Welcome to the OK Motors Car Knowledge Base!
Find helpful and informative videos and animations that will help you understand better your car
The purpose of this section is to help educate our clients about the basics of car technologies and their common problems. Here you will find helpful description and informative animations and videos that will help you understand your automobile.
The knowledge base constantly updated
Preventive Maintenance
Alignment
Wheels are aligned with specific settings for toe-in and toe-out, positive and negative camber, and positive and negative castor. Each vehicle model can have different settings. Poor alignment affects your handling and causes your tires to wear very quickly.
Cabin Air Filter
The air inside your vehicle may actually be more polluted than the air outside. Pollen, mold, dust, etc. can be trapped inside your vehicle. The cabin air filter stops these pollutants before they even get inside and filters out odors and smoke. People who suffer from seasonal allergies really appreciate a clean cabin air filter.
Cooling System
Cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure. The results can range from inconvenient to extremely expensive. You can head off most cooling system problems with regular coolant replacement and cooling system inspections. If you see green, amber or yellow fluid under your vehicle, bring it in for an inspection.
Differential Service
When a car makes a turn, its outside wheels could travel up to 5 feet further than the inside wheels. Compensating for that is the job of your differential. Ask you service advisor for the recommended service interval. Proper service will help your differential last as long as possible.
Engine Air Filter
Your vehicle uses about 12,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel you burn. That's about 100 gallons of air every block. All that air needs to be filtered to keep your engine clean and your fuel economy good. If you replace your dirty engine air filter it might just pay for itself with fuel savings before your next oil change.
Fuel System
Everyone likes to save money on gas. But cheap no-brand gas may not contain enough detergent additives to keep your fuel system clean. Major brand gas may cost a few cents more per gallon, but it can help prevent expensive fuel system repairs down the road.
Oil Change
The most important thing you can do to keep your vehicle running for a long time is to change your oil on schedule. With a full service oil change, your other fluids are checked and topped off so you don't run into problems from low fluids. You technician may see a developing problem and he'll remind you of any other recommended maintenance.
Power Brakes
Hydraulic brake fluid replacement is not listed in some owner's manual service schedules. Ask your service advisor about when he would recommend a power brake fluid replacement. Fresh fluid has adequate levels of anti-corrosion additives that can help protect expensive brake components.
Serpentine Belt
20 percent of vehicles on the road today need a serpentine belt replacement. A worn belt can not only break without warning, it can slip and damage important engine accessories. Have your belt inspected and replace it if it is worn or damaged. You'll be glad you did.
Spark Plugs
The "spark" made by your spark plug is like a tiny bolt of lightning; it's that powerful. Each time it sparks, a wee bit of material is lost from the electrodes. Over the millions and millions of sparks that happen over the thousands of miles you drive, enough material is lost from the spark plug to affect its performance. That's one reason they need to be replaced.
Steering
If your serpentine belt breaks, your power assisted steering may not work. Don't panic – your vehicle will still steer. It will just be harder to turn the wheel. Allow for extra time to turn and pull over as soon as it is safe.
Timing Belt
They say timing is everything. That's doubly true when it comes to your timing belt. First, your timing belt keeps your valves operating in time with your engine so that it runs properly. Second, if you replace your timing belt on schedule, you'll likely avoid the downtime and expense that can result from a broken or slipping timing belt.
Tire Rotation & Balancing
Wheel balance weights can fall off and cause vibrations. When this happens you need to get the wheel rebalanced. It's estimated that 70,000 tons of lead weights are lost each year worldwide. Many states are banning the use of lead wheel balance weights for environmental reasons. Alternate materials such as zinc are now being used.
Transfer Case Service
Some transfer cases are lubricated with gear oil and others use automatic transmission fluid. Of course, it's important to use the right fluid for your vehicle and we can help you do it right. When you need four-wheel drive you really need it. With proper transfer case care we can make sure it's available.
Transmission
Early automatic transmissions had just two speeds. Now modern automatic transmissions have up to eight speeds. These sophisticated transmissions often match the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission. Some require special transmission fluid formulas. We'll make sure you get the right type for your vehicle.
Windshield Wipers
90 percent of our driving decisions are based on what we see. When your wipers can't clear your windshield, the streaks and glare can significantly impair your vision. Replace your windshield wipers before they fail.