Do a Quality Check After your Quick Oil Change Service
Author: Mark Gittelman
After your quick oil change service is completed, One of the first things that you want to check is that the oil is filled to its proper level. Each model vehicle may have a different oil capacity. Not all vehicles take 5 quarts of engine oil. For example, my 4.3 L engine in my blazer takes 4 1/2 quarts of oil. Any time I've ever had my oil changed by somebody else. They have overfilled the oil by a half-quart or more. Overfilling the engine oil is bad for the long-term health of your engine. If the engine oil is overfilled the oil may start to foam up. And this will diminish its lubricating properties. I have also seen the oil overfilled to the point where it starts to wash down the lower part of the cylinder walls.
The next thing you should check is that all the fluid levels in the engine compartment have been filled. Again, the quick lube center may rush to complete the operation and may skip filling vital fluids. A few things you should check are the windshield washer fluid level, coolant level in reservoir (never open when hot), power steering fluid level, transmission fluid level and brake fluid level.
Instructions for checking these separate fluid levels are included in your vehicles owners’ manual. If you should find that the fluid levels are not to their proper level. I am going to recommend that you return to the quick oil change center and have them fill the fluids for you. The first reason for this is that you paid for a complete service and you should receive a complete service. The second reason for this is you want to make sure that the correct fluids are being installed. The third reason for this is that the fluids will cost you money if you do it on your own and you already paid for this service.
Also check the tire pressure on all four tires? This again was supposed to be included in your oil change service. But it is important enough to double check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Under inflated tires can reduce fuel economy drastically and can be considered a safety concern.
The federal government has considered this so important that it has mandated that all new vehicles come with a tire pressure monitor system. Chances are your next vehicle will warn you when your tires are under inflated. But if your car does not have this system. It's a good idea to purchase a tire pressure gauge and keep an eye on your pressure. The tire specification can be found usually on the doorjamb of the vehicle on the driver side or also in the owner's manual. Under the tire section.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/do-a-quality-check-after-your-quick-oil-change-service-128242.html
About the Author:
Mark R. Gittelman is an auto repair expert with 24 years in the automotive business. Mark is also an ASE certified master technician and provides a website filled with free information about the automotive world. Visit his DIY auto scan tool page to see why every car owner should have one. Or visit his homepage to view answers on popular car questions
