Frequently Asked Questions
Click one of the links below for more information. If you don’t find an answer to your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (828) 754-4107!
Causes for squealing brakes?
Noisy brakes can be caused by a number of reasons, such as:
- Thin brake linings
- Wear indicators
- Normal occasional brake squeal
- Cracked linings
- Defective pads
- Poor quality parts
Answering these questions will help a technician diagnose the source of brake problem:
- Does the squeal seem to occur only under light to moderate braking pressure?
- Do the brakes squeal all the time?
- Does the noise go away when the brake pedal is pushed?
- Were any repairs recently performed on the braking system?
Why is my Check Engine Light on?
A Check Engine Light can be caused by many factors, including:
- Mechanical problem with the engine
- Loose gas cap
- Emission control device failure
- Engine computer and/or sensor failure
- Transmission sensor or failure
- Up to 100 direct or indirect causes
If you’ve had your vehicle repaired for a Check Engine Light and it comes back on soon after the repair, it may or may not be related to the repair. Remember that the Check Engine Light indicates a failure of up to 100 different causes.
Because a Check Engine Light has so many causes, it is extremely important to have it diagnosed and repaired. Only by having your vehicle repaired each time the Check Engine Light comes on, can you safely operate your vehicle and be assured that you are not causing additional damage and expense to your automotive repair budget.
It also pays to have a professional with the proper equipment and training to test your vehicle to see whats wrong. Many stores will use a small handheld device to " pull the codes " and use that as a diagnosis. "Pulling the codes" only gives a technician an area or system to test. Many people have purchased and replaced an EGR valve because " that's what the code said" only to find out all they needed was to have the carbon cleaned front the EGR intake passages.
My car isn’t running right – what could be wrong?
Common causes of poor engine performance are:
- Vehicle overdue for tune-up
- Poor quality of fuel
- Fuel injections system is dirty or malfunctioning
- Computer or sensor malfunctions
Answering these questions will help a technician properly diagnose the source of engine malfunctions:
- Is you check engine light on?
- When was your last tune up?
- What brand and quality of fuel are you using?
- Does your car hesitate or ping? At what speed?
- Is it worse when warm or cold?
My car pulls to one side – why?
Any of these factors may cause your car to pull to one side:
- Alignment is off
- Brake calipers are sticking
- Worn suspension bushings
- Worn suspension parts
- Radial tire pulls
Answering these questions will help a technician diagnose the source of steering pull:
- Does it pull only while accelerating?
- Does it pull at all times, or only when braking?
- Were any repairs recently performed on the vehicle?
How often should I have my oil changed?
For the vast majority of drivers, oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. So why do so many owner’s manuals recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles?
This recommendation is based on what the manufacturer calls normal driving conditions. Unfortunately, the term normal is very misleading. The vehicle manufacturers definition of normal is a vehicle that is driven long distances, and more than 30,000 miles per year (Most of us drive 10,000 to 15,000). Most people drive their vehicle under severe conditions. If you drive in extreme cold, dusty conditions, or stop and go traffic (most of us) then you are driving in severe conditions and should change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles.
Our goal is to not only prevent costly breakdowns, but also reduce your overall cost per mile vehicle expenses. Regular oil changes are the cheapest way to protect your automobile and more important your automotive investment. This engine had to be replaced because the sludge build-up was so bad, it stopped up the passages where oil flows, starving vital engine bearings of oil. Regular oil changes could have prevented this!
How can I prevent future breakdowns?
The number one cause of preventable breakdowns is not performing the regular scheduled maintenance for your vehicle.
The following services should be performed on a regular basis:
- Vehicle inspection
- Replace air and fuel filters
- Change transmission fluid
- Periodically change belts, hoses and thermostat
- Flush the cooling system
- Inspect brakes and flush brake fluid
- Replace timing belt and water pump
Our staff can provide you with the manufacturers maintenance recommendations for your vehicle and suggest services based on those recommendations and your specific driving habits.
Give us a call at 828-754-4107!
My car won’t start – what’s wrong?
Common reasons for a car not to start are:
- Out of gas
- Alternator is not charging
- Battery is dead
- Starter is worn out
- Shorted relay, switch or wiring
Here are some questions to answer in assisting a quick diagnosis:
- What happens when you turn the key? Does your engine turn over or try to start?
- Have you tried to jump-start the car? If so, what happened?
- Does your car make any noise when you turn the key? Grind or click?
- Do you have enough gas in you tank?
