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| It is probably the easiest car maintenance you can do, yet it is also one of the most neglected. Driving without checking your tire pressure is kind of like running a marathon and not tying your shoes. Perform this simple task once a month to get the most life from your tires, the most miles from your fuel, and the smoothest ride from your vehicle. | |
| The key to any good measurement is a good gauge. Yes, you can get a pen style tire pressure gauge a lot of places for a couple dollars but as these gauges age the lubricant dries up and they become inaccurate, we recommend spending a few more dollars extra and buying a gauge like the one pictured. They tend to be easier to read and will give you a lifetime of accurate measurements. |  |
| To check the pressure, simply remove the valve caps one at time and connect the gauge to the valve. The recommended pressure for each tire can often be found on the tire information placard on the inside of the drivers side door jam. Otherwise, check your owner's manual for recommended pressures. Add or release air as needed and replace the valve cap before moving on to the next tire. A simple task that can go a long way! |  |
| Here are some basic tips for fluid guidelines: |
| Coolant Level Engine coolant is housed in a small semi-transparent basin. It is best to check the coolant with the vehicle completely cold and make sure fluid level is to the line marked "full cold." |
| Engine Oil Check the engine oil by first locating the proper dip stick, often times the engine oil dipstick will be yellow and labeled accordingly. Some cars recommend the oil be checked with the engine warm and others with the engine cold, but the engine should always be off to avoid burns. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a towel and then reinsert it. Next, remove the stick again and compare the oil level with the marks on the dipstick. The stick should have 2 lines marked "Min"/ "Max," "Lo"/High," or some form of patterned area. If the oil is between these lines, it is OK, if it is low refer to your owners manual and add the recommended oil. When adding oil, add a 1/2 quart at a time until the level falls between the lines. Also, look at the color of the oil. It should be a light semi-transparent brown, if it is black the oil needs to be replaced. If it is white or foaming this is a sign the oil is mixing with other fluid in the engine and a sign of a bigger problem. |
| Transmission Oil To check the transmission oil, turn on the car on level ground. Press the brake and shift the car from park to reverse to drive and back to park. Engage the parking brake and with the engine still running, remove the transmission oil dipstick, it is often red. Check the transmission oil just as you dip the engine oil. Add oil if needed making sure to not pass the maximum fill level. |
| Power Steering Fluid Check the power steering fluid level much like the engine and transmission oil levels. With the engine cold, remove the dipstick and check fluid level against Min/Max lines or your car may simply have a line marked "cold" or "full cold", add fluid as needed. |
| Last, but not least, make sure all the dipsticks and caps are once again fully secure. Latch the hood and you are set. |
| One of the most common things we hear from customers is "my car is making a noise." Often times, this is a sign of a problem. The answer to fix it is never "turn up radio." |
| Whining noise while turning Whining noise while turning This is often a sign of a power steering issue, more often than not, the car just needs some power steering fluid added. If the problem continues, it is best to bring it in and have us take a look. |
| Screeching sound while moving Screeching sound while moving Often this is a sign of a brake issue, most often it is just time to replace the pads and rotors because unfortunately, they don't last forever. |
| Spending a small amount of time every month can go a long way to saving you money in the long run. Mark your calendar and keep the date with your vehicle, it will keep minor repairs minor and help avoid having a problem at a time when you need your car. |
| Tires and Wheels Grab the keys and head to a controlled area, we recommend a flat, empty parking lot if you have one near by. While driving the car at a low speed, release your grip from the steering wheel. The car should continue to track in a straight line. If you car "pulls" to one side, you should check for uneven tire pressure, Other problems can include improper wheel alignment or power steering issues. Next, while still traveling at a low speed, apply above average pressure to the brakes. The stopping should feel smooth and controlled. If the car pulls to a side or has a "shuttering" feeling it might be best to have your brakes looked at for wear and setup issues. Finally, take a look at all four tires. Make sure they appear to be wearing evenly and are free from major damage. |
| Under the Hood We already talked about how to check fluid levels above, and this is a great time to do it. While you have the hood up, check the belts for signs of wear such as fraying or appearing glazed. Look at the hoses and make sure they don't appear brittle or rotten. Also, look for any areas that might be bulging. Often replacing belts and hoses is a simple do it yourself fix, and is much better done in your driveway than the side of the road. Give us a call and we can get you set up with all the right parts and try to help answer any questions we can. |
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Seasonal Checks Before heading out in your car, do a few simple things to make sure you arrive at your destination safely. Get the right kind of oil change for the climate you are in. Replace the windshield wipers and fill up the windshield washer fluid. Check to make sure your battery posts and connections are corrosion free, and if your battery is more than three years old, have it tested by a certified professional at Lakewood Transmission.
Most importantly, check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and the right type of tire for the season. You may even consider switching to snow tires. Before you head out into variable weather, prepare an emergency kit with water, food, basic tools, and an ice scraper. Combine proper preparation with a plan for how to deal with incriminate weather and you are sure to get where you are going! |
| If you are like most people in the world, the last thing you have time to do is remember more numbers. If you have ever asked yourself "do I change my air filter or my oil filter every 3000 miles," this list is for you. Of course times vary by make and model and you should consult your owner's manual for specific requirements. | ||
| Item | Duration | Notes |
| Change Oil/Filter | Every 5,000 Miles | |
| Change Air Filter | Every 15,000 Miles | Inspect after every oil change. |
| Transmission fluid | Every 25,000 Miles | |
| Fuel Filter | Every 25,000 Miles | Inspect after every oil change. |
| Replace Power steering Fluid | Every 30,000 Miles | |
| Replace Battery | Every 35,000 Miles | Inspect after every oil change. |
| Replace Spark Plugs | Every 40,000 Miles | |
| Replace brake pads and fluid | Every 60,000 Miles | Duration will vary largly depending on driving style |