Keeping your car's fluids full and clean is vital for a lot more than just top performance. Low or dirty fluids can be a safety hazard, and they can also cause significant wear and tear to your vehicle. In this guide to understanding your car's fluids, we'll go over the main types of fluids that you should know about and how often you should check them.

Understanding Your Car's Fluids - 6 Fluids to Check

Your vehicle is a very important part of your day-to-day life, and it's important to keep it healthy. Having the fluids checked regularly is an excellent way to promote vehicle longevity as well as safety.

At Tillema Auto, we're committed to our customers' safety and to helping you keep a reliable vehicle. When you bring your car in to Tillema Auto for regular oil changes, we'll make sure that these fluids are topped off and clean.

If you check, change, or add fluid to your vehicle yourself, be sure to always check the manufacturer instructions for your specific vehicle to see what type of fluid you should be using.

Here are 6 fluids to check regularly.

1. Engine Oil

Engine oil is one of the most important fluids to be checking regularly. Engine oil lubricates the engine's moving parts. This prevents excessive wear and tear on your vehicle. Engine oil also cools the engine's parts, enhances fuel efficiency, and more. When it gets low or too dirty, you're not only risking extra wear and tear on your vehicle, but it can also cause the engine to overheat and could even cause a fire in more extreme cases.

You should change your oil approximately every 3,000 miles on semi-synthetics and 5,000 miles on full synthetic.

When you bring your vehicle in to Tillema Auto for an oil change, we'll also change the filter and check all of the other fluid levels of your vehicle. We'll also check tire pressure and the other major components to make sure that your vehicle is safe for driving.

2. Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is also extremely important. Without it, your brakes won't work. In addition to actually using hydraulic pressure to allow your brakes to actually stop the vehicle, brake fluid also helps to prevent rust and corrosion.

Here are a few ways that you can tell if your brake fluid needs attention:

• If the brakes feel different, soft, or don't respond as well as usual.

• If your ABS light is on

• If you notice a burning smell

If you're not sure your brakes are working quite right, give us a call at 616-878-5991, or stop by and see us. We're here to help!

3. Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid acts as a coolant and also lubricates the parts inside the transmission. It's important that this fluid is kept both full and clean in order to keep your internal gears from being damaged.

Your transmission fluid levels should be checked at least once a year, or every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.

Keep in mind that automatic vehicles use a different transmission fluid than manual vehicles.

4. Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid aids in the hydraulic steering system on vehicles that have power steering. When it gets too low, your power steering will no longer work.

If you notice squeaking when you turn your wheel or simply find that steering is becoming more difficult, it's time to top off your power steering fluid!

5. Coolant

By nature, engines get hot! Coolant is necessary to keep your engine from overheating. It also lubricates the parts and prevents damage to the head gasket, water pump, cylinder, and piston timing.

If your coolant is low, you'll need to top it off. However, if you notice it consistently being low, you may need to have your vehicle checked to see if there's a leak or another problem.

It's important to note that you should not add coolant when the engine is hot. If it's hot enough, the pressure can actually scald you.

6. Windshield Wiper Fluid

Keeping your windshield wiper fluid filled ensures that you can use your wipers effectively and keep your windshield clean in inclement weather or if it gets too dirty while driving. Of course, visibility is very important for safe driving!

If your fluid is low, simply top it off. A funnel is helpful for this.

We're Here to Help

Does understanding your car's fluids have you stumped? At Tillema Auto, it's our priority to provide safe, honest, and reliable vehicle service. Contact us or stop by our service center. We're here to help keep you safe on the road.

Having an auto repair shop that you trust brings a lot of peace of mind when it comes to keeping your vehicle on the road. No matter how well you take care of your car or whether or not you buy the highest quality vehicle, it's inevitable that at some point, a repair will probably need to be made. At the least, regular oil changes are essential for keeping your vehicle up and running. But figuring out who to trust can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for how to choose the right auto repair shop for you.

How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop - 5 Tips

Of course, you can always start with a Google search or by simply driving around town to see who's available near you. But how do you know who you can trust? Sadly, the auto repair industry can be known to take advantage of its customers. How do you know who will tell you the truth and not suggest unnecessary fixes?

Here are a few ways:

1. Check Google Reviews

A Google search can be very helpful for finding shops near you. Thankfully, Google also has a reviews feature. This lets you know quickly what past customers have thought of their experience.

Hearing the opinions of your neighbors who have already tried out a repair shop can be one of the best measures of a trustworthy mechanic shop.

(And if you're in the Byron Center, MI area, we'd be honored if you'd check out our Google reviews!)

2. Ask Local Friends

Asking people you already know is another great method. Most people have cars, and everyone has to take theirs in at some point. Don't try to figure it out all by yourself. Learn from the experience of your friends and neighbors!

3. Ask in Local Facebook Groups

Neighborhood or city-wide Facebook groups can be another great way to check with other locals. Search the group for existing posts about which auto repair shops are best, or make your own to ask around.

4. Research Your Repair in Advance

If you already know what's wrong with your vehicle, do a little research to find out in advance what a fair price is for the repair. For example, how much does brake replacement cost, on average? This will at least give you a number in your head before checking with the shop. If they quote you hundreds or thousands above what you're expecting, you can try somewhere else.

5. Make Sure They Work on Your Make and Model

If you've found a shop you like or that's well-liked by your friends, check with them to make sure they work on your make and model. Some mechanics only work on certain makes. Others may not have the capacity for newer electric vehicles or diesel.

Call Tillema Auto for Your Vehicle Maintenance Needs

While we specialize in honest used vehicle sales, we know that buying a vehicle is just the first step in the process of keeping a reliable set of wheels. That's why our expert mechanics at the Tillema Auto Service Department are always here to help with your vehicle maintenance needs. From oil changes and brake services to new tires, struts, and so much more, we're here to make sure that you stay safely on the road.

At Tillema Auto, we break the mold of sketchy and untrustworthy auto repair shops. Here, our customers are like family, and we treat them that way. It's our top priority for our customers to be able to trust our team. When you bring your vehicle to our service center, you can rest assured that we won't try to sell you unnecessary repairs or products.

Check out more services we offer, or call us today at 616-878-5991 to schedule your appointment.

Changing your car's oil regularly is one of the simplest ways of keeping your vehicle in good condition. This process increases your car's longevity and helps things to keep running smoothly. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, you run the risk of ruining your engine. Here are some signs that you are overdue for an oil change.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

For those who are unfamiliar with vehicles, it can be a little difficult to know when you need to change your oil. Luckily, however, if you know what to look for, the signs are easy to spot.

Check Oil & Check Engine Lights

In many cases, your car will tell you when maintenance is required. When your car is getting low on oil, the check oil light will light up. This will let you know you're running low on oil and are overdue for a change.

If the check engine light comes on, that means you might be well overdue for some maintenance. While this light may not always light up due to a lack of oil, there's a good chance it is the reason it comes on. This light indicates that the lack of lubrication is causing damage to the engine.

If either of these light up, be sure to schedule an appointment to either have your oil changed, or have a mechanic look at your engine.

High Mileage

Nothing consumes more oil than the act of driving. So the more miles you put on your vehicle, the quicker you'll need to have your oil changed.

If you've already had your oil changed in the past, the mechanic may have left an oil change sticker on your windshield. This sticker will tell you when your vehicle will need another oil change, either by date or by mileage.

If you don't have one of these stickers, no problem! Older vehicles typically need their oil replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months, while newer vehicles need it every 6,000 miles or 6 months. But, this also depends on the type of oil you use. Full-synthetic oil will last longer than conventional oil. 

Checking Oil Levels

You can also check how much oil your car has on your own. It's a very easy process. Simply pop the hood and find where your oil filler cap is. Once you open it up you can wipe off the dipstick located under the hood, and insert it into the oil reservoir. When you pull it back out, it should tell you what level your oil is at. If it's below where it should be, contact a mechanic to get your oil replaced.

It's also a good idea to note the color of the oil. If your oil is dirty or discolored, it's a sign you're overdue for an oil change.

Schedule A Service Appointment

If your car needs maintenance, whether it's something small like an oil change, or big like having more significant repairs done, Tillema Auto has you covered. Schedule your service appointment today to have your vehicle serviced by professionals who get the job done. At Tillema Auto, we treat our customers like family.

The screeching sound of tires straining to stop. The sound of shattering windows and crumpling metal. The smell of smoke pouring from a ruined engine. Car crashes are truly terrible things. But they can also be preventable, at least some of the time. To ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent getting into a car crash and guarantee your safety, you need to make sure everything in your car is working properly. That includes getting your breaks regularly inspected. Continue reading below to see the importance of regular brake inspections.

The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections

Your car's brakes are their number one safety feature, so it's vital that they are working properly. Without brakes that work properly, disaster can be just around the corner. But don't worry, because many of these disasters can be easily preventable with regular brake inspections.

Maintaining Your Vehicle

By getting your brakes regularly inspected you can be sure everything is still in quality condition. As time moves on and you drive more and more, the parts of your vehicle acquire natural wear and tear. This is especially true for your vehicle's brake system. Your brake pads need regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly and are not in need of replacement.

Prevent Brake Failure

If you are not regularly checking the state of your brake system, brake failure can catch you by surprise. Out of all accidents attributed to faulty vehicle parts, nearly 25% are due to brake failure. When your brake system fails, it can have disastrous consequences. Not having your brakes up to standard can decrease braking power, making it much harder to stop or control your vehicle. The importance of regular brake inspections can not be overstated as it can prevent accidents before they occur. Make sure to have a technician or a mechanic regularly inspect your vehicle to spot any problems before they arise.

Increase the Longevity of Your Vehicle

This might seem obvious, but it's still important to realize, the better shape your vehicle's brakes are in, the longer your car will last. Not only because you'll avoid car wrecking accidents, but also because regular maintenance of your vehicle's parts will help them to last substantially longer. 

Having your brakes regularly inspected allows for problems to be found before they become major issues and remedied just as quickly. This will exponentially extend the life of your vehicle's brakes. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your car is in working order and will be for a long time to come.

Call Us Today!

Regularly checking your brakes is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety on the road and increase your vehicle's lifespan. But thankfully it's also one of the easiest things you can do to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly. All you have to do is give us a call and let us do the rest. 

Call us today to set up an appointment, and we'll inspect your brakes and answer any other questions you have about the steps you can take to improve your vehicle's long-term health and safety.

Regular detailing is an important way to keep your vehicle in great shape. A vehicle that's well-maintained will last longer, be more trustworthy, and give you more value back when it comes time to sell your car and upgrade to a new one. In addition, regular detailing gives you the opportunity to stay up-to-date on how your vehicle is doing and catch any potential service issues before they become a bigger problem. Here are our best car detailing tips for keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape.

Best Car Detailing Tips

Detailing your vehicle not only helps to extend its life and value, but it also makes it much more enjoyable to drive! There's nothing quite like the feeling of hopping into a freshly detailing, squeaky clean car.

And of course, having clean windows and mirrors and bright, clear headlights also makes your vehicle safer to drive.

You don't have to do a full car detailing every month - once or twice a year is sufficient for most people. However, keeping up with the simpler tasks - like washing the outside of your car and ensuring that your windows are clean - should be done more often.

So what are some ways you can keep your vehicle in great shape?

Washing

Start with a thorough, exterior wash. Keeping the outside of your vehicle clean from dust, grime, and salt will help prevent rust and corrosion. These lead to decreased value and can even eat away at the components of your vehicle's structure over time, causing much bigger problems.

You can wash your car yourself with a high-quality car wash shampoo and soft microfiber mitt. In addition, don't forget to clean your tires! You can use a bristled brush and some water and dish soap for this part of the job.

Or, of course, you can take it through your local car wash!

Interior detailing

Next, focus on this inside (where you'll get to experience the reward of a clear car every time you drive!).

Remove the loose carpets and vacuum all of the carpets and upholstery. Then, use a gentle cleaner for surfaces like the dashboard, console, and door panels. If you have leather seats, use a leather conditioner to keep them supple and crack-free.

Glass cleaning

Crystal-clear windows enhance the overall appearance of your car. Of course, they also help you see your surroundings without having to look past dirt and tiny bugs on your windshield!

Use a dedicated glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean both the inside and outside of your windows. For stubborn stains or water spots, a mixture of vinegar and water can work wonders.

Polishing

After your vehicle's surface is clean, a quality polish can help to enhance the paint's depth and shine. A dual-action polisher makes this process more efficient and helps prevent swirl marks. Follow up with a fine-grade polish to refine the finish further.

Wax and Sealant

Waxing not only adds a brilliant shine but also acts as a protective barrier against the elements. Apply a high-quality carnauba wax or synthetic sealant to shield the paint from UV rays, bird droppings, and other contaminants. Regular waxing can extend the life of your paint job.

Establishing a Car Detailing Routine

The best way to make sure that your vehicle stays in great shape is to develop routines. Routine oil changes, maintenance and fluid checks, washes, and in-depth car detailing will keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Stay in Touch with Us to Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained

At Tillema Auto, our service department offers everything from regular oil changes to sizable repairs. We're here to help you keep a well-maintained vehicle that you can trust.

Give us a call at 616-878-5991 to schedule a maintenance appointment or look for your next vehicle!

Scheduling regular oil changes and basic vehicle maintenance are an important way to preserve your engine's health and make sure that your car continues to run smoothly for many years to come. At Tillema Auto, we pride ourselves on being one of the top auto shops for oil changes in the Byron Center area. We're happy to assist you in keeping your car in tip-top shape so that you can depend on it to get you where you need to go.

Why Are Regular Oil Changes Important?

Regular oil changes are essential for the health and longevity of your vehicle's engine. Why? Well, engine oil serves as a lubricant that reduces friction between moving parts. This lubricant prevents excessive wear and tear.

Over time, the oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts, therefore losing its effectiveness. When you neglect to change your oil, it can lead to increased engine friction, overheating, and even engine damage.

Routine oil changes help maintain optimal engine performance, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. By sticking to a regular oil change schedule, you're not just ensuring a smoother, more reliable ride, but also protecting your investment in your car and potentially avoiding costly repairs down the road.

How often should you change your oil?

Our recommendation is to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles if you're using semi-synthetic oil. Using full synthetic, you should change your oil approximately every 5,000 miles.

Some manufacturers will suggest longer intervals. However, in order to keep your engine well lubricated and preserve your engine's health to extend its lifetime as long as possible, we recommend sticking with 3,000/5,000 miles (depending on the type of oil you use).

Regular Car Maintenance for Michigan Residents

Although many car maintenance practices are universal for nearly all vehicle owners, there are also certain practices that are especially applicable to Michigan residents. If you live in Michigan, what types of vehicle maintenance should you be getting on a regular basis?

• Oil changes. Oil changes are one of those tasks that everyone who drives a car needs to do. As we mentioned above, oil changes preserve your engine's health and prevent damage.

• Tire rotation and care. Everyone needs to make sure that their tires are rotated regularly, have the correct pressure, and are replaced before the tread gets too low. But Michigan residents should also consider switching out your all-season tires for winter tires during the snowy and icy months. This is the best option for maintaining traction on slippery roads.

• Top off your fluids. It's important to make sure that your fluids - such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid - are topped off and clean.

• Wash your vehicle. The salt from Michigan roads can quickly damage the paint and frame of your vehicle, causing rust and other issues. Washing your vehicle regularly helps to keep it clean from salt and preserve its paint and frame for as long as possible.

What's Included in an Oil Change at Tillema Auto?

At Tillema Auto's service center, we check on your vehicle's vital components during your oil change to make sure that you're road ready. Oil changes include not only changing the oil, but also checking the filter and all of your vehicle's fluid levels. In addition, we'll check your tire pressure and all of the major components of your vehicle.

Schedule Your Oil Change at Tillema Auto!

At Tillema Auto, our service center is standing by, ready to help with your vehicle's needs. We want to help you make sure that your vehicle is in good shape and will get you where you need to go safely. Call us at 616-878-5991 today!