Common Car Maintenance Myths
Owning a vehicle can be a daunting task. There is monthly maintenance, yearly maintenance, and maintenance on anything that may go wrong. With such as important purchase and part of your daily life, you should understand what your car does and does not need. The following are some common maintenance myths that end up costing car owners unnecessary money every year. Let’s debunk them!
Engine Oil Needs Changed Every 3,000 Miles
Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles can travel 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Cars that use synthetic oil can go up to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. How do you know what’s best for your car? Read your owner’s manual. Changing your oil every 3,000 miles will not hurt your engine, but it is not necessary. This become the go to mileage change through quick change lube shops who are out to make money. The only reason you would need to change your oil that frequently is if you are towing things often, travel through mountainous areas or stop and go frequently.
Premium Gas is Best
Most vehicles run perfectly fine on regular-grade, 87 octane, gasoline. Using premium in these cars certainly won’t hurt, but it won’t improve performance, either. Higher octane gas is made for hotter running engines or high-compression engines. If your vehicle does not have this type of engine, there is no reason to pay extra for higher octane gas.
Engines Need Idled to Warm Up
This may have been the case fifty years ago, but today, engines are designed to warm up in about three seconds. They are also built to warm up as they go. Don’t waste your time sitting in your driveway every morning.
Use Tire Protectant
Aftermarket products are not needed to preserve tires. Tires are made with built-in preservents and the shine is merely cosmetic, so there is actually nothing you can do to keep it up.
Oftentimes, people feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance a car needs. This causes them to believe anything they hear and not do their own research. This is how myths continue. Instead, do your research and learn what is a myth and what is a fact.
Which Jeeps are Most Reliable?
In the past, Jeep was known for their excellent engines. Since Fiat has merged with Chrysler, many people are curious how Jeep reliability has been affected. Consumer Reports listed Jeeps as one of the least dependable cars in 2016. Let’s explore the reliability of two different popular Jeep models, based on customer reviews.
KL Cherokee
The KL Cherokee seems to be more reliable than the Wk2 Grand Cherokee, however it does seem to be affected by the same transmission issues. They are usually software related and have been somewhat corrected by software updates. Some users report having to take their KL Cherokee to the shop more than once a month, which does not bode well for KL Cherokee ratings. Besides the reliability, the base engine in the KL Cherokee is fairly underpowered for the type of vehicle it is sustaining. Most owners recommend getting some sort of extended warranty with your KL Cherokee if you do decide to purchase one.
JK Wrangler
Reports on the JK Wrangler show it to be fairly average in compatibility. The transmission issue that has plagued other Jeep models doesn’t seem to be present in this model. A lot of the issues seem to arise when larger tires and an aftermarket lift kit are installed such as the brakes wearing out faster and issues with the suspension. Many people recommend buying the extended warranty. The JK Wrangler, even with questionable reliability, is still in high demand. If you end up buying one and experiencing these issues, you can always sell it for nearly as much as you paid for it.
The Jeep Death Wobble
You may have heard of the Jeep Death Wobble. This occurs when the front axle of your Jeep begins to oscillate, very violently at times. This causes the Jeep to wobble and shake so hard that it is difficult to control the car. While no deaths have been reported from this, it is still something to look out for across all types of Jeeps.
Stay tuned for the next piece in this series, where we will focus on the band new Jeeps slated to come to the market in 2019!
How to Find the Best Mechanic in Your Area
Finding a good car mechanic can be a headache. Stories have been spread of how people have had bad experiences with mechanics. There are two main options for fixing car issues; going to national chains and dealerships or local garages. Although some dealerships are effective, they are very expensive. The major problem with local mechanics is the lack of convenience and credibility. A good and trustworthy mechanic who is convenient can help save money in the long run. Below are some tips for finding the best local mechanic.
Prior Research
Before settling on any local mechanic, it is advisable to conduct a thorough research. The research includes checking the mechanic that services big fleets such as company cars, taxis or government vehicles. This can be done by asking a few drivers in the area.
Online Search
Nowadays, the internet has made certain tasks seamless. It is very easy to find the right mechanic on the internet on websites such as CarTalk. The website features reviews of over thirty thousand mechanics around the country.
AAA Approved Mechanic
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has been in existence for more than a century. The organization requires their participating shops to offer twelve months and twelve thousand mile warranties on all repairs. Therefore, AAA affiliated shops can be a good source for finding credible mechanics.
ASE Certified Mechanics
The National Institute for Automotive Service (ASE) certification can be a good indication of credibility. Created in 1972, the organization certifies professionals in the automotive industry. In fact, the organization was mainly formed to help consumers find competent technicians.
Ratings and Reviews
After selecting a suitable mechanic, it is advisable to check for their reputation. Better Business Bureau website can be a good place to check ratings and reviews from other clients.
Specific Car Model
While many garages address any type of car problem, there are those that only specialize in specific types of cars. Finding a garage that focuses on specific types of cars can be advantageous since they are likely to have up-to-date training and equipment.
Proof of Damage
Before handing over the key to the mechanic, it is important to know the specific problem. A trustworthy technician should be willing to show the specific problem and provide proof. A mechanic that is not willing to show the damaged parts cannot be trusted.
About Alexis Khazzam
Alexis Khazzam is a dedicated entrepreneur based in Peoria, IL. He is the owner of Junction Ventures, AppsCo and Alpha Jeep & Motorsports.
Recognized both nationally and internationally a leading customization shop, Alexis Khazzam and the Alpha Jeep team provide unparalleled services. Their work has been featured at the 2015 F1 Grand Prix showcase in Montreal, Canada, as well as at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Some of their work has also been featured on the cover of Forza Magazine and the subject of a full article in Truckin’s annual “Ultimate Parts Guide” issue.
Alexis Khazzam passion for customizing his own vehicles was what initiated his car customization business. Over time, his weekend passion grew into a budding small business, and now Khazzam and the Alpha Jeep team are customizing Jeep vehicles, high-performance and luxury cars throughout central Illinois and the Midwest.
Alpha Jeep and Motorsports officially opened its doors in 2013. As a licensed Quadratec- and ARIES-sponsored dealer, the Alpha Jeep team performs many different Jeep customizations. Whether it’s upgrading your engine or installing bull bars or modular bumpers for your Wrangler, they are the best place to do the job. They also customize domestic and import vehicles of all makes and models. As a licensed dealer of APR products, they promise the highest quality products will be used to upgrade your vehicle’s ECU, motor, suspension, exterior lighting or interior style.
Today, Alexis Khazzam prides his business on their exclusive and interpersonal nature of customer service. The Alpha Jeep team goes above and beyond for every client, meeting with you personally and working with you on every step on the customization process. Their small size allows them to truly focus on your vehicle.
Apart from Alpha Jeep and Motorsports, Alexis Khazzam is also the owner of Junction City Shopping Center and AppsCo. Junction City Shopping Center opened in 1956 and is still based in Peoria, IL today. Junction City offers shoppers a collection of locally owned, premier retail boutiques in one beautiful and convenient setting. Another one of Alexis Khazzam’s business ventures is AppsCo, a not-for-profit organization providing a fully integrated business learning experience for public school students. AppsCo is a software application doubling as a learning tool to give students hands-on business experience and, potentially, a paycheck.
