Urbandale Auto Repair

Regularly checking the oil levels in your car is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy and safe car. It's a simple maintenance item that can help you identify any issues early on, such as leaks, which can cause major damage to your engine. We recommend that you check your motor oil level at least once a month and especially before you embark on any long drives.  Here is how to check your motor oil level: We recommend checking your oil levels before driving your vehicle, as they will appear lower right after your engine is running.  Make sure your car is parked on an even and flat surface.  Find the oil dipstick in your vehicle under the hood. The best way to find this is by refering to your vehicle's owner's manual.  Pop the hood to do the step above.  Most dipsticks will have a colored cap, such as yellow or orange, which will help you better locate the dipstick.  Grab a paper towel or an old rag. Slowly pull out the dipstic ... read more

Having the proper tire pressure is vital when it comes to protecting the overall integrity of your tires. It will also ensure that you stay safe on the road, as low tire pressure can lead to tire blowouts and trouble steering or turning properly. Your vehicle is properly equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system which will alert you if your tire pressure has fallen below manufacturer recommendations.  During the summer, air expands due to the heat and then will contract during the winter with the colder temperatures. This is why many people will notice that their tire pressure will reduce when the air gets cold. If this happens to you, just make sure to inspect your vehicle's tire pressure and fill it accordingly.  Here's how to check your vehicle's tire pressure: First, you'll need a tire pressure gauge, which can be purchased at your local auto parts store.  Remove the valve cap from your tire, located on the front next to the hub cap.  N ... read more