Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works Guide To Using the Correct Fluids in Your Vehicle
Posted February 29, 2012 1:50 PM
Today's Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works post focuses on using the proper fluids for your vehicle. Big advances in automotive technology have lead to the development of high-tech fluids to keep pace. Some because of engineering advances and others, advances in the materials used to build sedan automotive systems.
A simple example of this is the cooling system. For decades it was primarily made out of iron, steel and rubber hoses. There was one kind of coolant that protected these components from corrosion.
Now cooling system components are made with various metal alloys and plastics. These materials require different additives to protect them from corrosion. Since the materials used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, we now have a number of different kinds of coolant.
And it’s important that Saddle Brook car owners use the right coolant. If you pour in the wrong kind, it won’t protect the cooling system and may even void the warranty. Check your sedan owner’s manual. Of course, your Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works advisor will know the proper coolant to use.
Brake fluid is confusing for some Saddle Brook drivers. Back when we opened shop 26 years ago, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid. Now we have Dot 4 and Dot 5. Some Saddle Brook people mistakenly think the higher numbers are an upgrade. You know, if 3 is good then 4 must be better. That’s not how it works. They are different formulations to meet the demands of differences in brake systems. Only one of them is recommended for your sedan.
Transmission fluid is the same thing. For decades there were two basic types of tranny fluid used at Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works: friction modified or not. With the tremendous engineering advances in sedan automatic transmissions, there have been several new types of fluids developed to protect and lubricate them.
Nowhere are the advances in automotive fluids more evident to Saddle Brook motorists and Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works professionals than in motor oil. Many new weights and formulations have been created to meet the demands of today’s modern sedan engine design. Modern engines have more parts and much tighter tolerances. Every year, engines make more power and get better fuel economy. And with all the complication and sophistication, they still have to be durable.
That’s where the new grades of engine oil come in. They have to be formulated to lubricate, protect and clean all of those sedan engine parts, big and little. The oil has to be thin enough to get into little passages, yet resistant to vaporization.
At Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works, we believe that in some ways modern automotive fluids are just as great feats of engineering as the new engines. Because weights of oil and types of coolant and transmission fluid are so carefully matched to the vehicle, take care to always use the proper fluid if you are topping off at home. Check your sedan owner’s manual or ask your Saddle Brook service advisor. The wrong fluid can cause damage. If you drive a car or truck with 75,000 miles or more, consider high mileage formulations. These fluids contain extra detergent to clean dirtier older engines as well as additives to condition seals and gaskets. That’ll help prevent leaks. Always be sure that the high mileage fluid is the same weight or type of fluid recommended for your vehicle.
Posted in the Fluids category
Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last At Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works
Posted February 23, 2012 2:20 PM
A while back, the Cash for Clunkers program was all over the news. Wayne people could trade in their old vehicle for a new one that got better fuel economy and receive a government rebate.
A lot of Wayne motorists had so-called clunkers that they wanted to keep. They’re good commuters, grocery getters or toy haulers. They enjoy that fact that they’re paid off, or soon will be. They would gladly like to keep their sedans for 200,000 miles or more – as long as it’s economical to do so.
There are plenty of Wayne drivers whose vehicles are running after 150,000 or 200,000 miles. We can learn from what they’re doing to keep our own sedans on the road in NJ.
Wayne drivers of high-mileage cars often report a common denominator of never skipping an oil change.That may sound a bit unsophisticated, but it’s really not. First off, oil is the life blood of your sedan's engine and it needs to be clean to properly lubricate. Skipping oil changes leads to clogged oil filters and sludge that can damage your engine.
There’s another reason why the scheduled oil change is so important for Wayne car owners. It’s simple – a Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works professional is going to be looking at your car. All of your fluid levels will be inspected and topped off so they won’t get so low that damage can be done. If there is a significant fluid loss, let’s use brake fluid as an example, your Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works technician can look for the cause of the loss and find the problem before it leads to an accident or costly repair.
Your Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works advisor will also visually inspect your sedan for worn belts and hoses, uneven tire wear, leaking shock absorbers and more. Problems get addressed before they lead to repairs that cost more than the car’s worth.
And your Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works advisor will be able to remind you of other services that the factory recommends you get done. Just think of that oil change the same way as you do about going to your Wayne dentist for your six month cleaning and checkup. Don’t skip it.
Realistically, things are going to wear out as your sedan gets older. On the way to 200,000 miles you’ll go through several batteries, probably a couple of alternators and water pumps, a set of shocks and likely some brake rotors.
Of course, these things cost money, but they are far cheaper than new sedan payments. With proper service at Bob Crevaux's Wayne Auto Works and regular inspections, you’ll keep surprise repairs to a minimum and more money in your wallet.
