• HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A TUNE-UP?
The term “tune-up” actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). Most cars require
regularly scheduled minor tune-ups yearly and require major maintenance at 60,000 miles.
A “tune-up” for newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to
maintain peak engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low exhaust emissions. During this process,
spark plugs, plug wires, sensors, and modules may be replaced. The frequency at which a newer vehicle needs a
tune-up is dependent more upon driving conditions than mileage and recommended tune-up frequencies vary
between 30,000 – 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer. To learn how often your vehicle needs a tune-
up, check your owner’s manual or speak with your local automotive service provider

  • HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY OIL?
Most owner's manuals and mechanics recommend changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles
(whichever comes first) to assure that maximum engine lubrication occurs while a minimum of impurities are
suspended in the oil. To find out what the recommended oil change frequency is for your vehicle, check your
owner's manual or talk with your automotive service professional. If you are using full synthetic oils for your oil
changes, then you can extend the mileage to every 7000 miles however be prepared to pay a little more for the
high quality of the oil.

  • HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED?
As preventive maintenance, you should have your brakes inspected every six months or every 6,000 miles. The life
of your brakes will vary with how you use them. If you experience any of the following, you should have your brakes
inspected immediately.
  • Squeal/Grinding  
  • Pull - Grab - Drag - Vibration
  • Warning Light                    
  • Hard/Low Pedal - Vibration  

  • WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON?
You should get this checked immediately. Waiting too long my lead to other electrical problems.

  • WHAT IS SYNTHETIC-BLEND OIL AND WHY USE IT OVER OTHERS?
Generally SYNTHETIC-BLEND products, blends 50% of the high-quality mineral based oil & 50% of full synthetic oil
to give a far superior product. These oils are more stable under high stress driving conditions which leads to
numerous benefits:
  •  Improved fuel economy. (Reducing friction inside the engine)
  •  Contributes to the reduction of harmful emissions (Helps pass state emission tests)
  •  Better low temperature performance (Less fiction, less heat build up)
  •  Improved deposit protection (Less build up of gunk)

  • DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED
    MAINTENANCE?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Your new or used car warranty can be applied to any independent certified repair facility. Why
waste time and money at the high priced dealership when you can have your concerns attended to on a one on
one basis with a service representative at Auto Care America. We have highly trained and qualified technicians that
get the job done right and most importantly.

  • WHAT CAN I DO IF MY CAR OVERHEATS?
If you are driving at normal highway speed and the vehicle starts to overheat, turn off the air conditioner, turn on
the heater and immediately pull over to the shoulder. Odds are if the vehicle starts to overheat at highway speed,
there is a problem in the cooling system such as low coolant, a clogged radiator or a broken drive belt or burst
hose. Once at the shoulder, shut off the engine, open the hood and let the engine cool down – 20 minutes
minimum. Once any over boiling stops and the engine has cooled, look for obvious signs of trouble. DO NOT
attempt to open the radiator cap unless the engine is off and the top of the radiator is cold. If there is no noticeable
problem such as a broken drive belt or burst hose, you can then add a coolant/water mixture to the radiator or
overflow reservoir, start the vehicle and drive slowly to a service facility.

  • DOSE MY TRANSMISSION EVER NEEDS SERVICE?
Most car care experts advise having an automatic transmission’s fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000
miles, to keep it in good working order. This is especially important if the vehicle is more than five years old.
However, it may not be adequate if your vehicle is driven hard, tows a trailer, goes off-road or carries a camper.
Under these conditions, the fluid and filter may need to be changed more often -- every 12 months or 12,000 miles
--because dirt and moisture buildup in the fluid can cause internal damage. Heat buildup can also be a problem.
Manual transmissions generally need no regularly scheduled service, but may need service due to worn clutch and
throw-out bearings.

  • WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A STATE INSPECTION?
Drivers License and a valid proof of insurance.