Regular oil change is one of the simplest, yet one of the most important maintenance services that will keep you BMW humming through the years. Fresh engine oil not only has the correct chemical and mechanical properties, but it also carries away dirt and gunk that gets created when various moving parts of the engine work in close proximity.
The longer the interval between oil changes, the greater the degradation of the oil’s chemical and mechanical properties due to age and heat, and also, the greater the amount of gunk and dirt that the engine oil circulates through the engine – because engine oil filter has a limited capacity to filter out all those impurities. That’s why with every oil change professional mechanics also provide a fresh oil filter, so the system can work as designed, and provide maximum lubrication and cleaning for the engine.
The rule of thumb says that you should have your BMW go through an oil change every 5000 miles (if using 100% synthetic oil, which we highly recommend). You can check Owner’s Manual for manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific model. However, life sometimes gets in the way, so if you ever notice any of the symptoms below, it’s your vehicle telling you it’s time for an oil change:
If the service engine soon light comes “on”, it’s pretty much self-explanatory. Time to visit your visit your local mechanic for an oil change and any additional services that manufacturer specified for the current mileage.
Low Oil light is another warning light, often looks like an ancient oil lamp. It tells you that your BMW is at least 1 quart low on engine oil. If you notice this warning light, it’s best to stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Let it sit for a few minutes, so the engine oil drains into the pan, then check the engine oil level – if it is low, add engine oil (it’s good to keep a quart or two in the trunk) until full, then turn on the engine and let it idle for a minute. If the light goes off, you have solved the problem. But if it continues on, turn off the engine and call Toole’s Garage – you should not drive the vehicle until it has been inspected by a professional mechanic and the root cause of the low oil light has been found and corrected.
For all your BMW service and repair needs call Toole’s Garage in Valley Springs – we can provide comprehensive BMW care, including advanced engine diagnostics and repairs. Our highly trained mechanics will use state-of-the-art digital tools to talk to your BMW’s on-board computer, and all repairs we perform carry nationwide 36 months / 36,000 miles warranty.
When it comes to wheel safety, lug nuts don’t always get the attention they deserve. These critical fasteners are what keep your wheels securely attached to your car, and they need to be tightened to a very specific level of force—known as torque. Get it wrong, and you're risking more than just a loose wheel.
Toole’s Garage is proud to announce opening of our Jackson, CA location - a family owned and operated full service auto repair shop that serves Jackson-Martell-Sutter Creek area.
It’s difficult to drive anywhere in the Bay Area and not see a lot of Subaru vehicles. Whether it’s the Subaru Crosstrek, WRX, Outback, Forester, or Ascend, Subaru vehicles are everywhere. At Toole’s Garage we are big Subaru fans.
Subaru vehicles are built for the great outdoors, and of course California provides plenty of opportunity for on-road and off-road adventures. All wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on many Subaru models, and can provide consistent traction whether you are on a muddy road, or skiing in the Sierras.
If a roof rack did not come standard with your model, it’s easy to add. And of course, interior space is pretty generous, especially if you drive an Outback or Ascent – you can stow plenty of camping and hiking gear.
At Toole’s Garage we can provide your Subaru with the maintenance it needs to provide you with a reliable ride – wherever your adventures take you. We highly recommend regular oil change – it not only improves performance and extends engine life, but it also allows us to inspect various sub-systems of your Subaru to catch any impending problems (for example, older Subaru models were prone to oil leaks). And if a long summer trip is in the cards, we definitely suggest bringing it in for a checkup.
Being a full service auto repair shop, Toole’s Garage can provide your Subaru with routine maintenance services, diagnostics, as well as major repairs. If your Subaru needs new brake pads, has the check engine light “on”, suffers from transmission problems, or needs major engine repairs – we can make your vehicle healthy again.
Whether you have owned your Subaru for a long time, or have recently acquired one, bring it to our San Carlos auto repair shop – we will keep your vehicle in peak condition. Call us to make an appointment, or you can make an appointment online, on our website.