| After your quick oil change service is completed, | | | | you return to the quick oil change center and |
| One of the first things that you want to check is | | | | have them fill the fluids for you. The first reason |
| that the oil is filled to its proper level. Each model | | | | for this is that you paid for a complete service |
| vehicle may have a different oil capacity. Not all | | | | and you should receive a complete service. The |
| vehicles take 5 quarts of engine oil. For example, | | | | second reason for this is you want to make sure |
| my 4.3 L engine in my blazer takes 4 1/2 quarts | | | | that the correct fluids are being installed. The third |
| of oil. Any time I've ever had my oil changed by | | | | reason for this is that the fluids will cost you |
| somebody else. They have overfilled the oil by a | | | | money if you do it on your own and you already |
| half-quart or more. Overfilling the engine oil is bad | | | | paid for this service. |
| for the long-term health of your engine. If the | | | | Also check the tire pressure on all four tires? This |
| engine oil is overfilled the oil may start to foam | | | | again was supposed to be included in your oil |
| up. And this will diminish its lubricating properties. I | | | | change service. But it is important enough to |
| have also seen the oil overfilled to the point | | | | double check to make sure that your tires are |
| where it starts to wash down the lower part of | | | | properly inflated. Under inflated tires can reduce |
| the cylinder walls. | | | | fuel economy drastically and can be considered a |
| The next thing you should check is that all the | | | | safety concern. |
| fluid levels in the engine compartment have been | | | | The federal government has considered this so |
| filled. Again, the quick lube center may rush to | | | | important that it has mandated that all new |
| complete the operation and may skip filling vital | | | | vehicles come with a tire pressure monitor |
| fluids. A few things you should check are the | | | | system. Chances are your next vehicle will warn |
| windshield washer fluid level, coolant level in | | | | you when your tires are under inflated. But if your |
| reservoir (never open when hot), power steering | | | | car does not have this system. It's a good idea to |
| fluid level, transmission fluid level and brake fluid | | | | purchase a tire pressure gauge and keep an eye |
| level. | | | | on your pressure. The tire specification can be |
| Instructions for checking these separate fluid | | | | found usually on the doorjamb of the vehicle on |
| levels are included in your vehicles owners' manual. | | | | the driver side or also in the owner's manual. |
| If you should find that the fluid levels are not to | | | | Under the tire section. |
| their proper level. I am going to recommend that | | | | |