The Facts About Scheduled Maintenance

What is Scheduled Maintenance?

Just the same way we need to go to yearly physicals and take our vitamins; our vehicles need check-ups and the fluids changed.  We need to make sure all is well and that the vehicles have the proper fluids to function.  This is a HUGE preventative step to help avoid costly repairs down the road.

What are the main fluids I need to replace?

1. Transmission Fluid

2. Power Steering

3. Brake Fluid

4. Coolant

How often?

This will depend on what the owner’s manual says for your vehicle.

Why is it necessary to have scheduled maintenance? 

The fluids much like oil are only good for a certain period and that affects the performance of the vehicle.

Basic Examples

If you don’t replace the transmission fluid (also known as “automatic” transmission fluid) frequently, you could end up with a $3000 transmission replacement or repair, on average. 

After awhile, if Coolant is not changed, it can corrode the inside of the engine and destroy other parts like water pumps, hoses, and radiators.

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air, after a certain percentage of water is absorbed, the brake fluid becomes ineffective.  For your brakes to work properly, you have to replace the brake fluid (also known as “hydraulic” brake fluid) typically every 30,000 miles.

I can’t stress enough the importance of the owner’s manual for your vehicle.  It is the guide for how often your vehicle will need these fluids changed.  If you don’t have your manual or want help determining the right schedule for your vehicle, give Universal Tire & Auto a call at (407) 636-4033 and we’ll help you through the process. 

Talk to you soon, Mike

What is that whining noise?

BART FROM CASSELBERRY, FL WANTS TO KNOW:

I'm hearing a whining road noise while driving my vehicle, what could it be?

DEAR BART:

This is a very common question, I get asked this a lot.  It is important when you hear noises in your vehicle to get it looked at as soon as possible.  The most common reasons for road noises come from tires, wheel bearings, brakes and suspension parts.  Tire noises could be caused by the wrong type of tire for your vehicle, dry rotting or odd wear patterns.  If the noise changes as you change the speed, it could be tires or wheel bearings.  In Bart's case, a vehicle inspection revealed that he needed a left front wheel bearing.  This was pretty serious because the wheel could have locked up on Bart while he was driving.  If you hear any noises from your vehicle, the best option is to get a professional to look at it.  If you have any questions or need your vehicle inspected, stop by Universal Tire and Auto and we'll check it out. 

Want your question answered?  Visit the Mechanic Minute and email us your question.

Thanks! Mike

TOP 5 THINGS YOUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MIGHT BE TELLING YOU

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

You're driving along when the Check Engine light on your dashboard comes on. Don't panic. There are five common reasons the light might be on (there are more!), and a certified technician can check out the issue and make sure to treat it and turn the light off.

Take a look at the following list so that the next time that light comes on, you’ll have an idea of what to look for.  

1. A Gas Cap Problem

If your car isn't acting strangely, check your gas cap. Perhaps it isn’t on tightly or maybe it's cracked. A new gas cap costs about $5.

2. Oxygen Sensor isn't Sensing

The car’s oxygen sensor gauges the oxygen level in the exhaust. This is repaired easily, usually for less than $300.

3. Your Spark Plugs Aren’t Sparkin​g

If your spark plugs are misfiring, your car will accelerate jerkily. Replacing the plugs is inexpensive regular maintenance. Nothing scary here!

4. The Airflow Sensor is Choked Up

This sensor tells the car's computer how to regulate the fuel-to-air ratio. A broken sensor can cause the vehicle to fail its emissions test or cause the car to stall. A new air filter could be an easy fix.​

5. The Catalytic Converter is Sick

The scariest but rarest issue is the catalytic converter, which takes harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) and converts them to something less harmful. Usually, they break due to lack of proper maintenance.

Proper car maintenance is an exceptionally easy way to avoid many, many car issues. When your car starts signaling that there’s a problem, don’t delay in taking care of it. That can be the difference between a $50 repair and a $3,000 one.

If you think your car is trying to tell you something, give Universal Tire & Auto a call today at 407-636-4033, and have a certified technician check the engine light for you.