What We Check and Adjust on Your Vehicle During a Routine Visit
Employee Highlight: Geovanni Pech
October 8, 2021
Types of Severe Driving
October 8, 2021
Welcome to Oil Changers!
Regular, timely oil changes are one of the best ways to take proper care of your vehicle. Every oil change disposes of any harmful bits of debris and dirt from your engine before any real damage can be done. In turn, your engine is likely to live longer with regular oil changes because it will keep your engine lubricated and protected. During any routine visit at one of our shops, there are several different aspects of your vehicle that we check and adjust to ensure all of our customer’s vehicles are fully equipped and prepared for the road ahead of them.
Power Steering Fluid
Most vehicles have a hydraulic power steering system, which is a mechanism that makes turning simpler for the driver, while still providing the proper amount of road feel for the driver. Power steering is reliant on a specific type of fluid, so if you notice any of your vehicle’s fluids low it is best to get them topped off as soon as possible. As well, be mindful of strange sounds or any struggle from your vehicle when turning the wheel.
The moving components of your vehicle’s steering mechanisms will wear out much faster than if they had the necessary power steering lubricating fluid. Power steering may not be the first thing a car owner thinks of when tending to their vehicle, but if something were to happen to your steering, you sure will wish it had been. To replace your power steering fluid, we will flush out any excess fluids that were leftover then replace it with fresh, clean fluid. Maintaining your power steering is much easier than most would think, just simply drive safe and predictable to cut out any strain that would be put on your vehicle during normal trips.
Battery
A car’s battery is a lifeline for your vehicle, and the more you know about it, the less likely you are to be stranded on the road because of it. Typically, a battery will last about 3 to 5 years, depending on the driving habits and exposure to elements that it endures. It is very easy to tell when your car battery is dead or malfunctioning because the car simply will not start. The battery gives the vehicle a bolt of energy it needs to start up your engine, then also has the job of stabilizing the voltage throughout the duration of your drive so your engine continues to run.
Clearly, it is important to understand the importance of your battery and can drastically add to unwanted car expenses. If your battery is over 3 years old, consider doing regular checks to ensure the battery is still working properly. Sometimes you will not even know there is a battery issue until you try to start your car and the engine won’t turn over. A battery check is included in any routine maintenance visit for your vehicle, and our technicians will be able to give you an idea of how much battery life you have left. Come by to see how your battery is holding up!
Automatic Transmission
We inspect and top-off the automatic transmission fluid, and visually inspect these units for signs of leaks. The automatic transmission receives power from the motor, regulates the output based on the vehicle’s needs, and automatically changes gear ratios based on the RPM and speed of the vehicle. The fluid keeps operating parts well lubricated, transmits torque, provides pressure to operate hydraulic valves, and dissipates heat.
Recommended transmission fluid change intervals are different across most models and brands of vehicles, so check with your manufacturer to determine when it should be replaced.
Tire Pressure
Your vehicle’s tire pressure may be more important than you know. Your ride will be much smoother with the correct tire pressure in your car and it will improve your fuel economy. Under or over-inflated tires are more vulnerable to damage on the road and can wear out much more quickly than usual. When your tires are not properly inflated, it may be dangerous to travel at high speeds due to potentially losing control of your vehicle. At Oil Changers, our technicians adjust your tire pressure to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommended PSI, so your ride is always as smooth as it should be.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid keeps your windshield clean of dirt and grime, but there is another function of the liquid that not many drivers realize. It is important to keep windshield washer fluid full to keep dirt and grime off your windshield, as well, to lubricate your washer fluid pump and hoses. When you run fluid through the pump when there is no liquid, there is extra stress put on to the pump which causes it to wear out much faster than usual. You also will not be able to clean off your windshield if it gets dirty, which can be a safety concern if something were to fly on your windshield, like mud. Make sure your windshield fluid is full for a clear driving view!
If you are not sure when you are due for your next oil change, stop by your local Oil Changers shop! We will check your oil level to determine if you are due for a service. Regardless of whether you are due or not, our technicians will top-off your fluids to ensure your vehicle is up to our safety standards and get you on with your day.
