Top 8 General Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving!

Winter will soon be here in full force!  Because preventative vehicle maintenance is so vital for this time of year, ask your auto repair technician to perform a thorough checkup of all the systems of your vehicle.  Of course, be sure to have any compulsory repairs taken care of as soon as potential.  This will ensure that you can drive your car with confidence out on wet and icy roads.

Remember to take care of these general car maintenance tips for safe winter driving:

• Car Battery--Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s cranking power. A battery generally has only about half of the cranking power at 0° F than it has at 80° F.  If your battery is worn out, it may be time to replace it.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. Streaks or missed expanses of glass are signs that the blades should be replaced.  Remove ice from the windshield with an ice scraper, not your wiper blades. If you park outside, place the wipers in the raised position to keep them from freezing to the windshield.  Keep your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent.  Also, make sure the heater is functioning properly so that plenty of warm air is being directed to the windshield in the defrost mode.
• Lights--Inspect that all the car's lights are working correctly and that the lenses are clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you.
• Oil--Oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Normally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity, signifying that it's formulated for winter use, providing good oil flow at low temperatures.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and heater hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Try to keep your coolant mixture at the correct ratio of antifreeze and water to keep it from freezing.  Your mechanic will be happy to inspect it for you.
• Tires-- Inspect your tire traction.  If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires rated to perform well in snow and ice tests should be fine.  Or you should consider purchasing snow tires that are designed with special tread patterns and made from rubber compounds that can grip snow and ice for optimum traction.  Keep your tires correctly inflated, as tire pressure declines with the thermometer.
• Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear screeching, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as potential so you can stop on slick and icy roads.
• Emergency kit--Always carry a supply of water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, road flares, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.

Need to know more general car maintenance tips?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our vehicle maintenance services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

What are the Signs of Engine Problems?

Has your vehicle lost its power when going up an incline or trying to pass a slower vehicle?  If you’re experiencing engine issues, your auto shop is a good place to start in finding out what to do to help restore its performance.  The first piece of advice you will possibly hear is to make sure you are taking care of all suggested engine service items. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your car running strong and prevent a major engine repair.  

So what are the signs of engine problems?  The “Check Engine” light will possibly be the first sign of a problem in the engine.  Even though you may be a little fearful about what could be happening under the hood, don’t put off calling your auto shop and scheduling a diagnostic service.  This will help your mechanic pinpoint were any pending issues are occurring.

Here are a few other signs of engine problems you may start to notice:  

1. Loss of Power –There could be a glitch in the combustion process so that gasoline is not being converted into the power needed to make your vehicle go. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy – There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine – If there is something starting to fail in the combustion flow, you may start to hear strange sounds during the ignition process, such as knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting.
4. Engine Stalling – The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Noxious Odors – Bad odors from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. Engine Keeps Running After Motor Is Turned Off – The octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Runs Rough – This is generally caused by a blockage in the system, old spark plugs, and an incorrect octane level.

Are you looking for quality engine repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about what are the signs of engine problems and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

How Do You Know If You Need Transmission Fluid?

You should first understand the two main purposes of what transmission fluid is and what it does.  First, it lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to help prevent excessive friction and overheating. Secondly, it transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

Theoretically, transmission fluid never needs to be changed.  Though, some auto mechanics do not agree with this concept.  Many manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid at about 100,000 miles.  Some auto mechanics say that it should be changed at least every 50,000 miles.  Read your owner’s manual and discuss your concerns with your mechanic.

Though, it is a fact that transmission fluid does deteriorate over time.  There are certain driving conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads, or trailer towing, raise the transmission’s operating temperature and put more strain on the transmission and the fluid.   Also, if the transmission is wearing out, a leak could be developing.  

Transmission fluid can come in several colors, but it is most often red in color.  It will become darker as it deteriorates. You may also start to notice a burned odor.  This could be an indication that the fluid wants to be changed or that the transmission is developing issues.

How do you know if you need transmission fluid replaced?  Here are five common issues that could develop:

1. Grinding or squealing noises while shifting
2. Shifting is difficult
3. Inexplicable surging
4. Gears slipping
5. Delay in movement after shifting

It is a good idea to have your transmission fluid checked about once a month.  If there are any of the signs listed above, especially if you have already topped off the transmission fluid, you may be facing a costly transmission repair. 

Are you wondering how do you know if you need transmission fluid?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Strut?

Is your vehicle’s ride not quite as comfortable as it once was?  You may be noticing that your car is bouncing more than it used to when you drive over potholes and bumps in the road.  Your car seems to “lunge” forward when you step on the brake pedal.  Are you wondering what is wrong?  Is it an issue with the shocks or struts?  What about the other components of your vehicle’s suspension system, including the car axles?

So what are the symptoms of a bad strut?  Here are a few problems to be aware of when your car struts or shocks are wearing out:

1. Excessive bouncing when hitting a bump.
2. Vehicle nosedives forward when braking or accelerating.
3. Tire "cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire every time it hits the ground.
4. Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

What causes a strut to go bad?  Shocks or struts do wear out over time in the normal course of driving as the miles add up on your vehicle.  But if you are consistently driving over bumpy streets, hitting potholes, or other obstacles in the road, they will wear out even more speedily.  When struts go bad, the results can be risky, as it impacts the steering and stopping the performance of your vehicle, as well as adding stress to the car axles.  

You don’t have to worry about these problems any longer than it takes to get your vehicle to your auto repair shop.  Replacing your car’s struts or shocks as needed will increase stopping the performance as well as increase the safety of your vehicle!

Need to know more about what are the symptoms of a bad strut?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about suspension systems, including car axles, and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

What causes front end alignment problems?

When your car is first manufactured, the wheels are aligned, tested, adjusted and eventually verified at the factory. But over time, many drivers will find that their wheels fall out of alignment, a condition when tires are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel.  It can shorten the life of your tires by thousands of miles and compromise essential steering and suspension parts.  

So what causes front end alignment problems?  There are several reasons for wheels to fall out of alignment, most of which have to do with driving conditions. Driving down a poorly maintained road can cause wheels to become misaligned. Hitting potholes, going too fast over speed bumps, running into curbs, or having an accident, no matter how minor, can also affect your car alignment.  You will more than likely find yourself struggling to keep your vehicle going straight down the road.

Some drivers are not aware of how damaging car alignment issues can be.  It not only affects how your vehicle handles, but it also adds excessive wear to your tires, suspension, and steering systems. Has your wheel alignment checked about every 6,000 miles?  At the very least, have it checked at the first sign of premature tire wear. 

By maintaining the alignment of your vehicle, you will:

• Boost your car’s handling and safety, 
• Increase fuel efficiency,
• Prevent damage to important vehicle components, and 
• Extend the life of your tires.  

Remember, the price of an alignment service is much more cost-effective than paying for a new set of tires!

Need to know more about what causes front end alignment problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our car alignment service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Wondering how often should you have your car serviced?

If you are like most drivers, you want a safe and trustworthy vehicle.  But you may be wondering, “How often should you have your car serviced?”  The answer is quite simple. Follow the factory suggested vehicle maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.  Adhering as close as potential to this schedule will help prevent an expensive car repair and ensure that you are driving as safe as potential, especially during winter’s cold days.

Many newer cars have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that provides an alert on the dash when it is time for certain services, such oil changes, fluid level inspects, component checkups and other car maintenance services.  This reminder system makes mileage-based schedules obsolete and also takes a number of vehicle operating conditions into account.  Although you should be able to trust these reminder systems to guide your maintenance visits, it is still wise to double-check with your car repair technician, especially if you don’t put many miles on your car during a year’s time.

Older cars commonly still rely on mileage for service intervals. There are commonly two different maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” conditions and another for those used in “severe” conditions. Normal conditions would be straight level ground with little stop-and-go traffic.  Though, many drivers possibly meet the definition of severe conditions, involving one or more of the following conditions:

• Primarily short trips stop-and-go driving 
• Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
• Mountainous terrain
• Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.

Plan ahead for car repair and maintenance by finding an auto shop and technician you can trust before you want them. Inspect them out for an appearance, technician training and certification, insurance coverage and customer satisfaction. 

So how often should you have your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car repair service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

What Does a Full Car Service Include?

The list of services is similar for all vehicles with a few variances depending on the make and model of your car. Every car has its own service schedule--generally stated in the owner’s manual.  Following this schedule will help keep your vehicle at its optimum performance level and ensure it lasts you as long as you need it to. 

Wondering what does a full car service include? Ask your car repair specialist.  We recommend that you have the best level of service you can afford.  Just be sure to always ask what is included in a full car service so that you understand what you are paying for.

So what does a full car service include?  Normally, minor services are normally performed at 7,500, 15,000, 45,000 and 75,000 miles while major services are performed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000-mile intervals.  Though the major car services are not performed as frequently, they want to be done to protect the guarantee, maintain safety, and boost the resale value of your vehicle.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, here are several of the car maintenance items that you should take care of on a regular basis:

• Oil change
• Tire rotation, wheel alignment, and tire balancing
• Car battery
• Inspect and either replace or top-off all fluids.
• Windshield wipers—replace about every 6 months.
• Replace burned-out lights.
• Replace the timing belt and/or serpentine belt at the suggested mileage interval.
• Service the air conditioner/heater.
• Other services related to fuel delivery, ignition and emissions systems.

There are two major benefits of keeping up with vehicle maintenance.  

1. First, your mechanic can let you know what may want to replaced right away, or what can wait a while. 
2. Secondly, you can drive with peace of mind knowing that you have a trustworthy and safe source of transportation. 

Do you want to know more about what does a full car service include?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Wondering what does car AC service include?

During the hot temperatures of summer, your AC unit has received a lot of use.  Did you know your vehicle’s A/C system is vital year-round?  Lots of drivers think that the A/C is strictly for cooling air in the summertime. In fact, it is just as vital for the cold and rainy seasons as well.  

A vehicle’s A/C system consists of 5 major parts, all working together to cool you off in summer, and to keep you warm and dry in winter. These major parts include the:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Receiver dryer or Accumulator
• Orifice Tube or Expansion valve
• Evaporator

Your A/C system also consists of hoses and refrigerant charging ports, but the significant work occurs in the five parts listed above.

Why is the AC so important all year long?

1. For cold air: Refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and turns into a hot gas. In the condenser, this hot gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the Freon goes through the expansion valve it returns to a low-pressure gas and quickly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the air that ultimately blows out your vents.
2. For warm air: Hot engine coolant is circulated through a small radiator, called a heater core. A fan in front of the heater core blows cold external air over the fins. As this air travels over the warmer core, it heats up and becomes the hot air which blows out your warmer vents. If the heater core becomes congested with rust, you will no longer have heat. Also, if they're a small leak in the heater core, the passenger cabin can get steamy with fogged-up windows, or you may smell coolant.

If you have not already scheduled an auto AC service, make sure to do so before winter arrives.  The benefits include increased gas mileage, a more environmentally-friendly vehicle, and a more relaxed drive.

So, what does car ac service include?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about auto AC service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Wondering When Does a Car Battery Need to be replaced?

The car battery is the most underrated, but the most vital piece of equipment your car wants in order to be driven down the street.  The battery is an energy storage device that relies on a chemical reaction within the battery to produce electricity. This stored electrical energy is used to initially operate the starter motor, ignition system, and fuel system. Once the motor is running, the alternator supplies the electricity needed for all the other vehicle systems and re-charges the battery as you operate the car.

Is it safe to drive with a bad battery?  Yes, but if it is weak and dies completely, you could be stranded on the side of the road on a hot summer day. A bad battery may also overload the alternator and adversely affect the operation of the vehicle’s electrical system.

Don’t wait for your battery to fail completely.  When it gets old (3-4 years) you may find yourself in need of a car battery replacement.  Though, if you already have a new battery under your hood and it keeps dying, there may be some other reasons why.  Ask your mechanic to inspect it out!

So when does a car battery need to be replaced?  Generally, a battery will have a service life of 4 to 7 years.  Here are a few positions which indicate it is time for a car battery replacement:

• Your car doesn’t start. As a battery age, the cranking amps become lower than the original rating. Once the cranking amps fall below a critical threshold, it will be difficult, if not impossible to start your vehicle.
• Battery warning light illuminates. If the battery warning light illuminates, ask your auto mechanic to inspect your battery and if it wants to be replaced.
• Electrical components don’t work. Once a battery has started to fail and the voltage produced by the battery drops, the vehicle’s electrical components can malfunction. 

Remember:  Ultimately, every battery will die.  Though, the key to prolonging the life of your battery and avoiding a premature car battery replacement is to keep it well-maintained. 

Wondering when does a car battery need to be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

When Do You Need to Service Your Car?

You may want your car to last a few more years so you want to take good care of it.  You may be wondering when do you need to service your car?  The answer is simple!  Follow the suggested vehicle maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual.  You will find a list of the maintenance items that should be taken care of and the appropriate interval for each service.

• In-vehicle Reminder Systems for Maintenance

Most new cars have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system so that you no longer have to worry about keeping an eye on your vehicle’s odometer.  This reminder system takes a number of operating conditions into account and delivers an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component checkups, or other maintenance services.  If you don’t drive very many miles in a year, it is strongly suggested that have some maintenance items taken care of, such as oil changes and tire rotations, even if the service light has not come on.

• Mileage-Based Service Intervals

Older cars still have maintenance service intervals based on the number of miles driven within a specified time period. There are generally two different maintenance schedules listed--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions; and one for cars driven in “severe” operating conditions.  Severe driving could be described as primarily short trips of five miles or less, extreme hot or cold climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  

Tip to Remember:  Find a car repair shop and auto technician you can trust before you actually need them. 

Wondering how often do you need your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

How often should you do a Tune Up?

Has your vehicle lacked power when trying to go up hills or passing a slower vehicle? Have dashboard lights been flashing on and off?  Today's vehicles are designed with computer processors, microchips and sensors.  The best way to find out what is wrong is to ask your auto repair technician to run a car diagnostics.  This specialized computer will scan the sensors and operating systems, producing the codes which are stored in the car’s memory system, indicating an issue or what might need to be replaced.  This saves a lot of time and money troubleshooting an issue--you don't have to pay for repairs performed on a "trial-and-error" basis.

So how often should you do a tune up?  When you schedule a car tune up, you are basically asking for an inspection of your engine and an analysis of your car’s performance so that any compulsory adjustments can be made. What may be required during a car tune up will vary from car to car, based on age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations for that vehicle.

The benefits of asking for a car diagnostic means that the issue can be identified quickly, replacement parts ordered, and the issue fixed before it gets any bigger. 

Are you wondering how often should you do a tune up?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car diagnostics and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

When the Check Engine Light Comes On?

Are you wondering what is happening to your car when the check engine light comes on?  Should you pull over and call a tow truck, or can you drive on to your destination? This little warning light is an indication that your vehicle is getting poorer fuel economy and polluting the environment more than normal.  Though, the big problem is to make sure that long-term damage is not taking place in your engine and that the safety of your vehicle is not compromised.

So what happens when the check engine light comes on?  When the electronic-control system finds an issue it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer stores a diagnostic trouble code in its memory and turns on a yellow warning indicator light. This stored code helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential issue, such as engine misfires, deteriorating spark plugs, evaporative problems, or fuel mixtures.

Here’s what you should do if your Check Engine light comes on:

• Inspect The Gauges -- Is your vehicle experiencing low oil pressure? If so, pull your vehicle over and shut off the engine instantly.
• Inspect Your Gas Cap -- Try tightening your gas cap. Sometimes a broken rubber seal on the gas cap can trigger the check engine light to come on.
• Reduce Speed -- Reduce your speed and avoid towing or transporting heavy cargo.
• Avoid Emissions Testing -- If your check engine light is on, it’s highly likely your vehicle will fail your state’s vehicle emissions test, even for a loose gas cap. Make sure all problems are resolved prior to your test.
• Seek Help -- Is the light constant?  A solid glow indicates your vehicle should be checked sooner rather than later. A blinking light indicates that your vehicle needs instant attention. 

Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure your vehicle gives you good service for many miles.  A potential issue can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.  

Don’t leave the light on!  Take care of a wanted engine repair as soon as possible.  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about what happens when the Check Engine light goes on and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Do You Want to Know How Often You Should Service Your Car?

There are some drivers on the road who think that as long as their car gets them from Point A to Point B, they don’t need to worry about vehicle maintenance.  They either don’t even think about how often you should service your car, or they may not have the money in their budget to pay for seemingly unnecessary items.  

However, there could be damage occurring in the engine, transmission, or suspension systems by neglecting regular vehicle maintenance.  The cost of repairs (i.e., engine or transmission rebuild) is significantly more than the suggested service.  It really doesn’t save you money by extending the time between the suggested service intervals. 

Do you want to know how often you should service your car?  Normally, minor services are commonly performed at 7,500, 15,000, 45,000 and 75,000 miles while major services are performed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000-mile intervals.  This will protect the warranty, maintain safety, and boost the resale value of your vehicle.

Minor vehicle maintenance generally includes the following items:

• Changing the oil and filter
• Tire service--rotation, alignment, balancing, air pressure (including the spare)
• Inspecting and cleaning the battery
• A checkup of all fluids, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, and emissions
• Windshield wipers
• Replacing burned out lights

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, major vehicle maintenance commonly includes the following, in addition to the minor services listed above:

• Replacement of various filters, fluids and spark plugs.
• Replacing the timing belt and/or serpentine belt at the suggested mileage interval.
• Servicing the air conditioner/heater
• Other services related to the fuel delivery, emissions and ignition systems.

There are two main benefits of keeping up with car maintenance.  First, your mechanic can let you know what it may need to be replaced right away, or what can wait awhile. Secondly, you can drive with confidence knowing that you have a dependable and safe source of transportation. 

Want to know more about how often should you service your car?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about vehicle maintenance and to make an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Are you wondering if a Car Service is Necessary?

Do you remember the last time you were in an auto shop for some type of car repair?  If it’s been a while, you may think you’re saving money by extending the time between service intervals, but the potential cost of car repair due to lack of maintenance is much greater than the cost of a repair.

The four tips below should answer your question about if a car service is necessary:

• Fuel efficiency can be drastically decreased
• Your car will lack performance power
• The quality of the air inside your vehicle will not be healthy
• A build-up of oil sludge will result in a noisier motor

Some types of engine damage are hidden and do not necessarily impact your ability to drive your car.  For example, if you drive with little or no oil for an extended period of time, you can severely damage the head gasket or the pistons.  The engine repair resulting from this neglect can cost a small fortune.  For just a few dollars, regular oil changes would have prevented the damage in the first place.

A word to the wise:  Don’t wait for the service warning lights to come on before scheduling car service.  Damage could already be taking place.  Follow the maintenance schedule stated in your owner’s manual, or ask your car repair technician to keep you informed as to when your car should be serviced.

Are you wondering if a car service is necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Wondering what does an automotive service technician do?

Have you ever wondered just what does an automotive service technician do?  Most car owners know they can change oil and repair tires, but many may not be aware of the extent of their knowledge in helping you take care of your vehicle.  

Consider the typical job description below for a certified automotive repair technician.  You can drive confidently knowing that your vehicle will be well taken care of!  

A certified automotive repair technician.   

• Uses specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint issues to ensure that repairs are performed properly.
• Knows the appropriate service intervals to ensure that all the operating systems of your vehicle are thoroughly checked and maintained.
• Is skilled in performing preventative vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups, transmission flushes, tire rotations, and much more.
• Has the ability to repair or replace worn-out parts, such as brake pads, rotors, and wheel bearings.
• Can disassemble, clean, and reassemble major vehicle parts, such as transmissions and engines.
• Has the ability to explain to customers in easy-to-understand terms their vehicle issues and the appropriate repair required.
• Is trained to work with electronic systems (such as accident-avoidance sensors) controlled mainly by computers.
• Is knowledgeable about vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

So, are you still wondering what does an automotive service technician do?  They can take care of your whole vehicle so that you are driving as safely as possible!  

  

Looking for trained and skilled automotive repair technicians? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our automotive repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Are you wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?

Just what is transmission fluid, you ask?  It is a slippery liquid that lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to prevent excessive friction and overheating.  It also serves as a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

Theoretically, transmission fluid can to remain in your vehicle without changing it, although mechanics will tell you that it should be changed about every 50,000 miles.  Given enough time however, your transmission will start to wear out and the fluid can lose its effectiveness.  If it has been a while since you had a transmission service, or maybe never, here are a few signs of transmission issues to watch out for:

1. Delayed Shifting.  There may be a temporary delay after you move the gear stick to reverse or drive. The gear change cannot be activated immediately if there isn’t enough pressure. 
2. Difficult or Erratic Shifting.  If there is a lot of dirt or residue in the transmission fluid, the gears will either change too fast or too slow. Other symptoms include abrupt up/down shifts, unusually high RPMs before a shift, erratic shifting, and groaning or grinding noise coming from the transmission.  
3. Gear Slippage.  After changing gears, it seems to fall back out of that gear. The friction material on the clutches and transmission bands are no lengthier able to securely engage a gear. 
4. Transmission Overheats.  If you notice shifting issues along with an overheated transmission, pullover instantly and let everything cool down. If the temperatures get to be over 240°F, serious damage inside the transmission unit could be taking place.

Has your transmission fluid inspected on a regular basis? If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, then you should have it checked at least every 2 weeks. Otherwise, once a month is sufficient.

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Are you wondering when should you Replace Your Brakes?

Are you concerned about the safety of your vehicle’s stopping capabilities and wondering when should you replace your brakes?  A brake repair expert will be happy to check your braking system.  A simple and relatively inexpensive brake repair, such as replacing the pads or having the rotors turned, may be all that is wanted to restore your stopping performance. 

If you are noticing any of the issues listed below, it is time to be concerned! Schedule a brake repair service as soon as probable:

• Brake light comes on and stays on. 
• Squealing, squeaking or grinding noises when braking. 
• Wobbling, vibration or scraping when braking.
• Fluid leaks. 
• Spongy or soft brake pedal.
• A car pulls to one side when braking. 
• Bouncing up and down when you make a hard stop.
• Burning smell while driving. 

Here a few factors that impact when you should replace your brakes:

• Driving style – If you’re an aggressive driver who brakes hard reliably or drives in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, the components of the brake system, such as pads, rotors, and calipers, will tend to wear out more quickly than on long smooth drives on the open road.
• Weight – The optimum stopping power of a vehicle is generally determined by the manufacturer.  Don’t overload your vehicle with too much cargo.
• Quality of materials – The quality of the brake pads mainly determines when you want to replace your brakes. Ceramic brake pads are the most costly but are longer lasting.  Semi-metallic pads don’t cost as much, but also don’t last as long.
• Purpose of the vehicle – If you pull heavy loads, drive mostly in mountainous terrain, or make frequent stop-and-go trips, you will be applying the brakes harder and more frequently, causing the brake pads and rotors to wear more quickly.

Wondering when should you replace your brakes?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our brake repair service and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Are you wondering what Happens When a CV Joint Goes Bad?

Many drivers are not aware that the performance of their car's wheel system is basically dependent on the condition of the CV joints and car axles.  These components are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the car, linking the power from the engine to the wheels. They must be able to carry the whole weight of the vehicle, plus passengers and cargo.  If undamaged, these joints can last up to 100,000 miles without want for a replacement.  Preventing CV joint failure is probable by knowing what to listen for and where to look. 

What are CV joints, you ask?  Simply stated, CV joints are an intricate ball and socket joints, connecting the axles to the front wheels, essential for transferring the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a stable speed.  To ensure smooth operation, a CV joint is packed with grease and sealed with a rubber "boot".  So long as this boot stays intact, your joints are secure and power is supplied to your wheels. But what happens when it fails?  If CV joints fail, the effect is instant and at times risky, since power will no longer transfer from the engine to the tires. 

What happens when a CV joint goes bad?

If a CV joint begins to fail while driving, your car will start to pull to one side as one wheel loses power. When the joint breaks completely its corresponding wheel will no longer turn and although the engine may still run, the car won't move.  You may see smoke coming from the broken joint and your front tires won't point in the same direction since one will be completely disconnected from its drive axle.  You may feel vibrations or a loud clunking sound when you accelerate, along with grinding or clicking noises when you turn.

Failing CV joints pose a serious risk so be sure to get your car off the road as safely as possible and then call a tow truck.   If there is only a small crack in the outer CV joint, it may be possible to simply replace the CV boot and repack the grease.  For any major damage, a totally new joint is compulsory.

Wondering what happens when a CV joint goes bad?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car axles and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.