Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

How often do I have to change my oil?

While the industry standard has been every 3,000 miles or 3 months for decades, the truth is that many vehicles can go much longer than that between oil changes. To find out the correct oil change interval for your car, you need to read your owner's manual.

Why do I need to change my oil?

As you would expect, engine oil keeps everything lubricated within the engine in addition to helping keep it clean. Over time, the oil breaks down, gets dirty, and becomes less effective. You need to change it regularly to keep everything working properly.

What would happen if I didn't change my oil?

Over time, the level of contaminants in the oil gradually rises. This causes the oil to lose its additives and break down. When this starts to happen, the oil gets thicker and thicker. Eventually, the excess dirt in the oil will start to wear down the engine and because the oil can't lubricate as well, metal will rub against metal. If this goes on long enough, the metal components could weld themselves together and your entire engine could seize. However, this would take many thousands of miles beyond the recommended service interval.

My car squeals every time I stop. What does this mean?

If you hear a squealing sound whenever you apply the brakes, this likely means you need new brake pads. Brake pads have a built-in safety device in the form of a small piece of metal. When the pads are running thin, this piece of metal will press against the brake rotors and you'll hear a squealing sound.

What does the check engine light mean?

That dreaded light actually can have a wide range of causes. Sometimes, a loose or missing gas cap can cause it to turn on, or it could be something more complicated like an issue with the catalytic converter. Whenever you see this light, you should have your car inspected as soon as you can to check for any serious issues.