This past month I was finally able to get a first hand view of a fabulous looking concept car called the Cadillac Sixteen at the North Carolina International Automobile Show. As concepts go, the Sixteen is truly a radical looking, but thoroughly luxurious sedan that serves as a reminder of Cadillac’s past glory while incorporating a forward-looking 21st century style. Will the car be built? That is hard to say, especially considering GM’s current financial condition. However, let’s take a closer look at the dream car and what a Sixteen could do for the Cadillac brand.
It is a given: Cadillac has made tremendous strides over the past decade despite the ongoing problems with parent GM. No longer solely the builder of posh luxo-cruisers for the elderly, the current Cadillac line up is exciting, invigorating, and competitive. Whereas in times past comparisons with BMW and Mercedes would not have been made, today’s models frequently are compared to their elite German rivals. Sales are up and profits are up; still, there is room for improvement and the Sixteen could be the model behind the continued upswing in Cadillac fortunes.
So, how is your car’s timing belt doing? Have you changed it lately? If, ever? If not, you must make certain that the timing belt hasn’t been driven too many miles or you could be driving on borrowed time. Typically, a timing belt will last anywhere from about 60,000 miles to just over 100,000 miles; your owner’s manual will spell that information out for you. A failed timing belt can occur at any time, but if you are on top of things you can avoid being left stranded.
A timing belt is used to turn the camshaft at precisely half the speed as the crankshaft. The camshaft causes the intake and exhaust valves to open and shut in time with the pistons as they move up and down in the cylinders. When the timing belt breaks, you aren’t going anywhere as the engine can no longer run. In some cases a timing belt failure could damage or even ruin a car’s engine. Unfortunately, too many motorists do not replace their timing belt until it has broken. This can be a real problem when you are miles away from the nearest help!
Before starting your oil change make sure you purchase the correct grade of oil for your car’s engine. SAE 10W30 is the most popular grade and some for the newer cars we recommend SAE 5W30, especially when the weather is cold. Verify this information in your vehicle owner’s manual.
To get started you will need to raise your vehicle if you can not comfortable slide underneath it by driving it onto a garage ramp. Also have an oil pan, wrench, oil filter wrench, funnel and a cotton rag. Once you have the above tools assembled, follow our step-by-step instructions. Always follow common sense safety rules when working on your car. Make certain that your car is securely on the parking ramp before getting under it to prevent the vehicle from rolling, tipping or falling on top of you and ALWAYS make sure you car is not running or the engine hot.
Posted in General | Also tagged change, oil, oil change |