Preventive Maintenance

OIL CHANGES

WildCards Automotive is an oil change and lube expert. We have synthetic oil available, to better protect your engine and enhance your car’s performance, not to mention synthetic oil is resistant to heat and viscosity breakdown.

It’s recommended that you change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles to help keep your car running at peak performance.
 

One of the most common mistakes you can make with your car is to let things slide when it comes to something as simple as an oil change.  Properly scheduled oil changes can help your car last a long long time.  

ANTIFREEZE

Antifreeze does not just keep your engine from freezing; it keeps it from getting too hot as well.  So antifreeze is important all year round.

Cooling system failure is the number one cause of engine-related breakdowns. That’s why it’s just as important to check your antifreeze as it is to check your oil and brakes.

WildCards Automotive can inspect your radiator to check for leaks and can also perform a complete flush and fill, which we recommend every two years. Your engine produces enough heat to destroy itself.  Don’t let it. 
 

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for all the moving parts in your transmission.  Automatic transmission fluid also acts as a coolant and helps transmit power from the engine to the transmission.

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, or stick shift, your manufacturer recommends changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.  The service interval for an automatic transmission is every 60,000-80,000 miles; although it’s not a bad idea to have it checked more frequently.

That’s because if there’s a leak and your transmission fluid levels drop, you may not know about it until it’s too late.  Chances are you won’t hear any noise or get any other identifiable clues. 
 

BRAKE FLUID
 

Obviously, anything to do with your brakes is extremely important to your safety.  Maintaining proper brake fluid levels in your master cylinder reservoir is no exception.  You should have your brake fluid checked every time you have your oil changed.  

Brake fluid delivers force to various parts of the brake when you step on the pedal.

During a free brake inspection, WildCards Automotive will check your brake fluid levels as well as make sure your shoes or pads, drums, rotors, wheel bearings, anti-lock brakes (abs) and emergency brake system are all in good, safe working order.

It’s also recommended you have a hydraulic system flush periodically. For your specific vehicle, always consult your owners manual for additional service information.

Not only can proper tire rotation help your car drive better, it can save you money.

Did you know . . .According to recent study by the National Transportation and Safety Administration, (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) more than 25% of all passenger cars and more than 33% of all light trucks have under inflated tires.  What does this mean to you?

• Lower gas mileage - lower tire pressure means lower gas mileage. For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1%!
• Tire Failure - under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
   
• Faster Tread wear - lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement.
• Poorer handling - the point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle. Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.

Most experts agree that you should rotate your tires every 6,000 miles.  High performance tires should be rotated more often—every 3,000-5,000 miles. 

Tire rotation is a good way to head off more serious problems as well.  Our trained technicians offer a free inspection of your tires with every rotation. We check your tires for any abnormal signs of wear, lack of proper inflation and road damage.  If you do need new tires, we carry name brand touring tires, performance tires and more.  Of course, we will show you exactly what and where the tire damage is before making any decisions about replacement.

Proper balance is also important to extend the life of your tires.  If we notice your wheels are out of balance, our trained technicians can perform wheel balancing as well.

When it comes to anything to do with tires, from tire rotation to tire replacement, WildCards Automotive is the perfect place to come for this important service.  We’re experts at all makes and models of vehicles:  foreign, domestic, SUV and light trucks. 
 

BELTS

Timing belt
 

The timing belt is a notched rubber belt that allows the crankshaft to turn the camshaft.  The camshaft opens and closes the valves in synchronicity with the movement of the pistons.  Thus the name, “timing belt.”  A timing belt may also be called a Gilmer belt or a camshaft drive belt.

If your timing belt breaks, your engine will stop working, stranding you wherever you may be.  Even worse, it could cause major engine damage.  That’s why it’s important to have your timing belt regularly inspected by your WildCards Automotive.

We will  look for two things—wear and slippage.  Cracks or stripping indicate it’s time for belt replacement. If the belt is loose or it’s slipped, the valves could open and the wrong time and be struck by the pistons, causing major damage. Once again, a good reason for an inspection by WildCards Automotive.

Warning sounds include a slapping noise coming from your engine. This indicates a slipped belt.

Generally, timing belts should be replaced every fifty to sixty thousand miles.

Serpentine belt

Serpentine belts, also known as drive belts, provide power to the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, cooling fan and air injection pump and more.

If your serpentine belt breaks, all of the engine parts it is powering will stop working. Your engine could overheat and be damaged. It’s very important to have your serpentine belt inspected by WildCards Automotive..

We will look for cracks, wear, and stripping—all signs your serpentine belt is in danger of failing. Like the timing belt, it’s recommended to have your serpentine belt inspected every time you have your oil changed.

Warning sounds include a screeching noise coming from your engine, especially during start-ups on cold mornings or on sharp turns.

Studies have shown that serpentine belts most often fail between 36,000-50,000 miles. Most experts recommend you have your belt replaced earlier.

Hoses

Coolant hoses include the upper radiator hose, the lower radiator hose, heater hoses and in some cars the bypass hose.

Hoses provide a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator and the engine and the heating block.

WildCards Automotive recommends you have your vehicle hoses—and accompanying clamps—inspected twice a year. Tiny cracks can form from the inside that can eventually lead to a burst hose and overheated engine.