What Kind Of Oil Should I Use ?

One thing to consider is all major brand oil is certified. They are similar as far as meeting the certification requirement. If you change your oil regularly, it really doesn't make a difference which brand you choose. As fro the weight ex. 10w40,5w30) . You will want to use the manufacturer recommended oil weight. The weight of the oil is the last number. The First number is related to what temperature it is good for. So if it is colder out you will want to use 5w30 and in warmer climate, the 10w30 is better.

Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer before it starts to break down. Synthetic oil also leaves a thin coating on the cylinder walls to help prevent damage at initial start up.

Snow Tires

Winter tires have evolved to meet the needs of specific vehicles, specific conditions and specific performance parameters. Take a look at your options in Performance Winter, Studless Ice and Snow, and Studdable Winter for both passenger vehicles and light trucks/SUVs. Now, If you live in a climate with heavy snow it would be a good idea to run snow tires.

We have found the michellin Ice-X to be the best choice. The X-Ice is Michelin's Studless Ice and Snow winter tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans and family vans that want a boost in winter driving confidence. X-Ice winter tires are designed to combine X-tra ice and snow traction with enhanced handling on wet and dry roads. The X-Ice molds an advanced silica-based winter tread rubber compound that remains flexible at lower temperatures into a directional tread design that helps maintain good traction on wet and slush-covered roads. It features Cross Z-Sipes Technology to increase tread and shoulder block stability to provide the lateral and longitudinal stiffness for better handling on dry and wet roads and more grip on ice- and snow-covered roads The X-Ice winter tire's combination of capabilities is made possible by Michelin's Stress Equilibrium casing that evenly distributes the contact forces across the footprint. Michelin X-Ice winter tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol.

Engine Sludge

Sludge is a thickening and breakdown of the oil as it deteriorates, as moisture and contaminants build up. This causes the oil to gel, resulting in excess wear as friction increases or, in extreme cases, a stop-right-now failure. Thousands of owners of vehicles of popular brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Audi and Saab have had sludge problems. Chrysler has a serious sludge problem with the 2.7-liter V-6 engine used on some of its Concordes and Sebrings and also on some Dodge Intrepids and Stratus in the 1998-2002 model years, said Clarence M. Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. Mr. Ditlow said the center’s Web site (autosafety.org) had about 2,800 complaints of failures from sludge. A lack of adequate oil changes is the explanation for damage given by Audi, Lexus, Saab, Toyota and VW. Yet unlike Chrysler and Dodge, those automakers have formal compensation programs for sludge damage, although in some cases consumers must provide detailed service records — and in the case of Saab, must have used oil filters sold only by the company.

Ohio Lemon Law Information

The Ohio Lemon Law applies when, during the first year or 18,000 miles (whichever occurs first) following delivery of the new vehicle: the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem three (3) or more times, with at least the first repair attempt occuring within the 1-year/18,000 mile period, or the dealer has attempted to repair various problems eight (8) or more times, or the dealer has unsucessfully attempted to repair a problem that could have resulted in death or serious injury at least once, or the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more days. Most automakers participate in some kind of arbitration program. Some of these have been approved by the Attorney General, but others have not. If a program has been approved by the Attorney General, you must go through arbitration before you have the right to file a lawsuit. Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to learn which manufacturers have approved arbitration programs. Ohio Lemon Law information from the Attorney General's Office »

Chrysler recalling minivans in 27 states

400,000 vehicles affected by problem with air bag sensors WASHINGTON - DaimlerChrysler is recalling its 2005 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans to fix faulty air bags that may not deploy because of corrosion on the sensors. The recall involves more than 400,000 vehicles sold or registered in states that use large amounts of road salt, the company said Friday. About 270,000 of the vehicles are covered by the recall campaign and another 133,000 with extended warranties are included, DaimlerChrysler spokesman Max Gates said. DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group said in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that brass brushings on the sensors could corrode and crack on the front air bags, allowing water to enter the sensor. States covered by the recall include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Nebraska, Kansas and Alaska. Owners can contact DaimlerChrysler at (800) 853-1403. Resource : The Associated Press.

What does the Check Engine Light Mean?

When the vehicles check engine light comes on and stays solid it is an emissions related problem and can be repaired at your leisure. Now, when the Check Engine Light comes on and is flashing, this is an engine related issue and needs to be repaired ASAP!!!! as it can and will cause permanent damage to the engine. It is a good practise to at least find out what the codes are and then decide if an immediate repair is needed or if it can wait. All Trouble Codes can be found here

Car will not Start ???

Question :

I got a 2002 NEON and all of a sudden the car will not turn over. Just a clicking sound. The speedometer and tach jump up briefly and then go back down. The the odometer switches from showing the car mileage to displaying the word Fuse. After a few seconds the engine indicator light begins flashing. I have checked all the fuses in the car and next to the battery, but it looks like they are good. Any ideas on what is wrong?

Answer :

If it is a one time hard click when you try to start it, then you need to replace the starter. If it is several clicks, then you need to replace the battery. More than likely it is just the battery that is causing all the odd stuff happening on the dash.

Best Online Auto Repair Manuals

I have found the best value is with a subscription to mitchell1. You can purchase a subscription for as little a $16.99 that gives you full access to the same software as the dealers use. It includes Step by Step repair information, full wiring diagrams, Factory recall notifications, Service Bulletins. If you are a Do-It-Yourself kind of person or job want to learn more about your car this is the best deal I have found on the net. JUST CLICK THE MANUAL AT THE TOP OF THIS ARTICLE to Check it out for yourself.

My Coolant Light is On, What should i do ?

The Coolant light illuminates on the dash to let you know your coolant, also known as anti-freeze, is low. There is a level sensor in the coolant overflow tank. So when the coolant level gets low the light will illuminate on the dash.

What you will need to do is check the fluid level once you get where you are going and the vehicle has had a chance to cool down. Also check the radiator level (do not do this when it is hot) . Top off the coolant level in both the radiator and in the overflow tank. Make sure if you are using concentrate to mix it 50/50 with water. Once you have done this you should be ok to drive it to your local auto shop and have the coolant system pressure tested to make certain there are no leaks.

My brakes are squealing, do I need brakes ?

More than likely you do. The only exception is if it only squeals in damp or rainy weather as this is a common occurrence. The best course of action is to have your brakes inspected or inspect them yourself. If your brakes have just started squealing, then you may be able to just replace the brake pads themselves. I recommend replacing the rotors at the same time. If you replace the rotors at the same time, it will prolong the life of the brakes and help prevent unwanted noise caused by two uneven surfaces. The days of having your rotors turned are in the past since the price of rotors have come way down.