Air Filter
Description: The typical air filter is a disposable,
pleated-paper element with a sealing gasket made of synthetic material. Filters
come in two main types: the panel style as used on most fuel-injected cars and
the radial style, which is usually used on carbureted vehicles.
Purpose: The air filter traps dirt particles, which can
cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air
filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (some
fuel-injected cars) and sometimes in cleaning the air that enters the crankcase
for crankcase ventilation. The air filter also serves as a silencer for your
car’s intake system. Your car’s engine can use close to 40,000 litres of air for
every 3.5 litres of fuel burned, so it’s easy to see how big a job the air
filter has.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Although your car’s owner’s
manual may specify an inspection interval for the air filter, it’s really best
that it be checked at every oil change. Dirty and dusty driving conditions will
require more frequent filter replacements, so keep this in mind. Driving with a
dirty filter restricts the air entering the engine, and if severe, can impact
fuel economy and performance. If you decide to change the filter yourself,
always do so with the engine off. Never start or run the engine with the air
filter out of place. Most filters can be easily replaced by removing snap clips,
a clamp or several screws. Make sure you use the filter specified for your car’s
engine; do not try to make a filter fit. An improperly fitting filter can allow
unfiltered air into the engine, causing engine damage.
Anti-Freeze / Coolant (link to Cooling System Coolant)
Axle Lubricant
Description: Axle lubricant is a specially formulated oil
that is capable of handling high-pressure loads. The lubricant comes in various
viscosities to meet different specifications. Axle lube may be formulated from
mineral oil or synthetics.
Purpose: Axle lube provides lubrication for the various
gears and bearings in the rear axle of rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks. Axle
lube is also used in the front axle of four-wheel-drive light trucks.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Have the axle lube level
checked with every oil change. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to find out
the recommended interval for axle lube changes. Many manufacturers claim their
axles as “lubed for life”, unless the axle has been submerged in water. If you
have a pickup or SUV, this may happen quite often, especially if you pull a
boat. If this is the case, have the axle lube changed at least once a year. In
cold climates, you may want to consider changing the standard axle lube to
synthetic. Synthetic lubes flow easier in cold weather, improving lubrication.
With a 4x4, this is doubly the case because of the two axles. Always use a
lubricant that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's lube specifications.
Brake
Fluid
Description: Brake fluid is a specially formulated liquid
used in the brake hydraulic system. Brake fluid must meet one of three
specifications. DOT3 and DOT4 are glycol-based fluids, which absorb water. DOT5
is a silicone-based fluid and does not absorb water. The main difference is that
DOT3 and DOT4 absorb water, while DOT5 doesn't. Most cars use DOT 3 fluid from
the factory.
Cabin Air Filter
Description: A filter used to clean incoming air for the
car’s HVAC system. Introduced in European vehicles, cabin air filters are now
becoming common on more domestic and Asian makes and models. Some examples
include the Ford Taurus, Contour, Windstar and Ford trucks; the Chevrolet
Impala, Monte Carlo, Suburban, Tahoe and Silverado; and the Lincoln Navigator.
Japanese cars such as the Honda Accord and Odyssey, and the Acura RL and TL use
cabin filters. To date, approximately 40% of cars have cabin air filters, but
the number grows each year.
Engine
Oil
Description: The life-blood of your engine, engine oil
consists of various weight mineral or synthetic oils combined with additives for
engine protection. Oils may come in single or multi-grades and meet various oil
performance standards. Multi-grade oils usually start out as single-grade base
oils, such as SAE 10W (Society of Automotive Engineers is a large
standard-setting organization for the automotive industry). Then viscosity-index
improvers are added to modify viscosity. The end result is an SAE 10W-30 oil
capable of flowing like a 10W oil at cold temperatures and a 30W oil at higher
temperatures.
The American Petroleum Institute also has classifications for oil, which
are intended to address the formulation for different engine applications. You
may see these designations also mentioned in your owner's manual or on the oil
filler cap of the engine. The SH designation was designed for 1996 and older
engines. This designation is now obsolete. The API SJ designation was introduced
in 1996 and applies to all automotive engines currently in use. The SL
designation was released in 2001 and offers improved performance for 2002
models, such as fuel economy and control over engine deposits. There are
numerous other designations, but they are generally obsolete or do not apply to
today's cars.
Purpose: Engine oil lubricates, cleans, and cools critical
parts of the engine. The oil's additives also help to suspend dirt, where it can
be drained at the next oil change.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Periodic oil and filter
changes keep your engine clean on the inside. Motor oil can become contaminated
by dust, metallic shavings, condensation, and even antifreeze. Additives break
down over time and can also act as contaminants. The best advice is to follow
the guidelines provided in the vehicle owner's manual, but every 5,000
kilometres or 3 months is a good rule of thumb for oil and filter changes.
Many car manufacturers today are recommending extended oil drain intervals
for some drivers. However, if you regularly make short trips in your car, drive
in stop-and-go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air
conditions, tow a trailer or live in a cold-weather region, it's best to stick
with a 5,000- kilometre/3-month regimen. If you change your own oil, be sure to
properly dispose of all waste. A single quart of used engine oil has the
capacity to pollute over 925 000 litres of ground water. Never pour used oil
down the drain or into the ground. Not only is it illegal, it's also harmful to
the environment. Used engine oil is converted for new uses, such as industrial
fuel or lubricants. Put used oil into original oil containers or other clean,
plastic closed containers, with the contents clearly labeled on the outside and
bring the used to oil to a facility that accepts used engine oil.
Fuel Filter
Description: The typical fuel filter for most
fuel-injected cars consists of a high-pressure canister filled with filtering
media. Filters may have clamped, threaded or special fittings to ensure reliable
connection to the fuel system. Filters for carbureted engines may be located at
the inlet of the carburetor or inline. Filters for carbureted engines do not
need to withstand the same pressures as those for fuel-injected engines.
Purpose: Fuel filters trap harmful contaminants that may cause problems
with carburetors and intricate fuel injectors. Fuel filters for carbureted
engines only clean the fuel before it enters the float bowl. Injection filters,
on the other hand, clean the fuel whenever the fuel pump runs (unless the fuel
injection system is a "returnless" design). Fuel moves continuously up the
supply side, through the filter to the fuel rail or throttle body. The fuel that
doesn't make it into the engine returns to the tank and the whole process starts
over again. With a full tank of gas, the filter may clean the volume of fuel in
the tank many times before it's all used.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: On carbureted cars, replace the filter once a
year. On cars with fuel injection, some carmakers don't recommend replacing the
filter at all during the first 170,000 kilometres of "normal" driving. Since
"normal" usually constitutes severe driving because of less than normal
conditions, it's best to replace the filter every two years or 40,000
kilometres. A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from your car’s
electric fuel pump, eventually taking a toll on its life. Frequent filter
replacements remove all doubt about whether the filter may cause other problems
down the road.
Most filters on domestic cars and trucks hide underneath on the frame or
body. Just the opposite is true on the imports. They usually put their filters
somewhere in the engine compartment. If you decide to change the filter
yourself, be careful. Fuel injection systems maintain pressure in the lines that
must be relieved prior to filter replacement. Don’t forget that gasoline is
extremely flammable. Procedures vary for relieving pressure. Also, some filters
require special tools to replace the fuel filter. Because of these
technicalities and because of most filter locations, it’s best to have your
car’s fuel filter replaced by a qualified service professional.
Gasoline
Description: Gasoline is a complex mixture of
hydrocarbon-based components and additives that are specifically formulated for
different climates and conditions. The properties of any given blend of gasoline
must deliver good engine performance under a wide range of operating demands.
There are gasoline quality guidelines established and are considered the
minimum for a gasoline to be offered on the market. Companies often go beyond
the guidelines to provide more unique formulations to meet specific motorist
needs. Motorists in some areas of the country may also have access to use
"reformulated" gasoline (RFG) to reduce emissions of ozone-forming (smog) and
toxic air pollutants. RFG consists of a different blend than regular gasoline to
reduce emissions.
Purpose: Quite simply, gasoline provides the heat energy
necessary to power the engine in most vehicles. Gasoline also contains various
additives that may prevent deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves, guard
against corrosion in the fuel system, and prevent icing of fuel lines.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: As a motorist, the most
important information you need to know refers to a gasoline's anti-knock index
(AKI) -- a numerical representation of a gasoline's ability to resist engine
knock, also known as "pinging." The AKI number is an average of the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON). This is the number
displayed on the black-and-yellow placard at the gasoline pump. Because of the
averaging effect of the two numbers, you may find that your car performs better
on one brand of gasoline with 87 octane than another. It's best to follow your
car manufacturer's AKI recommendation when choosing gasoline, although there is
no advantage to using a gasoline with a higher AKI than is needed to run without
knocking. Generally speaking, the AKI numbers at the pump reflect the "grades"
of gasoline with names attached to escalating AKI numbers. Hence, "regular",
"mid-grade" and "premium." These grades are somewhat of a misnomer, as they
don't reflect overall better quality as AKI numbers increase; the numbers
reflect only higher anti-knock capabilities.
Oil Filter
Description: The typical oil filter consists of a
high-strength steel housing containing various types of filtering media. An
anti-drainback valve prevents oil from running out of the filter when the engine
is off. Today's oil filters have a convenient spin-on design that makes removal
and installation easy.
Purpose: The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing
the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. Should the oil filter become
restricted or clogged with contaminants, they will flow around the filter. This
bypassing is a safety mechanism, but you never want to let oil and filter
changes go so long that bypassing takes place.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: For best results, consult
your owner's manual, but consider that your driving probably constitutes a
severe maintenance schedule. Usually, this means oil and filter changes every
5,000 kilometres or 3 months. If you change the filter yourself, dispose of it
properly. Take used filters to a facility that accepts them.
There are used oil and used oil filter regulations in disposal procedures
and pick-up facilities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC. Other used
oil and used oil filter programs also exist in the other provinces. Used
filters can be crushed, removing the used oil and the steel part of the filter
can be recycled. The oil from one used, seemingly innocent filter leaking into a
landfill can taint over 225,000 litres of ground water.
Power Steering Fluid
Description: Power steering fluid is a specially
formulated oil for use in power steering systems.
Purpose: The fluid lubricates and transmits the pressure
needed for power-assisted steering.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Check the power steering
fluid level at every oil change. Refer to your car's owner's manual for specific
recommendations on the type of power steering fluid to use. Fluids need to be
compatible with hoses and seals and in some cases the recommended fluid may be
automatic transmission fluids such as Type F or DexronTM.
It's possible to check the power steering fluid level when your car is
cold, but it's usually recommended to check the fluid with the car warmed up.
Many cars today use a semi-transparent reservoir for power steering fluid, so
look for a fluid level mark on the outside. If the reservoir has no markings,
open the reservoir's cap. There should be a small dipstick attached that
provides the level reading.
Transmission Filter
Description:
Automatic transmissions/transaxles use a filter on the inlet side of the
transmission’s hydraulic pump. Different types of filtering media may be used
including a fine mesh screen, paper, or felt for filtering media.
Transmission Fluid
Description: Automatic transmission fluid is specially
formulated oil ™ containing numerous additives to withstand gruelling operating
conditions. There are several different types of automatic transmission fluids
and should be used according to the recommendation in your car's owner's manual.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Description: Windshield washer fluid, or solvent as it's
sometimes called, usually has a methanol base that gives the fluid its
anti-freezing properties. Some fluids use isopropyl alcohol as the anti-freeze
agent.
Purpose: Windshield washer fluid is used for on-road,
on-demand cleaning of the windshield through the electrically operated washers.
Some vehicles also use a washer system for the rear window, and even the
headlights.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: It's wise to keep the
windshield washer reservoir full at all times with washer fluid. Running the
system out of fluid can damage the windshield washer pump. Stay away from water,
as it does not provide anti-freeze properties and does not clean as well as
washer fluid. Some vehicles have multiple washer fluid reservoirs for different
parts of the vehicle.
During the winter months where there is a lot of road salt, it's a good
idea to keep a bottle of washer fluid in your car. If your washers stop working
and the reservoir has plenty of fluid, have the washer system checked out at
once by a professional service technician. Washers are a critical safety system
of your car and should not be left neglected.
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