What is Antifreeze, Anyway?

Most people know that antifreeze is one of your vehicle's many fluids, but some people do not know what it’s used for and how it works. Melloy Dodge spoke with one of our knowledgeable Express Lane Technicians and he broke down what every car owner should know about antifreeze.

Antifreeze is a bright-colored liquid that can come in many different colors, such as blue, green, pink, and orange, and is made of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and water. Antifreeze helps regulate the engine temperature. It is typically added into the radiator and then it is pumped from the radiator by a water pump into the engine to remove combustion-generated heat and goes to the heater core which helps supply heat to the interior of your vehicle's cabin. The antifreeze is then returned to the radiator when it ensures that excess heat is removed. This cycle continues while the vehicle engine is on!

Since antifreeze was formulated to help reduce overheating and to help regulate your engine’s temperature, it’s important to make sure your vehicle has enough to maintain its excessive heat-removing job. Without enough antifreeze, damage can occur to:

• The engine
• Head gaskets
• Engine cylinders
• Water pump
• Connector rods

When your vehicle is brought to our Express Lane for its regularly scheduled maintenance, our technicians ensure that all liquid levels within your vehicle are at adequate levels before you leave. You can also view our multi-point checklist which goes over everything we checked while servicing your vehicle. To have your vehicle maintenance at the Express Lane, simply drop it off and then our courtesy shuttle can take you home and pick you up when it’s ready! 

The Difference in Oil Types

Have you taken a peek under the hood of your RAM, Dodge, or FIAT and noticed the specific oil grade needed for your vehicle? Engine oil is specifically designed to provide lubrication for the moving parts within your engine and accumulates the by-products from combustion. That is one of the main reasons it's important to get your vehicle maintained regularly. Melloy Dodge spoke with one of our Express Lane technicians, who broke down the oil types and why some are graded differently. 

Oil is graded on its viscosity, and you can read more about that here and why it matters! There are three different types of oils:

• Synthetic Motor Oil: This blend is made with a mixture of synthetic oil and conventional-based oils that provide higher resistance to oxidation and better performance in lower temperatures.
• Conventional Motor Oil: This is made from crude that has been refined until it has the right properties for properly lubricating your engine and its moving parts. 
• High-Mileage Motor Oil: This oil is specifically designed for older model vehicles. It is formulated with unique additives that prevent oil leaks in older engines and reduce oil burn-off. 

 But, what are the different grades you can find on your oil cap?

SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers, which rates oil viscosity. For oils that can perform at a wide range of temperatures, there are multigrade viscosity oils that are graded as such: 

Ex :) SAE 0W-20: "0" is the cold temperature viscosity rating."W" stands for winter. "20” is the operating temperature. 

You should check your owner's manual for information regarding your engine's recommended viscosity grade. You can also locate your engine's recommended oil on the oil cap located under your vehicle's hood, on a cap on the engine with the oil grade imprinted on it. Regular oil changes should take place every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or on newer model vehicles when the oil light comes on. The Express Lane at Melloy Dodge services customers for their oil changes without an appointment! Stop by when you have the time, and while we change your oil, we will also run through our multi-point checklist and recommend things like tire rotation, topping off fluids, replacing windshield wipers, and cabin air filters. The Express Lane is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays, but the dealership is open seven days a week! 

Tire Repair Safety

It's rough on your tires out there and you never know when you might get a flat! In an emergency situation, you might be able to fix it yourself. The technicians at Melloy Dodge are here to help. Our recommendation: Invest in an emergency tire repair kit.

Your local automotive store will have tire repair kits that feature two single-handed grip tools; one is meant to make the hole the size of the end on that tool, and the other is to thread the rubber stick repair through to fill the hole permanently. You might also grab a can of flat repair foam or "slime". While not necessarily recommended by tire technicians, "slime" might save the day in an emergency situation. Regardless, these solutions are only effective when the puncture is 1/4" or less-- only if the puncture is in the treads. In either case, bring your car to Melloy Dodge and have your repair checked out.

If you do lose a tire to a puncture, the Express Lane often features a buy three get one free offer for tires. If you are looking to purchase new tires, you can speak with one of our technicians when you bring your vehicle in for its regular maintenance. Give us a call at 505-843-9611 or visit our website: melloydodge.com and click on the service tab.