Oil And Fluid Changes Are The Best Defense Against Winter's Cold
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One of the most important things you can do to help your car survive winter's icy blast is to change the oil and fluids at regular intervals. Changing the oil and fluids help avoid costly breakdowns and may ultimately prolong your car's life.

Consult your owner's manual to see the manufacturer's suggested intervals for oil and fluid changes. If you don't have the manual for your car, service manuals for most makes and models of cars can be purchased at your local automotive shop. Most manuals will give you a range of mileage's for changing your oil. If you use your car for vigorous commutes through cold weather, play it safe and stick to the lower end of the range.

Oil and fluid changes are a fairly easy procedure for the mechanically-gifted. If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you always change the filters. When you are finished, bring your used oil and fluids to a waste recycling center.

It's best to perform the oil and fluid changes when the car's engine is warm. This way the fluids tend to flow more freely. But, be careful! Make sure that the engine is not so hot that you could burn yourself.

Also, don't forget to check your owner's manual to see what grade and type of oil and fluids the manufacturer suggests for your car. You can reduce engine wear by using the lowest viscosity oil recommended. A 5W-30 grade oil is often the best winter driving. Be sure to check your oil and fluid levels regularly as well.

Special transmission and power steering fluids are specified for your vehicle. Make certain you have selected the proper type and amount.

 

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Don't Take Your Wheel Alignment For Granted
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Every driver expects their vehicle to have a straight steering wheel and travel in a straight line, without deviation, unless they're turning. In a turn, the vehicle should travel only where it's steered and return to center when you complete the turn. This seems to be such a simple idea that we often take wheel and suspension alignment for granted. Because of this, many drivers neglect or forget about their wheel alignment until there is a problem.

If you experience any of the symptoms below, take your car into your favorite station for an alignment inspection.

Your steering wheel is not straight when driving on a level road
You hear unusual noises in your suspension system
The vehicle wanders from one side of a lane to the other
Your vehicle pulls or drifts to one side when traveling in a straight line or when braking
You feel vibration in the steering wheel or through your vehicle's seat
The vehicle's steering feels loose
You haven't had a wheel alignment in a long period of time
Your tires are wearing unevenly
Tires are squealing on turns
The steering wheel does not return easily after a turn.

Correct alignment is critical to safely controlling your vehicle, braking stability, extending tire life, and ensuring a comfortable ride. The complexity of modern suspension systems requires careful measurements at all four wheels and precise adjustments. Many vehicle service centers will only suggest or offer front wheel alignment. However, the nationally-certified technicians recommend all four wheels receive a computerized analysis to ensure maximum alignment accuracy of your vehicle's complete suspension. It is extremely important that your vehicle's front wheels are aligned to the rear wheels. Only aligning the front will not take the rear wheel into consideration, causing crooked steering and an ill-handling vehicle.

 

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