Frequently Asked Questions From our Customers
Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every second or third oil change, or about 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES, YES, YES! The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. See the section for this subject.
Q. 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 fails, the "check engine" light comes on. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems. Ignoring it can create more problems.
Q. 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. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator untill it is completely cooled down as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to HB Auto & AC.
Q. When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q. What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils 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 motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.
Q. What is that 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, a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician as quickly as posible. Some vehicles may only need an intake gasket change but it must be addressed immediately.
Q. How can I make sure my car battery, cables, and terminal connections are in good condition?
Battery, cables, and terminals should also be checked, cleaned, and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection. We recommend servicing every 20,000 miles. We regularly check the condition of our customers batteries to make sure you’re not caught with a dead battery!
Q. 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.
Q. When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months, or 30,000 to 40,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
Q. 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.
Of course there are many more questions you may have, just call and ask!