FAQs

The following are general service suggestions that rely on predetermined time or mileage intervals rather than visual assessment or measurements. These suggestions aim to enhance your vehicle’s longevity and minimize the risk of breakdowns. It’s important to note that your vehicle’s needs might vary based on your driving patterns and the recommendations in the owner’s manual. Be sure to consult both the owner’s manual and your auto mechanic for precise guidance.

Possible signs of needing a tune-up include a reduction in gas mileage, rough running of the vehicle, and the illumination of the check engine light. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual might also provide mileage-based recommendations for when a tune-up is advisable.

The additives present in engine oil begin to degrade once exposed to high temperatures, which frequently occurs as your vehicle’s engine reaches temperatures exceeding 200 degrees during normal operation. Historical experience has established that the 3,000-mile interval is a suitable timeframe to replace engine oil. It’s important to note that simply draining and replenishing the oil without changing the oil filter is not recommended. The oil filter retains around a quart of oil. Neglecting to replace the oil filter during an oil change would result in the mixture of fresh and deteriorated oil, diminishing the effectiveness of the new oil added to the engine.

It’s advised to rotate your tires every second oil change, or approximately every 6000 miles. Failing to do so is a significant contributor to early tire wear.

Absolutely. In numerous vehicles, a broken timing belt can lead to significant engine harm. The expense of repairing an engine after a timing belt failure far surpasses the cost of replacing the timing belt.

Numerous sensors and computerized elements oversee your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When any of these encounters a failure, the “check engine” light is activated. Despite your car appearing to operate smoothly, it’s crucial to have the problem addressed to prevent potential long-term issues.

This issue is extremely critical – extended overheating can lead to engine damage. Without delay, locate a secure spot to pull over and turn off the engine. Avoid trying to inspect the radiator fluid level, as the heated fluid can cause severe burns. The most prudent action is to arrange for your car to be towed to Sanford’s Automotive Repair.

Regularly cleaning and examining battery cables and terminals is essential to ensure a dependable electrical connection.

Synthetic motor oils could be a suitable option for engines with high output, turbocharging, or supercharging, as well as for vehicles engaged in towing (especially in hot weather) and those operating in extreme cold or hot conditions. While they might be pricier than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can enhance fuel efficiency and extend the time between oil changes.

The most prevalent reason is the excessive warping of the brake rotor. This usually results from incorrect wheel tightening or insufficient cleaning of wheel hubs during rotor installation after a brake job or tire rotation. Alternatively, it might stem from a faulty hub. This issue doesn’t manifest immediately; it might take a few hundred miles of driving or reaching a temperature threshold for the vibration to become noticeable. To address this concern, a mechanic needs to ascertain whether the rotors are warped, the hubs are dirty, or if there’s a problem with a hub. If there’s sufficient material on the rotor, it can be machined to the appropriate specifications without compromising its safe thickness. Otherwise, the rotor must be replaced. If the hub is the issue, it must be meticulously cleaned, followed by reinstallation of the rotor and verification of its smoothness and straightness (runout).