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(both pages) istock W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 | g o i n g p l a c e s 53 Windshield Washer Fluid What it does: is fluid helps clear dirt and debris from your windshield. Why it's important: A dirty windshield compromises your ability to see the road. Note: During winter, make sure the washer fluid is properly formulated so it doesn't freeze on your windshield. To make sure your vehicle is getting proper care at a fair price, take it to a local CAA Approved Auto Repair shop. ese facilities have been appraised, approved and recommended by CAA. All work performed at AARS facilities is backed by a 12-month or 20,000-kilometre war- ranty. ere are more than 100 AARS garages in Manitoba. To locate the facility nearest you, visit www.caamanitoba.com/aars. GP Buy your parts and accessories from NAPA Auto Parts and save 10% with your CAA membership. DIY: The Oil Change Tools needed: • new oil and filter • jack/stand • your vehicle's owner's manual • wrench • oil catch basin or pail (size needed varies between four to seven litres) • oil filter wrench (may be required) • Use the right fluids and filter for your vehi- cle's engine. (Your owner's manual or an auto parts facility such as NAPA can tell you the correct fluids and filter to use.) There are many types of oil, from synthetic and conventional to 0w20 and 10w40. Using the wrong oil can cause excessive wear, poor fuel economy, hard starts or even no starts in colder months, not to mention costly repairs. • Wait until the vehicle is cool If the engine is hot, the oil will be hot and can cause burns. • Lift the vehicle Make sure your jack is rated to hold the vehicle. Never place yourself under a vehicle that isn't supported properly. Check the owner's manual for details on where to best position your jack. • Find the engine's oil drain plug Be careful, as there are other drain plugs under the vehicle, such as one for the transmission. Loosen the drain plug (lefty loosey, righty tighty). Remove the plug only after the catch basin or pail is in place to capture the oil. • Change the oil filter Manufacturers are getting better at hiding them. Consult your owner's manual or parts supplier if you're unsure. Be aware of additional oil spillage that may come from the filter. Put fresh oil on the new oil filter seal before installing it. This pre- vents the filter from sticking and makes it easier to remove. (Some manufacturers are now moving towards paper filters, which are more environmentally friendly.) • Re-install the drain plug Tighten the plug with your wrench. • Clean up any spilled oil A rag and some parts cleaner work well. This will ensure you're not dripping oil on the roadway and into the environment. Larger spills can be cleaned with kitty litter. • Add the oil After lowering your vehicle, use a funnel to slowly add the new oil, checking the level with the dipstick as you go. After the oil is added, run the engine for about 10-20 seconds to fill the oil filter and then check the level again. (You want the oil to hit the designated spot on the dip- stick.) If you've under-filled, add more oil. If you've overfilled, lift the vehicle again and drain some out. • Recycle your old oil and filter Take them to an approved drop-off location (www.recyclemanitoba.ca) where they can be safely disposed of. One drop of oil can contami- nate one million drops of water. Benefits of a Professional Oil Change Trained technicians not only change the oil but also check your car for other concerns, safety issues and needed maintenance. They know your vehicle inside and out and know how to spot common vehicle concerns, from damaged or worn-out tie rods to contaminated brake fluid. –Ken Francis, Approved Auto Repair Service Supervisor, CAA Manitoba The oil change is one of the most important services for your vehicle, and one of the most cost-effective procedures for reducing repair costs. Follow these steps for a successful DIY oil change. Finding the engine's oil drain plug. Changing the oil filter. Slowly adding the new oil.