Euro Motorworks

Repairs for your Lexus can be expensive. There are some ways to keep your costs down by completing simple monthly checks that can alert you to potential problems that can be dealt with before you end up paying for expensive repairs. Checking these little things on a regular basis could keep you out of a Lexus repair shop as much as possible.

Check the fluid levels on your Lexus. Your manufacturer is required to specify all the fluids to be used in your Lexus and the OE specifications for each in the owner’s manual. Before adding any fluids to your Lexus make sure to check the manual. There are requirements that OE oils and coolants must be mixable with “off the shelf” products in the event of an emergency. It is not suggested for long-term use. There are some fluids that must be at certain specifications so it is critical to know the difference.

The oil level should be checked when the engine is warm. If the level is consistently low it could indicate an oil leak. This should be investigated further with on your own or with the help of a qualified Lexus mechanic. Brake fluid should be checked with all other fluids. This fluid is toxic and should be kept away from hands and eyes. Coolant or radiator fluid is the most important part of your car’s cooling system. Low coolant can lead to a breakdown and expensive repairs if the engine overheats. If the reservoir or radiator is low you may have a leak that needs to be inspected. Other fluids to check regularly are power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid, hydraulic clutch fluid and windshield washer fluid.

It is also a good idea to check your radiator hoses and clamps. Old hoses and loose clamp can cause a coolant leak. The belts on your Lexus should be checked from time to time and should all be changed periodically to avoid major repair bills. It there is a shrieking sound when you press the gas pedal it could mean the belts are too loose and need to be tightened or replaced. Depending on the car belts are used to operate the fan, water pump, alternator, air conditioner, smog pump and power steering pump. Manufacturers recommend using a tension gauge to test the belts and include the appropriate tension in the owner’s manual.

The engine should also be checked for leaks. Most systems in the Lexus are closed systems, meaning the fluids do not get used up or go anywhere. If you notice any are low there is a possibility of a leak. Generally you don’t need to know the name of the fluid or the part it’s leaking from to find a leak or to report it. The fluid can be identified by color and consistently.

You should also check for battery corrosion, working lights, windshield wipers and tire pressure. It is good practice to learn the sounds of your car to know what is normal for your car and when there is a problem. By following these tips you may be able to avoid breakdowns and some of the avoidable major repairs.

Tags: automotive repair indianapolis, indianapolis lexus repair, luxury auto service

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 6:21 pm and is filed under Auto Repair Indianapolis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.