At My Mechanic, we’re proud to celebrate our 25th Anniversary this March. That’s 25 years of oil changes, brake jobs, road trip inspections, and being the shop our neighbors trust when something doesn’t sound quite right.

Before you pack the car and cue up the road trip playlist, here’s what you should know.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Before a Road Trip

Your vehicle usually gives you hints when something isn’t right. The key is listening. Your car usually tells you it’s tired long before it actually quits. As you plan and prep for your trip, keep an ear out for these “Spring Break Spoilers”:

• The “Squeal” of Protest: If your brakes are chirping or grinding, they’re telling you the pads are thin. Highway speeds and heavy luggage put extra heat on your braking system—don’t risk it.
• The “Winter Lean”: Did those Illinois potholes do a number on your steering? If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel feels “off-center,” your alignment is likely out. This doesn’t just feel weird; it eats your tires and kills your gas mileage.
• The “Fluid Rainbow”: Take a peek at your driveway. Any fresh spots of amber, green, or bright pink fluid? Those are your car’s lifeblood. A small leak in town becomes a major overheat on a 500-mile haul.
• The “Dashboard Greeting”: If that Check Engine light has been a permanent fixture on your dash, now is the time to address it. It’s often a simple sensor, but ignoring it can lead to “Limp Mode” when you’re three states away.

Many drivers tell us, “I was going to wait.” The truth? Waiting is how minor maintenance turns into costly repairs.

At My Mechanic, we help you catch issues early—saving you time, stress, and money.

Essential Spring Break Maintenance Checklist

Before your road trip, make sure your vehicle has:

* Fresh oil and filter
* Brake inspection
* Tire tread and pressure check
* Battery test
* Coolant and fluid top-off
* Wiper blade inspection
* Alignment check if the steering feels off

With two convenient locations in Elmhurst and Clarendon Hills, it’s easy to schedule service close to home or work. We’re your local mechanic—not a chain—so we take the time to explain what your car actually needs (and what it doesn’t). Remember, we offer a FREE digital inspection!

Traveling with Pets? Keep Them Safe Too 

Spring Break often means bringing the whole family—including the four-legged members.

Here are a few pet travel safety tips many drivers overlook:

1. Use a Pet Restraint

Unrestrained pets can become dangerous during sudden stops. Use:

• Crash-tested carriers
• Pet seatbelt harnesses
• Backseat barriers for larger dogs

2. Never Let Pets Ride in the Front Seat

Airbags can seriously injure pets during deployment.

3. Pack a Pet Travel Kit

Bring:

• Water and a bowl
• Food and treats
• Medications
• A leash
• Comfort items like blankets

4. Check Cabin Temperature

Spring weather can change quickly. Make sure your A/C and heating systems are working properly before you travel—this is something we check during inspections.

A comfortable vehicle isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety.

Two Locations, One Goal: Your Safety

Why bring it to My Mechanic? Because we’re your neighbors! With locations in both Elmhurst and Clarendon Hills, we make it easy to get professional service without the “big dealership” headache.

Having two local shops means we can get you in faster and offer a level of personal care you won’t find at a chain. We don’t just “change oil”—we perform a comprehensive digital inspection to show you exactly what we see, so you can travel with total peace of mind. And because we have two nearby locations, you get:

• Flexible scheduling
• Convenient drop-off options
• A trusted team that knows your vehicle history
• Consistent service at both shops

We’re not just fixing cars—we’re building long-term relationships with drivers in Elmhurst and Clarendon Hills.

Celebrating 25 Years of Keeping You Moving

This March marks 25 years of serving our neighbors. That’s thousands of oil changes, brake repairs, inspections, and road trips made safer because someone chose to maintain their vehicle instead of ignoring a warning sign.

If you’re planning Spring Break travel, don’t wait until the day before departure.

Let us give your vehicle a professional once-over so you can focus on making memories—not dealing with roadside surprises.

Ready to schedule? Give us a call or book your appointment today. 

Give us a call or book your appointment online. Let’s make sure this Spring Break is one to remember for all the right reasons!

The post Spring Break Ready: Road Safety, Pet Tips, and 25 Years of Service appeared first on My Mechanic Inc. | Elmhurst - Clarendon Hills Auto Repair Experts.

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your vehicle and avoiding costly repairs down the road. It’s also essential for ensuring your safety on the road, as well-maintained vehicles are less likely to break down or experience mechanical issues while driving.

One of the most important aspects of auto care is regular oil changes. Oil lubricates the engine and helps it run smoothly, so it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes to keep your engine in top condition. My Mechanic can perform other routine maintenance tasks including checking and replacing filters, inspecting and replacing worn tires, and checking fluid levels.

In addition to routine maintenance, it is also important to pay attention to any warning signs that your vehicle may need repairs. Strange noises, unusual vibrations, or warning lights on the dashboard should all be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. With My Mechanic’s digital inspection report, we can highlight the issues before they become major issues.

National Auto Care Aware Month is also a great time to review your vehicle’s insurance coverage and make sure you have the protection you need. Accidents can happen, so having the right insurance can provide peace of mind and help you avoid financial hardship in the event of a crash or other damage.

As we celebrate National Auto Care Aware Month this April, let’s commit to taking better care of our vehicles. By staying on top of routine maintenance with My Mechanic, our technicians can address any issues promptly and can keep your vehicles running smoothly and safely for years to come.

April is also Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Stay Focused, Stay Safe

Every year, thousands of accidents occur due to distracted driving, leading to injuries, fatalities, and damage to vehicles and property. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of driving while distracted and promoting safe driving habits. Here are some important facts and tips to keep in mind:

Distracted Driving Statistics

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), estimates that 42,795 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver.
  • Driving at 55 MPH while sending or receiving a text is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Types of Distracted Driving

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

• Texting or using a cellphone.
• Eating or drinking.
• Grooming, like applying make-up.
• Adjusting the radio, GPS, or other controls.
• Talking to passengers.
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

• Put your cell phone away: Keep your cell phone out of reach and out of sight while driving. If you need to use it, pull over to a safe location.
• Use hands-free devices: If you must use your cellphone while driving, use a hands-free device to keep your hands on the wheel.
• Limit other distractions: Avoid eating, drinking, or engaging in activities that take your attention away from driving.
• Prepare before you drive: Adjust your mirrors, seat, and climate controls before you start driving to minimize the need for adjustments on the road.
• Stay focused: Keep your mind on driving and avoid daydreaming or becoming lost in thought.

Spread the Word

Take the opportunity to spread awareness in your community, especially during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Share information about the dangers of distracted driving on social media, participate in local awareness events, and encourage friends and family to practice safe driving habits.

Distracted driving is a serious issue that affects us all. By staying focused and eliminating distractions, we can all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone. This April, let’s commit to being more aware of our driving habits and making the roads safer for everyone.

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WHY APRIL?

In April, as winter comes to an end, it is time to get your car ready for spring driving and summer road trips! It is important to make sure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are ready for the rain, and take care of any issues that may have occurred or been ignored during winter.

You might not have traveled as much during the winter, so getting a tune-up is important to ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. This year might be more important than ever to get your vehicle in great shape during the month of April. My Mechanic’s highly trained ASE Certified mechanics are the best choice to catch up on those maintenance checks and get your vehicle in the best possible shape.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR A SAFE SPRING AND SUMMER

Whether it’s getting a fresh oil change or replacing worn tires, get your vehicle fixed up now so you’re ready to go for the summer. Nothing derails a fun road trip like a roadside breakdown, and being proactive now can lower the chances of that happening. Driving with confidence is important to keep your family safe as you take your many adventures this spring and summer. Don’t wait until an issue comes up to get it fixed. Be proactive during National Car Care Awareness Month and you’ll be set for the spring and summer road trips.

YOUR CAR CARE CHECKLIST

Refill your windshield wiper fluid. It’s probably low from using it up during the winter. If you need to buy some, get two jugs if you can. It’s always easier to have it on hand to refill the tank effortlessly.

Check your wipers and replace them if needed. Winter can be hard on them with all the ice and scraping that can beat them up. Clear vision is important to everyone when you are driving, so inspecting your front, and rear if you have one, wipers are one important step. 

Repair your windshield. if you were the unfortunate recipient of a rock coming at you this winter, get it repaired before it turns into something larger. If you’ve got bigger cracks across your field of vision, it needs to be replaced. Driving with a cracked windshield is both dangerous and illegal (in many states) but it’s covered under most comprehensive insurance plans.

Change the Oil: Your engine needs oil to prevent wear and avoid performance issues, so have your oil checked and changed. It’s recommended that most vehicles get their oil changed every 5,000 – 7,000 miles.

Flush the Cooling System: Do this at least once a year to prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the cooling system.

Change the Transmission Oil: Your transmission is one of your car’s most complex parts. Fluids need to be changed at regular service intervals to avoid expensive repairs.

Keep it Lubricated: Your car lives and dies by its moving parts, and they need plenty of grease to survive. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Replace the Cabin Filter: If you can’t remember when you last replaced the cabin filter or if it’s been more than months, you should replace this filter to ensure that the air conditioning in your vehicle can work at its optimum. The cabin filter prevents dust and allergens from reaching the inside of the vehicle, keeping you and your passengers more comfortable and the car cleaner. 

Inspect the Wheel Bearings: You probably don’t want to do this yourself, set up an appointment with My Mechanic to check it out for you.

Inspect the Braking System: Your brakes’ rotors, linings, and drums should be inspected along with every oil change your car receives. Brake fluid attracts moisture, which causes corrosion. That’s one reason you need to replace the fluid and bleed the system once a year.

Wash and Wax the Exterior: Everything from mud to winter salt can damage the body and get stuck to the underside. If you use an anti-rust coating on the undercarriage, spring is the best time to renew it, since the warmer weather is when rust is most active. 

Park in the Shade: UV rays dry out plastics and vinyl upholstery, so leaving your car in the sun can really make the interior feel old and look worn in no time flat.

Tools to Help You be Car Care Aware

• Auto Safety
• Preventative Maintenance

A well-maintained car keeps you and everyone around you safe and will end up saving you a pretty penny on costs like towing, repairs, and accident-related costs. A routine maintenance program also makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road. 

Also, if your vehicle will soon be ready for an emission inspection, this would be the perfect time to do a tune-up and oil change. Check out our website for discount savings on these much-needed services.

The pros at My Mechanic will be happy to give your vehicle a springtime inspection so you can feel confident driving, whether it’s just another trip to work or a trip across the country. 

Call our friendly staff for an appointment today, you’ll be glad you did. 

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While most people are anxiously awaiting a weekend where they can wash, wax, and detail the interior of their ride, this is the perfect time to do some preventative maintenance to improve both performance and the lifespan of your vehicle.

No one wants a breakdown that could have been discovered early and prevented, so why not get the gunk out of your vehicle and give your vehicle a fresh start?

May is probably the best month to give your vehicle a spring check-up before the really hot, humid weather hits. Now that the snow and ice should be gone until the end of the year, you’ll want to give your car a thorough inspection, which should include:

Replacing Filters

Oil, fuel, cabin, and air filters are some of the first things you should consider changing. Unless your vehicle has recently been serviced, the oil is ready to be changed for a lighter summer blend and a new filter will keep your engine clear of contaminants that naturally occur in combustion engines.

The air filter should also be swapped out with a clean one. This improves the quality (and quantity if the filter is severely contaminated) of air that your engine receives. Easier breathing for your engine via a new air filter means not only improved performance but improved gas mileage.

The cabin air filter is also important, not for the motor, but for you and your passengers. The cabin air filter removes dust, allergens, dirt, leaves, and other contaminants that can enter the inside of your vehicle. When the cabin filter becomes very dirty, it not only can allow dust and allergens to enter the air you breathe, but it can limit the amount of airflow you get from the vents or the air conditioning.

Changing the fuel filter is also an excellent idea. As the name implies, this filter removes contaminants and prevents them from clogging and possibly even damaging your fuel injectors. Replacing the fuel filter is cheap insurance to guard against injector damage.

The pros at My Mechanic will inspect and replace all filters so that your vehicle is operating at its best.

A/C Inspect/Recharge

Regularly servicing your air conditing system can help it run more efficiently so that you can enjoy cleaner, cooler air and use less gas while doing so. Dirty condenser coils, leaking hoses, and other problems can cause your AC to not blow as cold as you like or to stop working right when you need it most.

The pros at My Mechanic will inspect the system for damage, check that the system is working properly, test your AC for leaks, and recharge the system as required.

Coolant Flush/Inspection

While it might be difficult to imagine a liquid wearing out, coolant does lose its ability to prevent freezing and overheating with time.

No one wants to be stranded with a broken hose, belt, or overheating vehicle. Having your cooling system inspected today means you won’t have to worry when you take your vacation later.

Our ASE-certified mechanics will inspect your cooling system for damage and leaks, then flush out the old coolant and replace it with clean, fresh coolant that was designed for your year, make, and model of vehicle.

Brake Fluid Flush/Inspection

The braking system on your vehicle uses a hydraulic fluid aptly called brake fluid. One of the problems with brake fluid is that it absorbs water from the air. Water does not compress as brake fluid does and it can allow rust and/or corrosion to form inside the braking system, which is not a good thing.

We will inspect the braking system on your vehicle, checking it for leaks and proper operation. The old, contaminated brake fluid will be removed and flushed completely clear before we add new fluid and bleed the air out of the system.

Everyone wants a car with a sound, good working brake system, and after the pros at My Mechanic inspect and clean the brakes of your car, you will feel safer while driving.

We will also be happy to inspect your tires, check the condition of your battery, and if your Check Engine light is on, we can diagnose and repair that issue as well so you can have your smog inspection performed without worries.

If You Have an Electric Vehicle

While some people believe that EVs don’t require maintenance, nothing is further from the truth. An EV might be low maintenance, but they still have systems that require inspection and servicing.

Your electric vehicle may not have oil to change or a cooling system to worry about, your vehicle still has a battery, a braking system, tires, a cabin filter, and an air conditioning system that should all be inspected, as well as the power steering, half-shafts, and windshield wipers.

Better to be Safe Than Sorry

While no one can predict the future, one thing is certain; your vehicle is a finely tuned piece of machinery that requires maintenance if you want to avoid breakdowns, improve your fuel mileage, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

The strain that winter weather puts on your vehicle leaves it more susceptible to breakdowns or bigger repair bills if the smaller items, such as maintenance, are not taken care of promptly.

The post Spring Check-Up: Getting the Gunk Out appeared first on My Mechanic Inc. | Elmhurst - Clarendon Hills Auto Repair Experts.

The truth, however, is that there are multiple aspects and questions about changing the oil on your ride than meet the eye.

Perhaps the biggest three questions that the mechanics at My Mechanic hear most often include the three W’s- When, What, and Who.

The Three Big W’s

You may not give your car’s oil a second thought, but when people do, they frequently ask:

1. When does the oil in my car need to be changed?
The answer to this one isn’t as simple as it might sound. Sure, you can always go with the oil manufacturer’s recommended mileage, or you could follow your car manufacturer’s recommended mileage or you could follow the advice you get from your dad, aunt, or grandparents but when all three answers are different ones, which do you choose as the right one?

Pre-2000, the recommended mileage for oil changes was 3,500 miles but is this necessary? Today’s modern engines frequently use synthetic oil or a synthetic blend and if you read the owner’s manual, chances are that it says 5,000-7,500 miles.

Some vehicles even have oil change indicators, which rely on the mileage interval pre-programmed at the factor combined with your mileage.

Which is the right number? Generally speaking, if you don’t drive in extreme conditions, then 5,000 to 7,500 is usually a good indicator. The same is true if you use a synthetic or a synthetic blend. If the oil manufacturer says to change the oil every 15,000, then chances are that you can rely on that mileage.

What are extreme conditions? If you run a lot of short errands or drive less than 10 miles before you shut off the engine, if you live in an area that is very dusty or muddy, if you do deliveries and turn the car off and on frequently or if you drive in very hot weather, your usage is considered extreme and oil changes should be done more frequently.

Still confused? Stop by My Mechanic and talk to one of our experts about what type of mileage you can expect to get out of an oil change based on the age of your vehicle and your driving habits.

2. What type of oil should I use in my car?
First, check the owner’s manual to see what type of oil the manufacturer recommends. Even if your vehicle uses conventional motor oil, you still have the option of using synthetic oil or a synthetic blend.

Not sure what those are? Let’s look at the 4 basic types of engine oil:

• Conventional: This oil comes to us via refined crude oil. It’s inexpensive but it doesn’t last as long, nor does it do well in high temps.
• Synthetic: Full synthetic engine oil is an artificial oil but it offers more protection than conventional oils. This is the most expensive oil and it has superior engine wear protection, it performs well even in extremely high heat, and it is much more durable than conventional oils. Some synthetic oils claim to last 25,000 miles.
• Synthetic Blend: This mixture tries to offer the best of both worlds by mixing conventional oil and synthetic oil. This gives your vehicle some of the benefits of synthetic oil but at a lower cost.
• High Mileage: This oil is designed to meet the needs of vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer. This type of oil is a bit more expensive than conventional oils due to the high number of additives.

What type of oil should you use in your vehicle? This will depend on what the manufacturer recommends, your driving habits, and what you are willing to pay.

If you use your vehicle for towing or hauling very heavy items frequently, if you live in an area that is very dusty or dirty, your vehicle might benefit from synthetic oil.

3. Who should change the oil?
This seems like a no-brainer, but the answer isn’t as obvious as it might appear.

The perfect person to change the oil in your vehicle is an ASE-certified mechanic who will not just change the oil and filter, but someone who will inspect your vehicle for any possible problems while they are doing this job.

Oh yes, and let’s not forget that this person needs to have a place to dispose of the used oil that is environmentally friendly.

An ASE-certified mechanic, like the ones here at My Mechanic, will inspect the air filters, tire pressure, belts, and hoses, to name a few.

You might be shocked at the number of people who avoid breakdowns and the costly consequences of breaking down at certain times simply because a mechanic spotted a problem as they were changing the oil.

You can trust the experts at My Mechanic to give your car a thorough once over to ensure that everything appears to be In good working order.

That’s the peace of mind that every driver wants, right? Knowing that your vehicle is in the best possible condition and ready for whatever lies ahead.

The Oil Change Habit That Can Boost Mileage

Synthetic oil allows for lower viscosity and still protects from wear and better cold flow than conventional oils. This can lead to increased fuel economy.

Since synthetic oil is more “slippery”, it reduces friction inside the motor. If you can imagine sliding on the ice on a piece of plastic or sliding on a waxed piece of plastic, you can picture how the more slippery waxed plastic will go faster.

Of course, bad driving habits can offset any mileage benefits of synthetic oil, but most people experience enough of a difference in their MPG that once they try synthetic oil, they stick with it.

The Bottom Line

While synthetic motor oils hold up better for more miles, they do cost more and no oil will last forever.

Getting regular oil changes is what is important and you can ask the pros at My Mechanic when you should get your next oil change if you are unsure.

Is it almost time for your next service? Call the friendly staff at My Mechanic right now for an appointment. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your ride has been approved for that road trip you’ve been thinking about.

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