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Car Maintenance Culture
By adminASC • October 2, 2025

Maintenance Culture Intervals for performing maintenance on a car For vehicle maintenance, you should follow your vehicle's owner's manual for specific intervals, which are based on a combination of time and mileage. A typical maintenance schedule includes frequent tasks like oil and fluid checks, as well as less frequent major services at mileage milestones like 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Maintenance needs can also vary depending on your driving habits. "Severe" conditions, such as frequent short trips, city driving, or towing, require more frequent servicing than a "regular" schedule. Common maintenance tasks and intervals Interval  Task Why it's important Monthly or every 1,000 miles Tires: Check pressure and visually inspect for damage or uneven wear. Use the correct inflation pressure found on the label inside the driver's door. Fluids: Check the levels of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Lights: Test all headlights (high and low beams), turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights. Correct tire pressure improves safety and fuel efficiency. Checking fluid levels prevents overheating and engine damage. Functioning lights are crucial for safety. Every 5,000–7,500 miles Oil and Filter Change: The exact interval depends on your oil type (conventional vs. synthetic) and driving habits. Tire Rotation: Rotating tires promotes even tread wear, which extends their life. Visual Inspection: A mechanic should visually inspect belts, hoses, and suspension components for wear or damage. Routine oil changes are critical to preventing premature engine wear. Tire rotations help ensure all tires wear evenly. Every 15,000–30,000 miles Air Filter Replacement: The engine air filter should be changed to maintain fuel efficiency and engine performance. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: This filter keeps the air inside your car clean and fresh. Brake Inspection: This interval is ideal for checking your brake pads, rotors, and fluid condition. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and engine performance. Regular brake checks prevent unsafe driving conditions. Every 30,000–60,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change: This service prevents transmission wear and maintains smooth gear shifting. Fuel Filter Replacement: A new fuel filter protects your engine's fuel injectors from contaminants. Brake Fluid Change: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, so it needs to be flushed and replaced to maintain braking performance. A fluid and filter change at this interval helps prevent costly transmission problems. Every 60,000–100,000 miles Timing Belt or Chain: If your vehicle has a timing belt, it typically needs to be replaced around this mileage to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Spark Plugs: Most iridium or platinum spark plugs are designed to last this long. Coolant Flush: The cooling system should be flushed and refilled to protect against corrosion and prevent overheating. Replacing these key components at the manufacturer's recommended interval is critical for long-term engine health. How to manage your maintenance schedule Consult your owner's manual: The manual provides the most accurate and specific maintenance schedule for your vehicle's make and model. It will also include details on whether a "regular" or "severe" service schedule applies to your driving habits. Keep records: Maintaining a service record book is crucial for tracking completed work, preserving your warranty, and can increase your vehicle's resale value. Follow dashboard indicators: Modern cars often have a dashboard indicator that alerts you when service is due, which can be an easy way to stay on track with maintenance. Seek professional help: For tasks you are not comfortable performing yourself, or if your car is showing signs of a problem, a trusted mechanic c

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How to choose the right engine oil for your car
By adminASC • October 2, 2025

To choose the correct engine oil for your car, you must consult your owner's manual to find the manufacturer's recommendations for viscosity, type, and performance standard. The right oil is critical for engine longevity and performance, and using the wrong one can cause serious damage.  How to determine your car's oil requirements Check your vehicle's owner's manual The most reliable source for finding the right engine oil is your owner's manual, or in some cases, the oil cap itself. It will specify all necessary information, including:  Viscosity grade: The manual will list the appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity grade, such as 5W-30. Performance standard: You will also find the required industry standards, such as those set by the American Petroleum Institute (API) or International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). Newer vehicles often have stricter requirements. Oil type: The manual will specify whether your engine needs conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil.  Understand viscosity grades (SAE) Viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow and is indicated by the numbers on the bottle, like 5W-30.  The first number, followed by a "W" for winter, indicates the oil's flow at low temperatures. A lower number, such as 0W, means it flows more easily in the cold, providing faster lubrication during cold starts. The second number indicates the oil's viscosity at high temperatures, when the engine is at normal operating temperature. A higher number means the oil is thicker when hot, providing a stronger protective film.  (more…)

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Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
By adminASC • October 14, 2019

Maintaining your motorcycle with regular inspections is crucial for safe and enjoyable riding. The most important tasks include checking tire pressure, inspecting your brakes, servicing the drive chain, checking fluid levels, and maintaining the battery. These checks should be done frequently, especially before every ride.  Daily pre-ride check (ABC-C) Before every ride, take a few minutes to complete a quick visual and functional inspection.  A is for air: Check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated. Use a pressure gauge to get an accurate reading when the tires are cold. Compare the pressure to the recommended PSI in your owner's manual. B is for brakes: Squeeze both the front and rear brake levers to ensure they feel firm and engage smoothly. Look for leaks around the brake calipers and check for excessive wear on your brake pads and discs. C is for chain: For chain-driven bikes, check the tension and lubrication. The chain should not be bone-dry and should have a small amount of play, as specified in your manual. Inspect for any rust, kinks, or tight spots. C is for controls: Ensure all controls, including the clutch and throttle, operate smoothly. Give a quick check to your lights, indicators, and horn to make sure they are all working. Weekly or monthly maintenance Check fluids: Regularly check your engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels. Engine oil: Use the dipstick or sight glass while the bike is on level ground to ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum markers. The oil should not look excessively dark or milky. Brake fluid: The fluid reservoirs should have a visible fluid level between the minimum and maximum marks. If the fluid looks dark or dirty, it may be time for a change. Coolant: For liquid-cooled bikes, check that the coolant is within the recommended range in the overflow tank. Clean and lubricate the chain: Clean your chain with a specific motorcycle chain cleaner and brush to remove grime. Apply a fresh coat of chain lubricant after every wash or when it looks dry. Inspect brake pads and discs: Pay closer attention to the thickness of your brake pads and the condition of the brake discs, looking for any scoring or cracks. Check nuts and bolts: Vibration can loosen fasteners over time. Periodically check key bolts, especially on the handlebars, mirrors, and body panels.  Seasonal and annual maintenance Change oil and filter: Change your engine oil and filter at the intervals recommended in your owner's manual. This is typically done every 3,000–5,000 miles for conventional oil and less frequently for synthetic. Replace air filter: A dirty air filter reduces engine performance and fuel efficiency. Check and replace the air filter annually or more often if you ride in dusty conditions. Inspect and service the battery: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure connections are tight. If you don't ride often, use a battery tender to keep it charged during storage, as low charge can cause sulfation. Check or replace spark plugs: Spark plugs are critical for ignition. Inspect them around every 4,000–5,000 miles and replace them according to your service schedule. Bleed brake fluid: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can decrease braking effectiveness. It is typically recommended to bleed and replace the brake fluid every two years.  Maintenance log and professional help Keep a maintenance log: Documenting your service dates and repairs can help you stay on schedule and track issues. Know your limits: While many tasks are DIY-friendly, more complex jobs like valve adjustments or deep engine work should be handled by a professional mechanic. Regular professional inspections can help catch potential issues before they become serious problems. 

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Common car knowledge
By adminASC • October 24, 2016

Whether you are a new or experienced driver, having a solid understanding of your car is key to preventing problems, saving money, and staying safe on the road. This involves everything from routine maintenance to being prepared for unexpected emergencies.  Essential car maintenance Know your owner's manual. This is the ultimate guide to your specific vehicle. It contains important information about maintenance schedules, tire pressure, fluid specifications, and what all those dashboard lights mean. Keep an eye on fluids. Your vehicle relies on various fluids to operate correctly. Check these regularly, either weekly or monthly: Engine oil: Use the dipstick to check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers. The oil should look amber and clean, not dark or gritty. Coolant: This prevents your engine from overheating. Ensure the engine is cool before checking the translucent reservoir, where the fluid level should sit between the 'min' and 'max' lines. Windshield washer fluid: This is easy to top off and vital for clear visibility. Brake fluid: A sealed system that should not drop suddenly. If it does, a mechanic should inspect it for a leak. Manage your tires. Proper tire pressure and tread are crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Check pressure: Check your tire pressure monthly when the tires are cold. The recommended PSI can be found on a sticker inside the driver's door. Inspect tread: Use a tread depth gauge or the "20p test" to ensure your tread is not below the legal limit. Rotate tires: Have your tires rotated at regular intervals to promote even wear and extend their lifespan. Listen to your brakes. Squealing or grinding sounds and a vibrating brake pedal are signs that your pads may be worn and need to be replaced. Test your battery. Most car batteries last 3–5 years. Signs of a weakening battery include slow engine cranking or dimming lights. Understanding dashboard warnings Dashboard symbols alert you to potential issues, with their color indicating the severity.  Red lights: Indicate a serious, potentially dangerous issue that requires immediate attention. Pull over safely as soon as possible. Yellow/Orange lights: Suggest something needs to be checked or serviced soon, but is not immediately critical. Green/Blue/White lights: Indicate that a system is active or operating normally, such as your headlights or cruise control.  Safe driving practices Eliminate distractions. Never use your phone or adjust controls while driving. Focus all your attention on the road. Wear your seatbelt. This is the most effective safety measure for preventing injury in a crash. Practice defensive driving. Always be aware of your surroundings, scan the road ahead, and maintain a safe following distance. Obey traffic laws. Stick to the speed limit and follow all traffic signs and signals.  What to do if you break down If your car stops working on the road, follow these steps to stay safe:  Pull over safely. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers to your situation. Use reflective triangles. Place warning triangles behind your car if you can do so safely. Stay in your vehicle. If you are safely off the road, remain inside with your seatbelt on and doors locked while you wait for help. Call for assistance. Use your phone to contact roadside assistance or a tow truck.

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