How to Properly to Check your Oil from Ohio's Engine Oil Experts

The most vital fluid that goes into the engineering of your vehicle is without a doubt your engine oil. The main purpose it serves is to lubricate the many moving parts inside your engine, preventing metal breakdown, and ensuring a proper compression within the cylinders. Checking your oil is a relatively straight forward process, and should be done occasionally in between oil changes. For more information on how long you should wait in between oil changes, visit our blog post here. Oil changes can be done at any local Bob Sumerel Tire, click the link here to schedule your appointment today!

• Allow your car to run for a little bit before checking it- Checking your oil "cold" can give off an inaccurate reading. It is essential to allow the oil to circulate and warm up before checking it. 
• Always check your oil with your car off- With your car not running, oil has time to settle at the bottom of the oil pan, which is most accurate way of reading your oil dipstick. 
  
• Make certain your car is on a level surface- If your car is on a slope, the oil level will not be "flat," thus giving an inaccurate reading on the dipstick. 
• When taking out the dipstick, do not tip it upside down- Bring the dipstick straight out of the tube, and make sure the bottom of the stick faces down. Flipping it upside down can cause the oil to run, giving an inaccurate reading. 
• Find the two dots/dashes- Most dipsticks have a low/high level represented by two dots, or dashes on the stick. 
• Add oil accordingly- If your oil is below the "low" level, try to add half a quart of oil. Once this is done, check the oil again to see where the level is at, repeat this process until it is between the two dots. 

Typically, when the level is below the "low" dot, it will take approximately 1 quart of oil to get it back to the "full" level. Every car is different however, and you should be cautious not to overfill your oil when you are adding oil. A common misconception about oil is that if it is dark in color, it is dirty, which means it needs to be changed. Color has little to do with the condition of the oil, you should always go off of your mileage when thinking about when you should get it changed next. Take advantage of the coupon at the bottom of this blog to get $5 off any oil change at your local Bob Sumerel Tire!

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Battery Care and Symptoms from Ohio's Battery Experts

Your car's battery is one of the most important parts of the vehicle, without it all other vehicle components would not matter. One common misconception about your battery is that extremely cold temperatures are the main "killer" of your battery. While this may be true, there is also sufficient evidence that suggests hot summer months do just as much damage to the internal components of an acid based battery. With any oil change, your local Bob Sumerel Tire location will test your battery in order to see if it is performing properly.
Fortunately, batteries often will start to show signs of a decrease in power long before the battery actually dies. This week's blog takes a look at your battery, as well as tell tale signs that it is time to replace it.

• Check engine light is on- If you notice slower cranking than usual, as well as a check engine light illuminated, its time to have your battery tested! 
• Visible battery leak- Visual inspections of your battery can be done at any time, Simply look around the top seal of the battery for any fluid seeping out of the top casing. 
• A clicking sound when you try to start your car- When you hear this, you can rule out that your starter is bad. Have your battery checked and replaced if needed. 
• Slower cranking, especially on cold days- Be sure to pay attention to if your car "drags" while it starts. If it begins to drag, it may be time to get your battery checked. Any local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. can test your battery for free! 
• You have needed a jump frequently- While jumps can fix a battery that is drained, a dead battery will continue to give you problems, requiring a jump almost every time. 

The good thing is that most battery replacements can be done quickly, and with minimal effort of installation. Something to keep in mind when purchasing a new battery is how long the warranty lasts. If you are planning on keeping a vehicle for a long time, it might be worth the investment to get a battery that is expected to last longer. Batteries on the market today have warranties lasting anywhere from 90 days up to 5 years. To get a quote on a new battery, contact your local Bob Sumerel Tire location for further details. 

New Year's Car Care Resolutions for 2017

It's almost that time of year where we gather with family for the holidays, and plan for the year that's to come. Many will set goals for fitness, work, school, or even just to cut out a certain vise in their life. One thing to consider is taking care of the thing that gets you to all of those places...your car! Whether your car is brand new, or has some years on it...maintaining your vehicle is a great resolution for any driver in 2017. Here are some tips on ways to practice proper preventive maintenance to get your vehicle in shape for the upcoming year: 

• Schedule a bi-annual checkup- For newer vehicles, scheduled maintenance intervals are usually anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Aside from your standard oil changes/tire rotations, stop in your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co to have a comprehensive checkup to ensure everything is in operating as it should. 
• Get any troublesome components checked out- Is your check engine light on? Don't put it off any longer! Your local Bob Sumerel Tire technicians can get you a diagnosis on that dreaded engine light, and give recommendations for resolving the problem! 
  
• Check your tires/fluids regularly- When spring rolls around, the change in temperatures can effect your fluids as well as your air pressure. Get in the routine habit of checking your fluid levels and tire pressure twice a month.
• Detail and wax your ride- Once winter ends and the spring months start, doing a solid wax and buff is a great way to restore your car's look and rids the under body of any salt. Check our Car Care's post on the proper procedure for a wax and buff here. 

A healthy body and mind are two things that can set you on the right path for the New Year. In order to get yourself to that state, it all starts with maintaining your vehicle to take you to all of the "point B's" in life. All of the services listed above can be performed at any Bob Sumerel Tire location, click here to schedule an appointment. To read further on additional car resolution tips, check out Car Care's article in regards to New Years.

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Getting the Most Out Miles Out Of Your Vehicle From Ohio's Automotive Experts

Whether you are just breaking in the first thousand miles, or have over 200,000 miles most drivers are concerned with keeping their vehicle in good running condition. Regular scheduled oil changes are the first things that come to mind, but many other services offered through your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. can be beneficial to prolonging your car's life as well. A good rule of thumb is to use oil change intervals as a time to inspect any necessary vehicle components, as it is something you usually get done 4 times a year.  Below, you will find a list of different parts to check yourself, or with your local Bob Sumerel mechanic the next time you bring your car in.

• Stay on top of fluid flushes - Print out a list of all flushes recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.  Make sure to check this list every so often to make sure you don't go over the suggested mileage marker on any of your vehicle's fluids. 
• Keep your tires in check - Make a habit of checking the pressure and tread of your tires at least once a week. Make note of any odd wear in the tread, and inflate to the suggested pressure setting as needed. 
  
• Check belts and hoses - During any oil change interval, be sure to check the condition of all of these components, ensuring there are no leaks, dry rotting, or severe cracks in the rubber. 
• Have brakes and suspension looked at - At least once a year, stop by your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. for a complimentary vehicle inspection. By doing so, our mechanics can spot something before it causes major headache down the road!
• Get your battery tested - Have your battery tested at least twice a year. Most battery tester devices are able to predict a battery losing voltage well before the battery will cease to start your car.  Schedule an appointment with your local Bob Sumerel Tire store today to get your battery tested.

With these tips in mind, additional tips for maximizing longevity can be found here.  The services listed above can be performed in a timely manner at any Bob Sumerel Tire Co location. Maintenance intervals can vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is crucial that you find your car's interval schedule and make a habit to check it. Older vehicles often may not have their intervals available through the internet, but any Bob Sumerel location has the ability to pull up suggested service repair intervals.

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Last Minute Winter Preparation Tips For Your Vehicle From Your Northeaster Automotive Experts

Winters in the Midwest are summarized by one word; uncertain. It is vital that we are always one step ahead of mother nature.  Because of the uncertainty and harsh weather conditions in the winter, it is important to know the steps to take in preparing your vehicle for these months.  That is why the winter vehicle preparation and car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a short list of tips to help prepare your vehicle at home for the winter.

• Switch your wiper fluid over to a "de-icer" fluid. It has the same functionality as your standard
  wiper fluid, but has the ability to melt snow up to -40 °F.
• Have your battery and starter tested. The battery and starter experts at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store are more than happy to assist you in making sure you are worry free when starting your vehicle this winter.  Schedule a starting and charging system check here. 
• Change your oil to a "winter grade oil" during your next service. A thicker, heavier oil does a
  
  better job of protecting internal engine parts during a cold start. For more information on the correct oil viscosity for your vehicle, visit your local Bob Sumerel Tire oil change experts. 
• Frequently check your tire pressure. Extremely cold mornings tend to decrease the air pressure of a tire.  Make sure to inflate your tires to manufacturer's suggested pressure. 
• Create a "winter survival kit" with things like: flares, jumper cables, door lock de-icer, melting salt, and various other items for those unexpected car breakdowns. 
• Consider snow tires instead of wearing down your all season tires.  Consider getting a set of winter tires for the best possible traction under severe road conditions at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store. 

While these are just a handful of tips, see CarCare.org's additional tips for winter car care prepping. If you have additional questions about service intervals and maintenance, your local Bob Sumerel Tire is always just a quick phone call away. Since 1968, Bob Sumerel Tire Co. has been committed to keeping your vehicle running safely and efficiently on the winter roads.  Bob Sumerel really cares!

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How Many Miles You Can Safely Drive Over Your Oil Change Sticker

If you have ever taken your vehicle to get an oil change, then the odds are you will also have a fresh new sticker on the top left inside part of your front windshield.  This sticker will typically recommend that you schedule your next oil change in 3,000 miles.  While it doesn't hurt to change your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles, it doesn't necessarily help either.  The oil change experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a list of 3 things to check to tell when your vehicle really needs its next oil change.

1. Check Your Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically recommend how many miles to put in between each oil change.  This can range from 5,000 miles up to 10,000 miles.  Be sure to take into account the kind of driving you do as well, typically you can go a little over what your owner's manual recommends if you do primarily highway driving.  REMEMBER to schedule your oil change soon when you reach the recommended distance in your owner's manual.
2. Change Oil Soon Light: Many newer vehicles will typically come with this sensor installed.
   
     Typically the light will come on around when your owner's manual recommends you get an oil change.  Also, keep in mind that the type of driving you do can greatly affect the lifespan of your vehicle's oil, meaning that the light may come on a little before or after the recommended mileage.  Regardless, when your oil change light comes on, be sure to schedule an oil change with your local Bob Sumerel Tire store ASAP.
3. Check The Oil Quality: If your vehicle does not have a "Change Oil Soon" light installed in it do not
   
   worry!  Simply find the dip stick under your hood.  The first time you pull out the dip stick wipe it clean and then dip it into the oil a second time.  Wipe the oil off the dip stick again.  If the oil is a golden/amber color, then you don't have to worry about getting an oil change soon.  If the oil you wipe off after the second dip is black however, that means you may want to schedule an oil change soon.  Your engine oil will typically turn black from the debris it picks up in the engine.  A good practice is to check your oil at home every 3,000 to 4,000 miles to see if you need an oil change.

Also, be sure to check with your manufacturer to see if synthetic oil would be good in your vehicle's engine.  Synthetic oil can sometimes last between 50,000 and 75,000 miles.  That means BIG savings on your oil change spending.  The next time you find yourself needing an oil change, make sure to call your local Bob Sumerel Tire store and get a free preventative maintenance inspection as an added bonus. 

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