How to Check Engine Oil

Check engine oil regularly, especially if you notice that the oil level drops between the oil changes. Engine oil cools down and lubricates the engine. Driving with very low oil level can cause engine problems.

Park your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "Park". Stop the engine. Wait for a minute or two to let engine oil drain into the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where it’s located, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "Engine Oil".

Wipe the dipstick off. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the oil level.

The oil level should be between the "Low" and "Full" marks. In this photo the level is OK and oil looks clean.

Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, as in the left photo, it's definitely time to change it. If it's brown, but still clean and transparent, as in the right photo, it's OK. If engine oil is of the "coffee with milk" color it means that engine coolant mixes with oil. This is a sign of some internal engine problem, such as, for example, a leakinghead gasket - have your car checked out.
If oil looks clean, but the level is low, you can just top it up.

To top off engine oil use a recommended type of oil; for example, if your owner's manual or the oil filler cap indicates SAE 5W-20, use SAE 5W-20 oil. If your engine needs synthetic oil, use only synthetic oil. You can find the recommended oil type for your car in your owner's manual.

How to top off engine oil:
Add a little amount of oil into the oil filler neck. Wait for a minute to let oil to flow into the oil pan. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you finished.

Tips courtesy of: http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/simple.html

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It’s Child Passenger Safety Week

Child Passenger Safety Week is today, September 17^th through the 22^nd.

Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.

There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels. Knowledge is power. Learn more to protect your child from injury and death in a crash.

Learn more about child passenger safety: http://www.safercar.gov/parents/carseats.htm#

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8th Annual Celebrate Monroeville

The Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Monroeville Foundation are hosting a community-wide expo on Thursday. The eighth annual “Celebrate Monroeville” event will be held at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., from 4 to 8:30 p.m. It is open to the general public. The event features more than 225 local merchants and restaurant vendors. Last year, the event welcomed over 3,000 attendees and organizers expect to equal or surpass that number again this year. Celebrate Monroeville offers several different components.

“Taste of Monroeville” gives attendees the chance to sample signature dishes from some of the area’s favorite local restaurants. There will be about 20 local restaurants at the event this year ranging from quick serve options and casual family cuisine to gourmet dining. Patrons then can vote for People’s Choice Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award will also be selected by a panel of secret judges. “Marketplace Monroeville” showcases local businesses, products and services available throughout the eastern suburbs. Large companies, small family-owned businesses and home based-businesses will be participating in this action-packed portion of the show. Many businesses have already announced special show discounts on items available for purchase that evening. To see a list of event vendors, click here.

Entertainment includes performances from local bands, cheerleaders and dancers from the Abby Lee Dance Company (star of the hit Lifetime series "Dance Moms.") Admission tickets—which include a “taste” at approximately 20 restaurant exhibitors—are available at the door at a cost of $8 for adults and $5 for students/senior citizens (ages 62 and older). Children younger than 5 get free admission.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Cross Roads Food Pantry and the Pitcairn Food Pantry. Anyone who brings a nonperishable food item will receive an extra Taste Ticket to Celebrate Monroeville. There also will be free overflow parking and shuttle service at the Monroeville Mall parking lot across from Don Pablos and adjacent to Macy’s.
Proceeds from the event support the mission of the Monroeville Foundation and the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information visit: http://foresthills-regentsquare.patch.com/articles/eighth-annual-celebrate-monroeville-event-to-be-held-thursday-0a08292b

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Buying vs Leasing vehicles

When it comes to buying or leasing a car the options can be confusing. To help you make an informed decision we have provided the information below.

Buying

Who Owns It

Whether you pay for the car with cash, or finance it and make monthly payments, either way it’s yours. Of course, if you’re financing it, you’ll have to meet the obligations the lender requires, like a certain down payment amount and timely monthly payments. If you don’t, they have the right to repossess it.

Up-front Costs

If you’re financing it, the bank will probably request a down payment. You can also trade-in another vehicle and use any equity towards your down payment. The amount of the down payment is usually based on the lender’s requirements and your credit score.

Future Value

Your vehicle will be worth whatever you can sell it for in the future and that depends on how well you maintain it. (Be smart and protect your investment with regular scheduled maintenance by a factory-authorized facility!)

End of Payments

Once you’ve paid off what you owe on your contract, that’s it. Your vehicle is 100% yours. The lending institution will send you a Lien Release as proof that the vehicle is completely paid off and all yours.

Leasing

Who Owns It

You do not own the car when you lease. You’re paying for the use of the vehicle, but the finance institution that you leased it through actually owns it. This is usually why you pay less per month in a lease than if you were to buy the car. .

Up-front Costs

Leases often do not require any type of a down payment. All you usually have to pay is the first month’s payment, a security deposit, the acquisition fee and other fees and taxes. But, as with a purchase, if you want to lower your monthly payments you can always pay more upfront.

Future Value

In most leases you don’t end up owning it so you don’t end up selling it. That’s the financial institution’s job. Although you may have mileage limits and wear and tear guidelines that, if you exceed them, could cost you extra money when you turn your vehicle back in.

End of Payments

Most people return the vehicle at the end of the lease term. But some like to purchase it during their lease or at the end. Others like to trade it in before their lease is over. Just ask us about these different options before signing any paperwork and we’ll make sure you have your lease set up the way you want it.

Best Cars to Lease

The best cars to lease are those with the best book value after the term of the lease. Since they depreciate less, you pay less. Review the lease ratings to see which cars retain their value.

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