Posts Tagged ‘auto maintenance’

Auto Oil Changes & Lubes

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Car and engine manufacturers give recommended oil change intervals of around or between 2,000 to 7500 miles (corresponding to 3,200 to 12,000 km) between oil changes depending upon operating conditions. There are so many variables such as engine load, short trips, speed, prolonged idling and dust that an exact recommendation that fits all vehicles, their climates and environments and driving patterns is virtually impossible.

There are two major reasons why oil must be drained periodically. Contaminants can increase in number. When this occurs, the oil’s ability to lubricate and cool the engine is significantly reduced. Chemical changes are also a problem. Oil contains certain additives. These give the capacity to protect form rusting and corrosion of metals until they become depleted and oxidized. For clarification purposes, oil itself does not wear out. However, the additives, which are incorporated in the compound that are responsible for protecting metal parts against oxidation and other causes of deterioration, do. New oil and a new filter will help your engine perform better and last longer when it is done in the correct intervals.

The American Petroleum Institute says that this change should be done at “regular intervals” and check with the recommendations given in your car’s service manual. Usually, there are two types: one for mileage which, in most cars is as around 3,000 miles; and the other one is for time, at around three months. When it’s summer time decrease the recommendation by 10% and by winter 20%. For example, in winter the oil must be changed around 2,400 miles. This is the computation for maximum oil-change intervals. It might be a bit costly and inconvenient for some, but you are assured that the car is in good condition when you need it to be.

If on the other hand, operating conditions are other than ideal, the change interval will be shortened. In fact under the worst driving conditions for automotive engines – such as what occurs during dust storms, prolonged idling, constant starts and stops, the oil change interval may have to as little as only 500 to 1000 miles (that is approx 800 to 1600 kilometers.)

In that most auto engines are not operated under either extreme or ideal conditions, it is important to know the general conditions surrounding the use of the specific engine and in which specific vehicle that is question. In this manner , a reasonably accurate determination of the oil change interval can be made , stated and a recommendation made. However it should be emphasized that at no time should the manufacturer’s recommended maximum interval be extended or inflated. Lastly motorists with diesel engines – diesel powered trucks and diesel fueled cars be reminded that oil change intervals are shorter than with similar gasoline fueled cars and trucks. V:12

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How To Maintain Your Car

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Having a car nowadays is already considered a need However, a car is generally expensive so you have to always keep it in a good condition to avoid spending money for auto repairs. There are different basic ways you need to regularly check and do for your vehicle. Read on to learn about the things that you need to check for your car.

First things first, have a regular car maintenance appointment for your car. Set aside some time to thoroughly inspect your car for damage and you can do this when you park it on your garage. You may be able to find some problems that can become complicated and is easy to fix once you spot it early. Making sure that you take notice of little damages in your car and having them fixed will save you a lot of money. Acting immediately will help you save money from future complicated repairs.

Make sure that you have a regular schedule for cleaning your car as well. You should clean the interior and exterior portions. Create a regular schedule for cleaning your car. The best schedule to wash the exterior and vacuum the interior of your car is once a week or twice in a month. Make sure that you also clean your tires once in awhile.

Take the time to have your engine oil and clean the filter as well. Changing of oil can extend the life of your vehicle and keep it in a good condition. Having a clean engine will produce less smoke and in effect will help preserve the environment so it is very good practice to have your oil changed regularly.

Make sure that you also have your car scheduled for a smog check. Basically, many states in the country require every car owner to undergo a smog check. Make it a point to have your car repaired if it is emitting too much smoke. Otherwise you are providing an environmental threat to the environment.

Those are the things you need to include on your auto repair checklist. Just heed the tips that you learned here and do them regularly.

When you need to take your car in for maintenance see us at our San Diego auto repair shop. Your car’s repair needs will be taken care of including if you need a smog test San Diego service.

Touch-less Car Wash Equipment Or Hand Wash ?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

A clean and well maintained car sells easier, sells and trades in for more cash and makes any negotiations selling or trading in your vehicle a lot easier and better. So why don’t more auto owners take better care of their automobile overall when it comes time to simple cleaning of the exterior of their vehicles? Is it laziness or is it a matter that they are too busy or simply do not care? The sad fact is that many auto owners’ especially first time buyers simply do not know the simple rules and ease of washing a car. It’s easy and fun if you know how.

Aside from mechanical aspects of your automobile, the majority of professional used car appraisers , auto auction professional buyers or just plain Jane run of the mill late model auto purchasers look first and foremost in their first impressions for rust , dents on the body of the vehicle and also the condition of your auto upholstery and carpeting.

The results of oxidation of a previously shiny and beautiful auto finish are obvious for all or most to see. First the paint finish will present with a dull chalky appearance. Look for “crazing” – that is a maze of hair like cracks on metallic or refinished surfaces which can occur when paint shrinks under the hot summer sun. Crazing is especially common in hot climates such as Florida residents or even visiting tourists encounter. Lastly add in bird dropping – or bird do do which can permanently stain your car’s paint and finish if not wiped off or cleaned off more than promptly.

A thorough wash and wax treatment will not only improve your car’s appearance, but will also protect it from damaging rays of the sun. Park in a shaded area and use plenty of water from a hose or bucket. Use a car wash soap or mild detergent if your auto is especially dirty and filthy. Anything stronger can well damage the finish. Wipe with a soft towel or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Spray the under-body and inside the wheels with a strong stream of water to loosen any dirt, mud or sand trapped under the chassis of your automobile. Lastly to remove bits of hardened tar or bug and bird marks, hold a cloth saturated with cooking oil or auto store commercial solvent road tar remover over the spot until the blemishes lift off or are removed. Finally give the surface a final wipe with a clean dry towel, soft dry paper towels or a fine soft chamois.

Lastly it is not only your vehicle’s exterior which keeps you traveling down the highways and byways easily, comfortably and reliably. No doubt about it that your car, truck or SUV takes an ongoing beating and pounding day in day out. Make it a regular and ongoing point to conduct ongoing and regular maintenance checks. Professional semi trailer drivers do it as a matter of course and habit and so should you. Check fluid levels for battery, brakes, steering and transmission. Of course check the level of your engine oil and change it regularly according to your vehicle’s manufacturer and your auto’s drivers and owner’s manuals. If it doubts double check at the service or sales dept of your local authorized automobile dealership. Inspect your engine’s hoses and belts for wear, tears and rips. Have these replaced if necessary. Check the air pressures of your tires. If you are unfamiliar again visit the service department of your local auto dealer or a local tire shop. They will be only too happy to assist you. Lastly change air filters – both engine and cabin if dirty or clogged. Preventative maintenance is always safer, less stressful and ultimately less costly and expensive on the auto ownership budget.

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