Q: Do I really need to change my oil every 3000 miles?
A: Oil changes are the least expensive preventive maintenance available, and are critical to making your engine last a long time. We believe the "3,000 mile or 3 month" rule is good to use as a general guideline. However, for a more in depth discussion of this issue, please read the article from our newsletter by clicking here.
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
A: Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Q: How much air pressure should I put in my tires?
A: The correct tire pressures are listed on the inside frame of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. The number imprinted on the tire itself is usually for maximum pressure allowed. And remember that you get the most accurate pressure readings when the tires are cold.
Q: What type of gas should I use for my car?
A: Follow the recommendation in your owner’s manual. Running a higher octane gas than is required for your vehicle does nothing to improve its performance and costs you more money. If you are using a higher octane to eliminate pinging or spark knock, you should have a repair shop diagnose the true underlying problem.
Q: Do I need to go to the dealer for scheduled services, especially if my car is still under warranty?
A: No, most reputable repair shops can perform these services for you. However, retaining the records for your vehicle is very important so that you can keep track of the maintenance done to your car.
Q: Are scheduled services really necessary? They seem like a waste of money.
A: The maintenance services in your owner’s manual are recommended by the manufacturer to maximize the life and performance of your vehicle. In the long run, they can save you money and help prevent breakdowns.
Q: Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
A: 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.
Q: My brakes squeak occasionally. Is this normal?
A: In most cases, this is a normal condition with a disc brake system. However, if the noise is constant, excessive, or grinding, have the brake system inspected by a professional to avoid any safety problems.
Q: What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
A: 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.
Q: What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
A: This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage 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.
Q: Do I need to change my coolant every summer to keep from overheating, or every winter to protect from freezing?
A: Not necessarily. You can have your coolant strength checked at a repair shop. Also following your manufacturer’s scheduled services on time should take care of your car’s cooling system.
Q: Any suggestions on what to look for when buying a used car?
A: Look at the maintenance and repair records for the car, if available. The better a vehicle has been maintained, the longer it will last. Then have a qualified technician check the car over thoroughly for any potential problems.
to e-mail Catherine's