The Change in Oil Changes.

For years and years, the car manufactures have drilled into our heads that we need to get our oil changed every 3,000 miles and that was true when the oil wasn't up to par with the synthetic and petroleum oils we have today.

It is no longer necessary to change the would every 3,000 miles, you can wait almost 5,000-7,500 miles based on the way you drive and handle your vehicle. If you drive it hard, towing, accelerating harshly, or in hilly areas, you will need to often change it more often then if you where just driving highway or in town miles. However, during the period between oil changes you do need to regularly check the oil to make sure that it is still in good preforming condition. So for the two different bases of oil, change regular petroleum ever 4-5,000 miles and synthetic ever 5-7,000 miles.

By doing this you can cut your oil changes in half from 4 times a year to 2 times a year, and save between $60-$100 a year. Which adds up if you think about it, not having to take the time to actually go to a shop and have them service your vehicle, and also saving on the gas you would be using to get to said shop.

If you don't know how to check it yourself, come on down and I would be more than happy to check it for you. Autobody Specialists 2910 Hwy 32 ste. 900, Chico, CA 95973 (530) 893.2222

Getting the right parts.

First you have OEM (Orginal Equipment Manufacturer), these are parts made by the vehicle's original manufacturer and are bought at local dealerships. These parts meet factory specifications as to fit, finish and corrosion protection as well as crash worthiness. These are the same parts that were installed on your vehicle when it was built at the factory. They also carry the vehicle's manufacturer's warranty.

Next you have A/M or aftermarket parts. These parts are not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer, meaning they do not go under the same rigorous testing. Non-OEM parts have been shown in many cases to have decreased tolerances for fit and finish, rust faster and offer lower crash resistance than factory approved components. In addition, the use of these parts may void your vehicle's warranty in areas that may be affected by their use.

Then there are Reconditioned parts. These are generally OEM parts that were previously damaged and have been repaired by an outside source. The quality of these parts depends on the quality of the repairs made to them by the recondition company.

Finally you have Used Salvaged or LKQ parts. The term LKQ stands for Like, Kind, Quality. If the LKQ part has no prior damage, and the repair shop de-trims the part for painting, then treats the part with corrosion protection, you may have a part that will restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. This all depends on if the insurance company compensates the repair facility to properly restore the part and if the facility itself thoroughly inspects and restores the parts integrity.

Unfortunately most people will not find out until after they file a claim, that they agreed to the use of alternative parts when they bought their insurance policy. Most insurance companies these days have it written into their policies that you must accept the use of these alternative parts or pay the difference. Of course many insurance policies offer OE riders or added stipulations to the policy, for which you may pay a premium, that allow the use of OEM parts.

So in the end are all parts created equally? Not really. Is it ever hood to use anything but OEM parts? Well that's a maybe. In some cases to save money it may be perfectly acceptable to use certain parts that are properly inspected and restored. In certain cases where safety and long term durability are of concern why risk either at any cost.

Of coarse the final decision is up to you, the consumer and it will be up to the repair facility to inspect the part for quality fit finish and safety and to back the repairs that use installation of alternative parts and receive your authorization.

One last consideration for those of you with leased vehicles, please check your lease agreement. Some leases may require you to make sure you are using only Genuine OEM parts. In the event that dealer finds non-OEM parts installed on a car that technically is still owned by the manufacture you may be charged to replace those parts with original OEM parts.

The Rain is Coming!

Though Chico doesn't get massive blizzards that other parts of the country do during the winter, there are still plenty of hazards to watch out for this winter season: thick fog, heavy thunderstorms, and the like. So whether you're planning a holiday trip or just doing your usual commute, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming weather. Here's a list of things you should check out:

1. Windshield wipers: It doesn't rain much during most of the year, so wiper blades are often overlooked-until you need them! During the spring and summer with the hot weather the rubber on the blades can dry out and make them less effective from wiping the water spots

2. Tires: With rain comes wet surfaces...and hydroplaning! Without Popper tread depth to channel away water, your tires won't have enough contact with the read for proper grip. You should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

3. Brakes: Compared to dry pavement, braking distances can increase by up to 50% during and after a storm! If you haven't had your brakes serviced in a while, now would be a good time.

4. Lights: Not just the headlights, but your turn indicators and tail lights! You might want to get another person to help you activate all the lights as you take a quick trip around the car. In July 2005 a law passed in California; During daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you're driving the vehicle, the headlamps of the vehicle must be on. So, if it's raining at anytime of the day you need to have your lights on. This is important in all weather conditions though, mainly the turn indicators and making sure the break lights work.

Some other issues brought by rain that may not be a safety problem, but may be a headache:

1. A leaky sunroof: If you find that the front carpets or headliner are damp or dripping, you may want to open up your sunroof and examine the front corners, there is usually a drain hole located in each corner that empty our in the front wheel wells; if they become clogged or otherwise damaged, water can get backed up and seep into the passenger compartment!

2. Being late: When the rain comes everyone who use to walk or ride bikes to commute are now piling up in their vehicles to get to there destinations. Because of this there are a lot more vehicles on the rode, which in turn creates a longer commuting time. When you see that it is raining, add an extra 10-15min onto your commute time. It will get you to your destination without any extra frustration or accidents.

Let's Start The Year Off Right

January is a great time to make a plan, get organized, set goals and put important dates on the calendar. If you're like me, you are busy with work, family and friends. Too busy to remember all the appointments, seminars, birthdays, anniversaries, parent-teacher conferences and etc. That's why for the past decade or so I have used my calendar to record everything. I'm often teased for using my calendar but, if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist.

I sit down each January with a brand new calendar, usually something that inspires me, and transfer all of the important personal dates from the last year. Then I make a list of the appointments that I need to make for the year; doctor, optometrist, dentist, veterinarian, lawyer, insurance agent and etc. I schedule appointments for myself as well as other family members and you guessed it, put them on the calendar.

This year I added a new category to my list, car maintenance. Small services such as tune ups, oil changes, tire inspections, filter and or spark plug replacements when done regularly can save both time and money. I also made notes to audit my own behavior from time to time. Behaviors such as carrying too much weight in the trunk, not using the cruise control and excessive idling, all of which waste fuel and cost me extra money at the pump.

It may be too late to make New Years resolutions, but it is never too late to grab a calendar and get organized. And, if you've waited until today, don't worry, I have fantastic news... all 2010 calendars are now on sale.