Clean Car Tips and Tricks

When it comes to keeping your Mitsubishi in top shape, few things are more important than a routine oil change. It's one of the simplest forms of vehicle maintenance you can do, yet it plays a huge role in protecting your engine and extending the life of your vehicle. Fresh oil lubricates the moving parts inside your engine, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt and debris, making it far less effective at doing its job. That's why staying on schedule is important— especially if you want to protect your investment for the long haul. What Happens When You Skip Routine Oil Changes for a Mitsubishi Routine oil changes for a Mitsubishi are straightforward but skipping them can lead to some costly consequences. Old, degraded oil loses its ability to properly lubricate engine components, which causes increased wear and heat buildup. Over time, this can lead to sludge formation and, in severe cases, serious engine damage. Every Mitsubishi model — from the Outlander to the Eclipse Cross to the Outlander Sport — is engineered with components that depend on clean, fresh oil to perform properly. Neglecting this basic service can void parts of your coverage and lead to repairs that far outweigh the cost of a simple oil change. more How Often Should You Change the Oil in Your Mitsubishi The right oil change interval depends on your specific model, the type of oil your vehicle uses, and your driving habits. Many newer Mitsubishi vehicles are designed to use full synthetic oil, which generally lasts longer than conventional oil. As a rule, most Mitsubishi owners should plan for an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles when using synthetic oil, though your owner's manual is always your most reliable guide. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or on dusty roads — you may need to change your oil more frequently. Mitsubishi's Warranty and Maintenance Program Have You Covered One of the standout benefits of owning a Mitsubishi is the brand's commitment to backing their vehicles long after you drive off the lot. Mitsubishi offers America's Best-Backed Vehicles, which includes a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, and a 2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance program. That Limited Maintenance coverage includes three oil and filter changes, three tire rotations, three multi-point inspections, and one cabin filter change — all within specified time and mileage windows. It's a great way to get your routine oil changes for a Mitsubishi taken care of without the added expense during those first couple of years of ownership. Signs Your Mitsubishi Is Due for an Oil Change Your vehicle will often give you clues when it's time for fresh oil. Paying attention to these signals can help you avoid putting extra stress on your engine. Watch for your oil change indicator light or check engine light appearing on your dashboard. You might also notice the engine running louder than usual, a dark or gritty appearance when you check the oil on the dipstick, or a subtle burning smell coming from the engine area. Any of these signs means it's time to schedule an oil change sooner rather than later. Visit Rath Mitsubishi for Your Next Oil Change Keeping up with your Mitsubishi oil change schedule doesn't have to be complicated. At Rath Mitsubishi, the service team is equipped to handle all of your routine maintenance needs with care and efficiency. Drivers throughout Fort Smith, AR, can visit Rath Mitsubishi or head to rathmitsubishi.com to schedule a service appointment. Staying ahead of your oil changes is one of the best things you can do to keep your Mitsubishi performing the way it was built to.

Knowing how to jump-start a car is an important skill for any driver. It may look complicated, but it's a very easy process if you know the right way to do it. As your Mitsubishi dealer, we want to guide you through the simple steps to jump-start any vehicle. In the example below, your Mitsubishi will be used to jump the failed battery in another vehicle. more 5 Easy Steps To Jump-Start a Car: Position Correctly Jump-starting requires connecting your battery to the dead battery of another vehicle and giving it enough juice to get the other vehicle's engine to start. You'll need jumper cables and want your Mitsubishi to be as close to the other vehicle's battery as possible. This reduces the need to stretch the cables tightly, and the jumper cable clamps are less likely to slip off the battery terminals. Most vehicle's batteries are located under the hood, but some vehicles have their engine and battery in the trunk. Confirm the location of the other vehicle's battery before you position your Mitsubishi, and then park as close to it as possible. Once you're in position, ensure both vehicle's engines are switched off and pop the hoods. Red Cables First Jumper cable sets include red and black cables, and these cables must be connected in a precise order. Incorrectly connected cables can prevent the other battery from charging and, in extreme cases, could even start a fire. The red cables must always be connected first, starting with connecting one red cable clamp to the positive terminal in the dead battery. Ensure the first red cable clamp is securely in place, then connect the second red cable clamp to the positive terminal in your battery. Positive terminals are identified with a + sign, or they may have a red plastic cover. Black Cables Second Now the red cables are in place, it's time to connect the black cables. Connect one of the black cable clamps to the negative terminal on your battery. The final step is very important, as the remaining black cable clamp must be connected to any unpainted metal surface in the other vehicle's engine. Jump the Battery Start your engine and allow it to idle for several minutes. Electricity will start flowing from your battery to the dead battery. After a few minutes, try to start the other vehicle. If it starts, allow it to idle, and your job is done. If the other vehicle doesn't start, return to your Mitsubishi, let the engine idle for another ten to fifteen minutes, and try to start the other vehicle again. Disconnect the Cables Once the other engine is running, you can disconnect the cables. The cables must be removed in the reverse order of their installation. If you have any questions about jump-starting, contact us today at Rath Mitsubishi in Springdale, AR.

Mitsubishi automobiles are known for exceptional reliability, ranked 6th out of 32 manufacturers by RepairPal for low projected and reported annual maintenance costs. With a reputation for dependability and a top-tier manufacturer warranty on every new vehicle from your authorized Mitsubishi dealer, peace of mind is the name of the game. Put any other concerns to bed with an extended warranty to get every last mile out of your car. more The Diamond Care Protection Extended Warranty, Available from Your Mitsubishi Dealer With a Diamond Care Protection package, the bumper-to-bumper factory coverage on your new Mitsubishi can now be upgraded with up to fifteen different levels of year/mileage extension, for a possible maximum of 10 years and 120,000 miles, effectively doubling the life of the original warranty. There are three tiers of service contract available, and most vehicles less than 10 years old and with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer are eligible. The Powertrain Package Covering 620 different components, the Powertrain warranty offers effective coverage of the engine, transmission, and drive axle. This package applies to hybrid and electric vehicles as well, but does not cover high-capacity battery replacement. The Deluxe Package This upgrade to the Powertrain warranty provides comprehensive coverage of your engine, transmission, and drive axle, and adds effective coverage for brakes, the electrical and fuel systems, steering, suspension, climate control, and body/interior, for a combined total of 1,334 warranties components. The Supreme Package This full-bodied, top-of-the-line service contract adds advanced driver assistance systems and the onboard infotainment panel to the coverage offered in the Deluxe plan, with comprehensive coverage of each of the 2,026 parts that can be serviced or replaced. Bonus Features Zero Payment Service Visits While a competitively affordable deductible may accompany the cost of some services, you pay nothing beyond that at the time of your appointment if your vehicle is in need of a warrantied repair or replacement. 0% Consumer Payment Arrangements Financing your extended coverage is easier than ever, offering convenient payment options, terms tailored to fit your budget, and no credit check required. Customer Service Features on All Plans Along with your extended coverage, all Diamond Care Protection packages feature nationwide 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance, towing reimbursement, car rental allowance, trip interruption reimbursement, and excellent customer service. Anybody who has been to a mechanic recently knows that the rising cost of repairs isn't slowing down any time soon. With a Diamond Care Protection Plan, Mitsubishi owners can rest assured that the same exceptional warranty that they get from the factory will keep on giving for miles to come. Speak with one of our warranty specialists today at Rath Mitsubishi, located in Springdale, AR, and we'll get you covered.