Vehicle Service
In order to keep your car running and operating like
new...
Service it!!!
The most IMPORTANT thing one can do for their vehicle is
keep it serviced. This point cannot be overstated!
We are all familiar with routine oil changes, but your automatic
transmission needs routine servicing as well. Here is some
useful information on how to check your engine oil and
transmission fluid along with other fluids.
ENGINE
OIL:
(Every 2000-2500 miles)
While the engine is NOT running, locate the oil dipstick and
remove it. Check the level and let a drop of oil drip onto
a piece of paper or something white, such as a sticker under the
hood. The oil should be clear, close to the color of
honey. If it is darker than the oil out of this vehicle
it is due for an oil change.
TRANSMISSION
FLUID:
(Automatics every 8000-10,000 miles)
Locate the transmission oil dipstick. Note: Some later
model vehicles do not have a transmission dipstick and must be
checked from underneath the vehicle. The Level of the
transmission fluid needs to be checked while the engine is running
and in park for most vehicles. As with engine oil, let a
drop of transmission fluid drip onto a piece of paper. (I
am using the back of a business card.) As you can see by
the color of the samples the fluid on the left is somewhat
darker than the sample on the right. This transmission is
due for service.
OTHER FLUIDS:
Power steering, brake fluid, and anti-freeze should all be changed on
a regular basis as well. Your owner's manual will have a
service schedule you can go by. Florida residents will
have to service more frequently because of higher temperatures.
This important point will not be stated in a generic owner's
manual. Only the mean or average conditions are addressed
in a document like that.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few repair shops and
"quick-lubes" that simply do not perform these simple tasks
correctly, if at all, even when they explicitly state in writing
that these checks will be performed.
Pro Transmission will inspect these fluids for free (providing the component has a measuring device such as a dipstick). That way, one can always stay ahead of the game and save big bucks down the road...
Please browse some examples of work in progress:
