We love our engines
Reading spark plugs is a diagnostic technique that reveals engine health by analyzing combustion deposits on electrodes, helping identify fuel mixture problems, oil consumption, and timing issues before they cause costly damage. In 15 years as an ASE-certified technician, I’ve seen 70% of engine performance issues traceable to conditions visible on spark plugs long before … Read more
Quick Answer: Coolant system problems often manifest as overheating, leaks, or contamination. A pressure test and visual inspection can diagnose most issues. Repair costs range from $50 for a DIY thermostat replacement to $800+ for a professional radiator replacement. It was a sweltering July afternoon in the shop when Ahmed rolled in with his … Read more
It was a Tuesday, the kind of rainy afternoon that makes you glad to be in the shop. A customer rolled in with a 2018 Outback, the 2.5i model. “It’s just making a little ticking noise on cold starts,” she said, “and the maintenance reminder has been on for a couple hundred miles.” I popped … Read more
It was a chilly November morning in the shop when Sarah rolled in with her 2021 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, the oil change light glowing like a Christmas tree. She’d been putting it off for 1,000 miles past the recommended interval—something I see all too often. “I just didn’t know if I could trust the quick-lube … Read more
Quick Answer: Nissan Altima Oil Change For most Nissan Altima models, you’ll need 4.9-5.1 quarts of 5W-30 oil (check your manual), an oil filter (OEM part 15208-9F60A), and basic tools. The process takes about 30-45 minutes and can save you $30-50 compared to dealership service. A Rainy Tuesday at the Shop It was one of … Read more
Last Saturday morning at 8:47 AM, a guy in his mid-thirties pulled up in a 2019 Accord Sport with the Maintenance Minder flashing 15% oil life. “The dealer wants $89 for an oil change,” he said, holding up his phone with the service quote. “I can do this myself, right?” I walked him through the … Read more
Tuesday morning, 7:45 AM, and I’m watching a 2019 CR-V roll into Bay 2 on a flatbed. The owner, Sarah, is nearly in tears—her 1.5-liter turbo made a grinding noise, then the oil light came on. She’d been getting quick-lube changes every 7,500 miles like the dealer recommended. When I drained what was left of … Read more
The Morning That Made Me Write This Guide It was 6:45 a.m. on a frigid January Monday in Detroit—wind howling off the Rouge River, coffee scalding my tongue, and Jimmy pulling in with his 2015 Silverado 1500. The truck was chugging, oil light flickering like a warning flare. “Thought I was due for an oil … Read more
Last Thursday it was 28°F in the shop, the overhead doors were rattling, and a 2019 F-150 Platinum with the 3.5 EcoBoost rolled in on the hook. Customer thought he had a rod knock. Turned out the previous shop overtightened the filter so bad it deformed the housing—truck was running on 2 quarts for who … Read more
It was a chilly Monday morning in the shop, around 7:30 AM, and I was just finishing up a brake-job on a 2022 Corolla SE when the customer asked me, “Hey, can you check my oil? My car just hit 55,000 km.” He was on a budget and said he’d been meaning to do the … Read more