Routine car service is important for every vehicle. From your regular oil change to the occasional transmission service, these appointments are an essential part of keeping your vehicle on the road. If you overlook maintenance or put off important service for too long, you'll likely end up dealing with a much more serious and expensive issue than if you had acted at the first sign of trouble. Here are a few essential FAQs about car service.
When Should I Replace My Tires?
Your tires feature convenient tread wear indicators that let you know when it's time to replace them. These small horizontal bars sit within the grooves of the tread. When the tires are new, the tread wear indicators sit deep within the grooves. As the tires wear, the indicators will eventually sit even with the grooves. When this happens, it's time to get new tires.
You can also evaluate the tread on your tires using a penny. Insert a penny into the groove of the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, you need new tires.
In some cases, you may need to replace your tires even before the tread has worn down. If the tires are cracked, bulging, or more than six years old, you're due for a replacement set regardless of the tread.
Why Do I Need an Oil Change?
Oil is a crucial lubricant for your vehicle. Without an adequate supply of clean oil, your vehicle's internal components are left susceptible to friction and heat, which can prove disastrous for your engine. Routine oil changes will help your vehicle perform better, last longer, and deliver optimal fuel efficiency.
Motor oil deteriorates over time, collecting debris and other contaminants that can harm your vehicle. If you fail to change your car's oil, it will create a buildup of sludge inside the engine. Eventually, the engine will overheat and fail. At this point, you'll have to invest in a new engine or even a new vehicle, which is entirely preventable with something as quick and affordable as an oil change.
Depending on your vehicle's make, model, age, and oil type, you may need to change the oil as often as every 3,000 miles or as infrequently as every 6,000 miles. If you're not sure when to schedule your next oil change, give our mechanics a call. We can look up your vehicle and let you know when you should schedule an appointment.Â
How Do I Know When To Get Transmission Repair?
Your vehicle's transmission transfers energy from the engine to the rotating components of your car, enabling it to move, shift gears, and navigate the complexities of the road with little interaction or thought on your part. Much of the functionality that you may take for granted from your vehicle is due to the valiant efforts of a well-functioning transmission. A good transmission is essential for a smooth, pleasant ride around the sights of Plano, Texas.
If your transmission is in need of repair, you'll likely notice signs such as:
- Lurching or shaking when the vehicle shifts gears.
- A delay in movement when you shift from park to drive.
- Loss of power when you're driving.
- A high-pitched whistling noise.
- Rough vibrations when the vehicle is idling.
- Poor acceleration.
- A sweet, burning odor coming from the transmission fluid.
- Red or brown leaking fluid.
- An illuminated check engine or transmission warning light on the dash.
If you experience any of these warning signs, you should bring your vehicle in for transmission repair immediately. You should have your transmission fluid replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles if you have a manual transmission and every 30,000 to 100,000 miles for an automatic transmission. You can get a more specific transmission maintenance schedule and find out if this process is recommended for your model from your vehicle's owners manual or from one of our knowledgeable technicians.
What Is That Sound Coming From My Brakes?
If your brakes are making an unpleasant noise, it's crucial that you diagnose and address the problem as quickly as possible. Failing brakes present a real danger to yourself as well as others on the roads of Plano. Here are some common noises to be aware of and what they mean:
- Squealing:Â Brake pads have a metal wear indicator that causes them to screech unpleasantly when they start to wear down, a noise that usually indicates that it's time to replace your brake pads. Your brakes may also squeal if they're poorly lubricated.
- Growling:Â If the brake pads have worn down past the wear indicators, they'll make metal-to-metal contact with the rotors. This creates a metallic grinding sound, and you'll likely need to have both your brake pads and rotors replaced.
- Squeaking:Â Over time, the brake rotors and drums wear down to a glazed finish that will cause a squeaking noise. The best solution is either resurfacing or replacement.
- Thumping:Â A warped rotor will cause the steering wheel and pedal to vibrate and may also cause a deep thumping sound. You should have the warped rotor or drum replaced.
What Is a 32-Point Inspection?
A multipoint inspection is a great catch-all for car maintenance you may have forgotten. You can add a 32-point inspection to any other scheduled service with our technicians, or you can book a multipoint inspection on its own. During this inspection, our technicians will look at all your vehicle's essential components including but not limited to the following:
- Steering components.
- Brake system.
- Belts and hoses.
- Fluid levels.
- Battery health.
- Chassis components.
- Exhaust components.
- Air filters.
- Fuel system.
How Can I Schedule My Car Service Appointment?
If you're overdue for car service, don't delay any longer. Schedule your appointment with our team at Huffines Chevrolet Plano now. You can book an appointment online in just a few clicks. Our conveniently located Plano service center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Book your service now to keep your vehicle in optimal condition long into the future.