How Often Do I Change My Fuel Filter?

How often do I change my fuel filter?

For high mileage vehicles, replacing the fuel filter annually for preventative maintenance is a good idea for two reasons. By the time a vehicle is six or seven years old, there can be a fair amount of rust and debris in the fuel tank. Rust can be formed by moisture and condensation, and debris can get into your tank anytime you add fuel. So changing it on a periodic basis can help minimize the risk.

Most newer vehicles do not have a specified interval for replacing the fuel filter. In fact, some even have "lifetime" filters that supposedly never need to be changed. But any filter can plug up if enough rust or debris gets sucked into the fuel inlet.

Gasoline is supposed to be filtered at the pump but sometimes that isn't enough. The fuel you put in your tank may be contaminated with water from leaky underground storage tanks and improperly mixed alcohol blends. So there are no guarantees the fuel is clean.

 If you make a habit of driving your vehicle with the fuel tank below 1/4 full, you run the risk of changing your filter more often due to the debris that collects over time at the bottom of your fuel tank.

Replacing the filter periodically for preventative maintenance is simply insurance that reduces the risk of it clogging your fuel system. Given enough time, every filter will eventually reach the end of its service life. Even the filter in a brand new vehicle right off the showroom floor is at risk if the owner happens to get a dirty tank of fuel.

Seek a professional's advice. Call us at Autovantage for all your automotive service needs.

What are the Common Signs of a Bad Air Filter

What are the common signs that a car air filter is bad or faulty?

•  Reduced fuel economy
• Reduced Power while running
• Increased emmissions
• Fouled spark plugs
• A visual inspection of the air filter will also show a clogged and dirty filter

We can answer any questions regarding your engine's air filter and many others to help you maintain your vehicle and keep you on the road where you belong.  Call us at Autovantage Service Center at 530-823-3456

When to Change Your Car Airfilter?

When Should I change my car airfilter?

A car’s air filter serves two purposes. The first function is to filter out dirt, debris and other contaminants that can enter an engine and potentially cause damage. An air filter's other primary function is to allow adequate air to flow into the engine; a car's engine requires air for the internal combustion process which produces the power needed to move the vehicle.

Most types of automotive air filters are designed to be easily replaced, and should be changed out periodically to help maintain a vehicle and keep it in top running condition. Most car manufacturers suggest that the air filter in a vehicle be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. However, for people that live in areas where a lot of dust is present or where they must frequently travel on dirt or gravel roads, a vehicle's air filter will need to be replaced more often. 

We can answer any questions you may have regarding your car's air filter and any other car questions to help you maintain your vehicle and keep you on the road where you belong.  Call us at Autovantage Service Center @ 530-823-3456.

What Are Automobile Struts and how do they go bad?

What are automobile struts and how do you know if they are going bad?

The strut on an automobile is basically a shock absorber assembly for your car. However, the shock absorber portion, itself, is just one part of the strut. The main function of the strut is to dampen the bouncing of the vehicle when it travels over uneven surfaces.

The strut assembly combines the coil spring, the upper and lower coil seats, the strut bearing, the strut mount and the strut boot.

As in any case with mechanical devices, after wear and tear and aging, the strut and its components will weaken. This causes side effects shown as increased tire wear, poor rebound effects or "body roll" and lack of steering stability.

It is important to have the struts checked regularily to maintain your car's performance and safety.

We at Autovantage Service Centers can perform that service and keep you on the road where you belong. Call us at 530-823-3456

Autovantage Services

Visit the Top Rated Auto Repair Service in Auburn, CA

Whether you’re here for an oil change, vehicle tune up, or have unexpected car problems, our professionally trained, ASE Certified auto mechanics give your vehicle the attention it deserves. From the moment you book an appointment to the moment you pick up your keys, we are committed to exceeding your expectations. We want you to have an experience that will keep you coming back. Call us (530) 823-3456 or use the easy online form to make an appointment.

When you come to Autovantage Service Center in Auburn CA, you will receive the quality and expertise you expect from a major auto service center. We perform all types of preventive maintenance, auto diagnostics, and repairs for most vehicles.

 •ASE Certified Technicians
 •24 Months/24,000 Unlimited Miles Nationwide Warranty
 •24 Months/24,000 Miles Warranty
 •Original Equipment (OE) quality parts
 •Courtesy Automotive Inspection Services
 •Early-bird/After hours drop-box
 •Free shuttle service in the Auburn area
 •Wireless internet access in waiting room

Your going to love the service Autovantage offers you for car repair.

How often do you need to change motor oil?

Do you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles?  Most drivers are still under the impression that this is the case.  The truth is that this interval is no longer necessary.  Engine oil does get dirty and this dirt can clog engine parts but if your car is less than 5 years old – changing the oil every 3,000 miles is probably a waste of money, time and….oil. 

Thanks to the improvements in high quality lubricants and tighter tolerances in manufacturing of newer vehicles, the recommendation by many automakers is now at 5,000, 7,000 10,000 or more depending on driving conditions.   

Check with your car’s manufacturer.  For example, Toyota recommends 5,000 for a 2005 Tacoma pickup but Honda says 7,500 for a 2002 Odyssey.  A 2010 BMW 3 can go up to 15,000 before you change your oil. 

Want more information – call the experts sat Autovantage Service Center – 530-823-3456

What does the SAE Viscosity rating on your Motoroil bottle mean?

What do the viscosity numbers really mean on a bottle of motor oil?

 Viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow or, for the layman, an oil's speed of flow as measured through a device known as a viscometer. The thicker (higher viscosity) of an oil, the slower it will flow.

You will see oil viscosity measurement in lube articles stated in kinematic (kv) and absolute (cSt) terms. These are translated into the easier to understand SAE viscosity numbers you see on an oil bottle.

A W on a viscosity rating means that the oil’s viscosity has been tested at a Colder temperature. The numbers without the W are tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature. In other words, a SAE 30 motor oil is the same viscosity as a 10w-30 or 5W-30 at 210° (100° C).

The difference occurs when the viscosity is tested at a much colder temperature. For example, 5W-30 motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil would perform at the cold temperature specified, but still has the SAE 30 viscosity at 210° F (100° C) which is engine operating temperature.

This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means much less engine wear.

We at Autovantage Service can advise you on the oil best suited for your vehicle and the area of use.  Click here for more information on Autovantage or Call us at 530-823-3456