Q. When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 4000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or as needed. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Q. Can vehicles last beyond 100,000 miles?
We have found in 20 years experience in maintaining a good service interval that we have gotten 300,000, even 400,000 miles out of vehicles. These intervals include changing all fluids, spark plugs, timing belts, etc. on a timely basis.
Q. 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.
Q. 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 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; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Import Service Center.
Q. How do I make sure my car battery is in good condition?
Battery levels, battery cold cranking amps and voltage. Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
Q. Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.
Q. When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 60,000-mile platinum or 90,000-mile iridium tipped spark plugs.
Q. I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to "blow," you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.
Q. 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.
