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Monday Maintenance Update - Volume 2

Oil Changes and Changes in Oil - By Nick Little, Shop Owner of Wrigley's Garage and Dunn's Repair

In this edition of our Monday Maintenance Update, I'd like to share with you some basics of the oil change routine and its effect on the industry as a whole. I will also share its short- and long-term effects on the consumer.

When engines were first put in cars as a mode of transportation, they didn't include an oil filter. It wasn't until the 1950's that they were widely implemented, and at that time oil was purely crude oil derived. Synthetic oils were created by the Germans during the WWII era because allied forces had restricted oil imports for the war effort. Synthetics would become commercially available and are now required in the vast majority of vehicles.

Most of us grew up in an era where 3,000 miles was the standard oil change interval. This was typical up until the early 2000's when car makers started to move that out to 5,000, 7,500 and eventually 10,000 miles.

This sounds exciting because it seems as though there will be savings associated. In reality that isn't necessarily the case. There are many factors to consider when deciding when to change your oil.

How, when and where you drive are just a few aspects of the decision-making process. The general consensus among dealer and privately owned repair facilities is that 5,000 miles is best. This schedule revolves around the aspects of vehicle care like tire rotation, steering, suspension and brake system inspections, usage patterns and other critical fluid system service intervals.

I'm a big believer of the old adage "the proof is in the pudding". Since the auto manufacturers have started increasing oil change intervals, every single auto maker has been involved in class action law suits and customer satisfaction recalls stemming from widespread engine failure - even the companies that are most known for engine longevity. That being said, we have a combined total of over a half-million miles on our two primary loaner cars with zero breakdowns, using our basic maintenance plan.

Given the auto makers are building a better car than ever before, you as the consumer are in a position to maximize the return on your very significant investment using a well thought out maintenance plan. Here's hoping you get to enjoy 200K, 300K, or even 400K miles as many of our clients and friends have. See you on the next one!

Monday Maintenance Update - Volume 1

General Maintenance- By Nick Little, Shop Owner of Wrigley's Garage and Dunn's Repair

One of my earliest memories was rolling around in the driveway with my Grandpa, changing the oil in his '78 Chevy pickup - doing my best to figure out the difference between a 9/16" wrench and a flat blade screwdriver.

I remember grandpa referring to 100,000 miles like it was the end of the line for a car back then. A lot has changed over the years, vehicle lifespan being one of the biggest changes, due to EPA regulations, vehicles are built to a much higher level of precision and that has manufacturers outlining much longer maintenance intervals than the 3,000-mile oil changes we grew up with.

Some intervals have even surpassed the 10,000-mile mark! As a matter of fact, it is not unheard of for vehicle lifespan to be double or even triple the 100,000-mile mark without a single break down. That would certainly leave Grandpa shaking his head in disbelief!

While it is clear that I grew up in a different era of automobiles, I have always kept my finger on the pulse of what is happening in the industry, and more importantly, what is about to happen.

My Grandpa brought me up to make things last and do it on a budget, and I've made it my life's work. Many of my other childhood memories are of broken cars and that is something we work diligently to avoid for our clients and friends.

ADVANTAGES OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Wrigley's Garage takes your safety and your vehicle's health very seriously. That is why we perform our 44 Point Inspection with each oil change. It is our job to present you with the facts about the condition of your vehicle. This is just one of the many advantages of using a professional mechanic.

So let's spend a moment talking about the 44 Point Inspection AKA your vehicle's "health report". Wrigley's Garage provides you with a digital vehicle inspection typically by text. The purpose of this report is to provide you with images and recommendations in order to give you a chance to see and understand exactly what is wrong with your vehicle before deciding to approve a repair or service recommendation.

Did you know that cars are made up of approximately 30,000 parts?

There are so many different parts in a car, it is almost impossible for the average car owner to know all of them. That's why it is so important to hire a knowledgeable technician to repair your car when there is a problem.

There is a lot of discussion about the value of professional service. Many think that professional service is overpriced and doesn't offer advantages that outweigh the cost differences. At Wrigley's we strive to help our customers make a well-informed decision, and this list is provided in that interest. We hope it helps.

• Accuracy-We have the knowledge, supplies, tools and experience to get the job done quickly and accurately.
• Records-We keep precise records of what has and has not been done-thus saving your hard-earned dollars.
• Continuity of service-Having the same, well-trained eyes under the hood of your car or truck is important, consistency matters.
• Longevity-It takes focus and understanding to ensure a vehicle keeps you on the road for many years without issue.
• Convenience-Loaner cars, pick-up/delivery, service reminders and fast turnaround times ensure you don't have to waste precious time on the weekend acquiring materials and performing the work, or in a waiting area wishing you were doing something you love.
• Overall Value-there are many things we address while working with our customers vehicles for free or with minimal charge while doing routine oil changes and maintenance, and with little price difference than you can do the job yourself
• Relationship-when you need us, we are here for you. No delays or run-around, just results. We are here to help you every step of the way in your vehicle's journey.
• Warranty- The quality parts we use come with the longest warranties in the business, should the need ever arise, which ensures you only pay to do the job one time

Your trust is extremely important to us. We do not make unnecessary recommendations; we base our recommendations on your vehicle's health inspection with your safety being the number one priority and your vehicle's required maintenance next in order of priority. Your vehicle is typically your second largest investment. You can trust Wrigley's Garage to do a quality job at a fair price. Our staff cares about you and your vehicle.

You are driving down the road and you notice your temperature gage rising. Or worse yet you notice steam coming from under the hood.

Should I continue to drive my vehicle if it is overheating?
The short answer is NO. Engines can only take so much heat so when the systems that control the engine temperature fails you can expect some of the following things may happen: Bursting hoses, warped cylinder heads, broken head gaskets and other sensitive engine component damage such as sensors, belts and wiring.

More than half of the total of number of faults in the operation of an automobile engine is associated with the loss of coolant.

• Pull over as soon as safely possible
• Turn off the vehicle
• Call a tow truck and have your vehicle towed to your mechanic
• Let the engine cool down at least 30 minutes before attempting to open the hood

• Operate the vehicle for any longer than necessary to get safely pulled over
• Add cold water to the radiator
• Ignore the problem

How Can You Prevent Overheating?
The best way to prevent overheating is with regular inspections and maintaining your vehicle's cooling system. Checking for potential leaks as well as checking hoses, the coolant level and the condition of the coolant and thermostat is part of Wrigley's Garage 44 Point Inspection.

Kelley Blue Book recommends flushing the coolant system and replacing it with fresh fluid every two years or 30,000 miles as a good rule of thumb. Flushing helps to prevent damage and extends the life of your vehicle.

Flushing your coolant at home is not recommended as it is extremely toxic to humans and pets. Even a small amount can cause illness. It also requires proper disposal of the old fluid.

Does the type of coolant matter?
Absolutely! Coolant provides multiple functions in your vehicle. It transfers heat out of the engine. It protects your engine from colder weather. It is a corrosion inhibitor. It lubricates the water pump and it reduces foaming. Using the OEM recommended coolant ensures that the specific formulation of the coolant aligns with your engine's components.

In Conclusion overheating can cause major damage to your vehicle resulting in costly repairs. Continuing to drive and ignoring the warning signs will only cause more damage. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are key factors in protecting your investment.

Wrigley's Garage specializes in keeping you safe and on the road. Text us at 815-566-4232 to schedule inspections and service.