Lakey Diesel & Auto

03/23/2026

Oil's Well That Ends Well (Oil Change Grades and Weight)

Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. And knowing the right type of oil to use is also very important.

Engine oil is classified by weight, but it doesn't refer to how much the oil would weigh if you put it on a scale. It refers to viscosity, or how easily the oil flows through the engine. Most engines operate normally at around 210°F/99°C. The viscosity, or weight, is assigned a number by how well it flows at that temperature. The lower the number, the more freely it flows.

Most vehicle engines use what's called a multigrade oil which behaves differently in different temperatures. Multigrade oils have a "W" in their viscosity number that you may have seen on a bottle of oil, something like 5W30. The W stands for winter and shows how freely it flows in colder temperatures.

That means a 5W30 oil will behave like a 5 weight oil in lower temperatures (less viscous or thinner) and a 30 weight oil in warmer temperatures (more viscous or thicker). That's important on a cold day because the oil needs to behave like a thinner oil when you start your engine since it need to lubricate engine components immediately to protect the metal components. Then as the engine warms up, it behaves like a thicker oil to prevent friction among those parts. Pretty neat trick, right?

The type of oil you use can differ depending on what type of climate you operate your vehicle in and how your vehicle is used (carrying big loads, towing, etc.). Your owner's manual contains several different recommendations based on these factors. Your service advisor can recommend the right oil for your needs. Like Shakespeare said, "Oil's well that ends well."

03/09/2026

Automotive Tips: Axles

The axle assemblies in your vehicle transfer power out to the drive wheels. On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, there is an axle shaft that goes from the differential in the center of the axle to each rear wheel. On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the axle shafts go from the transmission to each front-wheel. All-wheel drive vehicles have axle shafts connected to all four wheels.

Axles assemblies are pretty tough parts: they transfer torque from the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle. Tough as they are, they are still subject to normal wear and tear. The axle shafts are in a sealed housing with lubricant that protects the axle shaft. When there is a leak anywhere in the axle assembly, lubricant gets out and dirt, water, and other contaminates can get in. This can greatly accelerate axle wear. If an axle assembly fails, you’re not going anywhere.

A worn or damaged axle assembly on the front will make a clunking sound during low speed turns – often just when turning one way. A worn rear axle also makes noise, but may be more difficult for the driver to hear. Also, if you see any oily leaks around your wheels, have it inspected.

If you have a bad axle assembly, your technician can make the repair. It is often more cost effective to replace an axle assembly than it is to take it apart and rebuilt it.

If you are hearing strange sounds coming from your front or rear wheel area, have us inspect your vehicle. We can determine if it is an axle problem, or perhaps a worn steering, suspension, or brake component.

02/16/2026

Axles are the last link in transferring power from the engine to the wheels. They’re strong parts that last a long time but they can run into trouble.

Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hear strange noises coming from the axle.

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be at the rear end. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when turning.

There are different kinds of axles, each with their own potential problems. Your service advisor knows this and checks for things like leaking seals, torn CV boots, worn axle joints. An axle inspection will reveal if there are any problems or if a part is nearing failure.

When there is a concern with the axle shaft, it will be removed and inspected. If it’s damaged, the shaft will have to be replaced. If the shaft is in good shape, it’ll be cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. At Lakey Diesel & Auto, damaged CV boots are replaced as well.

It’s important for drivers to take care of this work as soon as they become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the vehicle axle fails completely, it could lock up. This could severely damage other things like your transmission which is very pricey. It could also contribute to an accident, which nobody wants.

Taking care of your axles when they need it saves money in the long run, and helps keep you safely on the road.

12/31/2025

We will be closed Jan 1-2.
Happy New Year!
We are so thankful for the continued support our customers show us time after time! Thank you thank you! See you in 2026!

12/20/2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The shop will be closed the week of Dec 22-26.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy Christmas season! 🎄

11/11/2025

08/09/2025

The shop will be closed the week of August 11-15

🏖️

06/24/2025

The shop will have limited hours this week as the Lakey family has welcomed a new addition! 🩵

Thank you for your understanding!

04/14/2025

Fuel Injector Cleaning:

Your vehicle gets its power from burning fuel, usually gasoline, and it counts on something called fuel injectors to send gas to the engine in a spray that is easy to ignite. It’s a precise operation, and when it’s working well, you have plenty of power and an efficient engine.

But after time, contaminants in the fuel system may prevent the injectors from spraying like they’re supposed to. They can also shoot contaminants into the engine.

One sign that could point to dirty fuel injectors is a misfiring engine. Misfires can be caused by several things, so it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle to us so we can trace the cause. Another sign is that your fuel economy has gone downhill or your engine doesn’t have the “pep” it used to.

If we discover that your injectors are clogged or not working the way they should, we can clean them to get rid of those contaminants to restore your engine to its top performance. When you bring your vehicle to us, we will connect the flushing equipment, flush out the injectors and reassemble the system.

A good time to have fuel injectors inspected is when you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. An oil change is an ideal time to have a technician take a close look at your entire fuel delivery system.

When you have your fuel injectors cleaned, you may see your mileage go up, your engine performance improve, and your exhaust emissions decrease.

03/31/2025

The shop will be closed March 31- April 4 for some family time.
Happy Spring Break!

03/20/2025

2017 Ford F550 Super Duty Crew Cab & Chassis · Truck · Driven 269,000 kilometers

New engine and turbocharger. Warranty until June 2026. Brake rotors and tires done. New 2025 deck, New windshield. Deleted with ccv upgrade.

12/31/2024

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

Thank you for all the support in 2024!