San Antonio Auto Tips for Drivers

Auto Advice For Driving Perfection

Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you. Unfortunately, car maintenance is most often ignored until it becomes a problem. But why waste hundreds of dollars in repair costs when you can prevent it from happening? Here are just a few tips our Advanced Asian Auto technicians want you to keep in mind.

Check Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation is critical for safe driving. Checking tire pressure is simple– you can buy a tire air pressure gauge, which usually measures in pounds per square inch (PSI), or you can have one of our trusted Advanced Asian Auto mechanics do it for you. Check the sidewall of your tire to find out its recommended PSI. Never inflate a tire 5 PSI more or less than its recommended level; under-inflated tires can put pressure on the sidewalls and wear out more quickly, and over-inflated tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning or blowout.

Rotate Tires

Unfortunately, all four tires do not wear the same way. This is because your front and rear tires carry weight differently–the front carries 60 percent of the car’s weight–resulting in uneven tread. This hitch can be easily fixed by rotating your tires, which equalizes the tread wear and ensures a smoother and safer ride. Advanced Asian Auto recommends you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles (or at each oil change).

Oil and Filter Change

There is much contention about how often you should change your oil– some experts tell you to change it every 7,500 miles, others say every 3,000 miles. So, a good tip is if you have a car that uses regular petroleum-based oil, change your oil every 4 to 5 thousand miles. For newer vehicles that use a synthetic-based oil, change your oil every 5 to 7 thousand miles. The fact remains oil is the driving force of your vehicle, and if not changed regularly, a buildup of corrosive byproducts can mix with good, clean oil into sludge, ultimately killing your engine. Each time you take your vehicle for an oil change, you should also make sure the oil filter is changed as well.

The air filter is the device that traps harmful dirt and debris, keeping your oil clean and the metal components of your engine lubricated. If you neglect to change your car’s air filter, you can drain your gas mileage, increase emissions, wear out your engine, and pollute the interior air quality of your vehicle. It’s recommended to change your air filter every 15,000 miles or less if you’re driving in dusty, rural areas.