Frequently Asked Questions

 A lot of automotive professionals say regular maintenance pays off in the long run. If you assume an oil change, for example, every 4,000- or 5,000-miles costs $25 on average, you’ll spend a few hundred dollars on oil over the life of a vehicle that lasts 100,000 miles. By contrast, replacing an engine costs about $4,000.

 Manufacturers most often recommend fluid inspections and replacing routine parts such as brake pads, air filters, and spark plugs. Tire rotations/alignments are important too. Also pay attention to your car manual’s recommendations regarding coolant, axle, and transmission fluid exchange and timing belt replacement.

 That depends on your vehicle. Some types of service should be done more regularly, including brakes, fluid checks, and oil changes, while timing belt replacements are among services you might only need once or twice. Time and mileage intervals are key factors, which your vehicle’s manufacturer should list. Your car, truck, or SUV also has internal clocks so indicator lights will notify you when maintenance is required.

If your car overheats, turn off the engine and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes. Then, check the coolant level and add more if necessary. If the problem persists, bring your car in for a diagnostic check.

 Your engine looks like one giant piece of equipment under the hood, but it’s composed of many moving parts, including pistons, valves, and connecting rods, that create the power needed to propel your vehicle. As these parts work together, they move against one another and generate extreme heat. The oil in your engine lubricates those parts, so they don’t have to work as hard, preventing them from overheating. At the same time, the oil picks up dirt and debris, which are detrimental to the engine and can lead to corrosion.

 Most routine oil changes include a tire rotation, a relatively simple process where the technician will swap the front and rear tires. Rotating your tires extends their longevity by promoting even tread wear. You’ll also enjoy a smoother ride, improved fuel efficiency, and greater control over your vehicle.

Having your tires balanced and your wheels aligned are often done together, but they are distinctly different processes. Tire balancing remedies a weight imbalance in the wheel, which can cause harsh vibrations, rapid tire wear, and even suspension damage if left unresolved. Our technicians rely on a tire balancing machine to measure the imbalance in each wheel and install the right amount of weights to achieve the perfect balance.

A wheel alignment is a bit misleading because it actually involves adjusting your vehicle’s suspension. During an alignment, a technician measures and corrects the angle of the tires so that they make the best contact with the road. When your vehicle is misaligned, you may notice that it pulls to one side or your steering wheel is crooked despite your efforts to drive straight.