Mastering Car Maintenance: Auto Repair Know-How in Ontario, CA

Keep Your Vehicle Running Its Best at Ramona Tire

Routine maintenance is one of the most important aspects of vehicle ownership. Without routine maintenance, your car would break down, and a lot of money would be required for auto repair. In fact, servicing your vehicle late or driving thousands of miles past a scheduled service can also cost thousands of dollars in auto repair.

However, taking good care of your vehicle is more than just simply taking your car to the mechanic every few months for an oil change. Sometimes, small problems turn into larger ones because they're not caught in time. Performing regular inspections on your vehicle can help spot these minor issues before they grow into larger, more expensive problems.

At Ramona Tire, we provide outstanding auto repair in Ontario, CA, and we strive to protect you from expensive auto repair by offering helpful auto maintenance and car repair tips. Let's take a look at a few of them and discover how quickly you can master these fast and easy services at home.

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Check Your Oil

We recommend checking your oil at least once per week. Routinely checking your oil can help you to spot potential problems and prevent running your vehicle without oil. It is recommended to change your oil every 3,000-10,000 miles (depending on oil type).

Here's how to check your oil to see if it may need to be changed:

• Step 1. Make sure your vehicle is on a flat surface and that the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes. Checking your oil while the engine is running or shortly after it has been turned off would cause a low reading because the oil takes time to fully drain into your oil pan.


• Step 2. Pull out your dipstick and wipe off the metal end with a lint-free cloth before fully reinserting it.


• Step 3. Pull out the dipstick again and view the oil level. If your oil is exceptionally dark, it may be time for an oil change. If you notice your oil is milky, this is an indication of a mechanical failure, and we recommend bringing your vehicle into our auto repair center immediately.

Check Your Other Fluids

Your vehicle has other fluids necessary for its operation. It's important to also check these fluids regularly to minimize your need for car repair. Thankfully, these fluids can be checked visually.

Coolant

Engine coolant is essential to prevent engine overheating. An overheated engine can cause your head gasket to blow, cause irreversible engine damage, and even cause transmission damage. Whenever you check your oil, glance at your coolant reservoir to make sure your coolant levels are not low. As a resut, it is recommended to have your coolant changed every three years or every 36,000 miles.

Brake Fluid

Without brake fluid, your brakes won’t have the hydraulic pressure needed to bring you to a stop. Having adequate and clean fluid is critical to ensure that your brakes have the fluid they need to function normally. As a result, it is recommended to have your brake fluid changed every four years or 48,000 miles.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is responsible for powering the hydraulic pump, which makes it easy to turn your steering wheel. Without power steering fluid, it is very difficult to turn your steering wheel while stopped or at low speeds. As a result, it is recommended to have your power steering fluid changed every 40,000-80,000 miles.

With all three types of fluid, you'll want to perform a visual inspection periodically to make sure that all three fluid levels are above the minimum threshold on their reservoirs. You also want to make sure that the fluids are translucent. Dark and dirty fluids cannot perform as they're supposed to. In addition, dirt in your fluids can cause damage to the pumps that are responsible for circulating them.

Checking Your Tires’ PSI

Did you know that many blowouts aren’t caused by road debris but instead are caused by underinflated tires? If your tires are underinflated, it causes them to sag and put pressure on your sidewalls. Since your side walls are not designed to support the weight of your vehicle, they get hot and overheat. When this happens, they can fail and lead to a blowout or other tire repair services. This is why checking your tire PSI is so important.

How To Check Your Tire Pressure

Many vehicles are equipped with an onboard tire pressure monitor that can give you near-instantaneous PSI readings. For vehicles that do not have this feature, we recommend purchasing a tire PSI gauge and checking your tires every two weeks before you begin your daily drive.

Visually Check Your Tires

Driving with low tire tread could negatively affect your vehicle's ability to grip the road. In addition, worn tires are more likely to fail, which could lead to a collision. The minimum recommended tread depth is 2/32”. While the most exact way to check your tire tread is with a tire tread gauge, there are two neat tricks to determine whether your tires are above the minimum thickness.

Perform the Penny Test

Take a penny and stick it in a groove of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are no longer considered safe to drive. We recommend replacement immediately.

Look for Wear Bars

Many tires feature wear bars that are manufactured into the grooves of your tires. These small notches measure about 2/32” tall, and when they make contact with the road, it indicates that your tires have reached their minimum tread depth and it's time for a new set of tires.

All Your Service Needs Under One Roof

At Ramona Tire, we provide all the maintenance and repair services your vehicle will need throughout its lifetime. Whether you need an oil change or just a trustworthy auto repair shop, look no further than Ramona Tire in Ontario, CA. We feature ASE-certified mechanics and use quality replacement parts to promote your vehicle's best performance and reliability. In addition to our already competitive prices, we also feature additional service specials and coupons that help you save money while enjoying trusted care.

Schedule service at Ramona Tire today and trust that your vehicle is in expert hands.