You have probably heard a lot of advice about your vehicle's motor oil from many different people, maybe even including your mechanic. However, many of these motor oil truisms were either always false, or may no longer be true because of automotive advances.

One oil myth you have probably heard is that your vehicle oil needs changing every 3,000 miles. This is untrue, as the schedule for changing the motor oil is set by the manufacturer and may be 3,000 miles or may be 7,000 miles, depending on the model of the vehicle. 

Knowing how to replace a flat tire is a valuable skill that can get you out a jam and keep you out of harm's way. Unlike many things in automotive, this process hasn't changed much over the years.

First, as safely as possible, find a flat surface to stop on as far away from the roadway as possible. After securing the vehicle from movement with transmission and emergency brake, loosen the lugs on the flat wheel while it is still on the ground. 

If your car’s battery doesn’t seem to be holding a charge, you can test it using a voltmeter. You may choose an analog or digital version, but either one will assist you with the same information. Begin by making sure that your ignition and lights are both turned off. From there, first attach the red, or positive, cable to the positive battery terminal. Repeat this step by attaching the negative, or black, cable to the battery’s negative terminal.

Your battery should indicate 12.4 volts or above. That’s the minimum that’s required to hold a…

Have you ever gone out to your vehicle and found that nothing happens when you try to start it? The common assumption, at this point, is that your vehicle has a dead battery. The true culprit may actually lie with the starter, which is a component that should be tested and serviced regularly.

There are a few signs to be aware of that signal that there may be a problem with your vehicle's starter. One is a grinding noise. This is caused by starter gears that have worn down over time, and aren't engaging as they should. 

Car owners understand how important it is to do routine maintenance to make sure their car is operating at the appropriate performance level. One area that is sometimes overlooked is the car battery. Below are some tips on how to test your car battery:

• Auto Parts Store - If you are unsure of how well your car battery is performing, you can take it to a local auto parts store, like the one here at Bend Honda, and have them test it for you. Most auto parts stores will test batteries for free and if it needs replacing you can purchase…

If a vehicle is experiencing exhaust problems, colorless and odorless poisonous gases could potentially put passengers at serious risk. It is important to recognize exhaust leak warning signs so that potential problems can be averted and corrected quickly.

One of the strongest clues is the presence of popping and hissing moves while the engine is running. A rusty exhaust can also cause vibrations within the steering wheel, car seat, or foot pedals. 

Your vehicle is equipped with two important filters. Making sure they are inspected and replaced when necessary remains vital to your health as well as your engine’s performance.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter eliminates mold spores which can be harmful to the health of you and your passengers. According to recent studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), exposure to fine airborne particles within closed vehicles may have an effect on cardiovascular health, especially in older adults. The average American spends two hours a day in their vehicle. 

Your car has a number of belts and hoses that can become weak, dried out or cracked. You may first discover a problem with a belt when you hear squeaking as your engine runs. A cracked hose can produce a leak in your driveway. If your brakes stop working all of a sudden, you could have a brake line leak.

Routine inspections of your belts and hoses can make a big difference in how your car runs. At Bend Honda, we can talk with you about the various belts in your car and the recommendations for changing the belts before…

You should never use anything but windshield wiper fluid to clean your windshield. There are no other products on the market or any that can be found in abundance, such as water, that can do what windshield wiper fluid can. Using anything else would be a waste of money, waste of time, and could lead to the system being damaged by the foreign fluid and costing you hundreds of dollars to replace or repair. 

We at Bend Honda want you to know that winter is rapidly approaching in our community, and there is something that you can do to make your driving experience safer that you may not have realized yet. Topping off your gas tank in the winter months is a good practice to get used to doing because you can be assured that you have the necessary fuel available to you should you need it.