GUNNER’S GARAGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ROTATE MY TIRES?
A: Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Q: IS IT NECESSARY TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT?
A: YES. The timing belt’s job is to keep moving parts, primarily valves and pistons, in correlation with one another. The failure of a timing belt can result in major engine damage and the cost of repairing an engine is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. It may also be recommended to replace your water pump and timing belt tensioner when you change your timing belt.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF MY "CHECK ENGINE" OR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COMES ON?
A: There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, you need to address the issue to prevent further long-term problems. A flashing light indicates a power loss of 25% or more so do not attempt to drive your vehicle.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CAR STARTS TO OVERHEAT?
A: Get vehicle to a safe spot and turn car off as soon as possible. DO NOT open radiator cap as coolant will be under pressure and very hot! Let engine cool down before checking coolant level.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I GET MY OIL CHANGED?
A: Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles and synthetic motor oil should be changed every 5,000 miles. You can also refer to your owner’s guide to better clarify when your vehicle should be changed.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF MY ENGINE OIL IS MILKY BROWN IN COLOR?
A: This condition may be very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately. Milky brown engine oil may be an indication of coolant in the oil.
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CAR’S FUEL FILTER BE REPLACED?
A: You should replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will help ensure a dependable and trouble-free performance.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY SPARK PLUGS?
A: For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles. (This is not the case if your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum-tipped spark plugs).
Q: HOW DO I REPLACE A BURNED-OUT FUSE?
A: Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse). If a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.
Q: WHY DO BRAKES SQUEAK?
A: Most often brakes squeak because of dust and high-frequency vibrations of the brake pads. Worn brake linings also tend to be noisy. Brake systems should be checked regularly and worn parts should be replaced before expensive calipers and rotors become ruined.
Q: DOES BRAKE FLUID REALLY NEED TO BE CHANGED?
A: The average driver uses his or her brakes 75,000 times per year and often overlooks the necessity of changing the brake fluid. Today’s brake systems are hydraulic and use brake fluid that is hydrophilic, meaning moisture from the air is absorbed that will eventually lead to corrosion and brake failure. Brake fluid should be flushed periodically to keep this corrosion under control; an inexpensive procedure commonly included in preventative maintenance schedules.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I HAVE CHECKED BEFORE A ROAD TRIP?
A: Radiator hoses and fan belts are one of the main causes for breakdowns so having your car serviced before a trip is crucial. It is also important to have correct tire pressures to ensure a smoother ride and better fuel economy. Have your fluid levels checked and don’t forget the windshield washers and wipers.
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD ANTIFREEZE BE REPLACED?
A: Antifreeze should be replaced every 2 years due to oxidation and deterioration of important additives that lubricate the water pump and protect parts from rust. They also help keep coolant hoses soft and flexible. Today we can recycle and clean old antifreeze, replacing the additives.