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