing tool inside. Your mechanic can advise you as to whether you need the radiator flushed. 

A Brief Overview of Electrical Systems in Your Car

Now that spring is on it’s way, you should be thinking about the health of your car. You may have had your winter vehicle safety inspection and been diligent about adhering to your general car maintenance schedule, but you may not be sure about the various parts of your car. One part of the car that gets a lot of attention is the electrical system. This system is one of the most important ones to your car, and you should make sure you have some basic knowledge of what this system does. 

What is the Electrical System?

The electrical system is the part of your car that consists of a battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an alternator, and a fuse box. The alternator is the powerhouse for your battery, which provides an electricity for your car. The power that is generated is what operates the car and allows you to be able to drive. Without it, your car would not work at all. If you go outside and try to turn the key and nothing happens, chances are that this is one of the systems responsible for the lack of response from your car. This system also powers the various devices that are on your car, such as the radio, automatic door locks, and the power sunroof.  The fuse box operates in the same fashion as the one in your home would. It helps to regulate the flow of current to the various devices, and will trip itself if an electrical surge were to happen. The fuse box is normally located inside the car under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the car and the fuses are easily changed when they blow. 

Where Does the Power Come From?

The battery is the place where power originates. It is a closed environment that houses six cells stacked with positive and negative lead plates that are separated by insulators. The cells sit in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The battery receives a charge from the alternator as the car engine is running.  The length of its lifetime can range from three to seven years, depending upon the design and brand. The easiest way to do this is to turn on your headlights before you switch the ignition. If you notice that your lights are brighter after you turn on the car, you may have an issue with the battery. Your automotive repair shop can perform a quick battery test and advise you if your battery is weak.

So, What about the Alternator?

The alternator produces the electricity that controls the charge that is stored in the battery. You should have your mechanic check this part to make sure that it is operational because the alternator usually gives no warning before it fails.  When this part fails, you can have your mechanic replace it with a new one or a rebuilt one.

WHAT IS AN AUTO WHEEL ALIGNMENT?

A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other.  Wheel alignment also ensures that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground, allowing for your vehicle to drive straight while going down the road.  This is  why wheel alignments are important to the health of your vehicle. Properly adjusting your vehicle’s alignment can maximize the life of your tires and part chambers keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

WHY ARE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR VEHICLE?

It only takes a small jolt against a parking bumper to create glitches with your vehicle’s alignment, which is why having a proper wheel alignment is important. Proper wheel alignments can improve gas mileage, by decreasing the resistance between parts while rubbing against each other. Wheel alignments also improve the handling of your vehicle. Having a correct wheel alignment provides you with a smooth ride down the road. Poor wheel alignment can also put a heavy strain on your car. Having a car with bad wheel alignment can lead to other problems because it places a lot of pressure on your suspension.  It also causes resistance on your brake shaft causing breakage. You should check out any premature signs of a improper wheel alignment and make sure they are taken care of quickly. Having such issues can impair driving on wet or iced roads. 

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY WHEELS NEED ALIGNED? 

By looking at your wheels you can typically indicate if they are out of alignment. The more tires are driven; the more they get worn down and can lose their shape. This is why if you notice vibrations or shaking in your steering wheel or driver’s seat, this might be a sign of improper wheel alignment. Another indicator is if you are driving straight, but your steering wheel is not centered with your steering consul. If you notice this, you should consider making an appointment with one of our mechanics. One of the most common signs of poor wheel alignment is i your vehicle drifting to one side of the road or the other. You should check with our mechanics on a regular basis to make sure a wheel alignment service is scheduled. Wheels getting out of alignment can happen more easily than one might think. A bump into the curb is enough to throw the suspension off and cause issues. Exercising caution while driving can help eliminate these problems.

ELEMENTS OF A WHEEL ALIGNMENT 

Wheel alignments involve three basic elements.  First being the camber. The camber is the angle at which your wheels are tilted. Tilting in or out too much can cause the wheel’s tread to wear on that particular side, causing your vehicle to pull to either side of the road. The caster of the vehicle is the angle of the steering pivot that is attached to your vehicle’s suspension system. Lastly, the toe measures the distance at which the wheels pivot from side to side. If one of these three components are offset, it can cause extreme uneven wheel wear, which can lead to a lot of money out of your wallet if not looked at in more depth. This is why it is important to watch for the signs that your vehicle might be giving off and get them taken care of as soon as possible. A proper wheel alignment will prolong the life of your tires and make for better handling and easier steering, which is important when on the road. 

WHAT DOES POWER STEERING DO?

For those of you who have driven a vehicle without power steering, you know how helpful it is having it versus not. Power steering is a mechanism that helps the driver to steer and turn the vehicle more easily. Now-a-days, power steering is a common feature in nearly every modern vehicle. The power steering pump works on a special steering fluid, similar to other key fluids that are used to operate vehicles such as transmission fluid. 

WHAT IS POWER STEERING FLUID?

Power steering fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid designed specifically for use in power steering systems. The main purpose of power steering fluid is to act as the pass through which power is transferred from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s steering mechanism, as well as acting as a lubricant to protect moving parts within the system. The power steering fluid is contained in a linkage of sealed pipes and reinforced hoses that are connected to a series of pistons. When one piston is pressed down into the power steering fluid, it forces the fluid level to rise in another part of the system. It is not recommended that you drive without power steering fluid, because it can start to cause damage to the pump, resulting in larger problems. 

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING

There are several signs that can alert you that your power steering pump might be failing you. If you hear the power steering in your car start making a whining noise, you should check the power steering fluid in your vehicle. If it is low, then that can be another sign there might be a leak, which can cause your pump to go bad and affect the steering column. Driving your vehicle in the winter months when it is cold can also help you decide if your pump is going bad. If your steering wheel becomes stiff when you are driving, it might indicate a trip to the mechanic. There might also be squealing and groaning noises coming from underneath the hood when you make sharp turns or when you first start up your vehicle. If any of these symptoms progress you should not shrug them off, as it can be hard on your car and cause major wear and tear.

HOW TO HANDLE POWER STEERING FAILURE

Although it is rare, power steering failure can happen and can be quite alarming if you are not aware of steps you can take to be safe. Moving to the side of road is the first thing you should do if your power steering quits on you while on the road. If your power steering goes out, you will notice that you have to press on your brakes harder. Once you get pulled over and get the vehicle shut off, restart the vehicle and see if the steering wheel resets and moves freely. To avoid power steering failure, you should check your car’s fluid on a regular basis and have your vehicle serviced by one of our technicians if the fluid is leaking or discolored. You can operate your vehicle without power steering, however, it is difficult and can be unsafe if you are not used to it. Repairing or replacing the pump as well as changing the fluid as soon as possible is the safest caution you can take.

Proper Oil Changes by Proper Professionals

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to have the oil changed. Engine oil coats and protects the inner surfaces of the moving engine parts and helps to keep them cool and clean. Although your car has a cooling system to keep the car from overheating, the additional cooling of the engine oil helps to keep the parts from overheating and suffering from excessive friction so that they will last longer. You will be able to save money on car repairs by having your mechanic to perform regular oil changes for you. ASE master mechanics can perform this and other general car maintenance tasks for you with the greatest amount of professionalism and skill. 

All the Types of Oil

When you walk into an auto parts store, you will see a number of different brands, types, and weights of oil from which to choose. Your mechanic will know which oil is best to use for your car and the region in which you live. You will find three types of engine oil on the market: conventional, synthetic, and blended. Conventional oil is produced naturally in the earth while the synthetic is produced in a laboratory. Blended oils are a combination of both conventional and synthetic oils. The synthetic and blended oils were created in part to extend the length of time between oil changes. The weight of the oil refers to its thickness, or how quickly the oil flows between the moving engine parts. The grade is the alphanumerical notation of the weight. Oil can be single-grade or multi-grade, which means that the oil can have a single level of viscosity or a multiple levels of viscosity. Your owner’s manual will tell you which oil is in your car.

Frequency of Oil Changes

Car owners over the years had faithfully clung to the adage of changing the oil every 3,000 miles and once before the winter set in. With the advent of synthetic and blended oils, you will have more time between oil changes than you would if you used a conventional oil. Some oils tout that you can go over 30,000 miles between oil changes. When your mechanic checks your oil, they will be able to tell you when it is time for your oil to be changed. They will denote your service dates in your file and keep you on track with all of your general car maintenance tasks. 

Oil in Winter

Because engine oil offers lubrication and protection for the sensitive inner moving parts of the engine, it is very important that you monitor its condition, especially in the winter. Your mechanic will use the oil that is appropriate for the climate in your area. If you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, you should make sure your mechanic checks your oil before winter fully sets in. The oil not only lubricates and protects the engine; it also helps to keep it clean and to keep it from overheating. When you notice that the oil has become darker and thicker, it may be getting close to the time for an oil change. When you have your oil changed, your mechanic may also perform other maintenance tasks, such as fluid checks, tire pressure checks, or a bumper-to-bumper inspection. Checking your oil will keep you on the road and is a powerful weapon in your winter safety arsenal for your car. 

Electrical Systems for a Shocking Winter Performance

The slower pace of winter could lull some people into a false sense of security when it comes to winter safety. They may have completed winter inspections, oil changes, fluid checks, and even headlight polishing and fail to dedicate some attention to the smaller systems in the car. One of the most important systems in your car is the electrical system. Electrical systems are the powerhouses of the car. This system consists of the alternator, battery, spark plugs and wires, and a fuse box. Once you learn the purpose of this system,
you will be better able to appreciate it and more prone to include it in your winter safety inspections.

What is the Electrical System?

The electrical system commonly is comprised of a battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an alternator, and a fuse box. These parts supply power to the rest of the car. If the electrical system is malfunctioning, the car will not start. The battery provides electricity to the alternator, which is connected to the battery by a belt. The alternator produces the electricity that controls the charge that is being stored in the battery. The power that is being produced is AC power. This type of power is not compatible with the needs of the car. In order to power electrical devices, such as the engine controls and the ignition, a belt connects the alternator to the engine and the alternator converts the AC power that it produces into DC power. The fuse box is usually located on the driver side of the car close to the floor. This small box contains fuses for each electrical component to your car.

Basic Battery Information

The battery is a closed environment that houses six cells stacked with positive and negative lead plates that are separated by insulators. The cells sit in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The energy to power the car comes from the cells inside the battery. The battery also provides power for devices such as the radio, defroster, windshield wipers, and the heating system. The easiest way to do this is to turn on your headlights before you switch the ignition. If you notice that your lights are brighter after you turn on the car, then you may have an issue with the battery. You can also use a voltmeter, which is a device that measures voltage. A low reading would mean that the battery needs charging.

The Small Things You Can Do

Open the door to the fuse box and make sure that all of the fuses are still good. You will be able to discern if a fuse is blown because the filament inside will be broken. If one of the fuses blows, replace it with a new one. You can find them at your local auto parts supply store. Ask the clerk to help you locate the ones you need. Make sure that the replacement fuse is of the same voltage as the one you are replacing. Using the wrong voltage can cause expensive damage to your car. Consult your driver’s manual or local ASE master mechanics if you are unsure about which fuse to use. You should inspect the spark plugs and wires to make sure that they are firing as they should and replace any worn or damaged ones.