Dirty Engine, Clean Oil - Sounds Wrong

And, it is wrong. Why would you put clean oil into your dirty engine? But you do it each time you change your oil or get an oil change.

Change your oil, but clean the engine before!

 Have you ever considered an oil system cleaner to get all the grime and build up in various parts of the engine? It's a simple process and can be done with an oil change. The cleaner is added to your motor oil before it gets changed and then the engine runs for about five minutes. The cleaner helps push the traces of carbon that gasoline leaves behind from your engine and then when the oil is drained, the cleaner comes out with it.

Your owner's manual might warn against adding anything to your oil, but remember, this is a cleaning agent and will be completely drained once it does it's job and comes out with the oil change. Not only will you clean out the deposits left by gasoline that hasn't fully combusted, you will help keep your vehicles' engine a live longer!

Avoiding Costly Repairs in Winter

While we would love to take care of your car should anything happen, we would rather you not get into a horrible accident during the winter and be forced to see us.  Maintenance is one thing. Repair because of an accident is another.

Avoid this!

 So, here are a few tips to avoid costly repairs while driving in winter conditions.

Check your tires:  you will lose 1 pound of tire pressure for every 10 degree drop in temperature.  Check your tire pressure RIGHT NOW!  Maintaining proper tire pressure help with traction AND improve your fuel economy. Also, even if you have all-season tires, you need to watch your speed. These tires also have reduced performance at cold temperatures.

Check your fluids:  We recently wrote about the importance of checking fluids before it started getting too cold. If you haven’t yet, do it now…with windshield-washer fluid being key right now.  Also, keep your gas tank at least half filled. Your lines could freeze.

Be Prepared to Dig Out: If you spin out into a snow bank or even off the side of the road in a little bit of ice and snow, do not let your wheels spin in an attempt to get out. Have a shovel in the trunk and sand to help with traction. You can even use kitty litter thrown under the tire to help.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Potholes, debris…hidden in the snow. If you hit something like a pothole, be prepared for some bent rims or axles as well as alignment issues. And, be weary of ice flying off of cars in front of you. That can damage the windshield.