FAQ
When Should I Rotate My Tires?
It is important to rotate your tires at every other oil change. This will promote even wear and can help your tires last longer. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, you would rotate your tires every 6,000 miles.
Should I Really Replace My Timing Belt as Recommended?
In a word, yes. If you allow your timing belt to fail, you could be on the hook for a major repair, one costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The cost of a new timing belt is nothing compared to the cost of a major vehicle repair.
What Does it Mean When the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” Light Comes On?
There are sensors in your vehicle that monitor various components, and these lights are designed to warn you when something goes wrong. These lights alert you to issues with your engine or emissions system, and you should never ignore them. You should bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible if either one of these lights illuminates.
What Should I Do If My Vehicle Overheats?
Overheating is a serious problem for your car, and a potentially dangerous one for your engine. If your car starts to overheat, you should pull over immediately. Find a safe place to park your car, then call a tow truck. Driving with a hot engine will do serious, and expensive, damage to your car.
How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Car?
Your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or at the recommended interval for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval – and be sure you follow it.
What Makes Engine Oil Milky Brown?
If your engine oil is a milky brown color, it means there is coolant in the oil. This could indicate a blown head gasket, a cracked casing or an issue with the transmission cooler. All of these are serious problems, and you should bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.
How Do I Tell If My Battery Has a Good Connection?
It is important to check the terminals and cables on your battery at regular intervals. Check the tightness of the connection, make adjustments if needed and have your battery professionally checked if you suspect a problem.
Should I Use Synthetic Motor Oil?
Synthetic motor oil is a good choice for many drivers, including those with turbocharged and supercharged vehicles, as well as high output engines and owners of vehicles used for towing. These synthetic motor oils cost more up front, but they also provide a higher level of protection for your engine.
How Often Should I Replace My Fuel Filter?
The fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles, or at the interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual to determine the recommended replacement interval.
When Should I Change the Spark Plugs?
Check your vehicle to see what kind of spark plugs it has. Special platinum-tipped 100,000 mile spark plugs should be good for the entire 100,000 miles. Other spark plugs should be changed at the recommended intervals for your vehicle.
What Do I Need to Do to Replace a Blown Fuse?
If a fuse burns out, you should replace it with one of the same amperage. You can find this amperage rating printed on the fuse itself. If the new fuse burns out quickly, you should ask your mechanic to examine the circuit.