How Many Miles Should You Get an Oil Change?

Experienced auto drivers already know that the most cost-effective maintenance item to keep your vehicle in the best shape is to schedule regular oil changes. Though, many auto mechanics report that they have vehicles brought in for repair because of engine damage caused by dirty oil.  Either the drivers didn’t know what oil to use or they simply delayed too long between oil changes. They then discover that the cost of an engine repair is far more than an oil change service.

Here are several things every driver should know about oil changes:

1. The purpose of oil.  Oil lubricates the parts of the engine so they don’t grind against each other creating excess friction and heat.  Oil also carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants as it flows through the engine.
2. The oil change interval.  The right oil change interval required for your vehicle will vary depending on its age, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. Be sure to read your owner’s manual or ask your auto mechanic for advice.  The right interval could be anywhere between 3,000 miles for older vehicles using conventional oil up to 15,000 miles for new vehicles using full-synthetic oil. 
3. Warning light.   Drivers should not rely on the dashboard warning light before changing the oil as many are programmed to come on around 3,000 to 5,000 miles after the last oil change. The engine may already be low on oil before that light comes on.
4. Temperature affects oil.  Designations indicating the viscosity of oil have been developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers.  Some oils are designed to be thinner when cold and more viscous when hot.  For example, 10W-30 oil—the "10W" corresponds to the lower viscosity when the engine is cold—the "30" refers to the higher viscosity when the engine is hot and running generally.  
5. Conventional, premium, and synthetic oils. Normally, high-performance engines require synthetic oil, while the “average” engine uses conventional oils.  Blends combining synthetic, premium, or conventional oils are normally used for trucks and SUVs. 

Tip to Remember:  Read your owner’s manual to find out what is the best oil change for your car. Or ask your auto mechanic for recommendations on what is best for your vehicle.

Do you want to know more about how many miles should you get an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for information about their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Done?

Most of the time, drivers don’t put “car alignment” at the top of their car maintenance list. Many of us know when to take care of the basics, such as tune-ups, oil changes, and fluid inspects, and battery replacement. Though, many leave out one of the most vital parts of safe driving—your tires.  Proper car alignment is compulsory if you want your vehicle to handle well, extend the life of your tires, and drive as safe as possible on the road.

Just what exactly is wheel alignment you ask?  Put simply, a wheel alignment service makes sure the wheels are similar to each other and perpendicular to the road. Although regular tire rotations help minimize wear and tear, it doesn’t make up for the wear caused by wheels that aren’t angled according to factory specifications.

But how do you know how often should wheel alignment be done?  Make it a practice to have your car alignment inspected each time you visit your auto repair shop for other types of maintenance.  Your auto mechanic can then identify any potential issues and stop them from becoming a costly repair.  The longer you delay to address small problems, the more they can end up costing you in the long-run.

Waiting until a tire blows out at the side of the road can lead to expensive repairs, tow service, and even an accident.  By recognizing the symptoms of improper car alignment, drivers can reduce their risk of expensive repair bills or even an accident.  Here are signs of misalignment to look out for:

• The car becomes off-center, making it more difficult to steer.
• Vibrating for no apparent reason to the side when driving. 
• Tires wear unevenly, making them ineffective for safe driving.  
• Added stress on the suspension system, risking damage to suspension components, and an expensive repair.
• An adverse effect on braking, compromising safety on the road.  
• Filling up with fuel more often due to “tire drag” from misaligned wheels.

Conscientious drivers will notice the signs of misalignment and have it corrected as soon as possible. Also, by driving carefully, drivers are more likely to avoid incidents that could cause misalignment issues in the first place, enabling them to benefit from greater safety on the road.

Need to know more about how often should wheel alignment be done?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Car Maintenance is Necessary?

The key to keeping your vehicle running stronger and longer than expected knows how to take care of it.  An assessment of the condition of your car, which includes general wear and tears to fluids, brakes, engines, tires, and more, should be done about every 12,000 miles.  If you take care of minor car repair problems as soon as you can, you will save time and money later down the road on major car repairs. It could also prevent an accident and save lives.

A benefit of keeping up with the recommended vehicle maintenance item is that the engine and its components can run at their most efficient level. Thus, your car will be more fuel-efficient, saving you money at the pump.  Also, if you should ever want to sell your car, you can ask for a higher price because you will be able to show a complete history of the vehicle maintenance that’s been done.

What car maintenance is necessary as you head out on a summer road trip?  Take the time to read through your vehicle owner’s manual. There you will find the vehicle maintenance schedule together with the suitable mileage interval for each service, including the following items:

• Oil change, including filter replacement
• Inspect the lights, both interior, and exterior
• Tires, including rotation and air pressure, inspect
• Muffler and Exhaust system
• Brake inspection
• Inspection of the steering system
• The engine is “tuned” to run in its peak condition
• Inspect hydraulic fluid and coolant levels
• Inspect the cooling system (radiator, belts, and hoses)
• Suspension system
• Car alignment
• Condition of the battery, as well as the alternator

Most of today’s newer vehicles have an in-vehicle service reminder system that will illuminate on the instrument panel when it is time for an oil change; fluid level inspects component inspections or other maintenance services.  For an older car, it is still vital to follow your vehicle owner’s manual, as the vehicle maintenance schedule is still based on the number of miles driven within a time period.

Do you want to know more about what car maintenance is necessary? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Does a Car Diagnostic Test Tell You?

One of the most useful advances in the automotive industry has been computerization.  Because of the advances in technology, your auto mechanic can use a specialized computer to scan the operating systems in your vehicle.  Diagnostic tests are not just compulsory when the check engine light comes on.  There are various benefits to taking a proactive approach to car maintenance, including the need for a car tune up

What does a car diagnostic test tell you?  It can analyze the overall performance of your vehicle and pinpoint any potential issues as well as determine whether any adjustments to certain systems may be needed.  Your auto mechanic doesn’t have to guess anymore as to what kind of repair may be needed simply based on an issue you may have only experienced.

A diagnostic test can indicate issues associated with any of the following operating systems or components of your vehicle:

• Transmission, 
• Oil tank, 
• Gas tank, 
• Exhaust system
• Ignition timing problems, 
• Level of combustion buildup in the engine, 
• Fuel injector performance, 
• Engine rpm levels, 
• Condition of the ignition coils, 
• Air and coolant temperature, 
• Position of crankshaft and camshaft along with the throttle opening.  

In other words, a diagnostics test lets your auto mechanic know that it’s time for a car tune up!  Instead of spending your hard-earned money on fixing things by “trial and error,” issues can be identified long before they become major issues.  However, many auto technicians may recommend taking your car in for a diagnostic inspection at least once a year to uncover minor issues that can’t be seen.  It’s also beneficial when you’re inspecting out a used car so you know whether or not it’s a good deal.

Need to know more about what does a car diagnostic test tell you?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about a car tune up and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Wondering when is a Transmission Fluid Change Needed?

If you are starting to notice transmission issues (see the list below), you may find yourself wondering when is a transmission fluid change needed?  Although transmission fluid could remain in your vehicle for as long as you drive without changing it, most auto mechanics would tell you that the transmission fluid should be changed about every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

If you recognize the purpose of transmission fluid, you will recognize why your auto mechanic may recommend scheduling a transmission service to flush the transmission.  The main purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate surfaces and components of the transmission, which helps prevent excessive friction and overheating.  Also, as the transmission fluid, it is transmitting power from the engine to the transmission.  Eventually, if there are leaks in the transmission or there are worn-out or damaged components, the level of fluid can become dangerously low due.  

So how do you know when is a transmission fluid change needed?  Watch for these signs:

1. Delayed Shifting. The gears won’t engage instantly if there isn’t enough pressure in the transmission fluid. 
2. Difficulty Shifting. If there is a lot of dirt in the transmission fluid, the gears may change either too fast or too slow, too abruptly, or too erratically. You also may hear grinding sounds coming from the transmission or see unusually high RPMs before the gears shift. 
3. Slipping gears.  Although you know you changed gear, it seems to fall back out of that gear.  It is likely that the friction material on the clutches and transmission bands cannot securely hold the gear in place. 
4. Transmission Overheats. The transmission fluid keeps the automatic transmission from overheating.  If you notice a burning smell along with loss of power, pull over instantly and let everything cool down.

Try topping off the transmission fluid. If this doesn’t do the job and the above symptoms persist, you may be facing a major transmission repair. 

Are you looking for quality transmission repair? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about when is a transmission fluid change needed and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What causes your headlights to not work?

With the longer days of summer, many customers may not think about their headlights and brake lights.  Though, make sure you keep an eye on them as they can burn out or stop working without you noticing.  It’s still vital that you have working headlights and brake lights so that you can be seen on those unexpected rainy days or for late-night driving.

So what causes your headlights to not work or seem extra dim?  There could be some reasons, including:

• Burned out bulbs:  If only one headlight is not working, the issue is usually a burned out bulb.  Have it replaced as soon as possible and then if it still doesn’t work, you will want your auto mechanic to inspect the wiring or fuses.
• High beam doesn’t work:  If the bulb isn’t the issue, it could be faulty wiring in the switch or relay.
• Electrical System:  If the lights dim only when the engine is idling and the brightness changes with the RPM, the issue may have to do with the electrical system.  This could involve an issue with a bad alternator or a loose belt.  If the alternator is fine, the accessories may be drawing too much power, such as aftermarket components.  In this case, a more powerful alternator may take care of the issue.
• Lights seem dim all the time:   The issue could be foggy lenses or worn out bulbs.  Over time, bulbs can lose their brightness so you may want to invest in a new set of bulbs.  Dirty, foggy, or oxidized lenses block the light.  Dirt is easy to clean.  Foggy lenses are an indication that water is getting into the headlight assembly.  It may want to be replaced.  Lenses that have oxidized can be reconditioned.  This involves removing the oxidation and then applying a protective coating.

In older model vehicles, the average person could replace burned out headlights or brake lights themselves.  But with the design of today’s vehicles, the lights are much harder to access.  Unless you have the right equipment, it is much smarter to go straight to your auto mechanic who has the right tools and diagnostic equipment to check the headlight system, inspect the fuses, switches and relays, and then either repair or replace as needed.

Are you wondering what causes your headlights to not work?  Call the ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about headlights and brake lights and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Happens If You Neglect Regular Oil Changes?

New and inexperienced vehicle owners may not understand what happens if they neglect regular oil changes.  Experienced car owners may have experienced first-hand what kind of damage can take place in the engine if the oil is not changed on a regular basis.

In case you are confused about the exact oil change interval for your vehicle, and the type of oil to use, read your owner’s manual.  This is the guideline suggested by the manufacturer to ensure that your vehicle will keep running strong for lots of miles.

There are some benefits for keeping up with regular oil changes:

• Extends your engine’s longevity
• Optimizes your vehicle’s performance
• Prevents excessive engine wear and tear
• Keeps engine parts lubricated
• Prevents engine overheating

So what happens if you neglect regular oil changes?  With use and time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. It’s time for an oil change if you see any of the warning signs below:

1. Dark and dirty oil.
2. Noisy engine because of lack of lubrication
3. Oil change warning light comes on.
4. Smoke coming from the muffler.
5. Oil smell inside the car, combined with gas or exhaust fumes.

Even though oil changes are relatively quick and cheap, because of schedules and budgets, it is easy for people to put off the needed oil change.  Because auto repair technicians really do want their customers to be driving safe vehicles, lots of auto shops offer oil change coupons to make this service more affordable.  Ask your auto mechanic or go to your auto shop’s website and find their oil change coupons. 

Are you wondering what happens if you neglect regular oil changes? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.