Services

Engine Oil
Most cars on the road today use multi-grade oil — one that can work efficiently in cold and hot weather. A multi-grade oil is rated by two numbers, such as 5W-30.

About the oil classification system.
Each engine oil comes with a classification indicating its viscosity, which is its friction or resistance to flow. In a multi-grade oil, the first number indicates how the oil will flow when it is cold. The lower the number, the lighter the oil and the better it will perform at lower temperatures. The second number indicates the thickness of that same oil at high temperatures. For example, a 5W-30 oil will flow as a 5-weight oil at zero degrees Fahrenheit and as a 30-weight oil at 210 degrees Fahrenheit

Why viscosity is a concern.
During cold starting, only a small amount of oil is present in the upper parts of engines. To lessen the friction when upper engine parts, such as the valve train, pistons, overhead cam and cam bearings, scrub against each other, a lower viscosity allows the oil to reach the components more quickly.

Why 5W-30 and 5w-20 oils are so popular.
Many vehicles today leave the factory with 5W-30 or 5w-20 engine oil. Vehicle manufacturers recommend them because they are lighter oils that perform well in a range of temperatures and help improve gas mileage.

Synthetic Oils
Not all motor engine oils are 100% petroleum. Synthetic oils, which are primarily chemically compounded lubricants, are also available. They can provide:

• Higher viscosity stability over a wider temperature range
• Reduced oil thickening
• Reduced wear and increased load-carrying ability.

Which oil is right for your car?
The simplest and safest way to find out is to check your owner’s manual…or talk to your local auto store.

Oil Change
Easily topping the list of routine maintenance musts is an oil change. Scheduling this service every three months or 3,500 miles will not only help to ensure your vehicle remains running smoothly but will also extend the life of your engine. Keep in mind that with advancements in automotive technology, most newer vehicles can go 5,000 miles or beyond between oil changes. If your vehicle has logged more than 100,000 miles, a synthetic blend oil will help.

Filters
Oil filters are designed to trap foreign particles suspended in the oil and prevent them from getting to the engine bearings and other parts. Clean air filters can increase engine performance, boost fuel mileage and reduce engine wear. Cabin air filters can minimize airborne contaminants in the passenger compartment and improve heating/cooling efficiency. Your vehicle’s filters should be changed between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Most can be inspected or replaced during a routine oil change. These include the engine air filter, oil filter, fuel filter and cabin air filter.

Fluids
Your vehicle relies on a variety of fluids to operate its brake, steering, transmission, engine cooling and other systems. When these fluids become degraded or are at incorrect levels, damage to other components may occur…so always follow the manufacturer-recommended service schedule. Having your fluids topped off is simple and can be performed in just a few minutes. These include oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, windshield washer and brake fluid. Additionally, they can be flushed or changed as needed. Allowing many of these fluids to become dangerously low, or old, can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

Automatic Transmission Fluid
This is typically an oil-based fluid used in a transmission that lubricates and cools the transmission and provides hydraulic pressure to shift gears automatically.

Brake Fluid
This is the hydraulic fluid used to transmit pressure through the brake lines in a brake system providing stopping power and protecting hydraulic brake components from internal corrosion.

Coolant/Antifreeze
This is the mixture of water and antifreeze used in an engine cooling system to dissipate heat and maintain the engine’s temperature throughout its operating range.

Starting & Charging
The battery starts your car, powers on-board computers and supplies emergency power needs. A weakened battery causes stress on alternators and starters, especially during extreme temperatures. Let Midas test and inspect your battery regularly.

Spark Plugs
Your spark plugs should be changed every 100,000 miles. A bit more complicated than a routine oil change, the time and cost will depend greatly on the year, make and model of your vehicle.

Belts & Hoses
Belts and hoses play an integral part in your vehicle’s performance. It is very important to ensure that both are maintained. As belts age, the rubber becomes brittle, causing it to crack. Once the belt begins to crack, it should be replaced as it can fail at any time. If the belt is showing signs of wear on its outer edge, this is also a sign that it will need to be replaced.

Since coolant can get very hot, about 200 degrees F, the hoses that carry coolant are extremely important. Likewise, a belt or hose failure can cause loss of power steering and the electrical charging system, as well as an overheated engine. If your engine overheats, this can cause the cylinder heads to become damaged. In other words, a very expensive repair.

Hoses are generally inspected for softness and swelling. They are then checked for hardening cracks, chafing and heat damage. If any of these issues are detected, your hoses will need to be replaced.

Brakes
Brake issues can start out small but worsen over time. Waiting to have them repaired can greatly increase the costs involved. Having your brakes inspected during a routine maintenance visit can help save you both time and money. During a brake inspection, all major components — rotors, brake pads, shoes and brake lines — should be evaluated.

Brake discs, or rotors, are vital to slowing down and stopping your vehicle. They should be inspected for rough spots, warping or damage. If they are shiny and show little signs of wear, maintenance is likely not needed. If they are damaged or warped, these parts should be resurfaced or replaced immediately.

Your vehicle has both rubber and metal brake lines. Both can crack and leak. A technician will first examine the rubber hoses to ensure they are soft and don’t have cracks. They’ll then check the hard metal brake lines for corrosion and leaking. If either are damaged, replacement is recommended.

Tires
Your tires should be inspected routinely to ensure they remain at the recommended air pressure and tread levels. To determine the health of a tire’s tread, a penny test can be easily performed. Place a penny headfirst into the tread grooves of your tire. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, this indicates your treads are shallow and excessively worn, and that your tire will need replacing. Additionally, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear.

Increased Reliability
Routine checkups help to determine the state of your vehicle’s overall condition. Simple maintenance, such as routine oil changes, having fluids checked or flushed as needed and tune-ups, can greatly increase your vehicle’s performance and reliability.

Increases Value
Proper vehicle maintenance is the key to maintaining value. It’s good to keep this in mind if you plan on selling or trading your car, truck or SUV. If your vehicle is mechanically sound and free of exterior or interior damage, you can expect to receive more for it.

Conversely, an unmaintained vehicle will be worth far less, regardless of its make or model. Logging your maintenance schedule is not only a great way to keep track of your service history, but it also adds valuable documentation to a sale or trade-in.