Q. Is an appointment required for oil changes?
A. We require appointments for all service. We are generally scheduling a week in advance. Some services such as wiper blades and some bulbs can be replaced on a drop in basis, but it is recommended to call ahead.
Q. Why are there so many other parts associated with replacing a timing belt?
A. It is very labor intensive to reach the timing belt. Many cars have a water pump that is driven by the timing belt, if the water pump were to fail, it would break the new timing belt. The thermostat and coolant degrade over time and should be replaced with the water pump. There are several rubber seals that require removal of the timing belt to replace. If these seals leak, the oil will damage the new belt. The drive belts must be removed for access and have a service life approximetely the same as the timing belt so these are replaced as well.
*Different vehicles require different actions so there may be more or less parts required.
Q. What are CV axles and why should I service them?
A. CV (constant velocity) joints are a collection of bearings and cages that span from the transmission to the wheels, causing the wheels to spin. All the parts spin around in grease that is held in by a rubber boot. Without the boot, the grease would spin out of the CV joints allowing dirt to infiltrate the joints causing them to fail. Over time the rubber boots of the CV joints can become cracked, torn, or otherwise compromised. We encourage you to replace the boots before they fail and damage the CV joints.
Q. My check engine light came on, what should I do?
A. If the vehicle is running normally, there is not much to be concerned about. Make an appointment to have the codes checked when possible.
If the vehicle is running abnormally, turn it off. Have the vehicle towed.
Catalyst's can cost thousands of dollars.
Q. Why is brake fluid replacement recommended?
A. Brake fluid absorbs water thus decreasing the boiling point and increasing corrosion. Boiling brake fluid is the cause of brake fade.
Q. What used cars do you recommend?
A. Each person or family is different, we would be glad to discuss that on an individual basis. The most important part of purchasing a used car is obtaining a pre-purchase inspection, no matter what the make or model of the car is.
Q. How often should I change my oil?
A. First, check your oil level between oil changes, ideally
every 1,000 miles or so. This is true for all cars, new or old.
People who make money selling oil and filters will tell you that you
need to change both every 3,000 miles. While that certainly won’t hurt
the car, changing oil that often might not be necessary. Check your
owner’s manual to find out what is recommended for your car, based on
your driving pattern.
The answer varies from car to car, and depends on how you drive.
The “Maintenance Schedule” section of your owner’s manual will give you
two figures: one for Normal Conditions and another for Severe
Conditions. Few people fit into the Severe category in the weather conditions we experience here.
For example: A 2003 Honda Odyssey owner’s manual defines severe conditions as follows
a) Driving less than 5 miles per trip (10 miles in freezing temperatures)
b) Driving in extremely hot (over 90 degrees) weather
c) Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving (ie: taxis, delivery vehicles)
d) Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions
e) Driving on dusty, muddy, or de-iced roads.
The oil change interval isn’t consistent, even within a single manufacturer’s product line:
The 2003 Honda Odyssey Normal interval is 7,500 miles. The Severe interval is 3,750 miles.
The 2006 Honda CR-V Normal interval is 10,000 miles, while Severe is 5,000 miles