Category Archives: Auto 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.

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balancing – What’s the Difference?

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Dear Tracy,

Do I need to have both wheel alignment and tire balancing services on my car? If so, can you tell me what the difference is between these services?

-Jake B.

Dear Jake,

Wheel alignment and tire balancing are two separate services, and you do need to have both done on your car. Each of these services will extend tire life and improve the performance of your tires.  While you should check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended schedule for your car, wheel balancing is usually required more frequently than wheel alignment.

As you drive your tires lose balance, so periodic tire balancing service is needed to return proper balance. Over time, tread wear causes the distribution of weight around the tire to change, which causes  the imbalance. This may be felt in unusual shaking or vibration as you drive. When performing tire balancing service, the technician will use a calibrated spin balancer, testing non-moving  or static balance as well as moving or dynamic balance. Tires will be adjusted to the proper balance in accordance with the test results. Tire balancing is usually done in combination with tire rotation, usually every 5-6,000 miles or 6 months.

Wheel alignment is service you may also hear referred to as “front end alignment” or “tire alignment.” The process involves the adjustment of the angle of your car’s wheels to the original position recommended by the car manufacturer. Wheel alignment includes inspecting tire tread for signs of poor alignment. The technician will also check  the toe, camber, and caster to precisely measure wheel orientation. Following the inspection, the actual service will include all of the necessary adjustments. Wheel alignment checks are usually recommended every 10,000 miles. But if you notice the vehicle pulling to one side, or if the vehicle has recently been in a collision, you should have it checked right away.

Help Your Car Keep Its Cool

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Dear Tracy,

As the temperatures rise, I am worried about my car overheating. This summer I have a delivery job that will require me to be on the road most of the day. What should I be doing to make sure my car does not get overheated?

Kris B.

Dear Kris,

You are smart to be thinking ahead about the possibility of your car overheating. That is a very bad situation which can leave you stranded and with a very big auto service bill. Depending on age and condition of your car, you may want to have your car’s cooling system inspected before the temperatures get too intense.

Here are the basic parts of your cooling system, which you will want to have checked out in order to avoid a meltdown:

Radiator – Make sure that your radiator is in good condition, and that the radiator core has not been damaged by salt corrosion. Another problem to check for is a plugged radiator core, which can happen when coolant flushes are neglected.

Coolant – Anti-freeze and coolant are critical to your car’s heating and cooling system. Having the coolant flushes performed per your owner’s manual recommendation is critical in assuring your engine runs cooler and cleaner.

Thermostat – If you have an older car, you may need to have the thermostat replaced when you have cooling system service performed. A failing thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating.

Cooling Fans – Overheating can result from cooling fan failure. Often problems with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan issue. Have cooling fans inspected so you and your car don’t have to take the heat.

Belts and Hoses – Check the condition of the belts and hoses in your cooling system. Make sure they are tight and in good condition, and free from cracks or rubber deterioration.

Water Pump – An experienced repair technician is usually able to spot a water pump that is about to fail. A break in the water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you may have a water pump problem.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Checking Accessory Belts

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The last in the series on simple car maintenance, this week’s post is about checking your car’s accessory belt or belts. Most newer vehicles use a serpentine multi-accessory drive belt. It is a single ribbed belt that drives all the accessories, air conditioning system, power steering, alternator as well as other pumps and accessories. Some older cars and trucks may have separate accessory belts.

Belts wear and become damaged over time. A broken accessory belt could mean serious damage to the engine or its systems. Periodically checking the accessory belt or belts will help you catch and replace a bad belt long before it snaps.

Here is what to do:

Inspect belt for signs of wear. With the engine off and cool, inspect the belt or belts. In addition to doing a visual check, feel the condition of the belts checking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle areas.

Look for places on the belt where the rubber is slick looking. Slick spots can cause a belt to slip and may be precursors to overheating and cracking.

Check the pulleys. Look for rubber deposit build-up spots or worn spots that could catch the belt and cause it to snap.

Note the belt tension. Check the tension on the longest length of the belt; it should be tight, with little or no give.

If you hear squealing sounds from the engine while you are driving, this could mean a worn, loose or damaged belt. If you are not sure about the sounds you are hearing, listen to how the engine sounds with the hood up. Make sure the car in park, with the parking brake on, and have someone accelerate the engine while you listen. When you do this, be sure to keep a safe distance from belts and components while the engine is running.

If you confirm there is a squealing noise, or if you are unsure about accessory belt condition, be sure to get your car in for service, before you have any serious problems.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Check for Engine Leaks

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If you have noticed any mysterious puddles under your car lately, this week’s topic is for you. Leakage under your car may indicate a number of issues from transmission problems to power steering system trouble. Before you take your car in for inspection and diagnosis, you can perform a simple inspection on your own, so you know what to expect.

If the area below your engine is exposed, without a protective shield beneath it, there is a simple way to help identify the leak source. Begin by parking the car over a large, clean piece of paper or card board and leave it there overnight. It is a good idea to mark the paper to indicate position so you will know where the leaks are relative to front, rear, right side, left side. In the morning, move the car and examine the leakage:

  • A clear, watery leak located near the air conditioner is likely to be normal condensation from running the system.
  • A blackish, greasy leak located under the engine area is probably oil. Depending on where you see the stain, pop the hood and look for leaks around the oil filter and the engine. The leak might also be around the oil drain plug or crankcase and oil pan.
  • A thick, dark, oily leak may indicate a gear oil leak from a manual transmission, differential, an axle, or the steering gears. These leaks should be checked right away.
  • Slippery, watery fluid that is green, red, blue, or yellow and coming from under the engine or radiator is likely to be coolant. Check the radiator, pressure cap, engine, and hoses for leaks.
  • An oily leak that is reddish or clear and located toward the front might be power steering fluid.
  • A leak that is light-colored or clear could be brake fluid. Leaky brakes need immediate professional repair.
  • Battery acid leaks usually smell like rotten eggs. Avoid contact with battery acid and have the battery replaced.
  • Fuel leaks are also possible and usually recognizable by the smell. Check around the fuel pump and the fuel injectors. If the leak seems to be under the center of the vehicle, it could be the fuel lines, or if it is toward the rear, it could be the fluid tank.

It is extremely important to approach all checks with great caution, and exercise appropriate precautions to avoid injury. If your leak continues, or you still aren’t sure how to tell what it is, make a service appointment as soon as possible.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Oil Check

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Oil ChangeThis week’s topic features another simple check you can perform to better understand your car maintenance. Oil checks are a simple maintenance step you can do in your own garage in just a few easy steps.

Oil is vital to the proper functioning of your vehicle. It is important to know that your car has enough and that it is in good condition.

The function of oil is to reduce friction in your engine and keep it running smoothly. It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s oil once a month to be sure you have the proper amount and that it is not too dirty to be effective.

  1. Park your vehicle on a level area and wait for about 15 minutes for the engine to cool
  2. Pop the hood and locate the dipstick, usually located next to the engine
  3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off on a clean, dust-free rag
  4. Insert the clean dipstick back into the pipe
  5. Remove the dipstick again and look at the oil on the end of the stick
  6. If the oil does not reach the second or “full” indication line, you need oil
  7. Note the condition of the oil, making sure it is not dirty; if it is dirty, you need an oil change
  8. Once your check is finished, simply return the dipstick to its spot in the pipe

When you do need to add oil, make sure it is a good quality oil that is right for your vehicle. Your trusted auto service professional can help you determine the best product for your engine.

Flushing out the Facts on Radiator Flushes

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Dear Tracy,

I have not been a car owner for very long and am trying to learn what auto service is needed and what I can skip to save some cash. I have heard that getting a radiator flush should be part of car maintenance. Can you please tell me if a radiator flush is necessary, what it entails, and how often – if ever – my car needs to have one?

Rob L.

Dear Rob,

A radiator flush should definitely be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance. The function of your car’s radiator is to provide cooling to the engine by taking away the heat produced during normal engine operation. Your car’s cooling system does this by circulating a coolant through the engine block, which absorbs the heat and takes it to the radiator where it dissipates into the atmosphere. This prevents overheating which can otherwise damage the engine.

With the accumulation of miles, solid deposits can form inside your car’s radiator system, causing blockages that make the circulation of the coolant much less efficient. This causes the vehicle to run hotter and damage occurs due to excessive heat build-up. This problem can be avoided by periodically performing a radiator flush. A radiator flush involves draining the original coolant from the radiator and replacing it with a special coolant mixture that cleans the system. This mixture circulates through the vehicle’s cooling system, dissolving and removing any solid build-up inside the radiator channels. This mixture is then drained and replaced with a standard mix of coolant and water.

The radiator flush process can take a few hours because the vehicle’s existing coolant needs to have time to cool down completely before it can be safely drained. Your auto technician will then need to run the engine with the cleaning mixture until it reaches normal driving temperature. At this point, the vehicle’s heating system needs to run at its highest setting for a while. Then, after the cleaning mixture temperature drops, it needs to be drained and replaced with the standard coolant and water solution.

Vehicle manufacturers usually include a recommended schedule for radiator flushing. Schedules are based on engine specifications and the type of coolant that is used. The typical frequency is at least once every 2 years or 30,000 miles. In areas where winters are especially harsh or summers are extreme, it is recommended that you schedule a radiator flush at the start of each season.