Check Your Oil – Save Your Engine

Regularly checking and changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well and extend the life of your car’s engine.

The engine oil is the life blood of your car, keeping its moving parts lubricated and transferring heat away from the engine combustion. In addition, the viscosity of engine oil holds in suspension all the nasty by-products of combustion like silicon oxide and acids. Engine oil even reduces oxidation by minimizing engine exposure to oxygen and it does all of these things under tremendous heat and pressure.

What does this mean to you? Over time your engine oil breaks down and becomes less effective at doing its job.  This is why periodically checking your oil and regularly oil changes are extremely important.

Here are some helpful pointers for checking your oil from the friendly used car dealerships at the Olympia Auto Mall:

• When checking your oil, be sure the car is parked on the level.
• You should check your oil when the engine is cold or no sooner than 15 minutes after the car has been turned off.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
• Insert the oil dipstick back into its holder and press it firmly back into place.
• Remove the dipstick again, this time checking the oil level against the markings on the stick.
• Check the condition of the oil by noting the color of the oil on the stick.  Clean engine oil is a clear, golden color.  If the oil is dark or black, check your service records, it may be time for an oil change.

The experts at the Olympia Auto Mall recommend that you check your oil once a month, especially on older vehicles.  If you need assistance, come on in.  The service centers are here to help you.

The Olympia Auto Mall - Washington’s Largest

New and used car dealerships serving the Tacoma, Olympia, and Puyallup areas!!!

Brakes – Don’t Fail Me Now

Our brakes are the one of the most important parts of our car.  We use them every time we drive and sometimes we count on them heavily when something darts out or another car stops fast in front of us.

How do you know if your brakes are wearing down? When is it time to get them serviced?  What can you do to keep yourself safe? What are the warning signs?

Usually, when your car’s brakes need replacing, you will hear about it.  Turn down the music now and again and listen to your car. Listening is an important part of staying in tune with your car’s needs.

Every car’s brake assembly has an indicator, a small strip of metal that makes an annoying but necessary screeching sound when your brake pads are significantly worn.  If you hear this obnoxious sound each and every time you press on the brake, this is a very clear indication that it’s time for action.  Have your brake pads and rotors examined.

Visual inspection can also be helpful. Remove your hub caps or peek between the spokes in your wheels to see the brake pads themselves. Your owner’s manual is a good source for the recommended minimum pad thickness. You can also get your mechanic to visually inspect your brakes when you get your tires rotated.

Check the area underneath your car for signs of brake fluid leaks. If you see any fluids under your parked car, it is wise to have these checked out at once.

Another indication that your brakes may need replacing is a pull to the right or left when braking.  This could mean that your brakes are wearing unevenly or that your brake fluid is contaminated with dirt.

Pay attention to the performance of your brakes. If you feel anything unusual in the way your brakes behave like having to press too far or too hard for them to be effective, get them checked before they fail you.

The reliable service centers at the Olympia Auto Mall, new and used car dealerships in the Puyallup area, are an excellent choice for brake service and repair.  Stay in touch with your brakes and stay safe.

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington’s Largest !!!