Q: How can I get the best fuel mileage possible?
A: 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. 
Q: I’m confused – should I change my oil every 3,000, 5,000, or 10,000 miles? One of my vehicles owners’ manuals is advising me differently than my other vehicles owners’ manual.
A: 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. |
Q: What’s the best thing I can do to help my vehicle last as long as possible and avoid costly repairs?
A: 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 team you and your mechanic can help keep your vehicle safe and increase your vehicle’s longevity. 
Q: Do I need to replace my timing belt?
A: 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. |
Car Clinics for Women and New Drivers
We host fun, informative car clinics to teach women and young drivers about some of the basics of car car, in hopes it creates a better awareness of consumer choices in car repair. We teamed up with Allioops Florist at our most recent one and had some fun door prizes and flower giveaways! We also had officer Tom Anderson of the New London Police Department on hand to talk about safety tips, awareness, and self defense on the road. Everyone left armed with the ability to check fluid levels, jump start a car, change a tire, and a few other handy tips.
Stay tuned for a 2016 clinic!