All vehicle owners are familiar with their regular oil change, but here are 6 things that you might not know about engine oil:
1. It lubricates engine parts to prevent metal to metal contact and cleans up dirty deposits created during the combustion process.
2. Engine oils are rated in two ways: cold viscosity and hot viscosity, which indicates how the oil will respond to cold start ups.
3. Synthetic oils are distilled and rebuilt for better performance while mineral oils are essentially the same as when they are pulled from the ground.
4. Synthetic oils are more than just oil - they are scientifically modified to provide anti-wear, anti-oxidant, and anti-corrosion properties.
5. Added titanium in oils can actually reduce friction and engine wear.
6. Added magnetic particles in oil can also be beneficial because the magnetic particles cling to the engine to reduce wear upon start-up.
CARTHROTTLE.COM
6 Things You Might Not Know About Engine Oil
A car’s starter is a small electric motor and solenoid that takes energy from the battery to push the starter gear into the flywheel. This process cranks the car and fires up the engine. If your car won’t start up correctly, it could be a starter issue.
What are the symptoms of a bad starter?
- Starter clicking
- Accessories run but engine does not
- Clicking after engine is on
- Smoke coming from under the hood
- Grinding noises after start up
CARBIBLES.COM
Symptoms of a Bad Starter | Car Bibles
Transmission fluid is vital to the overall operation of your vehicle. In addition to lubricating the transmission’s internal parts, it also prevents overheating and metal-to-metal contact.
How often your transmission fluid will need to be replaced depends upon the make and model of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will recommend the correct interval. However, transmission fluid that looks dark brown, dirty, or sludgy should be replaced.
CARBIBLES.COM
When Is The Time To Change Your Transmission Fluid?
Squeaky brakes? Excessive vibrating or shaking? Car pulls to one side on the road?
What is one car symptom that you’re currently experiencing while driving? Comment and let us know!
What are the signs of worn shocks and struts?
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle bounces excessively
- Vibrating at high speeds
- Front end dives when braking
- Rear end squats when accelerating
- Leaking shocks
Can driving over a speed bump quickly cause damage to your vehicle? The answer is, yes! Driving fast over a speed bump can cause:
- Damage to the shocks
- Power steering system leak
- Wheels to be forced out of alignment
- Damaged steering rack mounts
- Ruined exhaust system
- Worn down tire sidewalls
Remember to follow the speed limit and slow down before approaching speed bumps.
Don’t let your vehicle spook you!
Take care of your car’s fall maintenance now to keep your vehicle running at its best all October long. Important fall maintenance items include:
- Brake inspection
- Replace windshield wipers
- Check all fluids
- Inspect tires
- Test lights
- Check heater/defroster
What is a brake bleed?
A brake bleed is the process of removing air from the brake lines to restore your brake system to its best. Over time, small amounts of air can become trapped in your vehicle’s brake line. Air in the brake lines can decrease the effectiveness of your brakes significantly. If your brakes feel soft or spongy, you may need a brake bleed.
October is Fall Car Care Month, and now is the time to remember how addressing certain items like brakes, tires, belts and hoses and fluids, including oil, antifreeze, steering, brake, transmission, and wiper fluids, will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, saving money at the gas pump.
Other areas of the vehicle, such as heating and air conditioning systems, wipers, and lights, should also be checked periodically. #CarCare saves you money!
CARCARE.ORG
See How #CarCare Saves You Money - Be Car Care Aware
Are you familiar with your vehicle’s owner’s manual?
It may be collecting dust in your glove compartment. However, the owner’s manual contains important information regarding your vehicle’s proper maintenance intervals and features. Know how to reference it!
Ever wonder how far your car can continue traveling on an empty tank?
While it can vary anywhere from 30 to 50 miles, driving on an empty tank can actually damage your fuel pump and clog the fuel filter. Try to fill your gas when you get down to a quarter tank full.
Tire blowouts can be scary and hard to navigate. To correctly handle a blowout, keep the wheel straight, wait for the vehicle to slow down, and stay calm.
The best way to avoid a blowout is to keep your tires at the proper inflation pressure. Check your tire pressure at least once a month!
ALLSTATE.COM
What to Do If Your Tire Blows Out | The Allstate Blog
Who is decorating their car for Halloween? 🎃
This one is amazing!
We have all experienced a scary car symptom, such as seeing the check engine light turn on or the sound of rattling bones coming from underneath the hood. But have you ever experienced something spooky or paranormal while inside your car?
We are getting in the Halloween spirit and want to hear your spooky car story below!
Who is guilty of this? 😂
Do you remember your first car? Let's face it - you probably drove a lemon. Whether it was a tin can or a straight up Flintstone-esque vehicle, chances are your first car has a special place in your heart.
What was your first car and what was your favorite memory of it?
EXTRAMILE.THEHARTFORD.COM
My First Car (A Compilation of Fond Memories)
Every time that someone mentions that they don’t have the proper setup to start camping, ask them one simple question. “Do you have a car?” If the answer is yes, then it’s time to fill them in on a little secret…It’s 100% possible to camp in your car! If you’re looking for ways to make car camping happen, here are some simple suggestions to get started.
AGIRLSGUIDETOCARS.COM
Gotta Get Away? 5 Ways Car Camping Has You Covered | A Girls Guide to Cars
Did you know that driving with excess junk in your trunk can have an effect on your vehicle?
An overloaded vehicle can:
- Decrease fuel efficiency
- Wear out your shocks and struts
- Wear down your tires faster
- Put your engine at risk of overheating
- Put you at risk for a tire blowout
- Reduce the effectiveness of your brakes
Keep your trunk empty and your vehicle clean to better maintain your vehicle overall.
Nobody wants to get into their vehicle when they have somewhere to be and find that their car won't start. Many of our minds will go to the same place - the battery must be dead. But, if so, why? Here are 8 things that can drain your vehicle's car battery, even when your car isn't running.
CARBIBLES.COM
8 Things That Will Drain Your Car Battery | Car Bibles
One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is a quick and easy way to help avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown many miles away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
Check the following:
- Fluids
- Belts & Hoses
- Tires
- Lights
- Wipers
CARCARE.ORG
Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Road Trip be a Turkey - Be Car Care Aware
We put this machine through it's paces this week! First week of doing alignments has rocked! Thanks to all that jumped on the special pricing. That deal continues through Monday the 30th.
Schedule yours before this deal ends!
Check engine light on?
The check engine light is your vehicle's way of letting you know that something is wrong. But don't stress - the best thing you can do is bring your vehicle into our shop for an inspection. Driving with the light on can make matters worse, and we will help find the solution that best fits the needs of you and your vehicle.
Is it bad to drive your car if it doesn’t have a gas cap?
While it isn’t a major issue if caught early on, you don’t want to continue driving without a gas cap for an extended period of time. You’ll lose gas and debris and moisture can get into the fuel tank, causing performance and fuel efficiency issues over time.
It’s inexpensive to fix, so take care of a lost, missing, or broken gas cap!
AUTO.HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM
Is It Bad to Drive Without a Gas Cap?
We are now doing alignments!
For the next 2 weeks only:
Front end alignments - $59.99
Four wheel alignments - $69.99
Get yours scheduled now before this deal ends!
Even better, SHARE THIS POST for your chance to win a FREE alignment!
Deal expires November 30th, 2020
We are looking to add a member to our team!
Do you have experience in the automotive field? Are you excellent with customer service? We're looking for you!
Flat Black Automotive is looking to add a service advisor to our top-notch team.
Come by in person, call at 360-393-8984, email at service@flatblackautomotive.com, or message the shop page here Flat Black Automotive LLC
FLAT BLACK AUTOMOTIVE LLC
Service Advisor
Your vehicle’s transmission is critical to the overall operation of your car, which is why an issue with the transmission should always be inspected at the first sign of trouble.
Here are 3 transmission problems that you should never ignore:
1. Issues switching gears
2. Leaking transmission fluid
3. Check engine warning light is on
When’s the last time you replaced your vehicle’s cabin air filter?
The cabin air filter, typically located behind the glove compartment, is responsible for filtering the air that comes into the cabin of your vehicle. This helps to remove pollutants and other contaminants.
Cabin air filters typically need to be replaced every 20,000 miles or so, and breathing in dirty air can be a danger to your health.
Start the new year fresh by taking care of your vehicle’s outstanding maintenance!
Not only does routine auto care and preventative maintenance help keep your car safe and dependable, but it helps save money and avoid car trouble.
Happy New Year’s Eve!
Is your check engine light on? If so, we recommend having your vehicle inspected by one of our trusted mechanics as soon as possible.
The check engine light can oftentimes indicate an immediate issue, especially when paired with other symptoms.
