AUTONET TV

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

How many times have you heard, “You should replace your cabin air filter,” and decided, “I’ll do it later.” You might think twice when you consider a new filter can help maintain and improve the quality of the air you’re breathing inside your vehicle. 

What you also might not know is it a clean cabin air filter can affect how your heating and air conditioning systems perform. When the filter isn’t allowing the air to flow freely, it puts more stress on the blower mower and makes it work harder. You may find it takes your cabin longer to heat or cool than it used to.  

When you have your cabin air filter changed regularly, it directly affects the cabin’s air.  When a dirty cabin filter isn’t allowing air to flow as freely as it’s designed to, the air is more stagnant.  Dust, pollen, exhaust and mold can contaminate the cabin.  That can be miserable if you have allergies or a sensitivity to those airborne pollutants.  You also might notice that fresh smell it used to have is now gone, and your cabin might fog up easily and often.

Here’s another potential benefit of a new cabin air filter.  It may reduce how easily and often your windows fog up.  You need unrestricted, dry air to blow on the windshield in order to prevent fogging.  That can especially be a problem in humid or cold climates. 

It’s always a good idea to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for when to change the cabin air filter.  Often, it can be in the 12,000-15,000 mile/20,000-25,000 km range.  If you drive in lots of stop-and-go conditions, dry, dusty climates or use your heating and air conditioning more than usual, you may need to have the cabin air filter changed more frequently.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

Spend Less, Drive More: Go Synthetic

Oil changes are vital to your engine because clean oil is essential to make it efficient, reliable and last a long time.  One of the big breakthroughs in oil technology is synthetic oil.  It does a superior job of protecting modern engines and makes them perform better than conventional oil.

The reason is the way synthetic oil’s structure is engineered.  It tolerates more heat, which makes it more durable and protects against friction better.  That way, modern vehicles can perform at their peak for a much longer time.

Engine oil has to perform in a variety of environments, from scorching hot to bone-chilling cold. Synthetic oil is engineered to flow more easily in cold weather, allowing faster lubrication during start‑up.  That’s when most engine wear occurs. In hot weather, it resists thinning and breakdown, coating engine parts with its protective, lubricating film. That way, you can drive with confidence in all sorts of temperature extremes.

One big advantage synthetic oil has over conventional oil is that it contains fewer impurities.  Plus, the molecules are a more uniform size.  That allows it to protect the engine better from friction, avoid sludge and reduce damaging deposits.  It’s also better for high performance engines, such as those that are turbocharged and run hotter and faster.

Another benefit of synthetic oil is that your engine will get better fuel economy since it doesn’t have to work as hard.  It’s especially important if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving.

And one final bonus with synthetic oil is you don’t have to change it as often as conventional oil.  That saves waste and time.  Of course, it’s important that you follow your manufacturer’s guidance on engine oil.  Yes, synthetic oil costs more, but you won’t have to change it as often, you’ll get long-lasting benefits, an engine that will last longer and better performance.  

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

Step Up your Stops

Let’s face it.  Many of us take our vehicle’s brakes for granted.  We step on the pedal, the brakes slow us down and stop us.  They’re also vital to helping us control our vehicles.  That’s why it’s important to think about brakes as one of the most important safety systems we have.  

Malfunctioning brakes increase our risk of accidents, can lower our fuel efficiency because of increased friction and can prematurely wear the other components of our vehicles.  

One of the ways we can keep our brake systems working properly is by periodically having the brake fluid replaced.  That means the old brake fluid in a hydraulic braking system is removed and replaced with clean, fresh fluid.  Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and may cause the inside of the brake system to corrode. 

Replacing the brake fluid is not as simple as just draining the old fluid out and putting new in. Our technician uses specially-designed equipment to push the old fluid and contaminants (rust particles, dirt, air bubbles) out of the brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinder and master cylinder.  

When you come to us for a brake fluid replacement, you will find your braking performance will be as consistent and responsive as it used to be.  Your risk of brake fade or failure when you brake hard will be reduced. And brake fluid replacement will help prevent internal rust and corrosion in brake components. 

Some manufacturers recommend brake fluid replacement every 2 to 3 years, but it depends on what vehicle you drive, how you drive it and in what conditions. Your advisor will be glad to help you set up your next brake fluid service.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement

If your vehicle is newer than the mid 2000s, it likely doesn’t have a once-popular ignition system which uses a distributor cap and rotor.  But if your vehicle is old enough to have them, it’s important to make sure they receive regular attention since they’re instrumental to your engine running smoothly.

Here’s now a distributor cap and rotor system works.  The distributor cap sits on top of the distributor, while the rotor goes around underneath it. They take high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil and send it to each spark plug in the correct firing order. That is what enables your engine to run smoothly and efficiently.

Because they’re mechanical, eventually the distributor cap and rotor will wear out. Think how much heat, vibration and electrical stress the distributor cap is endures. That can result in it cracking and the terminals corroding.  Another problem may develop called is called carbon tracking where a line of carbon acts as a conductor to bypass the usual route the electricity takes. Plus, the rotor can wear down and the spark may wind up going to the wrong cylinder.

You’ll notice signs like the engine is hard to start (if it starts at all), it misfires, your fuel economy deteriorates, your power decreases or idling is rough. If you drive in a damp or humid climate, moisture can also interfere with the electrical path.

It’s important to have a technician regularly replace the distributor cap and rotor, typically anywhere from 30,000-50,000 miles/50,000-80,000 km.  Each manufacturer has its own interval, so it’s best to follow their recommendation.  After the distributor cap and rotor are changed out, you should notice much better performance. And your vehicle will be more likely deliver the reliability you’re expecting.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com