Q: When should I get my oil changed?
Changing your oil regularly is the single most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your car. At our altitude, and with our temperature changes, mountain driving conditions and traffic, Front Range driving is considered “severe” so it’s important to change your oil every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. This also gives us a chance to keep an eye on all your car’s systems, hoses, brakes, tires, etc., so that we can catch any problems before they leave you on the side of the road.
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
Rotating your tires regularly will extend the life of your tires. Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles.
Q: Should I drive my car if the ”check engine” or “service engine soon” light is on?
The “Check Engine” light comes on to let you know that the computer has detected a problem in the system. If the car seems to run normal, sounds normal and your gauges are in the normal operating range then it should be ok to drive. But at your earliest convenience you should schedule an appointment with John’s Auto Care to have our expert diagnostician find the problem.
Q: Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of replacing a timing belt.
Q: What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, it can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to John’s Auto Care.
Did you know? – When you use BG products for your fluid changes in our shop, you are automatically enrolled in their BG OnTheRoad complimentary roadside assistance program which includes towing, jumpstart assistance, tire change, lock-out service and more. Ask our Service Advisor for details.
Q: Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.
Q: How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection. This is part of our courtesy inspection that we perform on your vehicle every time you bring it in for an oil change.
Q: Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.
Q: When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q: When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
Q: I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.
Q: My battery light is on. Does this mean I need a new battery?
The problem is most likely in the charging system. This could cause a battery failure if it’s not checked soon by a technician at John’s Auto Care.
Q: The air pressure on the side of the tires says 36 psi. Is that what I should run it on?
That is the tire’s maximum air pressure and is set by the vehicle’s manufacturer. This information can be found on the door jamb of most vehicles.
Q: My fan is blowing so why don’t I have AC?
Even though your blower is part of the AC system that isn’t what makes the air cold. This is why an AC performance test is recommended by a technician at John’s Auto Care.
Q: Why does the steering wheel shake when I apply the brakes?
The most common reason is the brake rotors have become warped due to excessive heat, or they have become too thin to dissipate heat.
Q: My car vibrates at high driving speeds. Do I need an alignment?
Your car may need an alignment, but the most common cause is a tire and wheel assembly out of balance. You can have your tires properly balanced at John’s Auto Care.
