Shop Talk – August 2010

After seeing several motorists broke down along the road and as well, here at the shop, I thought I would write about some basic things all drivers should know before venturing out into the world of driving. I’ve said it before, young drivers should be taught how to change a flat tire, check the oil and coolant in their vehicle, and other very simple things to do that will nearly eliminate road side breakdowns.

Of course, sometimes an unexpected situation can occur, but most tows are due to poor maintenance or just plain neglect and this always costs more than the alternative of regular servicing and proper inspection and repair.

I know there are lots of drivers that do not want to get their hands dirty in the event of a flat tire and such, but there are alternatives. To start with, a quick walk around before taking off in the automobile would probably save lots of frustration.

Just glancing at the tires would show a driver that a tire is low, that could be aired up before hitting the interstate, and probably save both the tire as well as the inevitable delay at the side of the road.

The tire guys don’t like the stuff, but if you have a slow leak, a can of “fix-a-flat” will not only air the tire well enough to drive, but most likely stop the leak. At least it can allow you to limp into a tire shop and have it fixed correctly. I personally carry an old pair of coveralls and gloves so that if I have to change the occasional flat tire, I can do it fairly cleanly and not mess up the clothes I happen to be wearing.

One other thought, make sure there is a working jack and handle in the vehicle and that the rig’s spare tire is properly inflated. (I got caught on this one once – oops)

While you are doing the walk around, take a glance under the car and note if there is any unexpected liquids lying there, such as oil or coolant. I suggest to customers to throw a large piece of cardboard under the engine/transmission area on occasion to see if there is any concern that a leak is present – pretty simple, cost efficient way to tell if your vehicle is asking for some needed repairs. This is especially helpful if you park on gravel.

Checking the fluid levels is a very straightforward task that is not all that tough. If you don’t know how to check and add oil or coolant, get someone to show you. Your favorite mechanic I’m sure would be more than willing to show you how.

Probably the biggest challenge you’ll have is finding the dip stick and fill port on some of the newer vehicles. I’ve never understood why the designers go to such great lengths to hide these basic maintenance points, but they do.

Once located, it is a simple task to remove the cap and top off fluids as required, but be careful to add the correct fluids. Manufacturers have created many new lubricants to decrease drag and improve mileage which makes using the right fluid critical, especially on the newer vehicles.

Again, check with your friendly technician for advice on this matter. There are now cars that don’t have dip sticks for fluid checking purposes that require a scan tool to electronically check fluids. So if you have one of these, you will be forced to take the rig to a shop, where you will get to pay someone to check it for you. Wasn’t that nice of the manufacturers? What did it save them, a few cents per vehicle? Did you catch the sarcasm?

I’ll finish this article by saying that if there is enough interest, I would be willing to host a free Saturday seminar to show folks all of the above mentioned tips and other similar types of things that are easily, owner capable maintenance. Send me an email and if there is enough interest, I’ll get back to you to set up a day.

Happy Motoring, Ray

Email me at: rayscartalk@yahoo.com

Ray has owned and operated Ray’s R and R Motors, Inc. since 1996 and is a life long resident of Cowlitz County. He formerly taught in the Diesel/Heavy Equipment program at Lower Columbia College for fourteen years.