Frequently
Asked Questions
Question: What is happening in this picture?
Answer: We aren't sure. That's definitely a mechanic...a
mechanic with a welding mask...wearing a tuxedo jacket. Don't ask...
But seriously. If you have questions, take a look
at the FAQs below. Often, we hear similar questions from different
customers and so we've taken some time to answer some of the most
common ones here:
1.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
2. How Often Should I Receive a Tune-up?
3.
Do I really Have to Rotate My Tires?
4.
My Car Is Making A Pinging Sound. What Does It Mean?
5.
Are There Any Special Signs I Should Look For When Purchasing A
Used Car?
6.
Do I have to Go To The Dealership For Regularly Scheduled Maintenance?
7. How Often Should Belts and Hoses Be Replaced?
8. What Should Be Included In A "Complete
Brake Job?"
1.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
It
depends on how you drive. If your car always (or nearly always)
gets warmed up and you don't drive it very hard and keep the revs
down, the manufacturer's recommendation is probably fine. If, however,
you drive it hard, drive it at high revs, or alternatively, if you
only drive it to and from the supermarket so that it doesn't get
up to temperature, then you may wish to change oil much more often,
perhaps at 3000 mile intervals (given that most manufacturers are
now specifying 7500 mile intervals.) If you don't drive your car
much at all (say 7500 miles a year), then you probably want to change
oil every six months anyway. If you are storing a car during the
winter, then change the oil before storing it and change the oil
when you bring it out of storage. TOP
2.
How Often Should I Receive a Tune-up?
Most
cars require regularly scheduled tune-ups yearly and require major
maintenance at 30,000 miles. TOP
3.
Do I really Have to Rotate My Tires?
It’s
advisable on some cars, but not on others. Factors which may indicate
whether tire rotation is necessary are independent suspension, radial
tires as well as other factors. To be sure, ask your auto professional.
TOP
4.
My Car Is Making A Pinging Sound. What Does It Mean?
Most
likely, a pinging sound coming from your engine indicates timing
problems. Sometimes pinging is caused by poor quality or low octane
fuel. Pinging can cause damage. We strongly advise that to have
your car checked out by a professional to determine what whether
it’s causing damage. TOP
5.
Are There Any Special Signs I Should Look For When Purchasing A
Used Car?
Have
the car checked out. If you do not have a car checked out by a professional
you are making a big mistake. The cost is very minor and we always
give a buyer more ammunition for bringing the price down. Money
spent on checking out a used car is well spent. TOP
6.
Do I have to Go To The Dealership For Regularly Scheduled Maintenance?
ABSOLUTELY
NOT! Your new car warranty can and be applied to any independent
automotive shop. We often hear dealership horror stories where customers
have to keep going back to the dealer time after time to complete
a simple repair. Why waste time and money! At Import Performance,
we have qualified, trained technicians that listen to you and most
importantly,
GET THE JOB RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! TOP
7.
How Often Should Belts and Hoses Be Replaced?
Most
hose manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every four years. With
V-belts, every three years or 36,000 miles. The incidence of failure
rises sharply after the forth year for hoses and third year for
belts. A typical serpentine belt lifespan is about five years or
50,000 miles. Serpentine belts are thinner and more flexible than
V-belts. They run cooler and last longer, but they cost about twice
as much to replace. TOP
8.
What Should Be Included In A "Complete Brake Job?"
A
complete brake job should restore a vehicle’s brake system
and braking performance to good-as-new condition. Anything less
would be an incomplete brake job. Brake components that should be
replaced will obviously depend upon the age, milage and wear. There
is no pat answer to which items need replacing and which ones don’t.
It’s a judgment call. A complete brake job should begin with
a thorough inspection of the entire brake system; lining condition,
rotors and drums, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake hardware,
hoses, lines and master cylinder. TOP
