Category Archives: Vehicle Maintenance

Car Care – Spring Cleaning

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Now is the time for car care spring cleaning. Not only will spring cleaning get your car looking great, it is the ideal time to undo some of winter’s damage. Generally speaking, as the seasons change, it is also a good idea to stop by your auto service center to have regular services performed such as oil and fluids changes, wheel alignment,  and tire rotation.

Start your car care spring cleaning with a thorough car wash including underbody. After a season of driving on winter roads, the bottom of your car will be coated with corrosion causing salt, sand, and grime. Corrosion leads to rust  that will seriously damage your car, so it is important to clean it from top to bottom. Be sure to get the undercarriage power wash at your car wash or spray the car’s bottom with your own hose. A thorough rinsing is all you need – special cleaners are not necessary.

Tires can become cracked or dry-rotted, so it is essential to include them in your spring cleaning.  Scrub your tires with a good quality cleaner. Follow up with a protective product. There are a number of options, with some providing a slick finish, others a more matte finish. The important thing is that it conditions and protects the rubber in your tires, and contains a UV protectant.

When I say clean, I mean clean.  Do a thorough job inside and out. Wipe down the engine to clear away all the debris that has accumulated under the hood.  Remove any white residue off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water. It is important to do this because if corrosion residue accumulates,  it may prevent your car from starting. Cleaning also helps prepare the battery for the stress of warmer temperatures.

As part of your car care spring cleaning, be sure to scrub the bottoms of doors and clean the window channels. It is a good idea to apply a silicone spray that will repel dirt and lubricates the surfaces so the windows will not stick. Take the time to clean rugs and upholstery to remove all the salt from the car’s inside. Salt can damage some fabrics and lead to damage. Be sure to check the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Your final spring cleaning step should be to wax. Waxing provides your car with protection and gives it a beautiful finish.

Winter Wash

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Dear Tracy,

I am concerned about the salt that has been building up on my car this winter, but I am reluctant to wash it because I have heard the locks, trunk, and gas cap can freeze. Is freezing a problem or is it okay to wash during winter? I am really worried about the salt damaging my car and my tires!

Rachel B.

Dear Rachel,

It is definitely a good idea to keep your car washed in the winter. While salt is a quick and effective way for municipalities to make roads safer during periods of ice and snow, it is also a very caustic substance that can lead to pitting and rusting on your car’s finish. To prevent lock freezing and other such issues, you can apply WD40 to help water from penetrating these areas.

If you have newer winter tires that have a decent amount of tread, you shouldn’t have to worry about salt damaging your tires. But the metal surfaces of your vehicle, including your wheels, are vulnerable to salt damage. Salt can ultimately lead to rust occurring on the body and underside areas of your car.

Fortunately the process of salt leading to rust takes time. The coatings and paint finishes used today do a very good job of providing protection.  With regular washings during the winter months your car should handle the salt abuse just fine. How often you need to wash the car will depend on how much salt and road sludge you encounter. Since salt is particularly hard on chrome, it may be worth swapping your wheels out it the winter months, if you have really expensive wheels. Also, waxing your car during the autumn months will provide extra protection that will make your winter washes more effective.

New Year’s Car Care Resolutions

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As we head into a brand new year we find ourselves thinking about starting or getting back into some good habits. For 2015, why not add a commitment to car care to your list? Not only does good car and tire care make sense for protecting and prolonging the life of your vehicle and tires, it also means that you and your passengers will be safer on the road.

Here is my suggested list of simple car and tire care actions:

Check Tire Pressure & Tread Depth

At least once a month, make it a point to check your tire pressure. You can find the proper pressure for your vehicle’s tires listed in your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.  Don’t forget to also check the pressure of your spare tire.

Two or three times a year you can check the tread depth by using the penny test. Hold a penny so you can read “In God We Trust” across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire and look at Lincoln’s head.  If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time for a new set of tires. If Abe’s head is covered to about the forehead hairline, the tread is in good shape and you probably do not need new tires.

Tire Balancing & Rotation

Tire balancing and rotation should be part of your regular service and done according to your owner’s manual recommended schedule. Tire balancing provides a smooth ride and assures even tire wear by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle. Tire rotation is an important maintenance step that will greatly extend the life of your tires. Manufacturers have specific recommendations, so it is advisable to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines to ensure proper tread wear.

Keep Up on Regular Maintenance

To keep your car running properly and performing at peak levels, it is essential to stay up-to-date with recommended regular maintenance services. Like us, our vehicles need regular check-ups to maintain good health and catch potential problems before they become serious issues. The following is a list of typical services – consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended services and frequency.

  • Coolant Flush and Replacement
  • Oil Change
  • Fluid Checks – Power Steering and Brake
  • Brake Inspection
  • Check Belts & Hoses
  • Filters – Air and Fuel
  • Battery & Cables
  • Lights
  • Exhaust System
  • Windshield Washer Fluid & Wiper Blades

Once you establish a solid car care routine, you can drive with added confidence that you are traveling safely and cost efficiently wherever the road takes you. Happy New Year!

Winter Car Battery Care

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Dear Tracy,

Do car batteries require any maintenance? I have heard that car batteries run out of energy more quickly in the winter and I want to do all that I can to make sure I am not left stranded in the cold.

Lucy M.

Dear Lucy,

You are very wise to be thinking about battery care, now that the weather is taking an icy turn! It is always best to have maintenance and inspection checks done on everything, including your battery, before winter strikes.

Ask your auto care professional to test and inspect your car’s battery.  If needed, they may also clean the battery tray and terminal posts. Often the terminals are sprayed with a protective solution to inhibit corrosion. Along with the battery check, your auto maintenance professional will inspect your alternator and starting system to be sure everything affecting the performance of your battery is working as it should be.

As for batteries running out of energy faster in the winter, it is true that extreme cold can have an adverse impact on battery performance. Cold temperatures inhibit the power of chemical reactions within the battery and increase the battery’s internal resistance, both of which can cause a reduction in cranking power. Since motor oil tends to get thicker at lower temperatures, engines need an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather.

Watch for the signs of a low or dying battery, so you can address the problem before you end up stranded. A starter that is slow to turn may mean your battery is failing or that alternator wiring problems are keeping the battery from charging fully. Dim headlights that  become brighter when you accelerate the engine is another battery problem sign. A simple thing you can to is to look for a purchase date on the battery itself – the battery case should have a decal listing its expected life. The battery should be replaced if it is approaching the end of its expected use life.

Last but not least, always carry a set of jumper cables in your vehicle so that you will be prepared if you ever do have to deal with a dead battery.

What the Smell? What Car Odors Can Mean

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Recently, a friend of mine nearly went crazy trying to find the source of an obnoxious smell, which had developed in her new car. Her first inclination was to blame her toddler, who likes to munch snacks and sip drinks in the car. When an inspection of his car seat, and thorough vehicle inspection failed to turn up a cause, she was ready to give up and hand over a tidy sum to an auto detailer to fix the issue. That’s when her oldest child finally confessed to spilling milk on the floor and merely patting it dry. Once the carpet deep cleaned, the problem was solved!

Sometimes, mystery odors in your car can be more than the result of a careless mishap. Often they are a warning of potential problems relating vehicle operation. Below is a list of some possible offensive odor auto issues (try saying that five times fast). Whatever it may be, if you find yourself with a mysterious car odor, have it checked out to make sure it is not a serious issue.

Maple Syrup

If you start craving pancakes as your engine warms up, it could mean  a ethylene glycol leak, which can smell sweet, like maple syrup. An ethylene glycol leak can come from failures in the intake manifold gasket, heater hose, radiator hose, or cylinder head. When the odor is most noticeable outside of the car, the problem may be a radiator cap leak. If the smell is stronger inside the car, it could indicate an issue with the heater core.

Rotten Eggs

A sulfur smell that seems like rotten eggs can be caused by a bad catalytic converter. During normal operation, gas that passes through the catalytic converter is transformed into odorless sulfur dioxide. If the sulfur is not being converted, you may smell it, and that may mean that your catalytic convertor is not working.

Gasoline

A leak in the fuel tank vent hose or the fuel injection line may be to blame if your car smells like a gas station. Since gasoline is flammable this is obviously not a good situation. While a gas smell can be common in classic cars that were manufactured in the 1970’s or earlier, it is not normal in newer cars and likely the sign of a serious issue.

Carpet Burning

If you smell something like burning carpet, it could be the result of hard braking causing the brake pads to overheat. While it may be normal to smell this temporarily during some driving situations, if you smell a burning smell regularly, during normal driving, it could mean you are driving with the parking brake on, or it could mean faulty or damaged brakes.

Damp and Musty

If climbing in your car is like climbing into your high school gym locker, it could be mildew in the air conditioning system. Simply turning off the air conditioning system and running  the fan on high will often cure the problem by drying out your system, but if it persists, you may need a more thorough cleaning.

 

About Automotive Recalls

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Dear Tracy,

I have recently become a new car owner for the first time in my life, and am super excited to finally own a vehicle that I can rely on! It did occur to me, though, that there are sometimes recalls on cars. Can you explain what a car recall means, how I will know if there is one, and what I need to do?

Thanks,

Grace M.

Dear Grace,

Congratulations on your new car! Odds are great that you will have many worry-free miles ahead before you have any issues, providing that you take good care of your vehicle and tires. Automotive recalls do happen, however, so your questions are good ones to ask.

The reason for an automotive recall to be issued is that a problem has been discovered, which poses a risk of injury or property damage. It can be the manufacturer that issues the recall, or sometimes recalls are ordered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, upon investigation of problems that have been reported.

While car owners may learn of a recall on the news or by word-of-mouth, an official letter is sent to vehicle owners concerning specific auto recalls. This should be considered confirmation that there is an issue with your specific make and model. A recall letter will include detailed information about the nature of the problem or defect. Instructions are provided regarding what your next steps should be to remedy the problem, as well as the time frame within which the vehicle needs to be brought in for the corrective measures. All issues should be rectified at no cost to you. Drivers who have had repairs done prior to the issuance of a recall may be eligible for reimbursement with the proper receipts or paperwork.

Vehicle owners of used cars, or other owners who fear they may miss delivery of a recall notification letter for some reason, can also contact an authorized dealership for more information if they hear about a recall.

Does a TPMS mean Goodbye to the Gauge?

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Dear Tracy,

My new car has a tire pressure monitoring system and I am not really sure how it works. I have always been in the habit of checking my tire pressure with a manual gauge. Do I no longer need to do this now that I have a TPMS?

-Sylvia P.

Dear Sylvia,

I am always glad to hear when people are in the habit of checking tire pressure! It is great that you have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your vehicle, but I would also hang on to that gauge.

The TPMS electronic system installed within your vehicle will continuously monitor the air pressure of all four tires. The TPMS will alert you, probably through a warning light on the dashboard, when your tire pressure falls below the proper limit. There are two different TPMS types – direct and indirect. How your system works depends on the type you have.

A direct TPMS has a pressure sensor on each tire, typically located on the valve stem or band mounted. The sensors used in direct systems are powered by separate lithium batteries, which eventually die. If your new car has a direct system, your regularly scheduled maintenance will include a check to make sure those batteries are in good shape.

Indirect TPMS technology works a little differently. Its monitoring is based on a calculation of factors, starting with the fact that a tire’s over-all diameter is smaller when it is not correctly inflated. A wheel that is smaller will have to spin faster to keep up with the other three. Wheel speed sensors located at each wheel position identify an underinflated tire by comparing the rotational speed of each wheel with the average speed of all four wheels to determine if one is spinning faster than the others. Though the indirect system does not require servicing, it does have some issues, such as the problem that if all four tires are underinflated, the indirect TPMS may not detect a problem.

Now, about that manual gauge. They say that old habits die hard, but in this case, manually checking your tire pressure is a habit you should probably keep, since your TPMS may not be entirely fail-safe. While you may not have to check your tires as often, regular manual tire pressure checks will give you the added measure of assurance that your TPMS is working properly.

Summer Car Care: How to Beat the Heat

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Summer is the time for fun in the sun, and not the time you’d be thinking about car trouble, right? Though summer may provide for better road conditions than winter, don’t discount the potential for hot weather perils. All of that heat can be more than a little stressful for our vehicles. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be especially rough on cars and trucks.

When temperatures rise, this compounds the high temperatures that are already happening under your hood. This means your cooling and ventilation systems have to work even harder at keeping your vehicle protected. It is easy for a vehicle to breakdown under hot summer conditions, so it is important to keep an eye on these especially vulnerable areas:

Tires – Excessive heat causes the air inside of your tires to expand. To reduce the risk of blowouts, check tire pressure regularly and keep tires properly inflated.

Radiator – An overheated engine can quickly lead to a breakdown that will leave you stranded. Make sure your radiator is filled with the fluid it needs to prevent overheating.

Regular Maintenance – Your vehicle is most likely to operate at peak performance if you keep it in peak condition. Make sure you stay up-to-date on oil changes and other routine maintenance.

Cooling System – Have your cooling system checked at the beginning of the summer to make sure you are ready for the heat. The cooling system keeps the engine cool, and allows the AC system to function properly.

Battery – Check the condition of your battery in the hot summer months. Keep it topped off with distilled water and make sure it is free from corrosion. 

Transmission Service – Tune Up & Spark Plug Replacement

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The combustion and power needed to move your vehicle  is initiated by its spark plugs. The combustion drives clean gas and air to the vehicle’s cylinders. Overtime, the fuel injectors can become clogged, fuel filters get dirty, and the spark plugs can become corroded. When parts are compromised, your engine will not perform as it should, and your gas mileage will suffer.

Tune up service gives your auto professional the opportunity to inspect your car and to follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for replacing components such as fuel filters, PCV valves, and spark plugs if they are no longer working at maximum efficiency. Maintenance that is not part of the regular tune up may also be needed, so a tune up provides a good opportunity to check the brakes and clutch, fluid and oil levels, and any other systems that are not regularly used or inspected. Getting a tune up in spring or early summer may be a good idea so you can have the air conditioning system checked before you need to use it.

Why are tune ups necessary?

Having a tune up will restore your vehicle’s power and efficiency. Your engine relies on many components working together to ensure proper starting and functioning. When these components wear out or fail to function, the result is lost performance and inefficient fuel economy. Tune up  service performed by your auto service professional will help maintain and extend auto life.

How often are tune ups  needed?

Generally speaking, you should have a tune up every two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. See your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Transmission Service – Taking Charge of Car Maintenance

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Transmission service is part of your car’s recommended regular maintenance and involves a transmission flush and transmission fluid change. Staying on schedule with your transmission maintenance will help your car to perform at its best, and keep it running reliably over time.

Transmission service typically includes the following steps:

  • Removal and inspection of the  pan
  • Replacement or cleaning of the screen or filter
  • Cleaning and reinstalling the pan with a new pan gasket
  • Removal of the old transmission fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid

Why is transmission service necessary?

As with many essential  automotive fluids, transmission fluid degrades over time. The high operating temperature of the transmission puts strain on the transmission and the fluid, which serves to facilitate gear shifts, cool the transmission, and keep the moving components lubricated. Some types of driving, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic or heavy hauling can accelerate transmission fluid deterioration.

Transmission flush service flushes out the old fluid and washes away tiny particles of clutch material and metal shavings that can accumulate as the fluid ages. Left unchecked, those particles will clog passages and wedge between moving parts, causing wear within the transmission. Changing the fluid gets rid of those particles and eliminates the wear they cause.

Regular transmission service allows your transmission to function better for years longer, which means you’re less likely to breakdown and be faced with a major transmission repair. 

How often is transmission service needed?

The usual time frame for having transmission service is every 50,000 miles. See your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Next in our Taking Charge of Car Maintenance series, we will look at Tune-up & Spark Plug Replacement.