Frequently asked questions

Whats the deal with extended warranties and are they worth it?

We have seen many 3rd party extended warranties over the years and often they are not worth it. Our recommendation is to take the money you would pay on an extended warranty and put it aside in a new account for car repairs. That way you can track what more emergent repairs you have needed.

How can I get the best fuel mileage possible?

Make sure your tires are properly inflated; replace your air and fuel filters every 15,000–20,000 miles if they are serviceable; and change your oil within the timeline set by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual.

I’m confused – should I change my oil every 3,000, 5,000, or 10,000 miles? One of my vehicle owners’ manuals advises me differently from my other vehicle owners’ manuals.

This can be a very confusing subject and there isn’t one straight or fully correct answer. The owner’s manual gives you a minimal guideline for service and is a good guide for that particular vehicle. However, driving habits and driving conditions are different.

If, for example, you have a service interval set for every 10,000 miles and you are heading into the winter months at 8,000 miles, don’t hold off having a comprehensive servicing (check tires, front end, belts, hoses, fluid levels, coolant protection and battery). It will never hurt your vehicle to perform maintenance slightly earlier than recommended, but it can cost you more money in the long run if you neglect service work. Most major problems can be foreseen during regular service. 

What’s the best thing I can do to help my vehicle last as long as possible and avoid costly repairs?

First, find a reliable, honest service garage you trust. Staying with one repair shop allows them to get to know your car and anticipate repairs. At a minimum, have them perform maintenance services as indicated in your owner’s manual and give you an overall evaluation of your vehicle at least twice a year or every oil change. Keeping a car does involve some cost, and some things are unavoidable (like timing belts and brakes), but as a tea,m you and your mechanic can help keep your vehicle safe and increase your vehicle’s longevity.

Do I need to replace my timing belt?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that you can avoid costly repairs by replacing the timing belt within the mileage range recommended by the manufacturer, or within 7 years. Most of today’s engines with timing belts are what we call interference engines, and simply put, if the timing belt breaks, you can damage the cylinder head, pistons, and rods…causing very costly repairs.