Checking Your Engine Oil

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running like new is to regularly check the oil, but do you know how?

Check engine oil regularly, especially if you notice that the oil level drops between the oil changes. Engine oil cools down and lubricates the engine. Driving with very low oil level can cause engine problems.

Park your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "Park". Stop the engine. Wait for a minute or two to let engine oil drain into the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where it’s located, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "Engine Oil".

Wipe the dipstick off. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the oil level.

The oil level should be between the "Low" and "Full" marks. In this photo the level is OK and oil looks clean.

Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, as in the left photo, it's definitely time to change it. If it's brown, but still clean and transparent, as in the right photo, it's OK. If engine oil is of the "coffee with milk" color it means that engine coolant mixes with oil. This is a sign of some internal engine problem, such as, for example, a leakinghead gasket - have your car checked out.
If oil looks clean, but the level is low, you can just top it up.

To top off engine oil use a recommended type of oil; for example, if your owner's manual or the oil filler cap indicates SAE 5W-20, use SAE 5W-20 oil. If your engine needs synthetic oil, use only synthetic oil. You can find the recommended oil type for your car in your owner's manual.

How to top off engine oil:
Add a little amount of oil into the oil filler neck. Wait for a minute to let oil to flow into the oil pan. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you finished.

To view a full slide of detailed step by step photos visit: http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/simple.html

Morrow Chevrolet Kia One Day Only Sale!

Join Morrow Chevrolet Kia for their really big one day new and used car sale THIS Saturday, September 22 from 9am-5pm.

If you or anyone in your family is in the market for a new vehicle come in and see what great savings you can receive this Saturday between 9-5.

Please contact Gus Matthews on our Internet Hotline at 724-561-5064, or at morrowkiasales@ronlewisautomotive.com to schedule your no-obligation appointment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
Gus

Cut Your Risk Of An Accident:

Safety is always a concern while driving, especially if you're a "family-hauler". Fortunately Women-Drivers has some tips that can help you avoid a collision, and keep you on the road:

There are an estimated 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads today. This is a recipe for more traffic jams and longer commutes which can lead to shorter tempers. Read the following tips and live by them – they will make a difference to your well-being while in the car, as well as others who are on the road with you.

-Be cognizant: When driving, remain aware of others around you. Do not get sucked into a situation that can lead to unsafe behavior or triggering an emotional dispute with another driver.

-Be generous: When in traffic and someone wants to cut in front of you, let them. You getting to your exit, through the tunnel or to the toll gate one car length behind, will not greatly impact your arrival time at all. It will, however, insure your getting there safely.

Did You Know?
Listening to soft or quiet music, intentional breathing, hands-free driving and leaving on time all make a difference in reducing stress while driving in heavy traffic which allows you to maintain good judgement while on the road.

-Be spacious: Do not tailgate. Leave plenty or room between you and the car ahead of you – even if the driver behind you is tailgating.

-Be consistent: When driving in a highly trafficked area, attempt to maintain the car at a steady speed. Do not drive at inconsistent speeds to pass someone unsafely or to ‘get away’ from another vehicle.

-Be present: Phone calls, incoming texts, makeup or children can all be a distraction to you. All of these can impact your driving. Stay present to your driving responsibility as well as the driving responses of others.

-Be schooled: For many adult drivers, the last time they took a drivers education class was when they got their driver’s license. How many years ago was that? Through local continuing adult refresher classes, enroll yourself in a program to see what is new as well as get a refresher on some things you may have forgotten.


View Tips Page: http://carclique.net/post/monroevillechryslerjeep/embed/safety/40/13