FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
Changing your vehicle's oil is one of the most important things you can do
to avoid larger problems later on.
However, there's a lot of controversy
about exactly when engine oil gets old and how often it should be replaced with
new oil. Because there are many factors at work - how you drive, the condition
and age of the engine, the external environment you drive in, and stop-and-go
versus highway driving - it's an inexact science. Owner's manual recommendations
for oil and filter changes vary from 3,000 to 10,000 miles.
We recommend
that you change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles. That's our best estimate.
It may be too soon for many people and too late for a few, but for the vast
majority, 5,000-mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe, old age.
You may want to consider changing your oil more frequently if:
- You drive like a crazy person: jackrabbit starts, heavy acceleration or high-speed driving
- You live where the climate is extremely hot or cold
- You often drive on dirt roads
- Your engine is old and burns oil
- You frequently carry heavy loads
Why should I change my air filter?
The air filter stops airborne contaminants from getting sucked into your car's engine. It's a paper filter that stops debris such as dust, leaves and wayward pelicans before they get inside the engine and do damage.
Should I do this service when it's recommended?
Yes.
Why do I have to do this?
Because, eventually, your air filter will get plugged up.
What happens if I don't do this?
If your air filter gets too dirty or clogged, your engine won't be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then run rich (i.e., too much gas and not enough air). When this happens, your car will lose power and run roughly. Your Check Engine light also may come on.
How Often Should I Receive a Tune-up?
Most cars have factory scheduled services due at the 7500, 15,000 and 30,000 mile intervals, which may include tune-up related items. Your driving habits may require servicing more often.
Do I really Have to Rotate My Tires?
We know that all tires rotate. But we're talking about another kind of rotation - rotating tires to different corners of the car and maybe even reversing the direction in which they turn.
Many tires are rotated front- to-back and side-to-side, but some tires are directional, which means they're only supposed to turn in one direction. They have to stay on the same side of the car. Directional tires often have arrows on the tire's sidewall to show you the direction in which they should turn.
If you're not sure which kind of tires you have, check with your mechanic.
Should I do this service when it's recommended?
You should do this service only if you can do it for $20 or less, in our opinion.
The financial benefit of rotating tires is that you'll increase the useful life of the tire. But if you pay more than about $20, you'll probably wipe out any savings you might have gained.
What is the difference in a dealer service center and your independent service center?
We are a specialty shop that has been working on cars over 25 years. We we understand what you need to keep your car running reliably and safely without braking the bank every time you visit, We have a friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff that will also give you and your car the special attention that you deserve.
