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When to Get an Oil Change

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Regular scheduled maintenance is a must for any car owner. This includes brake inspections, filter replacements, tire rotations, and more. They are all part of the cycle to keeping your car in mint condition. Above all, one of the most important, and frequently neglected, requirements is oil changes. Oil changes are crucial to maintaining a well-functioning vehicle. Read on to learn how often you should be changing your oil in your ride of choice!

Oil Change Cycles Vary

There are many factors that contribute to the frequency of oil changes. It really differs from person to person, and even from vehicle to vehicle. Many people generally suggest changing your oil every 3,000 miles, or every three months; while others recommend changing oil between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. These are general estimations and can vary greatly depending on the lifestyle and driving style you live by.

As far as vehicles go, the type of fuel designed for your car can influence the amount of recommended miles driven between oil changes. If your car runs off of gas, then most likely your car’s manufacturer has already suggested a mileage for oil changes. You would just need to refer to the car’s manual. If your car didn’t come with a manual, you can look up the make and model online, and refer to the oil change requirements there. For trucks that burn diesel fuel, the same instructions would apply.

Driving Record

If you are a person that drives your personal vehicle around for work, then you may need to get oil changes on the more frequent spectrum, rather than a six month marker. If you drive fast and abruptly, you will need to get an oil change around 3,000 miles rather than 6,000.

Regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, or the type of driver you are, you should never go more than six months before replacing the oil in your car. Neglecting to change the oil in your car will cause expensive and inconvenient repairs and breakdowns, as well as, reduced performance value.

For more information about oil changes and changing your oil in Indianapolis, IN, call North East Auto today! We are ASE certified mechanics with over three decades of experience in the auto repair and service industry. We are the experts to rely on for auto repair, maintenance, oil changes, free estimates, DIY advice, and more! Call us at 317-475-1846 and speak with a professional auto repair technician about factory scheduled maintenance in Indianapolis, IN.

Types of Vehicular Brakes

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One of the most important components to a car or truck is the braking system.  Braking systems are complicated, but all have the same duty; to stop a vehicle from motion.  The types of brakes on a car or truck vary depending on the use of the vehicle.  There are several different types of braking systems, from high performance to the more common brakes we see every day.  Read on to learn more about the most common types of brakes found in everyday trucks and cars.

Anti-Lock Brakes

The most common type of anti-lock brakes are a computer-controlled system called ABS. These brakes were developed for safety reasons.  Anti-lock brakes are brakes that prevent wheel lock-up when you make sudden stops.  This prevents skidding, sliding, and decreases stopping distance.  In all, anti-lock brakes are an automobile safety system intended to reduce stopping times on dry, slippery, or wet surfaces and increase vehicle control.

Drum Brakes

At first glance, a drum brake is a rotating car part shaped like a drum.  The friction of these brakes is caused by a set of pads, or shoes, that press against it.  Drum brakes are just a component of an entire braking system as a whole.  When you apply pressure to your brakes, the wheel cylinder pushes the shoe against the drum, causing friction that makes the vehicle to slow down.  They are usually made from cast iron because it is heat-conductive and sturdy.  The heat-conductivity is important because when the lining is pressed against the inner surface of the brake drum, the heat of the friction can reach as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disk Brakes

This is a wheel brake that uses friction to slow down the vehicle.  The friction is made by a set of calipers that makes the pads push up against the disc.  Brake discs are also commonly referred to as brake rotors, which are also made from cast iron.

Parking Brakes

Parking brakes are self-explanatory.  They are used to keep the vehicle in park.  This is accomplished through the use of cables that apply the brakes mechanically to prevent rolling while in park.  These brakes are most commonly used when parking n an incline or hill.

For more information about braking systems in cars, trucks, vans, and any other vehicle, contact a professional at Northeast Auto in Indianapolis, Indiana.  We are licensed and certified auto mechanics with over 20 years of experience in the industry.  We are happy to provide free estimates, advice, and more.  Call us at 317-475-1846 or visit our Indianapolis Auto Repair website today!