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Angelo's
Maintenance Tips |
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| For
Angelo's latest automotive
maintenance tips and recommendations, check back
about every 2 (two) weeks. |
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September 2010 Tip:
Fuel Filter
Fuel filters trap harmful contaminants that may
cause problems with carburetors and intricate fuel
injectors. Fuel filters for carbureted engines only
clean the fuel before it enters the float bowl.
Injection filters, on the other hand, clean the fuel
whenever the fuel pump runs (unless the fuel
injection system is a “returnless” design). Fuel
moves continuously up the supply side, through the
filter to the fuel rail or throttle body. The fuel
that doesn't make it into the engine returns to the
tank and the whole process starts over again. With a
full tank of gas, the filter may clean the volume of
fuel in the tank many times before it's all used. |
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August 2010 Tip:
Suspension
Like your car’s brake system, the steering and
suspension systems are key safety-related systems.
Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and
handling. Do you have your car’s steering and
suspension systems checked regularly? At least once
a year and usually with a wheel alignment is
recommended. Symptoms of potential suspension
problems may include pulling, noise/vibration when
turning, and uneven tire wear. |
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July 2010 Tip:
Brakes
Brakes are a normal wear item for any vehicle and
they will eventually need replacement. There are
many factros that affect the wear of your brakes
including: your driving habits, vehicle type, the
quality of your current brake material. You should
avoid letting your brake pads get the "metal on
metal" point which can lead to further damage of the
brake rotors/drums. |
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June 2010 Tip: Air
Conditioning
Summer is here and it's a hot one! Keep your car
cool with an A/C check. Your vehicle's air
conditioning may need to be recharged to ensure that
it will keep you cool through the hottest days of
the summer. |
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May 2010 Tip:
Belts
You car’s belts and hoses are essential to the
cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and
the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement
intervals for granted because they can break down
and leave you stranded. |
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April 2010 Tip: Cabin
Air Filter
Spring time is here, along with all those allergies!
Changing your vehicles Cabin Air Filter will help
trap pollen, bacteria, dust, and exhaust gases that
may find their way into a vehicle's ventilation
system, making the interior of the car a healthier
place. |
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March 2010 Tip:
Lights
Lights play a major role in safe driving – the
chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or
be seen.
Some states have laws that require the headlights to
be on with the wipers. It is important to check all
of your lights regularly to avoid any problems.
What do they do?
The lighting system provides nighttime visibility,
signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light
for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
Typical Wear and Tear
Lights are normal wear items that require periodic
replacement. Factors affecting replacement intervals
include:
• Frequency of use
• Material and type of lightsSymptoms
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming lights |
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February 2010 Tip:
Windshield Washer
The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow or dirt
from building up on the windshield and removes them
to maintain clear visibility through the windshield.
Fluid level should be checked monthly and should not
be replaced with other liquids.
Symptoms
• Chattering or streaking wiper
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming lights
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades play a major role in safe driving – the
chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or
be seen. Some states have laws that require the
headlights to be on with the wipers. If you detect
any problems with your car’s wipers, have them
checked out at once.
The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow or dirt
from building up on the windshield and removes them
to maintain clear visibility through the windshield.
The lighting system provides nighttime visibility,
signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light
for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
Typical Wear and Tear
Wipers are normal wear items that require periodic
replacement. Factors affecting replacement intervals
include:
• Operating conditions (winter conditions are tough
on wiper blades)
• Frequency of use
• Material and type of lights and wipers
• Sunny weather – wiper blades can deteriorate
faster and need more frequent replacement in desert
states
Symptoms
• Chattering or streaking wiper
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming lights |
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January 2010 Tip:
Antifreeze
With the cold winter and frigid temperatures here,
Remember this useful tip on the colder days.
Check your owner's user manual for antifreeze usage
specifications. Antifreeze, when mixed at a 50/50
ratio with water, engine coolant provides excellent
anti-freeze, anti-boil, and anti-corrosive
properties. In extremely cold environments, the
ratio for standard ethylene glycol can go as high as
70% antifreeze, 30% water. With DEX-COOL, the
maximum ratio of antifreeze to water is 60/40.
Although DEX-COOL type antifreeze can be mixed with
standard ethylene glycol antifreeze, DEX-COOL loses
its 5 yr./150,000 life. As such, it's best not to
mix antifreeze types unless absolutely necessary.
All coolants must be diluted with water at the
proper ratios and should not be used full-strength.
Full-strength antifreeze actually has a lower freeze
point than when mixed with water. Generally,
standard ethylene glycol type antifreeze should be
changed every two years or 24,000 miles.
Even though the coolant freeze protection may test
OK with a hydrometer (freeze protection only drops
with extreme dilution, not with age), the additives
break down over time. When changing coolant, it also
presents an opportune time to replace bad cooling
system hoses. Leaking, brittle, spongy, cracked, or
rotted hoses should be replaced before new
antifreeze is installed. Hose clamp connections
should also be checked to ensure that they're secure
and free from leaks.
If you decide to service your cooling system
yourself, use extreme caution: Opening a hot
radiator or coolant reservoir/overflow tank can
cause severe burns. Be sure that both the engine and
cooling system are cool before you begin any
heating/cooling system maintenance or repairs.
Because of lower hood profiles and cramped engine
quarters, it's also possible that your car may be
equipped with an air bleed for the cooling system.
Unless the cooling system is bled properly, air may
stay trapped in the system and cause erratic
temperatures, or in extreme cases, engine or cooling
system damage. If you're unsure about any aspect of
cooling system service, don't take a chance. Have
your car looked at by a professional service
technician. |
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December 2009 Tip:
Tire Inflation
Proper tire inflation pressure is the
specified air pressure given by a carmaker for a
certain tire on a specific vehicle. This pressure
specification should not be confused with a tire's
maximum pressure, which is usually listed on the
tire's sidewall. Some vehicles may specify different
pressures for the front tires and the rear tires.
Purpose
Correct inflation pressure is critical for
good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life, and
proper vehicle handling performance.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions
For the small amount of time it takes,
checking tire inflation at least once a month is one
of the best investments you can make to get the
maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can
also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when
maintained regularly. Keep this in mind:
Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4
percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch)
drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to
check your tires more often during the winter
months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of pressure for
every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.
Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car's
glove box (many gauges at "air stations" give false
pressure readings) and check the tire pressure when
the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of a
tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10
psi low on pressure and not appear to be low on air.
Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in
your vehicle's owner's manual or on the inflation
sticker found on the driver's door jamb. While
you're at it, don't forget to check the spare.
There's nothing more annoying than a flat spare when
you have a flat tire.
TREAD DEPTH
There are several simple ways to check tire
tread depth. The first way is to measure tread depth
with a tread depth gauge. The second method involves
the use of a penny inserted into the grooves of the
tread. Tire wear bars are also used on today’s tires
as a hands-off visual indication that a tire needs
replacement.
Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure
that your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can
result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and
slippery roads. Tires are regular wear items and
staying on top of their condition not only ensures
your safety, but also gives you the opportunity to
plan ahead and budget for inevitable tire
replacement.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions
When using a tread depth gauge, tires need
to have at least 1/16-in. of tread or more (this is
the minimum amount of tread allowed by law). By
using a penny as a quick reference, insert the penny
into the tread groove with Lincoln’s face showing,
but with his head upside-down. If you are able to
see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs
replacement. If you see a wear bar across the width
of the tread while facing it, it’s time to replace
the tire. Generally, it’s best to replace tires in
sets of four. If your car’s tires show signs of
abnormal or unequal wear, have this looked into by a
professional technician. Excessive wear on both
outer edges generally indicates under-inflation.
Excessive wear in the center of the tread generally
indicates over-inflation. Cupping or dipping of
certain tread sections may indicate worn suspension
parts or a wheel balance problem. Saw-toothed or
feathered tread edges may indicate wheel
misalignment. If your car needs alignment or
suspension work, have it done before you drive off
with a new set of tires. Taking a “big picture”
approach to protecting your tire investment will
reap many rewards for miles to come. |
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November 2009 Tip 2:
Exhaust System
Your car’s exhaust system has come a long way
from the old days of exhaust pipes and mufflers.
Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions
control rolled into one. Have your car’s exhaust
system inspected regularly and check it immediately
if you suspect any problems.
The exhaust system routes dangerous exhaust gas from
the engine out and away from the car to keep from
affecting the occupants. Next, the exhaust system
reduces exhaust noise from the engine. The catalytic
converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in
the exhaust. Finally, the oxygen sensors mounted in
the exhaust system monitor the level of exhaust
gases to maintain efficient engine operation and to
monitor the converter’s operation. |
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November 2009 Tip 1:
Battery & Cables
Your car’s starting and charging systems,
and the battery help ensure dependable vehicle
operation whenever you drive your car and in all
sorts of driving conditions. Make sure to check
these systems regularly.
The battery stores electrical energy and the starter
converts that energy into mechanical force to turn
the engine for starting. The alternator produces
electric current to replace what the starter used
during start-up and to support electrical loads when
the engine is running. An ignition module turns the
low-voltage supply to the ignition coil on and off,
and the coil produces the high voltage for the
ignition system. This creates a spark at the spark
plugs and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the
engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the
engine to the alternator’s pulley, along with other
accessories.
Typical Wear and Tear
Driving habits such as frequent engine
on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter
than a simple trip back and forth to work. Other
factors include:
• Driving and weather conditions
• Mileage
• Vehicle age
• Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle
entertainment systems
Symptoms
• Headlights and interior lights dim
• “Check Engine” and/or battery light may come on
• Accessories fail to operate
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October 2009 Tip 3:
Motor oil can become contaminated.
Be sure to use the correct oil as recommended by
your car’s manufacturer. Oil grades have changed
over the years and you will want to make sure you
use the right oil for the best engine protection.
Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine
clean on the inside.
Motor oil can become contaminated by dust, metallic
shavings, condensation, and even antifreeze.
Additives break down over time and can also act as
contaminants. The best advice is to follow the
guidelines provided in the vehicle owner's manual,
but every 3,000 miles or 3 months is a good rule of
thumb for oil and filter changes. Many car
manufacturers today are recommending extended oil
drain intervals for some drivers. However, if you
regularly make short trips in your car, drive in
stop-and-go traffic, idle for extended periods,
drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a
trailer or live in a cold-weather region, it's best
to stick with a 3,000- mile/3-month regimen.
If you change your own oil, be sure to properly
dispose of all waste. A single quart of used engine
oil has the capacity to pollute 250,000 gallons of
ground water. Never pour used oil down the drain or
into the ground. Not only is it illegal, it's also
harmful to the environment. Used engine oil is
converted for new uses, such as industrial fuel or
lubricants. Put used oil into original oil
containers or other clean, plastic closed
containers, with the contents clearly labeled on the
outside and bring the used to oil to a facility that
accepts used engine oil. |
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October 2009 Tip 2:
Proper Lighting plays a major role in safe driving.
Lights play a major role in safe driving – the
chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or
be seen. Some states have laws that require the
headlights to be on with the wipers. If you detect
any problems with your car’s lights or wipers, have
them checked out at once.
The lighting system provides nighttime visibility,
signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light
for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
Lights are normal wear items that require periodic
replacement. Factors affecting replacement intervals
include:
• Frequency of use
• Material and type of lights
Symptoms
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming lightsIf you experience any of these
problems stop by Angelo's to have a qualified
service professional check it out for you. |
| |
October 2009 Tip 1:
Antifreeze usage specifications.
Check your owner's manual for antifreeze usage
specifications. Antifreeze, when mixed at a 50/50
ratio with water, provides excellent anti-freeze,
anti-boil, and anti-corrosive properties. In
extremely cold environments, the ratio for standard
ethylene glycol can go as high as 70% antifreeze,
30% water. With DEX-COOL®, the maximum ratio of
antifreeze to water is 60/40. Although DEX-COOL®
type antifreeze can be mixed with standard ethylene
glycol antifreeze, DEX-COOL® loses its 5 yr./150,000
life. As such, it's best not to mix antifreeze types
unless absolutely necessary. All coolants must be
diluted with water at the proper ratios and should
not be used full-strength. Full-strength antifreeze
actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed
with water.
Generally, standard ethylene glycol type antifreeze
should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles.
Even though the coolant freeze protection may test
OK with a hydrometer (freeze protection only drops
with extreme dilution, not with age), the additives
break down over time. When changing coolant, it also
presents an opportune time to replace bad cooling
system hoses. Leaking, brittle, spongy, cracked, or
rotted hoses should be replaced before new
antifreeze is installed.
Hose clamp connections should also be checked to
ensure that they're secure and free from leaks. If
you decide to service your cooling system yourself,
use extreme caution: Opening a hot radiator or
coolant reservoir/overflow tank can cause severe
burns. Be sure that both the engine and cooling
system are cool before you begin any heating/cooling
system maintenance or repairs.
Because of lower hood profiles and cramped engine
quarters, it's also possible that your car may be
equipped with an air bleed for the cooling system.
Unless the cooling system is bled properly, air may
stay trapped in the system and cause erratic
temperatures, or in extreme cases, engine or cooling
system damage. If you're unsure about any aspect of
cooling system service, don't take a chance. Have
your car looked at by Angelo's professional service
technicians. |
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September 2009 Tip 2:
Just the opposite is true on the imports.
On carbureted cars, replace the filter once a
year. On cars with fuel injection, some carmakers
don't recommend replacing the filter at all during
the first 100,000 miles of "normal" driving. Since
“normal” usually constitutes severe driving because
of less than normal conditions, it's best to replace
the filter every two years or 24,000 miles.
A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from
your car’s electric fuel pump, eventually taking a
toll on its life. Frequent filter replacements
remove all doubt about whether the filter may cause
other problems down the road. Most filters on
domestic cars and trucks hide underneath on the
frame or body. Just the opposite is true on the
imports. They usually put their filters somewhere in
the engine compartment. If you decide to change the
filter yourself, be careful. Fuel injection systems
maintain pressure in the lines that must be relieved
prior to filter replacement. Don’t forget that
gasoline is extremely flammable.
Procedures vary for relieving pressure. Also, some
filters require special tools to replace the fuel
filter. Because of these technicalities and because
of most filter locations, it’s best to have your
car’s fuel filter replaced by Angelo's
qualified service professionals. |
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September 2009 Tip 1:
Improve your gas mileage by more than 3%
For the small amount of time it takes,
checking tire inflation at least once a month is one
of the best investments you can make to get the
maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can
also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when
maintained regularly. Keep this in mind:
Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4
percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch)
drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to
check your tires more often during the winter
months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of pressure for
every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.
Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car's
glove box (many gauges at "air stations" give false
pressure readings) and check the tire pressure when
the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of a
tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10
psi low on pressure and not appear to be low on air.
Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in
your vehicle's owner's manual or on the inflation
sticker found on the driver's door jamb. While
you're at it, don't forget to check the spare.
There's nothing more annoying than a flat spare when
you have a flat tire. Stop by, we'll be
happy to check your tire pressure for you. |
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August 2009 Tip 2: What
is it?
Like your car’s brake system, the steering and
suspension systems are key safety-related systems.
Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and
handling. Do you have your car’s steering and
suspension systems checked regularly? At least once
a year and usually with a wheel alignment is
recommended. |
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August 2009 Tip 1:
Owner's manual recommendations
This month August's first weeks tip, Owner's
manual recommendations on transmission fluid changes
vary considerably and may go as high as 100,000
miles or more. For best results, have your car's
transmission fluid and filter changed every two
years or 24,000 miles. Always use the type of fluid
specified by your car's manufacturer. This
information can be found in the owner's manual or on
the end of the transmission dipstick. The
overwhelming majority of transmission failures are
heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid
breaks down rapidly when subjected to high
temperatures. Driving conditions such as trailer
towing, quick stops and starts, ascending and
descending mountains, and wheel-spinning in slippery
conditions are but a few scenarios that can
devastate the life of the transmission fluid.
Although changing the fluid yourself is not
difficult, it's probably best left to our qualified
service technicians here at Angelo's. This is also a
good time to drain the transmission fluid from the
torque converter, if possible. |
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| July 2009 Tip 2: It is
very important to replace your belts and hoses
at suggested manufacture mileage, your cars belts
and hoses are essential to the cooling, air
condition and charging systems and the engine. if
they fail, you can break down and be stranded. |
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July 2009 Tip 1:
Maintaining a clean car, inside and out
If your air filter gets too dirty or
clogged, your engine won't be able
to suck enough air into the
combustion chambers. The engine will
then run rich (i.e., too much gas
and not enough air). When this
happens, your car will lose power
and run roughly. Your Check Engine
light also may come on. We recommend
changing your air filter every
12,000 miles.
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