Summer brings warm weather, fun days, and long nights. If long drives and road trips are on your summer agenda, you should make sure your car is in top condition. These summer maintenance tips can help keep your car in top shape. Check Your Air Conditioning With summer comes heat which means you're going to want to use your air conditioning more. As the temperature rises and humidity sets in, you will work your air conditioning much harder. Unless you live in a warm climate, chances are you aren't using your air conditioning in the winter. If you only get hot air coming out of your air conditioner, it may need a refrigerant charge. Refrigerant may give your air conditioning a boost, but if that doesn't work, you may need to contact a car mechanic. Tire Pressure Winter can wreak havoc on your tires. Before you take any long drives, you should check the pressure in your tires. You want to make sure they aren't over or under-inflated. Most tires should be between 30 and 35 pounds per square inch (PSI). If you aren't sure what your tire pressure should be, you can check your owner's manual for specific information about your tires. When your tires are underinflated, they may go flat. When they are overinflated, you can risk a tire blowout. Having properly inflated tires ensures that you can get the most out of your gas, especially on longer car rides. If you have a spare tire, you should also check the tire pressure in your spare to ensure it's available in case you have an emergency. Engine Fluids As the weather changes and temperatures fluctuate, it can cause your engine fluids to thin or evaporate. This causes you to have low engine fluid. You should check and top off your power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. The coolant in your car keeps it from overheating, so it's important that you check the fluid level at the start of summer and throughout the summer. If you don't feel comfortable checking the fluid levels in your car, bring it into Coulter INFINITI and our experienced technicians will check out your vehicle. Oil and Filter Change You should have your oil and filter changed regularly and not just in the summer months. However, if you haven't had this service in a while, the summer is the perfect time to have it done. This is one of the easiest ways to increase the life of your vehicle. Oil lubrication keeps your engine safe from wear and tear. An oil filter helps to remove contaminants from the oil in your engine. When you don't have regular and routine oil changes, it can cause expensive problems, including particle buildup that wears down vital parts of your engine. It's advisable to have an oil change every 5,000 miles. Don't Forget the Brakes You should always have an awareness of how your brakes are performing. Your brakes may need some assistance after a particularly harsh winter. Your brakes are an essential part of your car. You use them every time you drive. If you aren't sure about the condition of your brakes, you can perform a brake test. It's a good idea to do this several times throughout the year. When testing your brakes, pay attention to stopping performance. You also want to listen for odd sounds like squealing, growling, or rubbing. You should also pay attention to whether or not your car is pulling to one side when you press the brake pedal. If you notice any of these signs, you should have a technician perform an inspection on your brakes and potentially have them repaired or replaced. These are just a few ways you can prepare your car for the summer. You should perform some of these tests throughout the year, but especially if you plan to take a road trip or long drives. If you don't feel comfortable performing these inspections on your car yourself, schedule an appointment with us at Coulter INFINITI. Our knowledgeable technicians will inspect your vehicle and get you summer road ready.
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Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change
An oil change is one of the most important services that you can perform on your car. Focusing on preventative maintenance ensures you keep your car running efficiently. You can avoid a lot of expensive and inconvenient repairs simply by learning when it's time to schedule an oil change. At Coulter INFINITI, we have a comprehensive service center where we can perform oil changes and other services your vehicle may need. Not sure if you need an oil change? We're here to help. 7 Signs You Need Your Oil Changed It's Your Scheduled Time Your owner's manual will provide you with a recommendation on how often you should change your oil. Depending on the engine, it may be every 3 months/3,000 miles or even every 5 months/5,000 miles. Obviously, the more time you spend on the road, the more frequently you should be getting oil changes. If you can't remember the last time you got your oil change or the sticker from the last oil change shows that you're overdue, you'll want to get scheduled with a service center right away. The Oil Level is Too Low Oil levels should be maintained so that it can lubricate all the moving parts of your engine. If there's not enough oil, it can lead to burning smells, grinding gears, and more. The oil level is something that you can check on your own. Just pop the hood and use the dipstick inside of the oil reservoir. If the oil level is lower than what is indicated, it's time to get an oil change. The Oil Consistency is Off Just as you can check the oil level with your dipstick, you can do the same to check the oil consistency. If it looks a bit too sludgy, it's because you need an oil change. Often, as the oil is filtered again and again, your filter gets clogged - and that makes it hard to keep the oil at the proper consistency. Once it becomes too much like sludge, it can end up clogging various systems and be ineffective at lubricating the various parts. As such, you'll want an oil change so that your oil filter can be changed, and all the old oil can be drained out and replaced with new oil. There's Exhaust Smoke Oil is meant to run through your vehicle smoothly. If it starts to get too thick or has too many contaminants inside, it can become unfit for the engine. When that happens, you'll often see smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. You may even notice a burning smell. The smoke is usually a tell-tale sign that you need an oil change. There are Vibrations and/or Knocking Sounds Oil is what lubricates the various parts so that everything runs smoothly. If you start to hear knocking sounds, it's usually because there is insufficient lubrication. The vibrations in the steering wheel and the overall vehicle (especially when it's idling) are because the engine is struggling without the lubricant. A routine oil change will usually eliminate the vibrations and the knocking sounds. Your "Check Engine" Light is On Most cars today run diagnostics to help you avoid major problems with the engine. If your "check engine" light comes on, it's usually because diagnostics have indicated that there's a problem. You don't want to ignore the light or clear the code without talking to a certified technician. Often, the light comes on because your oil is not at the right consistency, it is too low, or it is creating too much exhaust smoke. Fuel Efficiency Has Dropped One of the top reasons to get an oil change is because it can help you to maximize your fuel efficiency. Gas is expensive, so you want to get as many miles on a tank as possible. If you start to notice that you're not getting the same number of miles that you used to, it may be that your engine is having to work harder. Routine oil changes help with engine performance. So, if your engine isn't performing properly, it will impact fuel efficiency. Rather than wait to see if the fuel mileage improves naturally, get scheduled for an oil change. Schedule Your Oil Change Today When you buy a car, your goal should be to take care of it so that it goes on to last for as long as possible. Many engines can easily go 200,000 miles or more with the right amount of preventative maintenance. Oil changes are easy to schedule at Coulter INFINITI. When you're ready for your oil change, call us or schedule an appointment online.
How Do I Know It's Time for a Wheel Alignment?
Your vehicle represents a major investment. However, the investment doesn't stop at the initial purchase. To protect and ensure the life of your vehicle, it's imperative to have regular preventative maintenance. While everyone knows about the importance of an oil change, having regular wheel alignments holds a place in the preventative maintenance hierarchy as well. Simply put, wheel alignment improves the safety of your vehicle by keeping the right amount of tire in contact with the road. Wheel alignment also prevents your vehicle from pulling too much to the right or left. Even so, many customers often ask us, "What is a wheel alignment" and "How do I know when it's time for a wheel alignment?" Fortunately, the team at the Coulter INFINITI Service Center has you covered. Let's take a closer look at the wheel alignment service as well as a few tell-tale signs that you need to have your wheels aligned. What Is a Wheel Alignment? While the name of the service is "wheel" alignment or "tire" alignment, it actually has very little - if anything - to do with your wheels or tires. A wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your vehicle's suspension. The suspension system is tasked with connecting the vehicle to the wheels, which determines the way your vehicle and tires make contact with the road. How Often Should I Have My Wheels Realigned? You should have your vehicle's alignment inspected and realigned at least twice a year or whenever you purchase new tires. You may need to have your wheels aligned more often depending on your driving habits. You should also have a wheel alignment or inspection if: You venture off-road often, You have a sharp impact with a pothole or curb, You notice your tires are wearing unevenly, You have other suspension parts replaced, You have steering components replaced, Notice your vehicle pulls or drifts to one side, You lower or raise your vehicle, You get in an accident, or You notice your steering wheel isn't centered when your tires are pointing straight. What Are the Signs I Need Wheel Alignment? As with most parts of your vehicle, it may offer distinct signs that your wheels are out of alignment. Here are the most tell-tale signs that your wheels need to be realigned: A crooked steering wheel. If you are driving straight and your steering wheel is crooked, you may need a wheel alignment. One simple test is to pay attention to your steering wheel logo. It should be straight if you're driving straight on a road. The tires wear too quickly. Every tire has a mileage rating, which indicates how many miles you should travel before needing to replace the tires. In the event your tires wear significantly faster than the rating, you should have your alignment inspected. Your tires wear unevenly. When you have your tires properly rotated, they should wear evenly. However, if your tires are wearing unevenly, you could need a wheel alignment. Weird noises from the steering system. Your vehicle is designed to make noises, but hearing strange noises from the steering system could indicate you need a wheel alignment. The vehicle pulls to the left or right. When driving on a straight road, your wheels should generally continue straight and hold the path. But if your vehicle veers to the right or left, you may need a wheel alignment. Squealing tires. When you turn corners, your tires shouldn't squeal. If they do, it's most likely due to a misaligned suspension. Why Should I Have a Wheel Alignment? At the very core, having properly aligned tires will ensure you enjoy the best possible driving experience. On the other hand, if your vehicle is out of alignment, steering could be more difficult. It could hinder your ability to do quick maneuvers, which could spell disaster in an emergency situation. In addition, proper wheel alignment can help your tires last longer and deliver a smoother drive by ensuring all wheels are pointed in the proper direction. And, poor wheel alignment can cause your vehicle to guzzle gas more quickly, reducing your MPGs. Simply put, it makes dollars and sense to have your wheels realigned. Contact Coulter INFINITI for Wheel Alignments Although proper tire alignment is extremely important, it's often overlooked. Part of this may be due to the fact that tire misalignment can be very subtle. Fortunately, the experts at Coulter INFINITI can help. Our ASE-Certified mechanics can perform fast and efficient wheel alignment inspections. We leverage the latest and most advanced precision equipment coupled with the best expertise to check your alignment and repair as needed. Contact Coulter INFINITI today for wheel alignment services.
Coulter INFINITI: Your Choice Dealership Destination near Phoenix, AZ
If you live in the local Phoenix area, you understand just how important it is to have access to a reliable vehicle. That is where we can help you. At Coulter INFINITI, we are proud to serve local INFINITI drivers in the Phoenix area. In addition to serving the Phoenix area, we serve drivers from surrounding towns as well. Examples include Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, and Scottsdale. You need to have access to an expert mechanic who can help you not only find the right vehicle but also take care of it. Learn more about our services below, and contact us today to schedule an appointment. A Wide Selection of Vehicles of All Types One of the biggest reasons why drivers in the local area consistently trust us is that we give you access to a wide selection of vehicles of all types. We understand that there are a lot of drivers in the local Phoenix area who want to drive a new car that has not been driven by anybody else. If you are looking for a brand new vehicle, we are always one of the first dealerships in the area to get new vehicles on the lot. On the other hand, we know that there are a lot of drivers who would like to save money by going with a used vehicle. Because so many drivers in the local area trust us, they come to us when they want to trade in their vehicles. That means that we have a wide selection of used cars as well. Test drive a few of our cars if you want to find the perfect ride for your style. Pre-Order Your Vehicle If you want to save time and design your perfect vehicle from the ground up, we give you the option to pre-order your vehicle online. We have worked hard to maximize our user interface and make it as easy as possible for you to find the right vehicle. If you would like to learn more about the pre-ordering option we have available, a member of our team would be happy to help you. If there's a specific feature you are looking for, we can assist you. Our Service Center Deals We know that you want to get as many miles as possible out of your vehicle, and that is why we have one of the top service centers in the local area as well. We encourage you to work with our team to stay up-to-date on routine maintenance. That way, you can add years of life to your vehicle and maximize its efficiency. If you decide to service your vehicle with us, we will give you a 24-point inspection, fluid level check, battery check, tire check, and brake check free of charge. That way, when your vehicle rolls out of our dealership, you know it is working appropriately. Count on Our Mechanics We know that you have options if you are looking for mechanics to take care of your car, but you should count on our team to help you. All of our mechanics are properly licensed and insured, which is important for giving you the protection you require. Furthermore, we have years of experience working on Infinities of all types, so we can help you take care of your vehicle as well. If you want to experience the difference for yourself, make an appointment with our team today. Count on Coulter INFINITI. Contact Coulter INFINITI Near Phoenix Today Regardless of whether you live in Phoenix, Mesa Grande, Chandler, or Chandler Heights, you deserve to have access to a reliable dealership that can help you take care of your vehicle. That is where our team comes into play. We have an unparalleled level of experience in our field, and we can use all of our resources to help you take care of your vehicle. If you want your INFINITI to last as long as possible, count on our team to help you. Contact us today with any questions or concerns, and swing by our dealership if you would like to test drive some of the cars we have in stock.
Oil Change Frequently Asked Questions
At Coulter INFINITI, our factory-certified automotive techs regularly perform different kinds of maintenance to keep your vehicle running at its best. An oil change is one common task and if you've ever had questions about it, check the following for answers. What Does Oil Do? Your car engine consists of many moving parts, such as pistons, valves, and the camshaft, that would rub against each other if it weren't for motor oil. This liquid's main function is to minimize friction and reduce wear while ensuring that engine parts move smoothly. Your engine then lasts longer with fewer mechanical breakdowns. Oil also transfers heat. Due to friction, the movement of parts creates heat in your engine block that could cause a fire if not dissipated. The oil absorbs the heat and discharges some of it in the oil pan where the fluid is stored. Finally, the oil contains additives, such as detergents and friction modifiers, which prevent the buildup of dirt and grime in your engine. It helps prevent sludge, protect engine components, and increase operating efficiency. How Do I Know When I Need an Oil Change? Your car tells you when you need an oil change through the following signs: The Oil Change light comes on, which indicates that your vehicle does not have sufficient oil. You can check the dipstick to see if you have enough of the fluid and add more oil as a temporary stopgap until you see a mechanic. Your owner's manual will tell you how to check the dipstick. You hear knocking and other engine noises. When you don't have sufficient oil to prevent components from brushing against each other, you'll hear all kinds of rumbling and knocking as one component hits another. Your engine may be slowly falling apart without oil. The smell of oil fills your car's interior. This can be caused by an oil leak or an overheating engine. Smoke from the exhaust. If dark smoke rather than a milky vapor comes out of your tailpipe, you may have an oil leak. How Often Should I Get an Oil Change? You don't want your vehicle to get to the point of showing any signs that it needs an oil change. Instead, you should follow the recommended schedule listed in your owner's manual, which is typically every 7,000 to 10,000 miles or about twice a year for newer models. Older cars may need oil changes every 3,000 miles. Can I Change My Own Oil? Yes, oil changes are something you can do yourself, and the procedures are listed in your owner's manual. However, the process can be dirty, especially if the oil spurts out in a direction that you're not expecting. You may make amateur mistakes, such as using the wrong oil or not noticing a leak or other problem. You'll also need to own tools such as a rubber mallet and wrenches, as well as the oil, a container to hold used oil, an oil filter, and oil filter gasket. You also have to bring your old oil and filter to a facility where it can be properly discarded. However, oil changes are free for the first year of owning your INFINITI. After that, the cost difference between you and a professional for your own changes my amount to under $20. You have to decide whether the inconvenience is worth the cost savings. What Happens During an Oil Change? The mechanics at Coulter INFINITI remove the dirty old oil, which may be full of sludge, from your engine and replace it with an oil that is suited to your car's needs, whether it's a synthetic blend, fully synthetic, high mileage, or conventional. We also change your oil filter, which may have become saturated with gunk and other detrimental substances. Finally, we perform other tasks, such as: Check other essential fluids and top them off as needed. Look for leaks throughout the engine. Battery test Brake Inspection Check belts and hoses, tire pressure, and undercarriage for any damage. Give the exterior of your vehicle a complimentary car wash. You can wait in our customer lounge while enjoying complimentary coffee and snacks. If you need to get going, we offer Lyft service to and from an agreed-on destination.
The Benefits of Serving your Vehicle with a Dealership
Are you concerned that something is wrong with your vehicle? If so, you need to work with the right team. At Coulter INFINITI, we encourage all of our drivers to work with a local dealership. You need to work with someone who has the right level of training and experience to help you take care of your vehicle. At Coulter INFINITI, our team has an unparalleled level of experience, and we can leverage all of it to provide you with the service you deserve. Learn more about some of the benefits of working with a local dealership, and contact us today to make an appointment with a member of our team. Fast Service Without a doubt, one of the first reasons why you need to partner with a local dealership is that you get access to fast service. Your time is valuable, and you need to make sure you do not spend more time at the dealership than you have to. If you want to get your car in and out as quickly as possible, you need to go to a local dealership. For example, we have a very large department, so we can handle a large number of cars at the same time. Therefore, we can get you in and out as quickly as possible without sacrificing the level of service you received. The Best Products You also need to make sure that the best possible products are being used on your vehicle. For example, if you go to the local dealership for an oil change, you need to get access to the best oil. If you have a problem with your air conditioner and you need to get it repaired, you need to know that you are getting the right refrigerator. If you do not go to a local dealership, you do not know if you are getting quality parts and service. At Coulter INFINITI, we always use the best parts on your vehicle, so you know that your car will work well when it rolls off of our lot. The Right Training If you do not go to a local dealership, how do you know that the person has the right level of training to work on your vehicle? At Coulter INFINITI, all of our mechanics are properly licensed and insured. This means that they have proven that they have the right level of experience to work on your vehicle. Furthermore, we have many years of experience serving the local area. During the time that we have been in the industry, we have stayed on top of the latest advancements in our field. That is how you know you are working with mechanics that have the right experience to help you take care of your car. Transparent Estimates Finally, we understand that when you come to our dealership, you are concerned about how much money it will cost. You can rest easy knowing that we will always provide you with an open, honest, and transparent estimate before we get started. You will never have to worry about being surprised by hidden fees, and we will always work with your insurance company when you can. We have developed our reputation in the local area by always taking care of our customers. We will never charge you for something you do not require. If you have questions about pricing, simply reach out to us and ask. Call Coulter INFINITI To Make an Appointment In the end, these are just a few of the top reasons why you should trust a local dealership to help you. At Coulter INFINITI, we always put the needs of our drivers first, and we believe that this is reflected in the quality of the service you will receive if you partner with our team. We know that you have choices, but we encourage you to reach out to us to speak to our service center. We will provide you with the service you are looking for. If you would like to learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today to make an appointment with a member of our team.
Reasons Your Car Won't Start
You have your bags packed in the trunk, your airline ticket in hand and a coffee to go. You jump into the vehicle and reach for the ignition. Click, click, click. Your vehicle will not start and that means you could be late for your flight. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out why your car will not start. It could be electrical. It could be mechanical. What are you supposed to do? The best way to ensure that your electrical and mechanical systems are always operating at their best is to regularly maintain and inspect them. Schedule an appointment with the service professionals at Coulter INFINITI to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But for now, let's review the main reasons why your car will not start, from the easy to the not-so-easy problems to fix. Easy fixes that you can check One of the first things you should do if you are having trouble starting your car is to check that the steering wheel is not locked. Make sure it is in the proper position so that your ignition can properly engage. Another obvious fix, although one you may not think of immediately, is to ensure that your vehicle has fuel. Even if your gas gauge is not empty, it is possible that your vehicle needs gas if your gauge is not working properly. Battery issues If something easy to fix is not a problem, then it could be that your vehicle is having problems with its charging system. A dead battery, or a weak one, is one of the most common reasons that a car will not start. The ignition in your vehicle is one of the biggest draws on your battery. Even if your battery is a little weak, you could have trouble starting your car. You could get the vehicle jump-started and allow the battery to charge more. But it is possible that it is not holding an adequate charge or that there is another problem that is not allowing it to adequately charge. You should have your vehicle's charging system inspected by the certified service technicians at Coulter INFINITI. It is also possible that your battery cables or connections are not connecting properly. This could be because of corrosion or an issue with your cables. Make sure your battery posts are free of corrosion and the battery connections are secure. If you are having trouble with the connections, contact your Coulter INFINITI parts specialists to ensure you get proper battery connections for your vehicle. Faulty timing belt One of the components in your vehicle that ensures that the engine's valves open and close properly is the timing belt. This belt can wear over time, making it difficult for the proper opening and closing of the engine's valves so that the valves and pistons do not touch. If your timing belt is faulty, this can cause severe engine damage which could require a full replacement. Manufacturers require the replacement of timing belts within various intervals, typically anywhere from 60,000 miles to 75,000 miles, or every five years for vehicles that are not driven much. Your certified service technician at Coulter INFINITI also can identify worn timing belts or look for symptoms of a failing timing belt before it leaves you stranded and risks damage to your engine. Engine coils and spark plugs Your vehicle may not be starting, thanks to a broken or cracked distributor cap. The distributor cap distributes voltage from the engine's ignition coil to the spark plugs. The cap can malfunction and lead to problems for your car if moisture gets under the cap. If the cap is not damaged, it is possible to dry the cap and clean it to make sure it can work properly when reinstalled. If the cap is damaged, you will need to have it replaced. Your service technician and parts experts at Coulter INFINITI can help you. Your vehicle also could have a faulty ignition coil, which transforms a battery's voltage into an electrical spark. If you have a damaged ignition coil, it means your vehicle is having trouble generating a spark to start. Your certified service professionals at Coulter INFINITI can measure the electrical current, voltage and resistance generated to determine the strength of the current running through your coil. Clogged fuel filter The fuel filter in your vehicle ensures that clean fuel reaches the engine. If your fuel filter is clogged, your engine will not receive enough fuel to operate properly. It is important to inspect the fuel filter and to change it with the proper part obtained with the help of your Coulter INFINITI parts department. You should make sure that your vehicle's fuel filter is inspected regularly as part of a comprehensive maintenance schedule developed for your car. Give your vehicle the attention it deserves You want to make sure that your vehicle starts every time you get in it. You can keep it running and starting properly with regular maintenance and professional service. Contact Coulter INFINITI today to arrange a thorough inspection of your vehicle's major components.
How to Check Your Vehicle's Fluids
Your vehicle consists of many parts and components that move at rapid rates while the vehicle is in motion. To keep the parts of your vehicle from damaging one another as they make contact with each other, your vehicle has various fluids that it uses. Many of these fluids will wear out and break down over time as you drive your vehicle. Therefore, you need to check the fluids of your vehicle to make sure that the vehicle continually has what it needs to continue running smoothly. Oil Change Oil is one of the most important fluids for your vehicle's engine. Oil keeps the components in the engine lubricated, cool, and clean. There are several different methods that you can use to check the oil level of your vehicle's engine. If your vehicle has a dipstick in its engine, then you should use the dipstick to check the oil level of the engine, as it is the quickest and easiest method. To check the oil level of your vehicle's engine using a dipstick, you first need to park the vehicle on an even surface. Once you have parked the vehicle, locate the dipstick in the vehicle's engine and remove the dipstick from its tube. Use a rag and wipe off any oil that is on the dipstick after you have removed it from the tube. After wiping the old oil off of the engine's dipstick, place the dipstick back into its tube and remove it once again. Use the "minimum" and "maximum" markings on the dipstick to determine if there is enough oil in your vehicle's engine. As you check the oil level of your vehicle's engine, also check the color of the oil to make sure that it is the right shade of color. Coolant and Antifreeze Coolant and antifreeze are the same fluid. Coolant, also referred to as antifreeze, keeps your engine cool when it is hot and prevents the engine from freezing when the weather is below freezing temperatures. Coolant continually runs through your vehicle's cooling system as the vehicle runs. Checking the coolant of your vehicle is simple. You will need to locate your vehicle's coolant reservoir, which is normally clear and located near the radiator of vehicles and read the markings that are on the reservoir. Make sure that your vehicle's coolant level is between the "minimum" and "maximum" markings of the reservoir. Additionally, do not open the reservoir until your vehicle's engine has properly cooled down, as the cooling system of your vehicle will be pressurized and hot after the vehicle's engine has just been shut off. Brake Fluid Brake fluid is essential for the brake systems of most vehicles to function properly. The fluid is used in a brake system to apply more pressure to the vehicle's brake pads, allowing the vehicle to stop more effectively. Most vehicles would be unable to stop without enough brake fluid in their brake systems. You will see a clear reservoir in the engine bay of your vehicle for the vehicle's brake fluid. Once you have located the brake fluid reservoir of your vehicle, make sure that the fluid is between the "minimum" and "maximum" markings of the reservoir. Additionally, check the color of the brake fluid to make sure that it isn't contaminated. Power Steering Fluid Power steering systems are equipped on most vehicles and almost every modern vehicle. However, not every vehicle has power steering. In fact, many newer vehicles have electric steering systems. If your vehicle has a power steering system, then you will need to check the system to make sure that it has enough fluid. To check the power steering fluid of your vehicle, you will first need to locate the reservoir for the fluid. Power steering fluid reservoirs come in many different styles and sizes. Once you have located the reservoir, however, look for the "minimum" and "maximum" markings that are on the reservoir. Make sure that the amount of power steering fluid that is in your vehicle's power steering fluid reservoir is between the two markings. Visit Coulter INFINITI Your vehicle relies on several different fluids as it runs. You need to routinely check each of the fluids of your vehicle to maintain the condition of the vehicle. Make sure that each of the fluids in your vehicle is clean and is at the proper level for your vehicle. At Coulter INFINITI, we will provide you with the products and services that you need to keep your vehicle running optimally. Visit us so that we can service your vehicle or provide you with additional information.
How to Fix a Flat in Under Fifteen Minutes
A flat tire in front of your house can be a big inconvenience. A flat tire on the road, however, may add an element of danger, as well. If you are like most drivers today, you probably have never had cause to change a flat. Modern radial tires resist punctures more so than their predecessors. So, if you find yourself in the unenviable predicament of having to fix a flat tire, here's a short guide that can help you get it done in less than 15 minutes. Step One Find a Safe Location - The moment you notice an issue, pull over and find a safe spot to get to work. Step Two Get the Spare Tire Ready - For most cars and SUVs, it will be located in the trunk or the rear cargo space along with your vehicle's jack and lug wrench. On a pickup truck, the spare may be found under the rear end of the vehicle. Check the owner's manual if you have trouble locating it. Place the spare tire near the tire that needs changing. If the spare is a "donut" type (a smaller temporary tire), it cannot go on a drive wheel. That means if your vehicle has a front-wheel-drive, the donut spare may only be used on the rear wheel and vice-versa for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Unfortunately, in this situation, when the flat tire is on a drive wheel, you will need to replace it with a tire from one of your vehicle's non-drive wheels, and place the smaller spare on the now-empty wheel. A full-size spare tire, however, can replace any tire on the vehicle. Step Three Place a Chock and Engage the Parking Brake - Chock the wheels at the opposite end of the vehicle from where the flat is located, and engage the parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling. Step Four Place the Floor Jack - Check the owner's manual for what's known as "jack points." Jack Points are areas of the chassis designed to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the vehicle. Also, make sure the jack sits on a relatively level and flat surface. Step Five Jack Up the Vehicle - Pump the jack until it begins to make contact with the chassis. Make sure it remains perpendicular to and sits solidly on the ground. Continue to raise the vehicle enough so that its weight is concentrated on the jack and off the flat tire (but not so high that the wheel can spin). Loosen each lug slightly - this may take some effort - so that they will come off easily when you are ready. Now, continue to jack up the vehicle until the flat tire is at least an inch off the ground. If the jack starts to tilt, or its base comes off the ground, lower the vehicle, reposition the jack, and start over. Step Six Swap the Tire - Now that the flat tire is off the ground, finish removing the lug nuts and place them somewhere safe - away from any storm drains, and such. Remove the flat tire by lifting it with both hands and sliding it towards you until it is completely clear of the wheel bolts. Let the flat tire drop to the ground and roll it to somewhere out of the way. Roll the replacement tire into position in front of the bare wheel hub. Line up its holes with the wheel bolts which should be slightly higher than the holes - you may need to jack the vehicle up a bit more. Lift the tire into place and slide it onto the wheel hub. Replace the lug nuts and tighten each as far as possible without causing the wheel to spin. Step Seven Lower the Vehicle - Let the vehicle down far enough so that a little of its weight rests on the spare. Use the lug wrench and completely tighten each nut. Do this in a pattern by first tightening one, and then tightening the one directly across from it. Continue this process until each nut feels completely tightened. Finally, lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle completely rests on the spare, lower the floor jack so that it fits back in its original spot in the vehicle. Check the lug nuts again for security and tightness. Place the flat tire in the trunk or cargo area and clean up. Step Eight Have the Tire Repaired or Replaced - Now for the easy part. Stop by your nearest repair shop - or Coulter INFINITI of Mesa, Arizona, if you're in the area. Let our service professionals recommend the best course of action for your damaged tire. Have fun and browse our large selection of new and pre-owned INFINITI vehicles while you wait. Congratulations on a job well done.