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How often should I change
the coolant in my car?
We recommend coolant changes every two
years because coolant gradually loses
its anti-corrosion and antifreeze properties.
If the coolant is not changed at these
suggested intervals, the coolant pH will
be lowered and the cooling system is compromised.
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What does it mean to
"winterize" my car?
When you "winterize" your car,
you inspect and adjust the car's coolant
protection, and battery and charging system.
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How often should I change
the oil in my car? How often the oil filter?
We recommend that the oil and
oil filter be changed at 3-4,000
mile intervals, as high-performance engines
last much longer if the oil is changed
more frequently. Cars that are driven
only occasionally should have the oil
changed every 3-4 months as acids form
in the oil even though the car is driven
infrequently.
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What type of oil should
I use in my car?
Your car was designed to run on grades
of oils. Climate conditions determine
the weight of oil to use. Your manufacturer's
handbook lists specific requirements.
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How often should I have
the timing belt replaced?
Not all cars have timing belts. For cars
with timing belts, the first replacement
should occur at 60,000 miles, then preceding
replacements should occur every 45,000
miles or every 4 years, whichever comes
first.
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Why is my car's heater
not working as well as it used to?
There are several different types of
heating systems and problems that can
arise. The most common problems are:
- A defective thermostat
- A defective heater valve
- A poorly maintained cooling system
- A plugged Micro Filter (debris can
restrict the air flow to the Micro Filter
and reduce the heater's performance--typically
you should replace this filter every
1-2 years)
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Why is my car's air-conditioner
not working as it used to?
Some of the most common reasons for A/C
problems:
- A leak in the coolant system
- A defective compressor
- A defective receiver dryer
- A defective expansion valve
- An inoperable supplementary fan
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Why does my car make
a funny noise when I hit bumps?
The noise could be caused by any of these
factors:
- Worn suspension components
- Worn brakes
- Loose nuts and bolts in the engine
- Defective wheel bearing
Answering some of these questions will
help us in diagnosing your problem:
- Does it happen when you have more
than one person in the car?
- Has it gotten louder over time?
- Is the noise present when applying
the brakes?
- Have you performed any services on
your car yourself?
- Have you recently hit a pothole or
curb?
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My car won't start!
Possible causes of problem:
- Bad battery cables
- Defective charging system
- Bad starter or starter cylinoid
- Defective ignition switch
- Worn out neutral safety switch
Questions we'll ask in diagnosing this
problem:
- Do your instrument lights come on
when you turn the key?
- Do you hear a clicking noise when
you turn the key?
- Does it sound like it is trying to
turn over?
- Do your gauges work when you have
the key in the on position?
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