Q. How often should my vehicle’s tires be rotated?
The tires on your vehicle should be rotated at about 6000-miles or roughly every other time you change your car’s oil. Premature wear on your tires tends to be a result of failing to rotate them at proper intervals.
Q. How important is it to replace the timing belt in my vehicle at the time period recommended by the manufacturer?
It is VERY important. The relatively minor job of replacing a timing belt is much less expensive than the major repair of the vehicle’s engine, which could occur as a result of a busted timing belt.
Q. Help! My car’s “check engine” or “service engine soon” light just came on…what does that mean?
When one of these lights comes on, it means that one of the sensors or computerized components that monitor your vehicle’s engine system is indicating something is amiss. Though nothing may seem wrong with the car, we suggest that you bring the car in for an inspection. By catching and fixing problem soon, we can prevent issues down the road.
Q. I think my car is overheating, what should I do? Is this a big deal?
In a word, YES! If your vehicle is overheating, serious and costly engine damage could happen. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. This will begin to let the vehicle cool down. DON’T try to test the radiator’s fluid level, which is red-hot and can cause serious burns. We advise drivers to have their overheated vehicle towed to the nearest, trusted auto repair facility.
Q. How often do I need to get my vehicle’s oil changed?
For most vehicle’s, a 3,000-mile oil change is recommended. Check the manufacturer’s suggestions in the owner’s manual.
Q. Should the color of my engine’s oil be milky brown?
No! If the color of your engine’s oil is milky brown, this is a common indication that radiator coolant has somehow gotten into the oil. A blown head gasket (or other such gasket) is often the cause. Alternately, it could indicate a failed transmission cooler or cracked casing. Milky brown oil is very serious and should be assessed by a trained mechanic as soon as possible.
Q. Is the electrical connection for my car’s battery good?
You should have your vehicle’s battery terminals and cables inspected from time to time to make sure they deliver a solid electrical connection.
Q. Which are better for my vehicle… synthetic motor oil or mineral-based oils?
That depends. For high output, supercharged or turbocharged engines, synthetic motor oils might be the better option. Many vehicles that are used for towing (especially in the hot summertime) and those that operate in extreme temperatures use synthetic oils. Although they are more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic oils can improve fuel economy and allow for longer intervals between oil changes.
Q. How often should my vehicle’s fuel filter be replaced?
Follow your vehicle’s recommendation for scheduling fuel filter replacements for best performance. Most manufacturers’ suggest replacing the vehicle’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles.
Q. How often do my spark plugs need to be changed?
Your vehicle’s spark plugs should be changed out every 30 months or 30,000 miles for top performance and maximum fuel efficiency. The exception would be if your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
Q. A fuse burned out, how do I go about replacing it?
Replace a dead fuse with fuse of the same amperage (this should be printed on the fuse). If the same fuse continues to go out, you should have the circuit checked by a qualified technician for defects or electrical system issues.
Have more questions, please feel free to contact us directly!
