Westside Automotive

Archive for May 2023

Change is Good (Oil Change)

Posted May 28, 2023 11:21 AM

You've heard that expression, change is good. When it comes to your vehicle's oil, change is not only good, it's vital for the health of the engine. But there's one question that puzzles many drivers: how frequently should my vehicle's oil be changed? There is not one simple answer, but here are some guidelines that will help.

It used to be pretty much a rule of thumb that vehicles got their oil changed once every 3 months or 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers. But times have changed. Oil formulations have gotten better and engine designs have made longer oil change intervals possible.

Most experts advise you to read the recommendations that come from the manufacturer that designed and built your vehicle. Their designers and engineers know more about your vehicle than anyone else. They spell out their recommended oil change interval and type of oil in your owner's manual. Many automakers say you can go at least 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers between oil changes and many recommend even longer intervals now. If you use synthetic oil, it doesn't have to be changed as often.

Ever wonder why you have to change your oil? Your vehicle lives in a dirty environment. Contaminants build up in your engine oil and, after time, they inhibit the lubricating properties of the oil. Without optimal lubrication, increased friction inside the engine starts wearing down the metal parts, shortening the engine's life.

Not only do vehicle manufacturers recommend oil change intervals in the manual, many also now alert drivers by a light or other electronic indicator on your dash. It doesn't exactly say, "Hey, time get your oil changed. This oil's starting to wear on me." But it does give you a pretty good hint. Some of these warning systems simply measure the distance you've traveled. More sophisticated vehicles have sensors that measure temperature, driving time and engine revolutions to determine when the oil is getting past its useful life. Here's one situation where it's easy to see the light. Do yourself a favor and don't wait too long before coming in for an appointment at Westside Automotive.

Oh, and driving habits matter, too. Short trips with a lot of stop-and-go driving will stress your engine and oil more than longer trips at highway speeds.

And here's one more plus side to getting your oil changed regularly at Westside Automotive in Houston. Our technician will also keep an eye on the rest of your vehicle to spot anything that might need attention.

The bottom line is this: Oil changes are good for your vehicle in so many ways and probably the most important maintenance service you can get.

Westside Automotive
12510 Oxford Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77082
281-589-8984
http://www.houstonwestsideautomotive.com

Stay Headed in the Right Direction, Houston

Posted May 21, 2023 9:47 AM

Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in Houston, TX, these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that's driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at Westside Automotive in Houston for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around Houston, TX. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it's a good idea to have Westside Automotive inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Westside Automotive because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type – just ask your service advisor at Westside Automotive.

In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Houston drivers need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Houston drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb.

At Westside Automotive, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or Westside Automotive in Houston, to keep you headed in the right direction.

Westside Automotive
12510 Oxford Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77082
281-589-8984
http://www.houstonwestsideautomotive.com

The Power Behind your Engine (Alternator Diagnosis and Repair)

Posted May 14, 2023 10:24 AM

There's nothing like that sinking feeling when you turn the key and nothing happens in your vehicle. A lot of us are quick to blame the battery. But it may instead be your alternator that's failing.

Your battery supplies power to start your vehicle, but the alternator is what sends power when your engine is running. The good news is alternators last a fairly long time, and it's not unusual to get seven years out of one. But they can give up the ghost thanks to the harsh conditions in the engine compartment.

Alternators have bearings inside them that keep things turning smoothly. Debris, liquid, dirt and more can team up with the high temperatures your engine generates to cause those bearings to seize up. That's not good, and if that happens, you may even be able to hear the bearings grind.

Other symptoms of a dying alternator are a squealing noise in the engine compartment or your headlights may go dim and bright, dim and bright. You might even notice an electrical smell. Any of these signs warrants a trip to your service facility.

Here's something else to think about. If your alternator's bearings have seized up and the unit's shaft is not turning freely, that can destroy the belt that's attached to it. So don't be surprised if your service advisor says both parts have to be replaced.

There are different grades of alternators you can buy, but consider just how important this part is to keep your vehicle running. Your service advisor will give you options based on your driving style and vehicle. Remember, if you notice any of those symptoms that may signal a failing alternator, have it taken care of before you wind up stuck somewhere at the side of the road.

Westside Automotive
12510 Oxford Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77082
281-589-8984
http://www.houstonwestsideautomotive.com

Recommended Service Intervals at Westside Automotive

Posted May 7, 2023 7:22 AM

Most people in the Houston area are aware that automotive manufacturers have recommended service intervals. Following recommended service intervals is very important. The engineers that design our vehicles have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed and others, like those for emissions components, are government mandated for areas in TX.

The maintenance schedules are designed to achieve the standards. Think of the benefits of following recommended intervals as falling into three general categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.

Protection. Let's start with motor oil. First of all, the engineers recommend a particular weight and type of motor oil for your vehicle. All of their oil change recommendations assume using the proper motor oil. Motor oil contains detergents and other additives that clean the engine and provide corrosion resistance. Over time, the additives are depleted. The oil also becomes contaminated by water, dirt and combustion gases.

Extending your interval beyond the recommendation means that your vehicle engine will be operating without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can form in contaminated oil and clog up passages in the engine, starving parts from needed lubrication.

Efficiency. Some services are designed to keep automotive systems operating efficiently. For example, the fuel system gets clogged up with gum and varnish from the fuel. Fuel doesn't flow efficiently which reduces fuel economy. A fuel system cleaning restores the fuel system's efficiency and increases your gas mileage.

Safety. Your brakes are a component of one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. The manufacturer has scheduled brake pad replacement as well as power brake fluid drain and replacement intervals. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to head off problems before they result in an accident.

Check your owner's manual for recommended service schedules or talk with your Houston service advisor at Westside Automotive by calling 281-589-8984.

You may be surprised to learn that various inspections may be on your list of factory recommendations for your vehicle. These inspections are usually at major intervals like 15,000 or 30,000 miles/24,000 or 48,000 km. They're designed to uncover important parts that may be close to failing.

Your vehicle owner's manual can tell you when to change your oil, but it can't tell you that you have a radiator hose that's bulging and about to burst. For that you need a trained auto technician. These scheduled inspections are in addition to the multi-point inspections done with a full-service oil change.