Car Care Tips

How The Check Engine Light Works

Have you ever had an experience like this? You drive through the one of those automatic car washes. When you get to the end, where the dryer is blowing, your check engine light started flashing!

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Differential Service: What You Need To Know

Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a differential is – you will in a moment. That fact is that if you drive a car, you have a differential. Whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you have a differential. You might even have two or three.

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Transmission Service

Let’s talk about transmission service. It can be easy to forget about getting your transmission serviced because it doesn’t need it very often. It’s easy to remember to change the engine oil – you know, every 3,000 miles or 5,000 kilometers. But proper transmission servicing keeps your car running smoothly and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.

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Keeping Your Car Young

New stuff comes out so fast, we just toss the old and move on. It seems like when we were kids, our parents were real sticklers about taking care of our stuff. You know, hang up your clothes, polish your shoes, put away your toys. If something got lost or ruined by neglect, tough – we had to do without.

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Trip Inspection

North Americans love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than the road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road – it’s great! But there’s nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.

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Upsizing Wheels and Tires

Many people want to accessorize their car – you know, make it theirs. One of the easiest ways to get a custom look is to get some new wheels. There are thousands of wheel designs out there to get you the look you want. And for many, that look includes bigger wheels. It used to be that cars came from the factory with 15 or 16 inch wheels. Now 16, 17 and even 18 inchers are standard. And the factories are offering optional wheel packages up to 20 inches or more.

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Engine Oil and Filter

Check level with engine off at every fill up.

For maximum engine life, change oil and filter every three months or every 3,000 miles.

Chassis Lubrication

Many newer cars are lubed-for-life. Many others still require this service.

Steering and suspension components may require periodic lubrication.

Fuel Filter

Replaced if restricted or water contaminated. Restricted fuel filters shorten life of fuel pump.

Replace fuel filter every 2 years/24,000 miles.

Engine Air Filter

Inspect air filter at each oil change.

Replace annually or when torn, water or oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check fluid levels with engine running and transmission in park or neutral, depending on manufacturer instructions.

For maximum performance, change every 2 years/24,000 miles.

Differencial, Manual Transmission and Transfer Case (If Equiped)

Check fluids at each oil change.

Replace fluids every 4 years/50,000 miles using factory recommended lubricant.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Check fluid level monthly.

Use washer fluid only.

Power Steering Fluid

Check fluid with engine off using either "Full Cold" or "Full Hot" indicator lines on dipstick.

If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated.

Replace fluid every 2 years/24,000 miles.

Cabin Filter

Replace annually or more often in areas with heavy airbone contaminants or whenever heating or cooling effieciency is reduced.

Coolant (Antifreeze)

Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap.

If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze/coolant and distilled water.

Change coolant every 2 years/24,000 miles for most vehicles.

Inspect hoses at each oil change and replace when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.

Check the V-belts and serpentine belts for tension and condition.

Replace when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear.

Typically replace timing belt between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Not replacing the belts as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage.

Check the entire brake system every year, inspecting brake linings, rotors and drums.

Check fluid when engine off or running.

If frequent topping off is required, inspect brake linings and check for fluid leaks.

Replace fluid every 2 years/24,000 miles.

Replace oxygen sensor at interval as recommended in owner's manual.

Some cars have an oxygen sensor replacement light that appears when replacement is needed. 1996 and newer cars have more than one oxygen sensor.

Typical spark plug replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug.

Inspect steering and suspension system at least annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such as bail joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace these parts if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found.

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, monthly.

Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.

Inflate tires and maintain at recommended pressure.

Replace tires if worn or damaged.

If check engine light comes on while driving or remains on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be analyzed/diagnosed.

If light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter or other damage.

To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax finish, use only automotive car wash products, not dish-washing liquids.

Polish at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.

Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.

Exhaust leaks can allow carbon monoxide gas into the passenger compartment.

If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.

Battery should be securely mounted.

Battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion-free.

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

Perform muli-point inspection.

Rotate tires every other oil change for optimal tire life.