Category Archives: Vehicle Maintenance

Coolant Flushes – Taking Charge of Car Maintenance

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The primary job of coolant, or antifreeze as it is sometimes called, is to transfer excess heat from your car’s engine to the radiator. The coolant absorbs the heat and moves it to the radiator where it is dispersed into the air. It is also distributed through the heat exchanger into the passenger area of your car when the heating system is used. While water alone could transfer the heat, its affects would be too corrosive to the engine. For this reason coolant is used, which is comprised of a 50/50 ratio mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water.

Why are coolant flushes necessary?

Over time, the beneficial elements in coolant breakdown since it functions in such a hot and hostile environment. When the coolant’s rust inhibitors get depleted, the confined cooling passages in the engine and radiator are vulnerable to corrosion.

The engine block is the main source of rust in a car’s cooling system. Eventually rust deposits can accumulate and clog the cooling system and radiator. This causes overheating, which is the most common cause of engine damage and breakdowns. A coolant flush and fill will prevent these deposits and overheating.  Having a coolant flush and keeping the coolant fresh is definitely less expensive than repairing a heater core or radiator, or head gasket.

How often are coolant flushes necessary?

The typical time frame for having a coolant flush is two years or 30,000 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 Transmission Service.

 

Tire Rotation – Taking Charge of Car Maintenance

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Tire rotation involves rotating or repositioning tires by moving them from one side of the vehicle to the other. This can also include moving them from front to back. Tires can be prone to wear differently depending on their position, the condition of your suspension, as well as the way you drive. When your service technician rotates the tires on your car, typically the front tires are exchanged with the rear tires. In most cases the driver side tires stay on the driver side and the passenger side tires stay on that side, however with certain types of vehicles or tires this approach may vary.

Why is tire rotation necessary?

Tire rotation is an essential maintenance operation that over time will save you money by protecting your tire investment. Rotating your tires is so important because of the different ways front and rear tires wear. Front tires are subjected to much more pressure than rear tires, so the tread wears faster on the front tires. By rotating the tires, you can balance out the wear, getting the most out of all four tires, and making sure that all four tires have a safe amount of tread. This is why regular tire rotation also enhances driving safety. And as if safety were not reason enough to have regular tire rotations done, keep in mind that inconsistent  tread wear can lead to poor performance and bad gas mileage.

You spend a lot of money on those tires! Why not protect your investment? Tire rotation service will keep your vehicle safe and to keep your tires properly maintained to get the most from them.    

How often is tire rotation necessary?

Generally speaking,  tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Your service manual will provide you with the best maintenance schedule for your particular make and model vehicle.

Next in our Taking Charge of Car Maintenance series, we will look at Coolant Flushes.

Oil Changes – Taking Charge of Car Maintenance

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Think of oil as the life blood of your car. Like the blood in your body, your car’s oil serves a vital function. As the lubricant for its engine, oil allows engine components to operate without damage resulting from metal to metal contact. Metal friction creates a substantial amount of heat. Without oil, eventually the surfaces of the metal components would weld together, causing the engine to seize.

Why are oil changes necessary?

Oil needs to be changed regularly because your engine’s high operating temperatures lead to the thermal breakdown of oil.  Oil becomes less effective as a lubricant as dirt accumulates in it. Though the filter traps much of the dirt, eventually the filter will clog and dirty oil will bypass the filter. As the contaminated oil becomes dirty and thick, it becomes abrasive, causing more component wear.

Another reason oil needs to be replaced is because it is formulated with additives. These additives improve the oil’s effectiveness and include detergents, dispersants, rust-fighters and friction reducers.  When these additives break down, the oil does not lubricate as well as it should.

Neglecting regular oil changes will eventually result in poor engine performance. Clean oil performs much more efficiently than dirty oil, so regular oil changes are essential to vehicle’s performance and safety.

How often is an oil change necessary?

Typically changes should be performed every 3,000 miles but vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations may vary – you should always consult your owner’s manual to find out the proper schedule for your car. At the time of your oil change, your technician will also change your oil filter to protect the clean oil.

Next in our Taking Charge of Car Maintenance series, we will look at Tire Rotation.

Taking Charge of Car Maintenance

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Let’s face it – it’s human nature to put things off. To make matters worse,  in this age of extreme multi-tasking it just seems like there are more and more things to do in a day. If you are like me, the things you tend to procrastinate on are the things you are not sure about or just don’t understand very well. For example, this is the time of year when my husband starts getting nervous, telling me that we really need to sit down and work on our taxes. I literally shudder.

When it comes to tires and car maintenance, for me, that’s a whole different story. Probably because I am passionate about all things automotive, but also because I understand so much about auto maintenance. The more you know about car maintenance, the more likely you will be to take charge and get things done. Not only will you understand what needs to be done, you will have a clearer picture of why car maintenance services are so important.

Over the next few weeks, I will offer a more in depth look at some of the maintenance services that need to be  done regularly:

My goal with this series is not to make you an expert, but to help you understand these services and why they are important, so you can take charge of your car maintenance.

Pothole Perils

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As the snow and ice melts, and this awful winter finally gives way to spring, we will be faced with some destructive reminders of the past season…potholes. Potholes are one of the most abusive nuisances to which your car is subjected. Hitting potholes can lead to problems such as:

  • Steering system issues
  • Wheel rim damage
  • Tire damage
  • Suspension problems
  • Engine or exhaust system damage

Shocks and struts are another component of your car that can be seriously compromised by potholes. Shocks and struts control your car’s ride and handling. Shock and struts act as a cushion to dampen the bouncing action of a car’s springs. Another function of shocks and struts is controlling spring and suspension movement to keep your car’s tires in contact with the road, enabling proper steering, stability, and braking. Compromised shocks and struts can impact steering and handling, so it is essential to be aware of the warning signs that your vehicle’s shocks or struts may need to be replaced:

  • Rolling or swaying on turns
  • Front-end dives when braking or rear end dips when accelerating
  • Bouncing or sliding sideways on rough or winding roads
  • Bottoming out or thumping on bumps
  • Unusual puddles under the car or leaking fluids
  • Loss of directional control during sudden stops

It is a good idea to have your car inspected if you experience any of the above signs. Catching pothole damage issues early can prevent more extensive problems down the road.

Are Automatic Car Washes Safe?

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Dear Tracy,

During the summer months I always wash my car at home, but in the winter I rely on an automatic car wash to get rid of the salt and sludge on my car. My dad recently told me that going through automatic car washes on a regular basis is not good for your car. Do you have any advice on automatic car washes? If it is okay to go, should I be getting all the services, or just the basic wash?

Cathy M.

Dear Cathy,

Taking your car through an automatic car wash is a good idea – especially in winter when the effects of salt can be extremely damaging to your car. Today’s car wash systems are safe, unlike the old brush systems your dad may remember. Keeping your car clean in winter is so important because long term exposure to salt, dirt, and grit will dull your car’s paint finish and contribute to rust and corrosion. It is a good idea to wash it at least once a month, or possibly more frequently if it is parked outside.

The car wash offers extra services that can quickly add up from the price of a basic wash. Though the car wash typically recommends them, they may not always be necessary. A service such as “undercarriage rust-proofing” may not be as effective as it sounds. Rust-proofing is beneficial when it is applied to brand-new metal, and will protect the metal from contact with road corrosives like salt. Most new cars receive a thorough rust-proofing at the factory during assembly, which should be sufficient, without any further treatments. The only extra you might want to splurge on a few times a year would be an underbody wash. It is important to keep that area clean and free of damaging debris. This is not as easy to do at home.

A final suggestion is to towel your car dry after a trip through the car wash. Even though automatic car washes usually have high power blowers for drying, the car may still come out wet. Use your own clean towel from home, or if the car wash does it for you, make sure they are using fresh towels on each car.

The Salt Assault – Protect Your Car & Tires

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Winter is just about the roughest season of all on your vehicle. Along with the snow, ice and freezing temperatures, your car and tires are under salt assault on the roads.

Salt and sand are typically spread over roads before or after a snow or ice storm. Salt lowers water’s freezing point, helping ice to melt even when the air temperature remains well below freezing. Sand helps keep the salt in place, while adding a degree of traction to wet and slushy roads.

Though salt and sand make the roads safer, their effects are anything but safe for your car and tires. The corrosive nature of these substances can damage paint finish, and make hoods, doors, fenders and tailgates susceptible to rust.

Help protect your car this winter with these tips:

Wash early, wash often – Be sure to keep the car clean with frequent washes, every one to two weeks. It is important to wash your car early in the day, making sure it has time to dry before nightfall, when temperatures drop.

Don’t get in too deep – Driving into heavy accumulations of snow is a bad idea. Not only due to the danger of getting stuck, but because the snow is mixed with salt and it packs into the undercarriage of your car. It is difficult to remove and leads to rust problems.

Just brush it off – If you park your car in a garage at night, take a moment to clear off any snow that may have accumulated on your car before you put it inside for the evening. Rust forms when moisture and oxygen combine on the bare metals of wheel wells, chrome, and the undercarriage.

Remember that old adage about an ounce of prevention? Getting your car ready for winter will give it  an extra line of defense. Wash your car and wax it with a good quality winter wax. A winter wax will provide your car with an added buffer of protection, and a fresh wax will make it much easier for the salt and grime to be washed off throughout the season.

Battery Care

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Dear Tracy,

As the temperatures are getting colder,  I want to make sure I don’t get stranded in the cold with a dead battery. I was wondering if it is necessary to perform  any maintenance on my car’s battery. Is it true that car batteries run out of charge more quickly in winter?

Allison S.

Dear Allison,

Before every winter driving season it is a good idea to take your car in for seasonal maintenance and inspection. Part of this should include a test of your battery. It may also be necessary to clean the battery tray and terminal posts. Your auto service expert may also spray the terminals with a protective spray to prevent corrosion. Along with battery maintenance, your technician  can check your alternator and starting system to make sure everything is in good condition and will not inhibit your car’s battery performance.

To answer your second question,  technically your car battery does not  drain faster in the winter. It is true, however, that extremely cold temperatures do have an impact on battery performance. Cold substantially decreases the effectiveness of chemical reactions within the battery and also increase the battery’s internal resistance. This causes a reduction in cranking power, which is problematic because cars need an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather when motor oil is thicker.

You can reduce the likelihood of being stuck with a dead battery by watching for the signs of a low or dying battery. Your battery could be failing If notice the starter turns slowly, or alternator wiring problems can prevent the battery from fully charging. If you notice your headlights look dim at idle and but become brighter when you accelerate the engine, this could indicate a battery problem. Lastly, check the purchase date on the battery itself. Somewhere on the battery case there should be a sticker that displays its expected life. Avoid problems by replacing it when it reaches the end of its expected life.

Ready For Winter?

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Be Prepared with these Five Winter Maintenance Jobs

Even if you aren’t ready for the coldest time of the year, at least make sure your car is! These five winter maintenance jobs will help get you ready for winter weather driving:

  • Check your antifreeze
    Fresh, quality antifreeze provides your vehicle with essential winter protection. Make sure your vehicle has a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. The antifreeze amount should be kept at the full line.
  • Check Your Tires
    The pressure on all tires, including the spare, should be checked monthly, with a reliable gauge and when the tires are cold. Though it may seem logical, do not go by the pressure stamped on the sidewall of the tire. To find out the proper pressure levels for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual or the sticker that is most often located on the driver-side door jamb. Pre-winter is also a good time to check your tire tread depth. Your tires need at least 2/32″ of depth to be safe, but more is even better. Use the penny test you make sure your tread depth is okay. If you have any doubts, check with your tire dealer to be sure your tread is safe.
  • Make Sure Your Battery is Charged
    Extreme weather, including cold temperatures, can  break down car batteries internally and can accelerate the rate of corrosion on battery terminals. This can lead to insufficient electrical power and the risk of being stranded. It is a good idea to check the battery cables and ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if there are signs of corrosion.  Typically, car batteries have a three to five year service life, depending on local climate and vehicle usage patterns.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid
    We tend to use more washer fluid as salt, sludge and snow sprays continually bombard our windshields. You don’t want to be “that person” with the car that looks like it’s just been pulled from a lake. More importantly, you want to make sure you can SEE so you can drive safely. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with winter cleaning solution that contains enough antifreeze components to keep it from freezing.
  • Replace your wipers
    In order for the wiper fluid to do its job, you need wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe. The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.

You can perform these maintenance steps yourself, or you can stop by your auto service shop to make sure everything looks good. Just make sure you get it done before Jack Frost gets here!

Steering Problems – Front End Alignment Can Set You Straight

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Dear Tracy,

I have recently been having problems with my car’s steering pulling to the left.  As I am driving, in order to keep the care straight, I have to pull the wheel to the right. Is it normal for a car to do this as it gets older? Is it something I should have checked out?

Jeremy B.

Dear Jeremy,

If your car is pulling to one side, that is definitely a sign of trouble. Mostly likely your car is in need of a front end alignment. Misalignment is usually not the result of normal driving wear, but instead the result of a collision, driving over an obstruction, or some other type of impact.

It is important to get your car in for front end alignment service as soon as you can. Not only is it unsafe to drive a vehicle that does not steer or handle well, your tires will be subject to improper wear. When tires do not wear evenly, as they were designed to do, they wear out much faster in certain areas than they should.

When you bring in your car for a front end alignment, your auto technician will adjust the angle of the wheels to be in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. They will use precision equipment to set the proper front end alignment, making sure that all the necessary adjustments are made. Depending on how long your car has been out of alignment, you should ask your technician to also inspect your tires to make sure your tire tread is still in good condition.