Let’s look at what the manufacturers say constitutes severe driving conditions, and let you draw your own conclusions:

• Most of your trips are less than four miles
• Most of your trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing
• The engine is at low speed most of the time — not on the highway
• You operate your vehicle in dusty areas
• You regularly tow a trailer, carry heavy loads or a car-top carrier
• Stop and go driving
• Driving in very hot or very cold weather

So you can see that a lot has to do with how you drive, but some has to do with where you drive. Some areas of the country will be more or less severe than it is here in DeKalb County.

For many, normal driving includes elements of severe service driving. So how do you know? Picture a line with “regular” on one end and “severe” on the other, and make a judgment on where you fall.

If your regular oil change recommendation is 5,000 miles and the severe service recommendation is 3,000 — when should you change your oil? For some, it’s closer to 3,000 miles. For others, it’s closer to 5,000 miles. Your service advisor will be happy to have this discussion with you and help you sort it out.

If you drive where the air is dusty or polluted, fluids will become contaminated and filters will get dirtier more quickly.

So make an honest evaluation of your driving conditions in and around Sycamore and DeKalb. You’ve made the commitment to take care of your vehicles, so it only makes sense to follow the right schedule.

Give us a call for advice for your car based on our local driving conditions. We’d be happy to discuss your driving habits and conditions and help you determine what maintenance schedule you should be following.

Bockman’s Auto Care
2158 Oakland Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178
www.bockmansautocare.com
815.756.7413

Merlin’s easy and affordable maintenance program, The DRIVE FOR 200,000, takes vehicles thousands of miles beyond the usual manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Merlin shops offer most automotive services, except heavy engine work, transmission repair, body repair, and car washes.

Premium brakes and mufflers have a 200,000 Mile Transferable Warranty and most other parts and service have a 24,000 Mile Transferable Warranty. Every service includes Merlin’s famous 20 point vehicle inspection. Merlin sells national brand tires which have a 200,000 Mile Warranty.

Founded in 1975, Merlin is headquartered in Geneva, Illinois, and operates shops in four states. For more information, please visit www.merlins.com.

Your LOCAL Merlin 200,000 Miles
1812 Sycamore Road
(next to Dairy Queen)
DeKalb, Illinois
815-748-5411

Hours :
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Current Promotions and Specials
March 1-31, 2011: Get a FREE Flip HD Video Camera with a qualifying purchase of Four (4) Continental Tires. Contact shop for full details.
April 1-May 31, 2011: Purchase Four (4) qualifying Monroe Shocks or Struts and receive a mail-in rebate for the cost of one unit.