This 2012 BMW X3 came in for a vehicle inspection and our road test revealed a loud humming/growling/roaring sound that increased in volume relative to engine speed, and only when loading one side during turning and weight transfer. We utilized a mechanic’s stethoscope and found the front right wheel bearing was the source. Once a wheel bearing can be heard audibly, it needs to be replaced. This only had 75,000 miles on it, but suffers from abuse and wear while driving over rough roads, bumps, and handles lateral forces when turning. In addition to the annoying noise, a worn wheel bearing will cause abnormal tire wear and in a worst case, can detrimentally affect handling and braking.
Author: Midwest Performance Cars
Nurses and Doctors Need our Support
Here at Midwest Performance Cars, we want to help our local medical community through this difficult time, while keeping your vehicle in top operating condition. We will donate 5% of our entire month of April sales to the local medical community via Project C.U.R.E.
Due to COVID-19, Project C.U.R.E. is actively donating and distributing masks and protective equipment to our Chicagoland local healthcare facilities, first responders and government agencies. If you’d like to make a contribution directly, please visit projectcure.org for further information.
In addition, if you or someone you know is on the front lines as a nurse in the vicinity of our West Loop location —1385 West Lake St.– please accept our free oil service for the month of April.
We offer free pickup, sanitizing, and return delivery of your vehicle for any service appointment. We abide by CDC guidelines for handling of vehicles, steam-sanitize all control surfaces and keys, and offer no-touch service as well as pay-by-phone.
Please call or visit our website to schedule your appointment, and stay safe.
How our Shop is dealing with COVID-19
As an essential service provider, we are continuing to operate our regular Monday through Friday business hours. We employ all of the CDC-recommended guidelines for safely conducting business including, but not limited to:
- Steam sanitizing disinfection of control surfaces, door handles and keys
- All personnel using protective gloves and eliminating interpersonal contact
- Vehicle pickup and delivery from home or office (subject to availability)
- Communication through text, email, or phone..no need to be physically present
- Ability to collect remote payment
- Digital inspection of your vehicle with online report
Please watch the brief video at the link below for additional detail on our vehicle service procedures.
When Should You Change Motor Oil
Its Different For Every Vehicle
Frequent oil changes can be costly. You’ve probably heard that you should receive an oil change every 3,000 miles, but is that still a reliable rule of thumb? Learn how often you should change your oil and where you can go for a reliable oil changing service in Chicago, Illinois.
Basic Oil Change Intervals
For most vehicles and most drivers, the old 3,000-mile rule is outdated and unnecessary. Modern oil and engines can last longer than 3,000 miles and three months, so changing your oil this often is typically spending more money than necessary. However, some drivers may need to change their oil even more frequently than 3,000 miles. To determine how often to change your oil, find out which of these intervals matches your driving style:
- Every 1,000 miles or six months
- Every 3,000 miles or three months
- Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or six months
Factors That Affect Your Oil Changing Schedule
Drivers who make short trips should consider more frequent oil changes. While it may be convenient to live just around the block from your workplace in Chicago, consistent commutes of less than 10 miles can actually be harder on your oil than longer drives.
For maximum mileage, driving a new vehicle and synthetic oil can allow you to travel as much as
15,000 miles before you need an oil change. Check with your owner’s manual and synthetic oil before attempting to drive this long without an oil change, as not all vehicles are capable of achieving this impressive distance on a single change.
The two middle-of-the-road oil change frequencies are for most drivers. If you drive a mixture of long trips and short commutes on synthetic or a synthetic blend, you can probably safely drive 5,000 miles before changing your oil.
Enjoy a Hassle-Free Oil Change in Chicago
The next time you need an oil change in Chicago, stop by Midwest Performance Cars. Discover why we’ve been featured as one of the Best Auto Repair Shops in Chicago by Expertise and contact us today to schedule an appointment for your reliable oil change and other premium services by talented mechanics.
Pcartalk Podcast with Andy Bizub!
Porsche fans……It’s podcast day! Listen to Mike, Aaron, Adam, and me discuss Checkeditout Chicago 2019, what went into producing the show, our sponsors and supporters, the pcartalk pod, and the history and ongoing story of Midwest Performance Cars. Watch the YouTube video below or listen on your favorite podcast app!