Common Car Questions

Why is it important to change the oil and oil filter?
The most important job of your car's motor oil is to lubricate the engine's moving parts. Dirty oil wears out those parts much faster. Motor oil cleans the inside of your car's engine as well as helps to cool it. It helps seal the space between the piston rings and cylinder walls, forming enough of a seal to help prevent loss of power and increase operating economy. If you change your engine's oil without replacing the oil filter, the new oil can pick up the contaminants trapped in the old oil filter and recirculate them to the engine's moving parts. Change the oil and filter before a long trip. The dirtier the oil, the faster the engine will consume it. Frequent oil and filter changes are an effective and economical way to increase the live of your vehicle. We recommend changing the oil and filter every 3,000-5,000 miles.

How often should I change my transmission fluid?
Manufactures suggest replacing the fluid every 30-50,000 miles. Automatic transmission generate a lot of heat and over a period of time the transmission fluid degrades and breaks down it also becomes contaminated with worn bits of transmission clutches. If these contaminates are not drained out, the will shorten the live of your transmission. If your transmission fluid looks brown in color, instead of light red, it's time for a change. Don't know how to check it? Stop in and let us do it for you.

Why should I check my tire pressures?
Having the proper tire pressure is a crucial safety issue. Next to the brakes, the tires are the most important safety devices on your car, Incorredt tire pressure will compromise cornering, braking and stability. In the worst-case scenario, improper tire pressure can lead to tire failure - and a serious accident. Incorrect tire pressure also will affect your comfort, fuel economy and tire life

Top 12 Car Problems

According the Vehicle Maintenance Council, 4 out of 5 cars need one or more of the following maintenance items:

1. Worn brake Parts: Postponing needed brake service, in addition to being a
   safety hazard, can escalate the cost of a braking system overhaul.
2. Tired Windshield Wiper Blades: Don't wait for a rainy day to replace worn blades.
3. Burned Out Lights: Can you see and be seen? Check all your lights regularly to be sure.
4. Clogged Filters: Scheduled replacement of air, oil, fuel, transmission and other filters extend car life and improve performance.
5. Worn Spark Plugs: Worn plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions. They also cause the engine to run poorly.
6. Corroded Battery Cables: Corroded cables and a weak battery cause starting trouble. Hanve battery and charging system checked if the engine turns over slowly.
7. Glazed Belts, Rotten Hoses: A Slipping belt can affect engine cooling, alternator, power steering, and air conditioner performance. Replace worn belts before they let you down. Brittle or rotten cooling system hoses can lead to overheating, Others such as vacuum and power steering hoses can hinder performance and safety.
8. Neglected Cooling System: Periodic servicing of the cooling system helps prevent deterioration of radiator and heater core.
9. Leaking Shock Absorbers: Worn shocks or struts deteriorate steering control,
   ride, and increase tire wear.
10. Damaged CV Joint Boots: These rubber boots protect the critical CV joints that deliver power to your wheels. They should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
11. Leaking Exhaust system: Have your vehicle put on a lift occasionally to check the muffler and other parts of the exhaust system.
12. Tired Tires: Worn tires are dangerous. Proper inflation, rotation, balancing, and will increase tire life, and improve handling and performance.