Fuel Filter Service in Quincy, IL

There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.

Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your service center at Spring Street Automotive Inc can help you know what's scheduled to be taken care of.

Some of us in Quincy, IL, really don't look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things the manufacturer recommends.

But automotive maintenance is all about prevention and addressing small problems before they get big. Let's take the fuel filter for example.

You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our Quincy, IL, roads is over nine years. When vehicles get older, five years or so, they've accumulated a lot of dirt and rust in their gas tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. So somewhere between that dirty gas tank and the price of a great vacation is the lowly fuel filter: a very inexpensive part that doesn't cost too much to replace. And your vehicle will just run better too.

A clogged fuel filter can't let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your vehicle is running fine around town but struggles or sputters on the Quincy, IL, freeway or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can't get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough, your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.

Some fuel filters have a bypass. When they get clogged, they allow dirty fuel to move around the filter element so dirt ends up in the engine. We've already talked about how expensive that can be.

The fuel filter is even very important for newer vehicles. The fuel is still dirty even if there isn't rust in the tank. It's just that the fuel filter will need to be changed more frequently as the vehicle gets older.

How often should you change your fuel filter? Check your owner's manual. Your Quincy, IL, service advisor at Spring Street Automotive Inc can tell you as well. It's usually around 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) or so. Ask if it's time for a full fuel system cleaning as well. They often go hand in hand.

It's good to know that your Quincy, IL, service center has your back. When you're motivated to maintain your vehicle's performance and to reduce operating costs, you'll think of Spring Street Automotive Inc as your ally - and maybe even your memory.

Spring Street Automotive Inc
1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-9141
http://www.springstreetauto.com

Quincy Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules

Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Quincy drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Quincy drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are most of your trips less than four miles/six kilometers around Quincy?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles/16 kilometers in below-zero IL temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in IL?
Do you drive often in dusty Quincy areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around Quincy?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold IL weather?

Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest Quincy on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on Quincy surface streets?

Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and Quincy weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to.

Why should Quincy residents care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around Quincy or winter driving means that the engine doesn't heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn't let the oil protect it adequately. That's why IL residents need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.

Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in IL summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Spring Street Automotive Inc service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.

Spring Street Automotive Inc
217-228-9141
1701 Spring Street
Quincy, IL 62301
http://www.springstreetauto.com