Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 6 - 8,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Q. What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Q. What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
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 the nearest, trusted auto repair facility.

Q. When should I get my oil changed?
If you are using petroleum-based oil, you should change your oil every 4500 -- 5000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. If you use synthetic oil, it will need to be changed less frequently.

Q. Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.

Q. How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection. When your vehicle is being serviced, the service center can/should perform a battery load test which will determine the battery's overall condition.

Q. Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for any vehicle, but especially for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy, provide longer intervals between changes, and reduce internal engine deposits and wear.

Q. When should I replace my car's fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 60,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Q. When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced based on manufacturer recommendations which range from 60 -- 105,000 miles.

Q. I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to "blow," you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.