Save your engine, change the oil!

Why is it important to Change the Engine Oil in your car regularly?

It’s funny how my car tells me when its time to change the oil.  No I don’t have some sixth car sense (wish I did though), but have you noticed that when its time to get the oil changed in your vehicle it doesn’t seem to run quite as smoothly? Here’s some insight as to why and what clean motor oil can mean to the life of your engine. 

What does Engine Oil Do? And what happens if it’s dirty?

Engine oil acts as a lubricant and reduces friction within the engine, when the oil is dirty it moves very slowly throughout the engine and makes the internal parts of the engine work much harder, that along with friction causes wear and tear.  Your Engine Oil also cleans out your engine, picking up contaminants and debris as it flows through the system filtering out that debris as it goes through the oil filter, when it is too dirty it is no longer able to pick up any more of this debris.  Engine oil also helps to cool your engine by dispersing heat, clean oil disperses heat more efficiently.

How often should I get my oil changed?

If you are using regular motor oil most mechanics will tell you every 3,000 miles.  I have noticed that most vehicles have maintenance minder lights now and for the most part they are set at every 5,000 miles, if that is the case with your vehicle and you have a question about whether or not you should change it sooner than that, have you mechanic check the oil for you prior to your reminder light being triggered.  Another thing to consider if you don’t want to be in the shop all the time changing your oil, especially if you put a lot of miles on your vehicle, is replacing the engine oil with a synthetic.  Synthetic oil does not degrade as quickly and you can usually go for 5,000 – 7,000 miles before having to replace the oil.  Checking your oil regularly though will help take the guess work out of it.  Oil is usually amber in color, if it comes out black on your dipstick it’s time to change it.   

It’s no lie that keeping clean oil in your vehicle helps it to run more smoothly and it definitely will extend the life of your engine.  It’s a small price to pay in the long run.

Smog Checks Don't Have To Be Stressful

Smog Checks can often times be a stressful part of owning a vehicle.  The fear of the unknown sometimes makes us procrastinate, but as I see it, the sooner we know what we are up against the better.  You may just find that there was nothing to be stressed about   and your vehicle will pass the smog check without a problem. My point of this blog is to help shed a little light into the obscurity of the dreaded “Smog Check”. 

First let me give you a little insight about the smog check itself.  I get asked all the time by customers, "What do you check for during a smog check?"  The misconception is that all we check are the gases coming out of the tail pipe.  In actuality it is a three part test consisting of visual, functional, and emissions testing.  For the Visual portion of the test, the technician is looking over your vehicle to make sure that it has all the components required for reducing emission, i.e. EGR Valve, PCV Valve, Air Filter Housing, Air Duct Hose (Where applicable in your specific vehicle) etc. The Functional portion of the test requires that the On Board Computer (OBD) of the vehicle communicate with the smog machine what it has observed as it performs self tests on various systems of your vehicle. Lastly the Emissions portion of the smog check is performed by placing a probe in the tail pipe and testing the Nitrogen Oxide (NoX), Hydro Carbons(HC) and Carbon Monoxide(CO) that your vehicle is emitting.  If any one portion of the test fails the vehicle will fail the smog check. 

If your vehicle does happen to fail the smog check it can be inconvenient, but here are a few things to know to alleviate some of the anxiety.  A failed smog check can mean options.  There are state run programs that you can apply for that if you do qualify can help with the diagnosis and repairs of your vehicle or retirement of the vehicle.  You can find out more information about these programs at http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/ or call 800-952-5210.  The application process for these programs usually takes a couple of weeks and the qualifications are income based.  If you do not qualify for one of these programs the next step would be to diagnose the vehicle.  The Smog Check itself does not let the technician know exactly what needs to be repaired for the vehicle to pass, but it gives the technician a great “starting point” as far as what systems they should focus on to get to the root of the problem.  Once the repairs are done the vehicle is ready to be re-tested.

Golden State Smog is a Test and Repair Shop, so we are able to diagnose the vehicle and do the repairs as well.  If the diagnosis and repairs are done with us we only charge you for the smog check once.  The only time you would have to take it somewhere else to do the Smog Check would be if the DMV was specifically directing you to a "Test Only or Gold Shield Station"(We will address the differences of these types of stations on a later blog).

One last thing I want everyone to know is that you CAN pay for your renewal before the smog check is done.  The DMV sends the renewal notice in the mail so far in advance I always forget when its due until its almost too late, but if you notice that you need a smog check and you just can’t get to a shop before its due, pay the renewal and do the smog check later.  You just will not get your new stickers until the smog check is done, but at least you will not be accruing penalties.

Well, I hope this has been helpful to you.  Please feel free to make any comments or let me know if there is anything I can expand on or other topics you would like more information about.  Check with us periodically for new topics as well.

Thanks to all who read my blog!

New to Blogging :)

Hello Everyone!

My name is Ally and I am the Office Manager and Service Writer for Golden State Smog, we are located in Temecula, CA.  If you are from the area we would love to earn your business.  We smog check vehicles, but don't let the name of our company fool you, we are also a Full Service Auto Repair Shop as well.  

I'd like to start by giving you a little information about our company and then in my following posts I intend on posting some information I feel would be beneficial to know as a consumer not knowing much about vehicles and the smog check process.

Golden State Smog, Inc. was established in Temecula in 1995 at 27860 Del Rio Rd. Suite C, Temecula CA 92590.  We have ASE certified technicians with over 30 years experience.  We strive to provide excellent and expedient customer service and that has helped build a very loyal customer base.  We have customers that have been coming to our shop since its inception.  Check out our website for more information about what we can do for you www.goldenstatesmog.com.  I would also love to hear what you would be interested in knowing more about and I will do my best to address the question. 

I hope that my blog is able to help even a little =)!  Have a blessed day!  

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