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Automotive FAQ
Q: How do I know if my battery is dead?
A: You may need to have your battery replaced if you notice:
- You only hear a "click" or a series of "clicks" when you turn
the key
- You near no sound at all from the engine when you turn the key
- Your headlights and/or radio are very weak or won't turn on
Q: What are some warning signs that I may be have brake trouble?
A: You should have your car checked if you notice:
- Squealing/Grinding Noise: Brakes are usually quiet
during normal operation. Consistent or excessive squealing,
screeching, grinding or chatter means your brakes need attention.
- Warning Light: This can mean one of two things. Your
emergency brake is on; or you have a serious drop in hydraulic
pressure. Do not attempt to drive if this light is on and your
emergency brake is not engaged.
- Vibration: Excessive vibration
when braking could be caused by many different things, including
your braking system. If the pedal, steering wheel, or entire
vehicle shakes, vibrates, or pulsates when the brake is applied,
you should have your vehicle inspected.
- Pull: If your car tends to pull to one side when the
brakes are applied you may have dirt in the brake pads,
misadjusted brakes, or a faulty part.
- Grab/Drag: If your brakes seem to grab quickly when
you press the pedal or it seems as though the brakes are still
applied when you let off the pedal, have your vehicle's brake
system inspected immediately.
- Low Pedal: A brake pedal that nearly touches the
floorboard before the brakes start working could be repaired with
a simple adjustment, or may be an indication of a more serious
hydraulic problem.
Q: Do I have to go to the Dealership for my regularly scheduled maintenance?
A: Absolutely not! Any independent automotive shop can perform scheduled maintenance without affecting your vehicle warranty.
Q: Do I really need to rotate my tires?
A: To extend the usable life of your tires, they should be rotated on a regular basis.
Q: What can cause my engine to overheat?
A: Overheating is caused by anything that leads to a loss of coolant, prevents the cooling system from getting rid of heat, or causes excess heat in the engine itself:
- Coolant leaks
- Weak radiator cap (does not hold rated pressure and allows
coolant to boilover).
- Cooling system clogged (deposits built up in radiator or in
engine due to maintenance neglect or use of hard water).
- Thermostat stuck shut
- Inoperative electric cooling fan
- Bad fan clutch
- Missing fan shroud
- Slipping fan belt
- Too low or too high a concentration of antifreeze
- Bad water pump impeller
- Collapsed radiator hose
- Debris in radiator
- Late ignition timing
The following questions are for general car care. You should always consult your owners manual for your specific vehicle's maintenance schedule. Newer vehicles generally require less maintenance.
Q: How often should I get an oil change?
A: We recommend changing your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles.
Q: How often should I change my oil filter?
A: We recommend changing your oil filter every time the oil is changed.
Q: How often should I replace my air filter and PCV valve?
A: It is usually recommended that you replace these every 12 months or 18,000 miles.
Q: How often should I have my spark plugs checked?
A: We recommend every 24 months or 36,000 miles; platinum tipped spark plugs should last twice that long.
Q: How often should I flush my radiator?
A: We recommend every 24 months or 24,000 miles.
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