The "W" in Motor Oil Means Winter

DID YOU KNOW??

A common misconception about multi-viscosity motor oil such as 5W30 or 0W20 is the "W" means weight.  Even in the oil industry we refer to 5W as a 5 weight.  The "W" stands for Winter.  The first number is the viscosity needed at startup or when the engine is cold.  The next number is the viscosity needed at operating temperature.  So, a 5W20 needs to act like a 5 viscosity at startup and a 20 viscosity at operating temperature.  5W starts out great but thins out too much as the engine heats up.  A 20W is too thick at startup but is right where we want it at operating temperature.  Thus, we use a 5W20.  We achieve this by using an additive called Viscosity Index Improver which makes the oil thin out less.

Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com

TIMING BELT

A timing belt or timing chain is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.  In an interference engine the timing belt or chain is also critical to preventing the piston from striking the valves.  A timing belt is usually a toothed belt - a drive belt with teeth on the inside surface.  A timing chain is a roller chain.

In the internal combustion engine application the timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn control the opening and closing of the engine's valves.  A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft.  The timing belt does this.  It has teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronized with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine.  In some engine designs the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump.

DO I REALLY NEED TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT?

The timing belt is an often overlooked part of the car but it plays an extremely important role.

Timing belts must be replaced at the manufacturer's recommended distance and/or time periods.  Failure to replace the belt can result in complete breakdown or catastrophic engine failure, especially in interference engines.  The owner's manual maintenance schedule is the source of timing belt replacement intervals, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles but sometimes as little as every 30,000 miles.  It is common to replace the timing belt tensioners and water pump at the same as the belt is replaced.

Don't have an owner's manual or have questions regarding your vehicle's timing belt/chain??  Give us a call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: Your Air Conditioning

I bet you didn't know but your cars air conditioning runs during the winter.  The air conditioning system is used for defogging the inside of the windshield and front windows.  When the inside of the car get wet from snow or rain the air conditioning system helps dry it out and rid the car of excess humidity.

Is your air conditioning working correctly?  Give us a call today at (530) 621-4591 to schedule an appointment or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to request an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR TIRES

It is time to check your tires and make sure they have at least 4/32 inches of tread depth remaining.  Rain and wet leaves reduce traction and can cause hydro-planing with tires with low tread.  Look for abnormal tread wear, which may indicate an alignment or suspension problem.  Cooler weather also causes tire pressure to drop, so inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire and loading label on the driver's door jam.

If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR BATTERY

Hot summer weather is hard on batteries, but when it gets cold outside that is when a bad battery shows itself.  First, look for corosion on the battery terminals.  This needs to be cleaned or repaired to eliminate resistance between the battery and the rest of the electrical system, such as the starter.  have the battery load-tested and replace it if it tests low or weak.

Don't wait until it's too late call today to have your battery tested (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR WIPERS

A good guideline is to replace standard wiper blades every six months and constant pressure blades every 12 months, but they may wear sooner.  Now is a good time to replace any wiper blades that streak, chatter or don't clear the windshield properly.  Don't forget to check the washer fluid level too.

If you have any questions or need wiper blades please stop by or give us a call at (530) 621-4591.  You can also schedule an appointment online at www.theautoanalyst.com

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR LIGHTS

This year daylight savings ends on November 4th. 

You need lights to see and be seen, especially when the rain, snow and fog reduce visibility.  Check that all lights are working properly, including marker lights, turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, backup lights, taillights, headlights, daytime running lights (if equipped), and fog lights (if equipped). 

If you headlight lens look cloudy or don't seem to be as bright as they used to be now would be a great time to have a headlight restoration or replacement performed.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your vehicle's lights please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.