Dispelling Common Myths about Car Maintenance

There are a lot of myths circulating among drivers about vehicle maintenance. Second and third-hand knowledge can be expensive and possibly even dangerous if taken too seriously. It pays to find out the true facts about car maintenance straight from auto professionals.

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A few of the more common vehicle maintenance myths will be dispelled here as vehicle owners become more informed :

Myth: A visual tire inspection alone can determine if it has the correct air pressure.

Did you know that tires lose about one pound of pressure per month? A tire can be as much as 10 pounds per square inch low on air pressure and not show any outward signs. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, causing an increase in fuel consumption. The correct tire pressure helps extend the life of the tire, and also saves money in fuel costs.

Myth: An air filter is good until the next oil change if it looks clean.
An air filter traps dirt and junk so small that it cannot be seen. Even if it looks okay, it can be clogged with crud. The engine can have trouble breathing if the small passages in the filter become clogged. Follow the vehicle maintenance schedule found in your owner's manual for replacing the air filter. It is easy and inexpensive.

Myth: Brake fluid will last for the life of the vehicle.

Brake fluid has the ability to absorb water from the air. This moisture can cause damage to the brake system over time, dangerously lowering the brake fluid boiling point. If brake fluid is not clear and transparent, it's time for a change.

Myth: Bright green engine coolant can still do its job.

The chemicals in engine coolant can become corrosive over time. Even if it looks okay, it can in fact, be causing unseen and expensive cooling system damage. Checking engine coolant condition with an inexpensive tool is easy, and can prevent both overheated engines and empty wallets.

Myth: Premium gas in the tank guarantees premium performance.

Don't pay the extra money for premium unless a vehicle's engine was designed and built for it. There are fewer high performance cars and trucks that actually require premium fuel nowadays. Use regular fuel unless the owner's manual calls for premium.

Consult with your auto mechanic if in doubt about your vehicle's performance or components. They can give you expert advice on vehicle maintenance, preventing internal damage to your vehicle or spending money for unnecessary repairs.
We will be happy to answer your questions about vehicle maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price's Precision auto repair shop today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for advice on good car maintenance. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Car Tune Up: Is there such a thing?

The term "car tune up" these days typically refers to a basic maintenance program for the various components of your vehicle. However, it is one of the most misused and misunderstood automotive terms today. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "tune up" as "a general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency." Your owner's manual will probably just refer to the maintenance schedule for the individual components that should be serviced or replaced within a specific period of time or number of miles driven.

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Is there such a thing as a "car tune up?"

Older vehicles have ignition coils (one for each spark plug) which are adjusted until the spark intensity is equal, resulting in better idling and acceleration. They make a buzzing sound, which if adjusted properly, buzz in tune. Thus, the term "tune-up," applied to the service of replacing spark plugs, distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor, replacing the fuel and air filters, and making adjustments to the point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture.

Newer vehicles do not have distributors or spark plug wires, but instead have an on-board computer which controls and adjusts the fuel mixture, timing and idle speed. The only remnants of tune up components are spark plugs, fuel and air filters, and the PCV valve.

What does a tune up include?

The answer to this question may be confusing, as unfortunately, every auto repair shop determines what their particular car tune-up service includes—which components are replaced and which types of tests are performed. Some auto shops may consider a "tune-up" as just replacing a set of spark plugs. Other auto shops will replace spark plugs and other ignition components, fuel and air filters, PCV valve, as well as test the electronic system. Be sure to ask what is included when scheduling a tune up service.

Remember that a car tune up does not fix performance problems, typically caused by a malfunctioning sensor or control unit. If it is time for the spark plugs or fuel filter to be replaced, see if performance increases after they are replaced. If not, enlist the assistance of a trained technician with diagnostic testing equipment to analyze the performance problem.

Time for a truck or car tune up? Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto center in  Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.