Posted on 12/17/2014
Perform Transmission Fluid Service By ‘Severe Duty’ Change Intervalby AutoCarePro Team - Nov 18, 2014 Improved lubricants have allowed service intervals to extend for many vehicles with automatic transmissions, utilizing “lifetime fluids.” In the past, service recommendations for automatic transmissions were based on time/mileage tied to requirements of new vehicle warranties (2-3 years or 30,000 miles). Lifetime fluid recommendations are now 5-10 years or the life of the vehicle (100,000 miles) unless the vehicle is subjected to “severe duty.” The question that often comes up next: When is it appropriate to perform a fluid service? Taken directly from OEM owners’ manuals, “severe duty” has historically been defined as: • Operation o ... read more
Posted on 1/3/2014
We are running into more and more cases of carbon build up in the throttle bodies and intake manifolds of VW TDIs. This is due to lack of maintenance. If you do not change you oil atthe recommended intervals and do not have a induction service performed regularly, this will most likely happen to your TDI. Oil vapor from the PCV system gets in to the intake manifold and starts building up as carbon. If it is not cleaned out regularly using a induction cleaning machine and induction cleaning chemicals soon the carbon build-up will restrict the air flow to your engine causing a hard start problem when cold, a lack of power, black smoke out the tailpipe and poor fuel economy. In some cases you may also get a Check Engine Light. If you have let your ... read more