Oil changes are an integral part of every auto maintenance schedule. While it is important to change your oil regularly, you may not need to schedule this service as often as you think. In the past, conventional motor oil needed to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. With the creation of new, synthetic oils that offer long-lasting performance, some cars can go up to 10,000 miles before they require an oil change. To determine the oil change interval that is right for your car, be sure to consult with your mechanic.

At Murray's Auto Clinic, we can change your oil and provide you with all of the other repair services you need to keep your vehicle in peak running condition. When you make an appointment at our Silver Springs location, our technicians will ensure that you are totally satisfied with your auto repair services. To make an appointment for your car, give us a call at (310) 622-6100.

Checking the oil in your car is a very important process, as the right amount of oil is essential for the efficient functioning of your vehicle. Watch this video for a lesson in how to check your oil.

Under the hood of your car there will be a small yellow or orange loop. If you have difficulty finding it, consult your owner’s manual. Pull this loop out to find a stick attached to it. When you first pull it out, you will need to wipe it off completely. Once you have done so, insert it back into the slot and remove it again. Check the dots at the end of the stick to determine your car’s oil level; if the oil does not reach the dot, your car’s engine oil is low.

Murray’s Auto Clinics is an automotive repair service that provides the Silver Spring area with brake repair, emissions repair, and other important automotive repair and maintenance services. Feel free to call us at (240) 450-2712 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

Your transmission is an integral part of your car. When it comes to typical automotive maintenance, a transmission flush should be performed every 30,000 miles or two years; however, this is not always the case. Here are a few of the top signs that your car needs a transmission flush now.

Grinding

When you hear strange sounds coming from your vehicle, this is typically an indication that something is in need of repair. Grinding sounds may signify a problem with your transmission. With the engine running, check the transmission fluid and make sure the color is the proper bright red. The grinding sounds coming from your car may be due to low levels of fluid or a contaminated transmission; in this case, it may be wise to have a transmission flush now.

Slipping

You may need an immediate transmission flush if your transmission is having trouble keeping your car in the appropriate gear. Just as a lack of transmission fluid can impair the transmission’s ability to provide enough pressure, the same symptoms may occur when your transmission is dirty. A buildup of dirt and other debris may obstruct the path of the transmission fluid, making it difficult for the transmission to keep the vehicle in gear.

Delay

In the event that your car stalls after you put it in gear, check the transmission and fluid for any visible problems. If you do not notice any issues and the transmission is otherwise not problematic, the issue may lie with unclean transmission fluid. In this case an immediate transmission flush should correct the problem and cease the vehicle from stalling before movement.

If you think your car is in need of a transmission flush, call Murray’s Auto Clinics at (240) 450-2712. We are an automotive repair shop that operates out of Silver Spring, and we specialize in brake and emissions repair. Please visit our website or stop by and meet with us if you would like to know more about our auto repair and maintenance services.

Your car is an intricate machine that works thanks to a series of different parts all working in concert with each other. The camshaft is one of the parts that allow the engine to function. The camshaft allows a mixture of air and fuel to enter the engine and allows the exhaust byproduct to exit the engine. The camshaft uses cams to open and close the appropriate valves in order to facilitate engine performance. The timing of the opening and closing of these valves must be perfectly precise and relative to the motion of the piston. The faster your engine is spinning, the faster the valves must open and close. 

For more help in understanding your car’s camshaft, call Murray’s Auto Clinics at (240) 450-2712. We are Silver Spring’s home for brake repair, emission testing, and other automotive repair services. Feel free to stop by or visit our website to learn more about our auto repair and maintenance services and specials. 

There are a multitude of reasons why the brakes are among the most important components of your automobile. The most crucial reason is that they help to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. That means you need to keep your car’s brakes in tip-top shape. Keep reading for a few tips on how to tell when your brakes require service. 

Sounds

Not only do your brakes allow you to stop your car at a moment’s notice, but they notify you when they are worn down with a loud, high pitched squeal. It is important to listen for this noise because although it is loud enough to be heard from inside the car with your windows rolled up, your radio and other loud noises may impede your ability to hear it. You should also listen for a grinding sound; this indicates that your brake pads are fully worn down, in which case you should take your car in for repairs or risk extensive damage.

Vibrations

There is one case in which your brakes should pulse and vibrate, and that is when you slam on antilock brakes. If you regularly feel this vibration then you may have a problem with your rotors. This is most likely to occur in vehicles that frequently traverse steep hills or tow trailers. Another factor could be the alignment of your wheels. Take your vehicle to an automotive repair shop if you experience vibrations in the brakes.

Maneuvering

If your car’s handling resembles that of an old shopping cart, your brakes may be at fault. A stuck caliper may cause the car to pull to one side. This same symptom may occur as a result of uneven brake pads or a collapsed brake hose.  

Do your brakes require service? Contact Murray’s Auto Clinics. We provide the Silver Spring area with a variety of auto repair and maintenance services including brake repair, emissions repair, and other auto maintenance services. You can find out more by calling us at (240) 450-2712 or coming in and meeting with us today.