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Below are answers to some common questions related to vehicle maintenance.
- How often should I change the oil in my vehicle?
- How can I improve my vehicle's fuel economy?
- What should I do when the "Maintenance Required" light comes on?
- What does it mean when the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light comes on?
- What's included in a tune-up?
- Will it hurt the engine if I switch between brands of motor oil?
- Why should I have my tires rotated and how often should it be done?
- How can I tell when my vehicle needs a wheel alignment?
- Why does my car shake when I'm driving?
- Why does my vehicle shake when I apply the brakes?
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1. How often should I change the oil in my vehicle?
Some vehicle manufacturers recommend 5,000 miles and even 7,000 miles. Most oil companies recommend 3 months or 3,000 miles for conventional motor oils. They recommend 3 months maximum even if the mileage is less than 3,000 because moisture or condensation builds up inside the crankcase. Water and oil don't mix. The oil companies recommend every 3,000 miles to prevent the motor oil's components from breaking down. When motor oil breaks down it forms carbon deposits which can lead to excessive wear and poor lubrication which significantly reduces the life of your engine.
2. How can I improve my vehicle's fuel economy?
First, make sure you buy top name brand fuel from a reputable gas station. Some discount filling stations may use "blends" or have old or leaky storage tanks that water has contaminated. Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure the air filter stays clean. Believe it or not, going extended periods without changing the oil increases friction inside your engine thereby reducing its efficiency. Keep your engine running smoothly. Preventative maintenance is key.
3. What should I do when the "Maintenance Required" light comes on?
The "Maintenance Required" light comes on at various times that are pre-set by the manufacturer. It serves as a reminder to have scheduled maintenance services done. These maintenance services are designed to not only keep your engine running smoothly, but extend the life of it as well. The "Maintenance Required" light should be reset after each service.
4. What does it mean when the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light comes on?
This indicator pops up when your vehicle's on-board computer detects an error in its operating system. There are literally hundreds of different errors that the ECM can detect and display. These problems can range from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a pending engine or transmission failure. If you don't want to be stranded, you should have your vehicle checked or repaired anytime the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light comes on. The computer's operating system monitors and controls the engine, transmission, emissions system, power steering and climate controls. This on-board computer system should only be serviced by trained technicians. In most cases a particular sensor is not to blame for a given code. The sensor only monitors mechanical functions. Usually when an error code is displayed, there is a mechanical malfunction causing the sensor to give abnormal readings.
5. What's included in a tune-up?
Since about 1965 there is very little on a vehicle to tune or adjust. About all that's necessary any more is parts replacement. The typical "tune-up" usually includes replacing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, PCV valve, air filter and gas filter. Usually, it is a good idea to clean the mass air flow sensor, throttle body and idle control valve.
6. Will it hurt the engine if I switch between brands of motor oil?
NO! It will not hurt the engine to switch between brands of conventional motor oils as long as the oil you are using is "API Certified". You can find this symbol on the back of the bottle. This means that the oil has been tested and meets the industry standard for viscosity and other lubricant qualities.
7. Why should I have my tires rotated and how often should it be done?
The tires tend to wear differently depending on where they are located on the vehicle. To ensure even wear, your tires should be rotated every 6,000-10,000 miles (about every 2nd or 3rd oil change). The tire pressures should be checked regularly and adjusted as necessary.
8. How can I tell when my vehicle needs a wheel alignment?
You may need an alignment if your car veers off to one side if you relax the steering wheel while you're driving. A sure sign is if the tire wears mostly on one edge or if the steering wheel is not centered straight.
9. Why does my car shake when I'm driving?
The most common cause of shimmies and shakes is the tires. Wheel weights can fall off, tires can wear unevenly and sometimes belts in the tires can separate or break causing lumps and bulges. Whatever the case may be, you should have it checked out ASAP! When it comes to safety, why risk it?
10. Why does my vehicle shake when I apply the brakes?
The most common cause of brake shimmies is brake rotors or drums that have warped. When a brake rotor or drum becomes warped, braking efficiency is reduced, making for a longer stopping distance as well as a shaky, aggravating steering wheel. It can be a definite safety issue and should be checked as soon as possible.
Vaughan's Car Care
15275 Patrick Henry Highway
Amelia, VA 23002
Auto Service:
804.561.1536
Outdoor Power Equipment:
804.561.1469
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 8-6pmSaturday 8-1pmVisa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express
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