The Importance Of Motor Oil

Scheduled replacement of your car’s engine oil is among the most crucial maintenance jobs you must carry out with your vehicle. The operating bits of your motor cannot function properly without fitting lubrication, so it’s very important that you are replacing the vehicle oil on your car as recommended by your car maker. The overall recommendation these days is that you should change it every 5,000 (though I am partial to 3,000 myself) miles, but as stated, you could even check the guide you got once you purchased your automobile.

Whether you aren’t 100% sure how to carry out this task, that’s completely okay, I will do this for you at a really reliable way. Dr .Driveaway  Sac town has several years of experience in supplying engine oil change services practically in minutes, so this is obviously the quickest alternative if you need such a car repair service. The greatest detail is that I am carrying out this service onsite, which means that I am can carry it out at your office or home while you’re taking care of different priorities in your life.

Should you fail to acquire new motor oil in your vehicle, you’re risking the moveable parts to I amar out quicker, leading to issues on your car engine, which will lead to higher repair price.

Also, do not forget about the motor oil filter, This is in charge of maintaining your car oil clean. These filters keep your oil debris-free to make sure that no clogs are forming in the oil system.

The people of Sacramento know that it is not always effortless to locate a certified mechanic near you, you can always depend on Dr. Driveaway in Orangevale, Sacramento and Folsom California to look after auto maintenance services such as engine oil and oil filter change.

A number of our dear customers are not sure if it is worth it to operate with synthetic motor oil rather than the conventional oil, and in most cases I suggest to use the synthetic engine oil. It has a much longer lifetime and clearly better lubrication qualities, meaning that it is going to take better maintenance care of your vehicle while you also have to change it much less frequently.

Not only going to take care of the filter and oil change for your vehicle, but I will also check then when there are any leaks from the oil system. Nothing is more irritating than carrying out the engine oil replacement and then later realizing that you are losing motor oil while using your vehicle.

While you must keep in mind when your previous engine oil replacement did take place, there are far more substantial indications also that you require such service, e.g., once the yellow maintenance light appears on your dashboard, this typically indicates that your current motor oil level is low. In cases like this, you should always get in touch with a certified mechanic in your town to look after it.

Another sign that an oil change is needed could be odd noises that come from your engine. If you discover any sound that is not familiar to you, it is best to contact Dr. Driveaway, so I am can inspect your automobile and discover how severe the issue is.

In our experience, a regular engine oil change is a very cost-effective way to maintain your car’s reliability. Our mobile mechanics will handle the disposal of old filters and oil, saving you the hassle. When performing oil changes, I also offer other car maintenance services, allowing you to bundle multiple tasks into a single appointment.

When you call us, be sure to ask about our other car repair and maintenance services, including pre-purchase inspections. This way, you’ll be informed about all your options and avoid scheduling separate appointments for future needs. If you’re considering buying a used car, our pre-purchase inspection can give you peace of mind by thoroughly checking the vehicle’s condition before you commit to a purchase.

Dr. Driveaway Sacramento has a great deal of pride in servicing its region for many years, which means that your car will be in the safest possible hands if you entrust me with working on it. Contact us now to reserve an oil change job, or in case you have any queries, I am  happy to help!

How a Broken-Down Car Sparked My Passion for Auto Mechanics

Most people remember their first car for the freedom it brought—the ability to hit the open road, blast music with friends, and finally feel independent. For me, my first car, a 1991 Chevy Lumina Coupe, meant something entirely different. It became the gateway to one of the most important passions of my life: Auto Mechanics.

When I bought my first car, I was just excited to have wheels. The problem was, I didn’t have much money left over to maintain it, let alone fix it when something went wrong—and things always went wrong. Every strange noise, every dashboard light, every leak reminded me that cars don’t just magically stay running. They need care. And care costs money I didn’t have.

Instead of letting my car sit idle in the driveway, I made a decision that would shape my future: I would learn to fix it myself.

The Humble Beginnings: Manuals and Basic Tools

I still remember walking into an auto parts store and buying a Haynes repair manual for my car. To me, it looked like a foreign language at first—pages filled with diagrams, torque specs, and step-by-step instructions. Alongside that, I invested in a basic toolset from Harbor Freight. Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers—the essentials. I still shop there to this day. Love those guys.

At the beginning, I struggled with the simplest tasks. Changing the oil took hours and more spilled motor oil than I’d like to admit. Replacing brake pads felt intimidating, but the more I followed the book and got my hands dirty, the more I understood how these systems worked. Every repair that once felt impossible became a building block of confidence. And then, My Transmission went out. And I replaced it myself!

From Survival to Passion

What started as a financial necessity slowly grew into a genuine passion. I realized that working on cars wasn’t just about fixing problems; it was about learning how machines worked on the inside. Cars became puzzles—ones I could solve with patience, persistence, and a little grease under my fingernails.

The more I worked, the more curious I became. Why did engines fail? What caused electrical gremlins? How could I make a car run better than it did before? The questions kept coming, and with each answer I uncovered, I felt hooked. I got ASE certified.

Lessons Learned in the Garage

Beyond just car knowledge, wrenching taught me life lessons:

Patience: Some bolts won’t come loose no matter how hard you pull. Sometimes you need to walk away, breathe, and try again with a new approach.

Problem-Solving: Cars break in mysterious ways. Learning to diagnose issues taught me to think critically and creatively.

Resilience: Mistakes are inevitable. Stripping a bolt or breaking a part used to feel like a disaster, but over time, I learned that setbacks are just part of the process.

A Lifelong Journey

Looking back, I never would’ve guessed that not being able to afford a mechanic would ignite such a meaningful part of my life. What started as a necessity has grown into a lifelong passion. Today, I still work on cars—not just because I have to, but because I want to.

My first car may not have been the fastest, the flashiest, or the most reliable, but it taught me something far more valuable than horsepower or speed. It taught me self-reliance, curiosity, and the joy of turning a wrench.

And sometimes, the best passions aren’t the ones you choose—they’re the ones that choose you.

How to Change Lower Control Arms on a 2006 Toyota Highlander EV

If you own a 2006 Toyota Highlander EV and you’ve started to notice clunking noises when driving over bumps, uneven tire wear, or vague steering, your lower control arms might be the culprit. The lower control arms connect the suspension to the vehicle’s frame, keeping your wheels stable and aligned. Over time, the bushings or ball joints in the control arms can wear out, and replacement becomes necessary.

This guide will walk you through the process of changing the lower control arms on a 2006 Highlander EV.

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Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Jack and jack stands (or a lift if you have access)

Lug wrench

Socket set and ratchet

Breaker bar

Torque wrench

Pry bar

Hammer and punch

Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)

Replacement lower control arms (make sure they fit the Highlander EV model)

Safety glasses and gloves

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Step 1: Preparation and Safety

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.

2. Loosen the front lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.

3. Jack up the front of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

4. Remove the front wheels.

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Step 2: Locate the Lower Control Arm

The lower control arm is a triangular-shaped piece of suspension that connects to the frame with bushings and to the steering knuckle with a ball joint. On the Highlander EV, there are usually two mounting bolts for the bushings and one ball joint connection.

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Step 3: Remove the Ball Joint

1. Spray penetrating oil on the ball joint nut and let it soak.

2. Use a socket and breaker bar to loosen the castle nut.

3. Once the nut is removed, use a hammer and punch or a ball joint separator to free the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Sometimes a few sharp blows to the side of the knuckle help release it.

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Step 4: Unbolt the Control Arm from the Frame

1. Locate the two main bolts that secure the control arm bushings to the subframe.

2. Spray them with penetrating oil and let them sit—it’s common for these bolts to be seized.

3. Use a breaker bar or impact wrench to remove them. This can take some force, so patience is key.

4. Once both bolts are out, pry the control arm loose from the subframe.

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Step 5: Install the New Control Arm

1. Position the new control arm into the subframe and line up the bushing mounts.

2. Insert the bolts by hand first, then snug them down with a ratchet. Don’t torque them fully yet—you’ll want the suspension loaded (vehicle weight on the wheels) before final tightening.

3. Reconnect the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle and tighten the castle nut. Don’t forget to install the cotter pin for safety.

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Step 6: Reassembly and Torque Specs

1. Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

2. With the vehicle’s weight on the suspension, torque the control arm bolts to manufacturer specs:

Lower control arm bushing bolts: ~129 ft-lbs

Ball joint castle nut: ~94 ft-lbs (always confirm with a repair manual)

3. Double-check that all bolts are tightened properly and that cotter pins are secured.

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Step 7: Alignment

After replacing control arms, your alignment will almost certainly be off. Schedule a professional wheel alignment to avoid uneven tire wear and poor handling.

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Final Thoughts

Changing the lower control arms on a 2006 Toyota Highlander EV is a moderately challenging DIY project. It requires patience, the right tools, and a safe working setup, but it’s absolutely doable for a home mechanic. Not only will it save you a lot on labor costs, but it’s also rewarding to know you’ve restored your vehicle’s suspension and handling with your own hands.

If you’ve been noticing steering looseness or suspension clunks, tackling your control arms might just be the solution.