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Frequently Asked Questions
You may see your gas mileage decrease. Your vehicle may start running rough. If your check engine light comes on that could also be an indicator that your vehicle needs a tune up. The owner’s manual that came with your vehicle may suggest a tune up at a certain mileage.
Prior to winter weather setting in, you should:
Check your antifreeze level and condition. Rust colored antifreeze means you may need to flush and refill the cooling system.
Check the level of you motor oil. If its been 3 months to 3000 miles since you last oil change, it should be replaced.
Check you battery. Batteries that are weak can fail on cold morning and your car won’t start.
Change your wiper blades to winter wiper-blades. These prevent ice build-up that can obstruct your view during operation in snow and ice conditions.
Check the condition of your tires. Tires that have warn tread can mean hydroplaning on road water and can lead to accidents.
Check your A/C operation. Your air condition will function in the defrost mode and is used to help defrost or remove moister from the windshields, fogged up windows can be hazardous during driving.
Perform a brake inspection. A well operating brake system help stop your car, especially during wet or snowy and icy conditions.
Prior to going on a trip, you should:
Check all lights. Check your headlights (high and low-beam), brake lights, turn signals, parking lamps and (if you have them) fog lights to make sure they are all operational. You should clean your headlights using glass cleaner to improve night visibility.
Check wiper blades. Inspect them for cracks or tears, and make sure they’re operational. If they’re in good shape, it’s still a good idea to clean the rubber blade with little glass cleaner.
Check all hoses. Look for any cracks or holes in hoses, and replace any that are not in good shape.
Check all belts. Inspect all belts to ensure that none are worn, loose or frayed.
Inspect the battery. If there is corrosion on the terminals, you can clean it away with a toothbrush and a pasty solution of water and baking soda.
Check all fluids. Check the reservoirs to ensure that your coolant and wiper fluids are at the proper levels. Check your oil using the dipstick. Check transmission fluid, power-steering fluid and brake fluid. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for advice on checking all the fluids.
It is also a good idea to have a good set of basic tools and a emergency kit on hand, these can be purchased from most auto parts stores.
Remove any unwanted items from your truck and check tire pressures to save on gas mileage.
The check engine light is one of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle. It alerts the driver of a potential problem on the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system (main computer). When the check engine light comes on it means that a system in your vehicle — such as ignition, fuel injection, or emission control — is not operating efficiently, even though your vehicle seems to be running fine.If your check engine light comes on and it’s flashing, that indicates a more severe problem that should be checked out immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter (part of your exhaust system). When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds, especially if you’re towing.When the check engine light comes on, there’s no need to panic, just make an appointment to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring your check engine light could severely damage engine components and cost you more money in the end.
- Will it hurt my engine if I drive my car when the check engine light is on?
- It is possible but not too likely. However, you do need to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. You may see a decrease in performance.
Although there are many things that can cause tire damage, improper inflation is the main problem we see. Always keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and frequently check the pressure of all tires.
The additive in the oil starts to break down as soon as it heats up to high temperatures. The engine in your vehicle will reach over 200 degrees almost every time you drive it. History has proven that the 3,000 mile mark is a good interval to have your engine oil replaced. You never want to just drain your engine oil out and put new oil in without changing the oil filter. The oil filter will hold about a quart of oil. If you do not change the oil filter when changing the engine oil in your vehicle you are combining your clean engine oil with deteriorated engine oil and this will lessen the effectiveness of the new engine oil you just put in your vehicle.
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 George Fegan Auto Repair.
These are generic service recommendations based solely on time or mileage not on visual appearance or measurement. Their purpose is to extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent breakdown. Your vehicle’s requirements may differ depending on driving habits and/or owner’s manual recommendations. Check your owner’s manual and with your auto mechanic for specifics.
OIL – LUBE – FILTER: 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles
TIRE ROTATION: 3,000 to 5,000 Miles depending on tire style
PCV VALVE: Yearly, replace and service PCV system
WHOLE CAR DIAGNOSIS: Yearly and before purchase or sale
FUEL FILTER: Yearly or as needed
BATTERY SERVICE: Yearly or as needed
AIR CONDITIONING: Check every spring or as needed
RADIATOR COOLANT: Every two years, flush
BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
CLUTCH SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
RADIATOR CAP: Replace every two years
ENGINE OIL FLUSH: 2 Years or 30,000 Miles
AUTOMATIC TRANS FLUSH: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
POWER STEERING FLUSH: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
EGR SYSTEM SERVICE: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
4X4 TRANSFER CASE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
CARBON CLEANING: 2 Years or 30,000 miles or as needed
THROTTLE-BODY SERVICE: 2 Years or 30,000 miles or as needed
RADIATOR & HEATER HOSES: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
DRIVE BELTS: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
TIMING BELT: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
DIFFERENTIAL FLUID: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
MANUAL TRANS SERVICE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
VALVES: Adjust per owner’s manual
SCAN FOR COMPUTER CODES: When amber “CHECK ENGINE” Light is on
OXYGEN SENSOR: Per owner’s manual or as needed
Preventative Maintenance is regular maintenance of your vehicle that helps keep your automobile running efficiently and eliminating potential problems that may leave you stranded. Manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and increase your satisfaction with their product.
Preventative maintenance includes:
Servicing Windshield Wipers
Tune-up or servicing/replacing spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor.
Replacing air filters
Engine oil change
Differential(s) gear oil change
Trans-axle oil change
Routine hose inspection
Battery service
Exterior drive belt replacement
Servicing/replacing transmission oil and filter
Timing belt replacement
Brake fluid flush
Power steering flush
Antifreeze replacement/flush
Rotate tires
Inspect exhaust system for leaks
Inspect brake linings brake rotor hydraulic lines calipers and wheel cylinders
Replace cabin air filter
Used car safety inspection