Seasons change, and so should your oil
Have you checked your brakes recently?
The braking system is, without doubt, the most important part of your vehicle. If there is one thing that should never be neglected in car maintenance, it is the brakes. After all, you wouldn’t want to put family mem- bers and friends in danger by allowing them to ride in a vehicle with worn out brakes, right? Brakes should be replaced when calipers and pads are worn beyond the limit set by the manufacturer or by the law. Any garage can carry out this simple check, one which could ultimately save your life. Here are a few ways to tell if your brakes have gone past their “use by” date. • Your brake pedal travels further than it used to and feels spongy. • Your brake pedal feels stiff and has increased resistance. • Your brake pedal does not easily return to
its initial position. • Dashboard warning lights come on. • You hear a high pitched squeal when brak- ing. Don’t panic, however, if you hear the squealing noise during braking; it does not necessarily mean that the brakes are finished. It could be caused by an accu- mulation of dust on the discs or a lot of moisture on brake parts. Still, the brake system should be checked out and cleaned by a mechanic. Be sure to quickly replace any parts of the braking system that are worn out; the lon- ger you wait, the more expensive a brake job could become. But the biggest reason to keep your brakes well maintained is, of course, to keep yourself and others safe from danger.
Some specialists believe that an oil change every 90 days is still the best way to prevent problems.
Oil is the lifeblood flowing in the veins of your vehicle’s engine. Without it, your car wouldn’t last very long. Oil allows all the engine parts to function smoothly and prop- erly. In the owner’s manual that came with your car, you will find recommendations for oil change frequency as well as the best kind of oil for your make and model. Even though high-end cars may only need an oil change every 24,000 kilometres, most vehicles require one every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres. In some cases, that means every few months. There are even some specialists who believe that an oil change every 90 days is the best way to prevent engine problems. During the summer, when there are more cars on the road and when people tend to drive more often, engine oil should be checked regularly. To properly check your engine’s oil levels, run it for a few minutes and then park the car on a level surface. Once the engine has been stopped, wait a few minutes and then check the oil level with
the dipstick, which is located in a vertical tube under the hood. It is usually identified by an oilcan symbol on the cap. If you can- not find it, consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic. If the oil on the dipstick is clear and fairly pale looking, it doesn’t need changing. However, it is time to do an oil change if it looks more like molasses and contains solid deposits. By the way, don’t forget to replace the oil filter at the same time, or it will quickly contaminate the new oil.
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