FAQ'S ON AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE

The FAQ’s will be updated regularly. Please check back often for tips and advice on how to keep your automobile in top-notch condition.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ROTATE MY TIRES?

Your tires should be rotated every every 6,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT AT THE MANUFACTURER-RECOMMENDED INTERVALS?

Your timing belt is very important to maintain, it keeps the camshaft and crankshaft synchronized. It is a also a part that should be replaced as suggested, if the belt breaks with the engine running the engine will stop and there is also a chance that the pistons will hit the valves causing extreme engine damage.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF MY CHECK ENGINE OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions. When one of these sensors go out of the predetermined range, the check engine light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems or failure of emission tests.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CAR STARTS TO OVERHEAT?

This is a very serious problem. If your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. Find a safe place to pull off the road and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY OIL CHANGED?

Russell Automotive recommends changing your oil every 6,000 miles with our Valvoline Full Synthetic Oil or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. If intervals are extended, ensure you use oil that is capable of extended mileage changes.

WHAT CAUSES MILKY BROWN ENGINE OIL?

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 quickly.

WHAT IS SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL?

Synthetic Engine oils are made of artificial materials. They can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather) or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic engine oils, though more expensive than mineral-based engine oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

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.

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.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE MY BRAKES?

If you hear squeaks, squeals, grinding or other noises, there could be a problem. The exception to this rule is if your car has been exposed to moisture recently. Moisture can cause a thin layer of rust to develop, and slight squeaking immediately after rain is not unusual. If the squeaking continues, have your brakes inspected. Periodically check wear on your brake pads through the spaces between your wheels' spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor, and there should be at least ¼ inch of pad. Any less, and you'll want to have the pads inspected or replaced.
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