Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need a tune up?

Why do I need "scheduled maintenance?"
Regular scheduled maintenance practices will often find small problems and keep them from becoming bigger problems. But remember, no matter how well you take care of your vehicle, there is always something that could fail. No one can predict the future!

How often should I change my fuel filter?
Every 15,000 miles or once a year. (Not changing the fuel filter on-time is a leading cause for electric fuel pump early failure)

My "check engine light" just came on, but the car is still running okay. What should I do?
Even thought the car is "still running okay" you should have a computer diagnosis done to find out why the check engine light came on. It can be driven like that, but it should be checked as soon as possible.

• Possible weak battery.
• For later model Ford vehicles (mid to late 1990's) a possible ignition switch electrical failure.
• Starter solenoid failure, high resistance in start system wiring.
• The starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
• The battery cables and clamps are dirty, corroded or loose.
• You should have the the Starting/Charging system checked and repaired.

My battery light is on. What should I do?
First, don't shut the engine off unless you have to. It may not start again. Maybe the alternator belt broke or came off. With serpentine belt tensioners, failures are common on later model vehicles.

This is most often an alternator that has failed. You should have your vehicle charging system checked for proper operation and repaired if needed.

What is that "clicking" sound when I turn?
That "clicking" noise you hear is most likely a CV axle that has a torn boot and dirt and debris has gotten in and the grease has all been thrown out. The CV axle needs to be replaced (replacing only the torn boot will NOT cure the noise).

Most common on Imports: Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and on most any front wheel drive vehicle. But Honda is the most common.

Why do my brakes squeal?
In the old days, brake pads were made of asbestos, which, a few years ago, was outlawed by the federal government. Most brake pads now are made of hard, semi-metallic materials. One result is that brake squeal has become common, as the hard brake pad grinds on the steel rotor. This is normal and is not necessarily an indication of brake failure. On the other hand, squealing brakes may also mean your pads are worn out, and the metal behind the pad is scraping against the rotor. A brake inspection is the only way to find out for sure. Using cheap generic pads can cause squeal as well and could cause a lot of dust on the rim.

Why should I get an Alignment for my car?
The wheels on your car will often get out of "align" on your car, causing premature tire wear, as well as handling problems. On older cars, this problem was limited to the front wheels, but on most newer cars it affects all four wheels, which is why the 4-wheel alignment has become the standard. Many parts of your suspension (tie rod ends, idler arms, control arm bushings, ball joints, struts, et cetera) have a part in keeping your wheels in line over a wide variety of conditions. If any of those are bent or worn, they will throw your wheels out of alignment. If the car seems to pull to the left or the right when letting go of the steering wheel, you should defiantly have the alignment checked. Pull may also be caused by radial tires.

Why do you recommend a fuel injector service?
Fuel injectors can cost a hundred dollars or more a piece, and you may have one for each cylinder. Cleaning them before they are plugged can remove harmful deposits and keep them spraying in top form. After they plug, replacement is sometimes the only option. It is very important to keep the fuel injector clean,

The most common form of injector fouling comes from unused gasoline evaporating inside the injector after you turn the car off.

Fouled injectors may give no overt symptoms, even while they are cutting your mileage and pumping extra pollution into the air. When they get bad enough, they can cause hard starting, hesitation, and loss of power. On a scope, they will show the cylinders out of balance on a power balance test. In order to pass a smog inspection, they have to be inspected and properly cleaned.

The first two things to try for cleaning your injectors are using premium fuel, which has more detergents, and putting a fuel additive in your gas tank. These will be only partly successful, however. For the best results, a technician will disconnect the engine from its gas supply and feed pressurized solvent directly into the fuel rail in order to flush out the injectors.

Failing that, injectors can be removed from the car, their fuel spray patterns tested, and they can be more extensively cleaned. Sometimes, nothing works and the injectors must be replaced.

Have a question about your car? Call us at: (925) 837-1000