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CAR CARE TIPS 101
Our family here at The Smog Shop, understand that you prefer to complete what you can on your own vehicles prior to needing a professional ASE certified mechanic. In this section, we give you some basic tips and information you may need.
*Please note that not all vehicles are the same. You should check your vehicle manual for your exact specifications or have our professionals take care of it for you!*
01
ENGINE OIL and LUBRICATION
Check and change the oil. No single step will help an engine last more than regular oil and filter changes will. Conversely, nothing will destroy an engine faster than neglecting oil-level checks or fresh oil changes. Everything with moving parts needs grease to survive. A ball joint will go into early retirement due to poor lubrication.
02
COOLING SYSTEM
Flush the cooling system and change the coolant once a year. A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water will keep the cooling system in good shape and prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the cooling system.
03
TRANSMISSION
Change out transmission and differential oils. While not requiring frequent service, these fluids must be changed according to serice intervals. Always use transmission fluid or gear oil of the recommended type and viscosity.
04
CLEANING, WAXING and WHEELS
Keep it clean! While washing the outside of the vehicle is obvious, most everything the vehicle ran over can also get stuck to the underside. Hosing off winter salt and road grime is a good idea. Nothing keeps paint looking good and protected like a coat of wax. Apply wax at least every 6 months. Inspect, clean, anc repack wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease according to service intervals. Wheel bearings and grease are inexpensive compared to spindle and hub replacement, or liberated wheels rolling down the road ahead of you!