Frequently Asked Questions

Preventative maintenance is important for peak performance and longevity. Preventative maintenance helps keep small problems from becoming large expensive ones. Most new car warranties are affected by your vehicles scheduled preventative maintenance, if these maintenance items are not addressed it could void some or all of your warranty. New car dealers would like you to believe that they are the only facility that can perform these services. This is a myth. Anyone can perform these services, as long as the parts used are Original Equipment quality and maintenance is performed on time per your manufactures recommended schedule.

You should get your oil changed every 3 months, 3,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner manual.

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing, or vehicles that are operated in extreme climates. Synthetic motor oils are often times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, but can improve fuel economy and provide longer life of your engine.

Antifreeze should be replaced every two years due to oxidation and deterioration of important additives. Your vehicles engine makes enough heat to destroy itself so a cooling system is needed. Antifreeze mixed with water at a 50/50 ratio provides freeze and boiling protection. Too much antifreeze can cause heat transfer problem which can cause overheating. If your vehicle starts to overheat the air conditioner should be turned off and the heater turned on to remove some of the heat from the coolant. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge goes into the red zone the vehicle should be shut down immediately and allowed to cool down to avoid costly engine damage.

Cars today are equipped with front wheel disc brakes; some models even have 4 wheel disc brake systems. Brake squealing and noises are common with various causes. Most often caused from dust (common in New Mexico) and high frequency vibrations of the brake pads. Brake systems should be checked regularly and worn parts replaced before ruining expensive rotors and calipers.

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s performance and emission system. When a sensor fails the “service engine soon” or “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your vehicle may seem to be running properly you should have your vehicle looked at to prevent any long-term problems.

Yes. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. In older vehicles the timing belt was made out of metal called timing chains. As engines became smaller and more compact, rubber belts replaced the heavier timing chains that had to be lubricated. The timing belt deteriorates with heat and age. The primary job of the timing belt is to keep moving parts, primarily valves and pistons, in time with one another. If the timing belt is not replaced, it will eventually break, leaving your stranded, in most cases with costly engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement

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