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OUR BLOG

10/17/2017
Fall is a great time to give your car some at-home maintenance to prepare it for the cold months ahead. If you love the idea but aren’t sure where to start, this article can help. There is no denying that every motorist wants their vehicle to perform at its best. However, there is also no denying that the majority of motorists believe that, because they didn’t study motor mechanics at school, there isn’t really any type of maintenance they can provide that would actually bring benefit.

Every Motorist Can Improve the Performance of Their Vehicle This Fall

From extensive experience providing motorists with high-quality engine oils, Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer knows a thing or two about how to keep a car in good shape and has the following post to share with vehicle maintenance actions you can perform at home which will definitely benefit your driving experience.

Give Your Car a Clean

When the majority of motorists think about cleaning their car, the focus is entirely on how it looks on the outside. And while it’s nice to drive around in a clean looking car, it’s even more important that you pay attention to the inside. Serious attention. Get the family and spend a day cleaning every space you can find in your car. This means that you start by removing every item in your car and its compartments and taking it on with every cleaning product and utensil you have in your arsenal. When you are taking on the challenge, pay attention to space which usually wouldn’t see a lot of cleaning attention, such as the space right up where your feet rest which can accumulate a lost of dust and moisture, leading to potential mold or rust. Once you are confident that your car is clean, give each item a second thought before putting back in. Performing this task not only is a great way to both identify problems before they can occur or to prevent small problems from causing serious issues.

Oil Filter

While you may know that your car contains an oil filter, do you understand the importance of replacing it on a regular basis? The best way to think about your oil filter is to imagine a soda can. At each end, there is a hole and the can is filled with a sponge. Oil which has traveled through your engine is pushed through one hole at such high pressure that it makes its way through the sponge and out the hole at the end. During this process, the sponge captures any contaminants that which was floating around in your engine oil. The remaining oil is sent back to your engine for recirculation. However, just like all filters, if the sponge becomes full then it is no longer able to keep your oil clean, instead of leaving the dirty oil to continue circulating through your engine where it can cause engine wear and preventable damage. When performing any work on your car, be sure that you are using not just the right products for the job, but the best. Click here to buy AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which has been designed to both improve engine performance and increase engine cleanliness. For help discovering more high-quality products, speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer today (503) 329-9004.

Fluids

While you may be accustomed at checking your water and coolant level, as you read from the tips above, your engine relies on more than just water. In addition to your coolant, be sure to check the level and condition of the following:
  • Engine Oil (Motor Oil or Engine Lubricant
  • Brake Fluid
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Transmission Fluid
  • Wiper Fluid
If you can see that any of the levels are low or have seen better days, either top them up or simply replace them. While it is easy to ignore the wiper fluid, it’s important to your safety that you have a clean and unobstructed view.

Tires

Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to check the condition and pressure of your tires. While they can seem infallible, your tires are susceptible to damage and need your attention every once in awhile. Take your car outdoors into bright light and give them a thorough visual inspection, looking for:
  • Any chunks or parts missing
  • Any debris caught in your tires
  • Any nails or similar items which have pierced your tire
  • Any bald spots (space on your tire without tread)
  • If you notice any of the above or other concerns, tend to them
  • before you drive again as these can all lead to dangerous driving
  • situations.

Give Your Engine Performance a Boost With a Synthetic Oil Change in Clackamas

As you can see, there is more than you can do to improve engine performance than you first thought. So this fall, take the time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves. When it comes time to top up or replace any fluids, be sure to check out the online store for the range of products or call Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer directly at (503) 329-9004 to learn more.