Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. You are protected and have every right to take your car to any auto repair mechanic for routine service and it will have zero affect on your warranty at the dealership. This is protected by Federal Law with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302).

This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law’s protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. The law states in relevant part: No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name… (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).

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

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

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.

Brakes can squeak for a variety of reasons, but continuous squeals and grinding sounds may mean it’s time for new brake pads and shoes. Worn brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. Rotors and drums that are too thin may even become over-stressed and break. Remember, if you notice any of these symptoms it’s a good idea to get your brakes checked.

A brake job includes replacement of worn parts in order to restore the vehicle’s braking performance to new condition.

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.

Depending on the vehicle a timing belt needs to be replaced between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.

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.