The Truth About Quality Vehicle Maintenance!
Many "do-it-yourself" vehicle owners enjoy telling other about car maintenance tricks that could be costly and potentially dangerous if not performed correctly or properly researched. For just a few extra dollars and a little more time, vehicle owners can gain peace of mind and ensure the safety of their vehicle, rather than try to handle car maintenance jobs themselves.
Here is the truth about five common vehicle maintenance myths:
Myth #1 – Change an air filter only if it looks dirty.
An air filter can be clogged with unseen particles even if it looks okay. Filters trap dirt so small that it cannot be seen. If it is clogged, the engine can't breathe. Replace an air filter as recommended in your owner's manual. It is easier and less expensive than an engine repair.
Myth #2 – Tires will look low if under-inflated.
Tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per month so make sure to have the air pressure checked on a regular basis. Air pressure can be as low as much as 10 psi but yet not show any outward signs. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and your vehicle uses more gas as a result of the increased rolling resistance.
Myth #3: It doesn't matter what brake fluid looks like.
Brake fluid should be clear and transparent-- cloudy fluid means it's time for a change. Brake fluid has the ability to absorb water from the air so, over time, this moisture can cause damage to the brake system and dangerously lower the boiling point of the brake fluid.
Myth #4: The color of engine coolant doesn't matter.
Even though engine coolant may look bright green and seem okay, unseen damage can be occurring. As with brake fluid, the chemicals in engine coolant can become corrosive over time. Keep engine coolant clean to prevent your engine from overheating, leading to an expensive engine repair.
Myth #5: Use only premium gas for premium engine performance.
Unless your vehicle's engine was designed to use extra octane, why pay more money for premium fuel? There are actually less high-performance cars and trucks manufactured these days that require premium fuel. Just use regular fuel, unless your owner's manual recommends premium.
Note: Take good care of your car with regular vehicle maintenance, and your car will take good care of you with longer life, increased fuel efficiency, and safer driving.
For quality vehicle maintenance, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information about car maintenance. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Many "do-it-yourself" vehicle owners enjoy telling other about car maintenance tricks that could be costly and potentially dangerous if not performed correctly or properly researched. For just a few extra dollars and a little more time, vehicle owners can gain peace of mind and ensure the safety of their vehicle, rather than try to handle car maintenance jobs themselves.
Here is the truth about five common vehicle maintenance myths:
Myth #1 – Change an air filter only if it looks dirty.
An air filter can be clogged with unseen particles even if it looks okay. Filters trap dirt so small that it cannot be seen. If it is clogged, the engine can't breathe. Replace an air filter as recommended in your owner's manual. It is easier and less expensive than an engine repair.
Myth #2 – Tires will look low if under-inflated.
Tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per month so make sure to have the air pressure checked on a regular basis. Air pressure can be as low as much as 10 psi but yet not show any outward signs. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and your vehicle uses more gas as a result of the increased rolling resistance.
Myth #3: It doesn't matter what brake fluid looks like.
Brake fluid should be clear and transparent-- cloudy fluid means it's time for a change. Brake fluid has the ability to absorb water from the air so, over time, this moisture can cause damage to the brake system and dangerously lower the boiling point of the brake fluid.
Myth #4: The color of engine coolant doesn't matter.
Even though engine coolant may look bright green and seem okay, unseen damage can be occurring. As with brake fluid, the chemicals in engine coolant can become corrosive over time. Keep engine coolant clean to prevent your engine from overheating, leading to an expensive engine repair.
Myth #5: Use only premium gas for premium engine performance.
Unless your vehicle's engine was designed to use extra octane, why pay more money for premium fuel? There are actually less high-performance cars and trucks manufactured these days that require premium fuel. Just use regular fuel, unless your owner's manual recommends premium.
Note: Take good care of your car with regular vehicle maintenance, and your car will take good care of you with longer life, increased fuel efficiency, and safer driving.
For quality vehicle maintenance, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information about car maintenance. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
