A fuel injector seems pretty simple on the surface: It injects fuel into the combustion chamber, but it gets complicated in how much fuel to inject. The amount of fuel injected determines the air/fuel ratio, which can change how the engine runs.
We understand that many car enthusiasts love the idea of changing their oil at home on their own. While this can help you save money, having quality oil put into your vehicle by a professional that knows how to keep your car running at its best can be well worth the cost.
Owner's and service manuals specify the most acceptable types of oil to use in various temperatures. In warm climates, 10W30 is usually an acceptable alternative to the preferred 5W30 and may be used without measurable adverse effects.
If you’re concerned about how much money you’ve been putting into your car lately, it’s important not to skimp on the maintenance to help save money. By having everything regularly checked out by a professional, you’re more likely to have issues uncovered before they turn into major money pits.
Although performing regular maintenance on your car will keep it in its best shape, there are still parts that will need replacement. These include brake pads, batteries and fuel filters.
Before you and the family leave on your next road trip, it is suggested to always check your engine’s oil level and the air pressure in your tires. Those two components are going to be working overtime, so make sure they are both up to the task.
Transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as your motor oil, however it does need to be changed on occasion. The interval is typically about 100,000 miles in newer cars. Consult your owner’s manual to be sure.
Did you know that some types of oil can cause a small decrease in fuel economy – while other types can help to maximize fuel economy? If you are interested in finding the right oil to optimize your vehicle’s fuel economy, we can help.
Certain motor oils are specialized for cars with high mileage, which can help keep cars with more than 75,000 miles on them running smoothly.
Regular oil changes are a critical part of good vehicle maintenance. Over time, auto oil breaks down in thickness, or viscosity, eventually losing its ability to properly lubricate the engine, which can lead to potential engine damage and other issues.
It's always a good idea to check your power steering fluid levels whenever checking oil levels. If power steering fluid levels become low, air bubbles can enter the system and create steering response problems. If this occurs, the power steering system should be flushed and refilled with new fluid.
Early cars were expensive, but Henry Ford changed that. The Model T runabout in 1912 cost $575, and it was the first time a car dipped below the average annual wage in the US.
Basic auto maintenance is necessary to prevent future problems with your car. This maintenance includes changing the oil and replacing the oil filter when needed, rotating and replacing tires, checking wiper blades, and checking fluid levels.
Today’s modern cars are distinct from their predecessors, as today they are more fuel efficient, less polluting, smaller, and longer lasting. Not surprising, their lubrication needs have changed and they operate best with multi-weight detergent motor oils.
Did you know that, just by using the recommended motor oil for your engine, and ensuring it is filled and maintained correctly, you can save approximately $0.04 - $0.07 per gallon? That can really add up quick.
Synthetic oil or conventional oil? Trying to figure out which is best can be a frustrating task. Thankfully, we can help you with that. Schedule your appointment for an oil change today.
What are rust inhibitors and how do they affect motor oil? The idea is to have the oil last a longer time. Zinc is an example of an inhibitor that will coat the metal surfaces in your engine and allow them to generally last longer.
Modern motor oils have additives that are designed to reduce wear, maintain viscosity, and suspend soot and contaminants in the engine. These oils are likewise suitable for tighter clearances, higher heat, and higher RPM of modern engines.
As you drive, the oil in your car becomes polluted with everything from dust and road grime to anti-freeze. This creates sludge and stops the oil from helping the engine to run smoothly, eventually damaging the engine.
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How often are oil changes needed if synthetic oils are used in your vehicle? Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Unlike natural oils, synthetic oil changes should be based on mileage only and not on the amount of time between oil changes.
Wondering what the difference is between mineral oil and synthetic oil? A mineral oil means that the oil comes more directly from crude oil. Synthetic oils are also based in crude oil, but have been processed more and had more chemical engineering used on them.
Don’t forget that time plays as much of a factor in when you need to change your vehicle’s motor oil as mileage does. This goes for anything that you use for recreation or are storing such as boats, hot rods, ATVs, etc.
Do you know what transmission fluid does for your car? This important fluid allows your car to move backwards and forwards easily and smoothly by shifting gears while you drive. A manual transmission may use several different fluids.
Fluids should be completely flushed from the car before new fluids are added. This helps ensure that there are no incompatibilities and silt and other contaminates are removed.
While your car is having its oil changed, it’s a good time to ask about other issues you may have noticed such as changes in handling or engine lights coming on.
Just because the oil pressure gauge in your car or truck shows the pressure is ok, that does not mean you have enough oil, or that the oil is in good condition. All it means is that there is sufficient oil pressure. Check your oil regularly and change it when recommended.
Why is filtration so important even with higher performing synthetic oils? Because without filtration, dust and debris will eventually accumulate in the oil which will reduce the oil’s performance and dramatically increase wear and tear on the engine.
Oil filters should be changed regularly to keep them functional. A clogged oil filter won’t be able to properly filter out contaminants from your oil.
A key part of changing the oil includes switching out and replacing the oil filter, but have you wondered why? Basically, the oil will gather contaminants from the engine, then deposit them in the filter, and too many will clog the filter.
Do you know where and how to check your brake fluid? There is a reservoir for the master cylinder up on the firewall of the engine compartment where you can check the level of fluid. It should be kept to the full mark.
Were you aware that your check oil light may not always be in sync with the proper interval? These change oil lights have no idea if your oil is good, new, or empty. By bringing your car to a professional oil and lube shop, you can have the light reset properly.
It’s important to remember that, when the fluid levels are incorrect or are no longer at the right viscosity, your car won’t always run correctly. If you’ve been noticing sluggish performance, check your fluid levels first.
When it comes to the decision of standard oil versus synthetic oil, there are many factors to take into consideration. Some of them are the difference in cost, the mileage on your vehicle, and what the vehicle is being used for. However, just make sure that it is one or the other. Do not mix the two together!
The only fluid in your car that usually does not need to be changed frequently is the rear differential oil. This oil runs relatively cool and doesn’t get very dirty, so it is usually capable of lasting the life of the differential. However, if your vehicle has more than 100,000 miles, you may want to get this oil changed so it can last another 100,000 miles.
Changing your oil filter during routine maintenance is a must. Oil filters remove dirt and other contaminants from the oil and help it flow freely through your engine. Over time, the filter will clog with dirt. We carry a complete line of oil filters.
Did you know that the way most of us normally drive is considered severe with respect to oil changes? Stop and go traffic in the city is one of the most common severe driving elements.
The oil in your car does more than lubricate the moving parts; it also removes heat from the engine. Over time, the oil in a car’s engine breaks down, loses both its lubricating and heat dissipating capabilities, and your engine can be permanently damaged.
Does oil in vehicles really go bad? Not at all – but the oil does get dirty, and dirty oil is harder on a vehicle’s components, plus oil contaminated with dirt can begin to undergo chemical changes. Because oil does not go bad, it can be cleaned and repurposed for other uses.
Did you know that failing to perform auto maintenance as scheduled can void your manufacturer’s warranty? Let us help you keep that important warranty in force.
Did you know that larger engines, whether it's a V-6 or a V-8, generally perform better with thicker oil? A 10w40 product better lubricates the engine because of the thickness of the oil, according to car experts.
Did you know that using the wrong type of motor oil in a vehicle can void a warranty? However, we can help to not only find the best oil for your vehicle but also to ensure that the oil your vehicle uses is valid for the warranty specifications.
If your car's oil light has come on, take it in immediately. Driving with low oil pressure puts serious strain on your engine and can destroy it.
Even oil has gotten smarter over the years! To help keep today’s engines operating trouble-free, it has become necessary to add a number of chemical agents to motor oil. These agents help in assisting the oil to function properly and to increase lifespan and efficiency.
If you use your car sparingly and go an extended period between oil changes, a multi-viscosity may be best for you. Check your owner’s manual or ask one of your trained technicians for assistance.
People used to use water for their coolant. That's why, in old movies, when the heroes have engine trouble, the car steams, and they pour water in it. You can still use water in a pinch, but most coolant is a mixture of water and special radiator fluid.
We recognize that few car owners have the time or equipment necessary to complete all their auto repairs and maintenance at home. When you want to keep your car’s engine happily purring, our oil and lube services are always available to help.
The engine in your car generates a lot of heat and a lot of friction from pistons that are firing thousands of times a minute. Without motor oil, this amount of heat and friction could quickly seize up your whole engine.
You may need to fine-tune your oil and oil changes to the demands you place on your car or truck. If you use your vehicle for towing, for example, you place a greater strain on the engine and generate more heat. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations, and follow their advice.
Old motor oil is filled with shavings, silt, dust and other contaminants that can ruin your car’s engine. Regular oil changes will help keep your car running clean.
It’s always a good idea to go ahead and check your other fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, while you’re checking your oil.
Preventing used motor oil from entering the environment is not difficult as you may think. Many recycling centers have used-oil disposal stations. Although an estimated 800 million gallons of used motor oil are recycled annually, millions of gallons are still disposed of improperly. Do the right thing and recycle it properly.
Many new vehicles made today have changed the required service increments from every 3,000 miles to every 10,000 miles, and this includes changing the oil. New technology and better engineering have made this possible by creating a much more efficient engine.
It’s always a good idea to go ahead and check your other fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, while you’re checking your oil.
Preventing used motor oil from entering the environment is not difficult as you may think. Many recycling centers have used-oil disposal stations. Although an estimated 800 million gallons of used motor oil are recycled annually, millions of gallons are still disposed of improperly. Do the right thing and recycle it properly.
One common myth is that a coolant leak is present only if the fluid separates into two parts. In fact, when coolant contaminates engine oil, high fluid temperature will cause the water portion of the coolant to evaporate, leaving the ethylene glycol portion behind. This results in a loss of engine lubrication and the formation of sludge.
When checking the oil level in your vehicle’s engine, there are few things to observe. First, make sure the car or truck is on level ground and that engine has not run for about ten minutes or so. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, reinsert it completely into the engine, and pull it out again to check the level. If it indicates you need to add a quart or more, let us take care of it for you.
Many new vehicles made today have changed the required service increments from every 3,000 miles to every 10,000 miles, and this includes changing the oil. New technology and better engineering have made this possible by creating a much more efficient engine.
It’s always a good idea to go ahead and check your other fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, while you’re checking your oil.
Preventing used motor oil from entering the environment is not difficult as you may think. Many recycling centers have used-oil disposal stations. Although an estimated 800 million gallons of used motor oil are recycled annually, millions of gallons are still disposed of improperly. Do the right thing and recycle it properly.
Remember, the different seasons can each bring their unique issues for your car. If one season was particularly brutal to your car, consider bringing it in for an inspection.
Do you know how to check your transmission fuel? This is usually done with the engine running and fully warmed up, either in Neutral or Park, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
One common myth is that a coolant leak is present only if the fluid separates into two parts. In fact, when coolant contaminates engine oil, high fluid temperature will cause the water portion of the coolant to evaporate, leaving the ethylene glycol portion behind. This results in a loss of engine lubrication and the formation of sludge.
When checking the oil level in your vehicle’s engine, there are few things to observe. First, make sure the car or truck is on level ground and that engine has not run for about ten minutes or so. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, reinsert it completely into the engine, and pull it out again to check the level. If it indicates you need to add a quart or more, let us take care of it for you.
Many new vehicles made today have changed the required service increments from every 3,000 miles to every 10,000 miles, and this includes changing the oil. New technology and better engineering have made this possible by creating a much more efficient engine.
It’s always a good idea to go ahead and check your other fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, while you’re checking your oil.