C.S.I. Auto Repair [Tech-Tips]

You should change your fuel filter every 15,000 miles for optimal fuel economy

Not only is tire pressure critical for safe driving, so is the tread depth of your vehicles tires.Tread depth is the amount of safe tread remaining on the tires.The most accurate method of measuring tire tread depth is by using a tread depth gauge,available at most Auto parts stores.To use, center the bars of the gauge over the inner part of the tire tread, and push the center part of the gauge gently into the remaining tread. Remove and read the gauge.On most tires 2 to 3/32" of an inch is usually the minimum safe tire tread depth.Another method;Cheaper and not quite as accurate, is the penny trick.Take any Lincoln penny, with his head inverted, and push into the inner part of the tire tread.If any part of Lincoln's head is visible,the tire is at its wear limit and should be replaced soon.Make sure to check the tire tread across the entire width of the tire.

Using Amsoil Oil instead of conventional oil can increase your car's horse power, boost fuel economy, and extend your engine's life. Using Amsoil reduces the need to change your oil from every 3 Months/3,000 Miles to every 1 Year/25,000 Miles.

Check Engine? (Yep the engine is still there)That dreaded yellow Check Engine light (in some cases,Service Engine Service Engine Now, etc).There can be literally dozens of reasons why the lamp is illuminated.Everything from a loose gas cap to a dirty fuel filter to a clogged fuel injector just to name a few.Some Auto parts stores will read the codes for free, but this is NOT a diagnosis.They will give you suugestions as to the cause, but most times further diagnosis is required. Check with your local Auto Repair shop (At C.S.I. Auto Repair our diag. fee is $30)for their Check Engine light diagnosis fee. Don't ignore the Check Engine light as it can possibly increase tail pipe emissions,decrease fuel mileage, and, if flashing, cause expensive catalytic converter damage. So have that Check Engine light checked out!

Wiper blades are usually one (or two) of the most neglected items on your vehicle;until you really need them.Wiper blades should be inspected at least at every oil change (3 mos.) or sooner if inclement weather is imminent.To increase the life of your wiper blades, provided they are not torn,follow these simple steps.On a warm winshield (or rear window if equipped with rear wipers), gently pull wiper arm and blade away from windshield (or rear window).Take a piece of gauze or folded paper towels,soak with de-natured alcohol,and gently wipe both edges of the blade from one end to the other.(Some replacement wiper blades come with pre-soaked cleaning pads).Don't forget to use the appropriate windshield washer fluid; +20degrees for summer and at least -20 to -30 for winter.There are also some good de-icer fluids available, but are a little more expensive.And don't forget to keep that washer reservoir full.

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