Auto Repair Questions & Advice

Q1. When should I get my oil changed?

You should get your oil changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles or every 3-4 months if you are using regular oil. If you are using synthetic oil you should change it every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or 6 months.

Q2. What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem - if your car overheats for too long, you can cause long term damage to your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

Q3. What does it mean if my 'check engine' or 'service engine soon' light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Q4. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Q5. How often should I rotate my tires?

The mileage recommendation for rotating tires varies greatly between the different auto manufacturers. When we service your vehicle we look at how your tires are wearing and we will recommend a tire rotation when it is necessary. All cars actual rotation intervals depend on several factors such as how you drive (fast take offs and rapid acceleration from take off cause more wear on the tires), over or under tire inflation, condition of front end parts, correct alignment, road conditions (the more turning you due the more your front tires will wear), and several other things can affect the rate of tire wear.