Unless you work in the automotive industry, you probably have many questions about cars that you haven’t thought to ask at your last auto shop appointment. To help you learn more about your vehicle, here are answers to some of the most common questions many drivers have.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
You might be tempted to rely on your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), but you really should be checking your tire pressure every four to eight weeks. The TPMS is a great safety feature, but it’s designed to warn you when a tire is 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. At this point, the tire is severely underinflated! A good way to remember to check your tire pressure is to make a point to do it the first time you fill your gas tank at the beginning of each month, or, at a minimum, every even or odd month. It’s also recommended to check it before going on a long road trip or hauling heavy loads. You’ll get the most accurate reading when the tires are cold, meaning not having been driven at highway speeds for any length of time.
What should I do if my car overheats?
If your temperature warning light comes on or you see smoke or steam coming from under the hood, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Open the hood from inside your vehicle and let your engine cool down for at least 30 minutes. Once the engine is cool, check your radiator’s coolant level—but be careful! Don’t attempt to do this until your engine has cooled because you could get seriously burned. If the radiator’s reservoir is empty, you may have a leak. You can add coolant if you have some handy, or call for a tow to our shop.
Why are my brakes making noise?
Brake noises, like squealing, grinding, and thumping, can be caused by a variety of reasons. If you hear squealing after you’ve washed your car or after starting your car first thing in the morning, it’s likely due to fluid or rust accumulation on the rotors. If this is the case, the noise should go away after you’ve driven around for a bit. If you hear brake noises during any other circumstance, you may need to have your brakes serviced or repaired. Since your brakes are crucial to safe driving, any changes in sound, vibration, or function should be checked out as soon as possible.
What’s the difference between synthetic oil and conventional oil? Can I switch from one to the other?
Synthetic oil is cleaner and more refined than conventional oil, so it has fewer impurities. This makes it less likely to turn into sludge than conventional oil. Synthetic oil also burns cleaner and offers better protection for your engine—and you don’t need to have it changed as often. Ask your service advisor if your vehicle would benefit from making the switch!
How can I get better fuel economy?
There are several things you can do to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy:
- Keep up with routine maintenance and repairs
- Don’t let your car idle for too long
- Replace your engine air filter if you frequently drive in dusty conditions
- Use cruise control on the freeway
- Have your spark plugs inspected and changed as needed
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Accelerate gradually and coast to stops
What’s a differential?
The differential is a special gearbox that transfers engine power to the wheels and allows them to turn at different speeds. The inner and outer wheels travel at different distances when navigating a turn; the differential is what allows them to do this smoothly without disrupting handling or spinning the tires.
When should my timing belt be replaced?
Timing belt replacement intervals depend on your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found in your owner’s manual—your service advisor can also look it up for you. Although it can vary based on your model, replacements are typically recommended at 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It’s important to replace the belt before it breaks to avoid engine damage, so be sure to follow the recommended service interval.
When should my transmission fluid be changed?
The interval for transmission fluid changes depends on the type of transmission you have; it can also vary depending on your make and model. Most manufacturers recommend:
- Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions
- Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions
If you drive a lot, you may need to change your transmission fluid sooner. Our service advisors can recommend the best service schedule for your vehicle and driving habits.
Why is my turn signal blinking faster than usual?
One of the most common reasons for the turn signal to blink faster is a faulty or burned-out bulb interrupting the circuit’s resistance. If one of the bulbs on the left or right side of the relay is blown, the relay will blink twice as fast because there’s twice as much current flowing. Other causes could be incompatible components, damaged wiring, a blown fuse, or other electrical issues.
If you have any questions about service intervals, repairs, or how a part or component works on your vehicle, the friendly team at Express Auto/RV Care Center is always here to help! Give us a call at (928) 305-0767 or contact us online.
