Oil Filter Warning

Posted by & filed under Maintenance.

Changing an Oil FilterThe oil filter is one of the most important parts of the engine. Its job is to filter out any contaminates created by the normal wear and heat of the engine. When your car has the oil changed, most likely the oil filter is also changed, at least I hope so.

Years ago, we all knew that the oil and filter was changed at 3,000 miles, it was just the way it was. Enter the new age of cars, oils and filters; especially synthetic oils which last much longer as stated in some of my previous articles. Many oil changes can last 5,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the type of car, type of oil and how many quarts of oil are in the oil pan.

Back in the day when we recommended the 3,000-mile service, any oil filter would easily protect the engine for that mileage, but not many oil filters would protect your car for more than 5,000 miles. If you are driving longer than 5,000 miles between oil changes and using a low cost oil change shop, you may be damaging the engine and not even know it.

Let me explain. Oil filters all look the same on the outside, but are very different on the inside. The difference lies in the amount of filtering material used and type of drain back valve used inside each filter. Less expensive filters, as you would suspect, have less filtering material and a less reliable drain back valve.

Hazards of a Cheap Oil ChangeThis may seem insignificant, but the results can be catastrophic. When you drive longer than 5,000 miles on one of the low cost filters, the filter starts to lose the ability to keep the contaminates contained and they slip into the engine bearings, causing premature wear. The eventual outcome is engine failure. It does not pay to have an inexpensive oil change and an inexpensive oil filter put on your newer model car.

Currently, there is not a standard or law that says what part or quality of part, needs to be put on your car. If you have an engine failure that should be covered by a warranty, and you have been using cheap oil/filter, this is not only scary for you, the consumer, but it could get downright ugly as the manufacturer may deny the claim. Ultimately, the consumer should be aware of what is going on with the car and use a service center you trust.

A cheap oil change may save you money short term, but will not save you money in the long run.

Ouch another pothole!

Posted by & filed under Alignment.

Vehicle alignments helps your tires last longer, can help improve gas mileage and provides tighter handling to give you and your passengers a better ride and safer ride. A alignment inspection and service can keep you worry free and your vehicle on the road longer.

Is Your Vehicle Pulling left or right? Your vehicle is Telling You Something

Tire AlignmentRough roads, potholes we all know how bar the roads are in Kent or anywhere in the Seattle area and the occasional smacking of a curb don’t just make for an uncomfortable ride; they can knock your wheels out of alignment. Misaligned wheels can pull your vehicle to one side and cause you to constantly correct your steering. If your vehicle pulls to one side consistently when you apply your brakes, it could be an alignment issue. As regular maintenance you should align your vehicle once a year. Without proper alignment can also cause a “shimmy” or vibration in your steering wheel when your wheel is shaking every part between your steering wheel and your tires is also shaking. Wheels that are out of alignment can also cause uneven tire wear and can do severe damage to your tires quickly. Uneven tires wear out more quickly and don’t grip the road properly; especially in bad weather and with the amount of rain that we get in Western Washington you need all of the traction you can get. A vehicle that is out of alignment will cost you time and money.

Straight Talk and Straighter Wheels

The highly trained technicians at Central Avenue Automotive are the best in the area when it comes to your car . After a quick discussion with your service adviser our ASE master technicians will conduct wheel angle measurements using our state of the art Hoffman digital alignment system. These wheel angle measurements will show quickly whether your wheels are within the alignment settings specified by your vehicle manufacturer. If they don’t match the recommendations your technician will quickly perform adjustments to all 4 wheels to get thing set straight. Whether you are driving a BMW or a Lifted F-250 or a slammed Subaru Central Avenue Automotive has you covered.

How Often Should I Check my Alignment?

Wheel AlignmentMany vehicle manufacturers now recommend Alignments as part of your regular scheduled maintenance but one thing is for sure our roads in Kent and Auburn even Covington are so rough and poorly maintained that we suggest that you have your Alignment check at least once a year, This is a quick service that can be done at the same time you get your oil changed and tires rotated. But because alignment issues are often a result of a incident, like a falling hard in to a pothole or hitting a curb or debris in the road this will knock your car or truck out of alignment. You should have your alignment checked.

Signs you may need an alignment

  1. Your car pulls to either side
  2. Steering wheel is not straight
  3. You have a vibration
  4. Your tires are wearing unevenly
  5. Your fuel mileage has dropped

If you have any questions, please call or schedule your appointment at Central Avenue Automotive today at 253-854-6762 or book your appointment online.

The Timing Belt Story

Posted by & filed under Maintenance, Parts, timing belt, Tips.

What is a timing belt? A timing belt is a cogged rubber belt that connects the camshaft and crankshaft of an engine. The crankshaft is spun by the pistons via connecting rods, sort of like the crank on a bicycle is spun by your legs. The camshaft must open valves at certain points in the pistons’ travel, so the camshafts’ rotation must be synchronized to the crankshaft’s rotation. This is why the timing belt has cogs. The bumps in the timing belt fit into cogs in the cam and crank sprockets to prevent slippage.

Do all cars have timing belts? No. Some cars have a timing chain that connects the cam and crank sprockets and others have timing gears that connect directly.

When should I replace my timing belt? The manufacturer usually publishes a mileage/time interval for timing belt replacement, however, for some makes and models it’s not always clear, logical, or the best time.

Some examples:
Not clear: When the Acura was introduced there was no mileage or time interval published. (Later Acura recommended a 90K mi. 7.5-year interval)
Not logical: Some Mazda cars have a 105K mile interval for federal cars, but a 60K interval for California cars, even though the engine design and the timing belt part number are the same.
Not the best time: Most pre-1998 Toyota cars have a 60K mi. interval, yet the timing belts will easily last until 80K.

So, when should you replace your belt? When in doubt, use the published interval (if there is one). Give us a call with the year and model of your Acura, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, or Toyota, Audi, Hyundai, Subaru or Kia and we’ll be happy to let you know the manufacturer’s specifications or give you our opinion based on our past experience with your vehicle’s model.  

Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt? Maybe. There are a lot of variables  involved! The right time to replace the pump depends on your individual vehicle – the make, model, and how many miles are on it. It also depends on the type of water pump your car uses and whether it’s rotated by the timing belt; if it is, then it’s definitely a good time to do it, plus having it done now can save you money in the long-run. If the water pump is blocked by the timing belt (in other words — you must remove the timing belt to remove the water pump), then yes; it will save you money, time, and hassle. If the water pump can be replaced without removing the timing belt, then it’s not necessary to replace the water pump unless it’s worn or leaking. If the water pump is easier to replace when the timing belt is off, then you may want to consider replacing it since your vehicle is already in the shop. There’s also the question of cost; can you afford to do it now, while your vehicle is already in the shop, or would it be easier on your budget to come back in six months or so?

Should I replace the cam seal / crank seal / oil pump seal / oil pump O-ring? If the seals are leaking at all, then it’s a perfect time to replace them. They’re much easier to get to while we’re working on the timing belt, and it’s less expensive for you. Getting the leaking seals replaced will also prevent the possibility of needing to replace the timing belt again in the near future.

Should I replace the timing belt tensioner / idler? If either of them is damaged or worn down, then they should be replaced to prevent any damage to your new timing belt. Depending on the mileage of your vehicle or the condition of the belt tensioner/idler, you may want to have them replaced as preventive care since there’s no additional labor charge when they’re replaced along with the timing belt. It’s a convenient time to change them, however, it may not be necessary.

Should I replace the accessory drive belts? If the belts are worn down or cracked, then yes. If they’re still in good shape, they can be replaced at any time without removing the timing belt.

Does it make a difference what brand of part I use? Not necessarily. We work closely with our customers and always give them a choice on the parts used. We’ll explain the pros and cons of the different brands so you can make the most informed decision possible. We use quality parts, regardless of brand, and will always offer the best solution to fit your needs and budget. We provide a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on all parts and labor, so no matter which part you choose, you can always feel confident in the quality of our repairs and part selection. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 253-854-6762. We’re always happy to help!

Listen when your car cries for help

Posted by & filed under Engine, Fluids, Keys to a long lasting vehicle, Maintenance, Service Intervals.

Life is busy and dollars are tighter than ever for many people. The car is just a machine that provides freedom to get where we need to go at a moment’s notice. Many of us remember when the car talked to you when it was not feeling well.

What I mean is before technology, if the car needed spark plugs, it would idle rough, hiccup or stall. With the modern car, the computer system can mask a concern until it’s too late, resulting in an expensive repairs.

Most shops preach service to make sure our customers don’t wait until the car needs major work; we want to keep our customers safe and off the tow truck at all cost.

This is accomplished by the consumer paying attention to their machine. Watching the gauges, having those dash lights checked even when the car seems to runs fine, when you back out of a driveway or parking space, you always look for fluid on the ground.

We have a customer whom is strapped for cash and is always busy. He notices some very small drops of coolant on the ground (the car was talking to him). He chose to ignore the cry for help from the car and because the temperature gauge was reading normal, he was not concerned.

As a result, the car slowly lost coolant and the computer kept the car going until he felt the second cry for help while driving on the freeway. The car was losing power, again it was ignored, finally the car just stopped running on the freeway. Fortunately the customer was able to coast to the shoulder and not stop in the car pool lane.

This customer’s engine locked and was ruined, instead of fixing the coolant leak that would have cost $323.00, he now faces an engine replacement of $7,000.00 and possibly more, depending on the damage.

This scenario is common, when your car cries for help, please don’t ignore it. Your will save money, time and aggravation if you have the car serviced regularly and at least call for advice when your car cries for help.

Maintaining “Old Faithful” Makes Dollars & “Sense”

Posted by & filed under Keys to a long lasting vehicle, Maintenance.

Your car, “Old Faithful,” is paid off or almost paid off.  You toy with the idea of buying a new one, but would really like to keep using that monthly money for other things. You like the look and smell of a new vehicle, we all do, but does anyone really like the payments that come with it?  In today’s economy, people are thinking twice before financing a new vehicle that they may be able to do without until times are more stable. Taking better care of your current car definitely makes a difference in the long run when it comes to your finances.

“We advise our clients that if they want a 10 percent increase on their investments every year, they need to cut down on their expenses. A new automobile is, for most people, their second biggest investment next to a home, so a great way to save money and increase financial assets is to hang onto their current vehicle rather than buy a new one every few years. Budgeting for and doing preventative maintenance on your car is one of the best ways to cut your costs and keep your car.”

~Terry Mulcahy, Vice President of Investments for R.W. Baird

The Car Care Council estimates that over $60 billion each year that should be going to vehicle maintenance is not being spent! This tells us that consumers are not protecting their investment, and more importantly that there are a lot of unsafe vehicles on our nation’s highways.  We’ve all driven behind a car spewing black smoke as it meanders down the expressway.  It isn’t pleasant for the rest of us sharing the road, and it’s bad for the environment — plus we know a costly repair is in their future if they don’t take care of the problem right away.

Quarterly preventative maintenance and the occasional repair costs so little when it’s compared to monthly payments on a brand new car.  A maintained car saves you money on gasoline, too! It is more reliable and more valuable than when you decide to get a new car.  Not only does preventative maintenance benefit you financially, it’s a great way to have a “greener” car without the expensive car payment to go with it.  When your car is paid off, it is in what we call the “Cinderella Era,” which is when your car becomes an asset to you if you keep up with the routine maintenance and repairs.

A Runzheimer International study shows that trading a vehicle every eight years instead of every four can save more than $2,481.75 a year after the payoff. That includes repairs and maintenance, license, registration, taxes and insurance. In this economy, that is good news!  If dollars and cents are as important to you right now as they are to most of us, take care of “Old Faithful” and “Old Faithful” will be there for you!

Please call us with any questions at 253-854-6762.

 

The Importance of Using the Correct Motor Oil

Posted by & filed under Engine, Fluids, Maintenance.

Motor oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of our vehicles. It performs many important functions.

• It acts as a lubricant for the engine parts.
• It helps protect the emission system.
• It provides enhanced fuel economy.

If you’ve ever taken the time to peruse the array of oils available today at an auto supply store, it can be overwhelming, and if you choose the wrong oil, it can have consequences. It can even damage your car’s engine over time. If you are a person who changes their own oil, always check your owner’s manual before you proceed and make sure you have purchased the correct oil for your particular type of vehicle.

types of motor oil

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There are three types of motor oil:

• Conventional (75 – 80% of refined crude oil)
• Full Synthetic (Standard base plus additives)
• Synthetic Blend (Conventional and Synthetic)

Then there are additives, such as detergents to keep the high-temperature surfaces clean and antioxidants that prevent oxidation and keep the engine oil from thickening. Additives also capture dirt and other contaminants to prevent build up on engine parts. There are even special oils just for high-mileage vehicles that have a conditioning component for the seals to prevent leakage.

The American Petroleum Institute classifies motor oil by viscosity. Using the correct viscosity of oil is vitally important to get the most benefit for your engine type. Viscosity refers to the motor oil’s weight, and on the container, “W” stands for weight. If you live in a warmer climate, you will need different weight oil than those living in colder climates.

Motor oil is and has always been the life blood of your vehicle’s engine. Getting the correct oil is crucial to keep your vehicle’s engine running well for years to come. When we service your vehicle, you can rest assured that we always use the correct oil.

Please call us with any questions at 253-854-6762 or visit our website.

What Is OBD and What Does It Do?

Posted by & filed under Dashboard, Diagnostics.

OBD stands for “On Board Diagnostics,” and if your vehicle was built after 1996, then your car, SUV, or light truck has this system. It’s your car’s built-in computer, and its purpose is to monitor the major components of your vehicle’s engine, including emission controls. When there is a malfunction to the system, your dashboard illuminates the “check engine” light.

You know your OBD is working when you start your engine. The “check engine” or “service engine soon” light will very briefly illuminate just so you know it is working. If it comes on and stays on, it is letting you know that something isn’t right so you can get it checked out before it becomes an expensive repair. It could also be something simple, like your gas cap needing to be tightened. Sometimes the light comes on and before you can get to a repair shop, it turns off all by itself and doesn’t come back on. This just lets you know that the system corrected the problem by itself.

OBD on board diagnostics

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A blinking check engine light means you need to get your vehicle serviced immediately. The technician at your car care provider will use a hand-held scanning tool to help diagnose the problem. This is a very efficient method of testing your vehicle, and it saves time and money. A skilled technician will be able to take the code, which typically only gives them an idea of where the issue is occurring, and allows them to focus and figure out the exact problem.

Parts of Washington, including Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, Des Moines, and Auburn, are areas that must check the OBD as part of our Clean Air Act inspection. Before 1996, we did tailpipe testing. This isn’t as efficient as OBD, nor does it give drivers sufficient warning that there is a problem. OBD does a great job of letting consumers know when service is necessary, and that, along with the tightening of the gas cap and regular service on your vehicle, will save you time, money, and keep our air cleaner.

Please call us with any questions at 253-854-6762 or visit our website.

The Real Cost of Ownership

Posted by & filed under Fuel Economy, Maintenance, Uncategorized.

Taking a look at a 2013 study provides some eye-opening data that may make you think twice about the kind of car you own, your driving habits, and whether you should shop around for auto insurance or the lowest gas prices.

cost of ownership

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Different car types equal different costs

AAA calculated the average costs for six different car types based on the cost of ownership in the study. It found that the average cost of all sedans — the majority of cars on the road — is 60.8 cents per mile or $9,122 annually, based on 15,000 miles of driving. Small sedans cost the least — $6,967 annually. Four-wheel drive sport utility vehicles cost the most — $11,599 annually — largely due to the fuel costs of those cars. Perhaps surprisingly, large sedans cost almost as much — $11,248 — as four-wheel drive SUVs, while minivans, which often have about the same amount of passenger and cargo-carrying capability as many SUVs, averaged just $9,795.

Depreciation doesn’t compensate

In the 2013 study, depreciation rates had slowed significantly, making cars worth more and partially offsetting the increases in ownership. According to the 2013 Your Driving Costs study, depreciation rose 0.78 percent to $3,571 annually on average. AAA attributed this to an increase of used cars available, which has softened resale values.

Next, for other cost of ownership info, we’ll focus on the sedan as our example.

Maintenance costs see big rise

In terms of car-maintenance costs, the AAA study found that there were significant increases in the cost of labor and parts over the past year. As a result, average maintenance costs are up by 11.26 percent on average for sedan owners, the largest percent year-over-year increase, to 4.97 cents per mile. Included in that figure are the labor and parts costs to maintain and repair the car for five years and 75,000 miles as well as purchasing an extended warranty. AAA noted that figure also has increased due to increases in extended warranty prices — the result of high losses by underwriters.

Car insurance costs more, too

While AAA notes that auto insurance rates vary widely due to numerous factors, car insurance is rising 2.76 percent to $1,029 annually for the average sedan owner over 2012. To arrive at its average, AAA used a hypothetical low-risk driver with a clean driving record and obtained quotes from five AAA clubs and insurance companies representing seven states.

Fuel costs rise marginally

While gas prices have continued to rise, fuel costs are up only slightly, partially offset by improvements in car fuel economy. The average cost for regular unleaded gasoline is up 3.84 percent, but due to miles-per-gallon improvements, fuel costs have risen just 1.93 percent to 14.45 cents per mile on average for sedan owners. For its calculation, AAA uses the national average for regular, unleaded gas in the fourth quarter of the prior year.

Why You Should Replace Old Tires

Posted by & filed under Tires and Wheels.

Tires can be pretty expensive, and the better you take care of them, the longer they will last. Still, tires do have a life expectancy, but what that lifespan is seems to be up for debate. Some think that six years is the magic number, even if the tires haven’t actually been used. When tires sit on a shelf or have been in storage for six years, they still age and deteriorate. The Rubber Manufacturer Association says it isn’t as simple as that. Until the experts agree, it is up to us in the automotive service and repair industry to keep a good eye on our customers’ old tires.

Most consumers may not be aware that the date of manufacture is on your tire wall. For example, if you see a code such as 8PY806 stamped in a recessed rectangle on a tire, the 806 means it was manufactured in 2006 and in the eighth week of that year. When you purchase new tires, check the date. Some tires sit around for years before being sold as “new,” and you don’t want to purchase old tires when you’re paying for new!

It has been determined that over 6,000 accidents a year are caused by tire problems. That is not too surprising, considering that car manufacturers recommend we check our tire pressure every time we fill up our gas tank. Do you ever see anyone actually doing that? I’ve never personally witnessed it.

old tires

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Tires do come with wear bars or flat spots between the tread grooves. When the tread wears to the point equal to the flat spots, the tire needs to be replaced. When you look at a rubber tire and see cords showing through, bulges, deep cracks, or tread starting to separate, you have a very unsafe tire and should not drive on it.

Climate does play a factor in the aging of tires. NHTSSA says tires age faster in warmer climates, and high ambient temperatures can accelerate the aging process. This can cause tread separations. Tires that are used infrequently, such as those on collectible or recreational vehicles, can also age even though they aren’t used as much. These old tires might have great tread left, but the structural integrity gets weakened from disuse.

Many drivers are confused about when to replace tires. Check your owner’s manual and use those recommendations as guidelines. Again, a lot depends on your driving habits, the road conditions, and climate. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires at least every six years, but some say ten.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is incredibly important to the tires’ lifespan. Some consumers think the tire pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the proper pressure. That is not true. That is the maximum the tire can hold. The recommended tire inflation pressure can be found in your owner’s manual, on the vehicle’s door jamb, or inside the fuel hatch filler flap or glove compartment in some vehicles. Keeping your tires at the recommended inflation can save you nine cents per gallon of gas!

While you’re thinking about tires, don’t forget the spare. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it’s nice to know it is ready just in case!

For more information about tires, give us a call any time.

What You “Auto” Know About Cheap Oil Change

Posted by & filed under Fluids.

In the world of “you get what you pay for,” the cheapest price for an oil change is not always the best value. I would like to break down a $19.95 oil change advertisement that I recently heard on the radio.

It said: “Our premium oil change and complete inspection for only $19.95.”

This seems like a very good price… until you listen to the disclaimer.

The disclaimer states that the price is good for conventional grade oil only, and most cars from 2000 and newer require an oil better than the conventional grade.

They also said that the “complete inspection” included a visual brake inspection only, which means the wheels would not be removed to do a thorough brake inspection, either.

cheap oil change

Another disclaimer states, “Valid for up to 5 quarts of 10/30 or 5/30 conventional oil. Extra fees for synthetic or semi-synthetic blend oil. Cartridge oil filters extra. Valid for most cars.” Okay, let’s break that down. Many cars these days have cartridge filters by default, so that’s an extra charge tacked on right there. When they say “most cars,” what does that mean? What are most cars? Which cars are excluded from the deal?

The average cost for an oil change on a 2000-2010 car should be in $39.00 range. Most shops add a hazardous waste fee and tax on top of this cost.

Cost for the correct engine oil averages $4.00 per quart. Multiply that by 5 quarts on an average car and that equals $20.00 in oil, all before adding an oil filter or paying a person to do the service.

As you can see, a qualified technician is well aware of these costs and can give you a real breakdown of where the money’s going. If you hear a “good deal” on the radio or see an ad online or in your paper, it’s important to read the fine print and see which caveats apply. You won’t be happy if you go in for the “deal” and find a bunch of extra charges tacked onto your bill anyway. It’s best to find a trusted shop that you know does quality work, even if it seems a little more expensive up front. In the end, the cost will likely be the same.