The consensus agrees that a driver should get an oil change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or every three months. However, you can always refer to your owner's manual which covers the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model. Many of today's newer vehicles will tell you when they are due for service. Remember: an oil change is essential because it acts as a lubricant for the internal cogs and gears under the hood. Without it, oil can turn into sludge and prohibit your vehicle from operating correctly.

Typically, there are two filters in a vehicle. One is for the engine and the other is for the cabin. A dirty filter can prevent airflow, limiting the engine's ability to expend hot air and inhibiting clean air from passing through. How often you need to change it varies, though the conventional timeframe is about 30,000 miles, which is why the best way to determine that it needs a replacement is to check it periodically. Fortunately, replacing a filter is a quick and easy process.

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but many factors may impact this figure. Knowing what signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a checkup is essential. Driving with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labor on a specific set of wheels. That being the case, having your tires rotated every six months or around 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rule to uphold. Doing so will ensure your tires wear evenly.

The amount of pressure a tire requires depends on its type and the vehicle. You can find out the optimum air pressure either printed on the door jamb, the side wall of the tires, or in your owner's manual. Too much pressure can make it difficult for you to maneuver your vehicle while too little pressure can result in a blow-out. You can always speak with a product expert to determine what pressure levels are most appropriate.

When your check engine light comes on, there could be several issues. It could be something basic, like a loose gas cap, or it could be something serious. The best way to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel is to bring your vehicle into our shop for a multi-point inspection. We can find the issue and make you aware of it so you can choose whether or not you want to take the next steps to get your vehicle back to peak conditions.

There are a few different types of oil. The best way to check to see what oil your vehicle uses is to check the owner's manual. This will tell you whether your vehicle uses synthetic or conventional oil. Conventional oil wears out sooner and needs to be changed more frequently than synthetic oil so be sure to know the distinction.

Typically, they do not need a replacement for at least 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Replacing worn belts reduces the chance of breakdowns and the chance of damaging other components when they break and ensures that all belt-driven components operate normally. Replacing worn hoses reduces the chance of failure that could cause engine overheating, and allows for testing of the coolant.

It is best to have the cooling system flushed at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Having the system flushed once a year is commonly recommended if the vehicle is driven regularly. Coolant breaks down over time, becoming corrosive which can cause premature failure of gaskets and seals. The idea is to replace the coolant before it gets contaminated to avoid costly repairs.