Precision Auto Repair | Albertville, Minnesota

info on common car care problems, maintenance and repairs

Oil Change Light

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Every type of engine needs oil, and modern automobile engines are no different. Today’s vehicles are designed and built to use oils that meet very specific industry and manufacturer standards. When using the right type of oil and changing at the right intervals can help extend the life of your car. Additionally, failing to use the right type of oil and not documenting its use can void a new car warranty.

There are two main types of oils used in most cars today:

  • Synthetic-blend oils
    Full-synthetic oils

Learn more about synthetic vs conventional oils.

The right oil for your car must have the correct SAE viscosity grade, meet performance and regulatory stands, and comply with the manufacturer’s specifications. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or online (search by vehicle, made, model and year).

Vehicle age, type of oil used and driving conditions combine to determine proper oil change intervals. While 3,000 miles used to be the norm, that is no longer the case with newer cars. Some cars recommend intervals of 5,000 or 7,500 miles. Full-synthetic oils can also extend the time between oil changes for those cars that recommend full-synthetic oil.

You cannot judge oil condition by color. The best protocol is to follow your car or truck’s factory maintenance schedule for oil changes.

Oil Change Intervals: Older Cars

Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” operation and another for those used in “severe service.” The latter category involves operating your car under one or more of the following conditions:

  • Primarily short trips (5 miles or less)
  • Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
  • Sustained stop-and-go driving
  • Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer

If your vehicle use falls under the severe service definition in your owner’s manual, you will use the more frequent schedule provided by your manufacturer. If your usage is normal, be sure that you aren’t changing the oil TOO frequently.

Oil Change Intervals: Newer Cars

The best way to determine when you need your oil changed in a newer car is to simply pay attention to the oil-life monitoring system in your car. Early systems in cars were time and mileage based, but newer vehicles have systems that can actually analyze vehicle operating conditions to identify when the oil first begins to degrade.

Whether you or a service technician at your local auto shop change your oil, reset the oil-life monitoring system by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Still Check Oil Monthly

It is still important to check your oil levels monthly. Failure to do so can result in damage due to low oil will not be covered by a new car warranty.

Low Mileage

If you do not drive your vehicle often, most manufacturer’s recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder light has not come on.

Precision Auto Oil Change Services

• Oil Change
• Reset Oil-Life Monitoring System
• Digital Maintenance Inspection
• Check and refill all fluids
• Check tires

Precision Auto features Mobil1 oils and also carries a full line of national brand oils.

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Fall Car Care Tips

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September is here in Minnesota, and clearly… fall is in the air! Staying safe behind the wheel during the fall months requires more than just defensive driving.

Your car also needs some attention, so here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready for fall.

Check the brakes and tires 

Driving in wind, rain and soon snow requires good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. Don’t wait until you are in an emergency situation to discover that either aren’t up to par or unsafe. Some things to look for:

  • Worn treads on a tire don’t lie, and if the wear bars are showing, you should look at new tires before winter hits.
  • Tire pressure changes as the temperatures drop, so stay on top of keeping the pressure at levels recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Most cars nowadays have tire level warnings, so simply pay attention to and act on those signals.

Check the lights

One of the most noted reasons for traffic tickets in the US is due to lights on the vehicle not working.

Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers.

Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working.

Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to splurge on halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving.

Replace wiper blades

The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades.

Make sure heater / defroster both work

Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe.

Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen.

Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired.

Have the battery checked

A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather.

Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required.

If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention.

Inspect under the hood

Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing.

Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle.

Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required.

If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.

Change oil and air filter

If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil.

Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation.

If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter.

Refill cooling system

Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold.

If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system.

Check all fluid levels

This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.

Get a good car wash / detail

It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.

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