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Archive for January 2010

Fuel Filter Service in brandon, florida

Posted January 29, 2010 10:00 AM



There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.

Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your service center at autoclinic of brandon can help you know what's scheduled to be taken care of.

Some of us in brandon, florida, really don't look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things the manufacturer recommends.

But automotive maintenance is all about prevention and addressing small problems before they get big. Let's take the fuel filter for example.

You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our brandon, florida, roads is over nine years. When vehicles get older, five years or so, they've accumulated a lot of dirt and rust in their gas tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. So somewhere between that dirty gas tank and the price of a great vacation is the lowly fuel filter: a very inexpensive part that doesn't cost too much to replace. And your vehicle will just run better too.

A clogged fuel filter can't let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your vehicle is running fine around town but struggles or sputters on the brandon, florida, freeway or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can't get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough, your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.

Some fuel filters have a bypass. When they get clogged, they allow dirty fuel to move around the filter element so dirt ends up in the engine. We've already talked about how expensive that can be.

The fuel filter is even very important for newer vehicles. The fuel is still dirty even if there isn't rust in the tank. It's just that the fuel filter will need to be changed more frequently as the vehicle gets older.

How often should you change your fuel filter? Check your owner's manual. Your brandon, florida, service advisor at autoclinic of brandon can tell you as well. It's usually around 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) or so. Ask if it's time for a full fuel system cleaning as well. They often go hand in hand.

It's good to know that your brandon, florida, service center has your back. When you're motivated to maintain your vehicle's performance and to reduce operating costs, you'll think of autoclinic of brandon as your ally - and maybe even your memory.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



Diesel Maintenance for florida

Posted January 19, 2010 2:00 AM

At autoclinic of brandon we hear from a lot of people who are excited about the new diesel engines that will soon be available in passenger cars and SUV's. But our florida friends are often curious about the preventive maintenance requirements. People may not know that diesel engines have long been used extensively in Europe and Asia. In fact, in some markets, there're nearly as many diesel powered passenger cars as there are gasoline.

Here's who's announced or is expected to announce new diesels for North America: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Subaru. Of course, the US auto makers will be expanding their diesel offerings as well. Diesels will become a very big deal here in florida.

You may ask, why has it taken so long getting to florida and North America? There are a bunch of reasons like fuel tax policies and such, but the biggest hurtle was that florida diesel fuel had a high sulfur content – too high for the latest generation of highly refined diesel engines. Recent government mandates to remove sulfur now opens up florida to the engines the rest of the world's been enjoying for a long time.

Why are diesels so popular worldwide? Well, for starters, diesels get up to 30% better fuel economy than gas engines. And they last a lot longer. And modern diesel engines are refined, quiet and powerful – and there's none of that black smoke we used to see.

Some people may think that diesels create more pollution. But, you need to rethink diesels. Environmental pollution standards for diesel cars and light trucks are scheduled to be as strict as they are for gasoline vehicles. A modern diesel engine is as clean as a gas engine.

Repair costs are similar to vehicles with gas engines. As with gasoline engines, proper maintenance is the key to long engine life and to avoiding repairs. So pretty much what we have come to expect with gas vehicles; coolant system service, transmission service, power brakes, power steering, differential, filters, fuel system and so on. And the payoff for you, if you're the kind that likes to keep your vehicles for a long time, is that a properly maintained diesel engine can last for many, many years.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



brandon Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules

Posted January 1, 2010 1:00 AM

Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among brandon drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should brandon drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are most of your trips less than four miles/six kilometers around brandon?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles/16 kilometers in below-zero florida temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in florida?
Do you drive often in dusty brandon areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around brandon?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold florida weather?


Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest brandon on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on brandon surface streets?

Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and brandon weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to.

Why should brandon residents care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around brandon or winter driving means that the engine doesn't heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn't let the oil protect it adequately. That's why florida residents need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.

Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in florida summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable autoclinic of brandon service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.

autoclinic of brandon
813-654-8686
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511



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