It?s so easy to drive in to the service station, sit in the lounge and then drive your freshly oil-changed car out a few minutes later.
But horror stories abound about car owners who have had their cars pronounced DOA just a few miles down the road from the quick change service.
Incorrect oil filters, stripped oil drain plugs and oil filters wiped clean and not replaced are just some of the many woes reported by unsuspecting drivers.
Consider some of these safety ideas to prevent brake failure and slow yourcar if such failure does occur.
The information is offered from Ed Kriston and Jeff Boone, approved automotive repair specialists who work out of the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, which is headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
» Do have your car oil changed at a service facility you trust. Most car owners have a repair shop they trust. It may cost a little more than the “quick change” services, but quality oil changes are the most important service you can get for your car.
» Do have regular oil changes. The only way you can get rid of oil is to burn it. What wears out is not the oil, but the additives in it that keep your car running smoothly. The rule of thumb is to have the oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles.
» Do have your car oil changed regularly even if you don?t drive often. Condensation builds up in your car?s engine causing water to seep through and damage the engine. Regular oil changes protect against that.
» Do read your owner?s manual to determine what oil should be used. Most cars in the Baltimore area use 10w 30 or 10w 40 oil. Oil that is too thick can prevent your car from turning over.
» Don?t assume synthetic oil will make your car run better. A car?s age, mileage and other factors should be considered.
For example, cars with very high mileage should not use synthetic oil because its thin texture may cause internal combustion.
Check with a qualified technician before you use it.
