Click on the question below to reveal the answers.
What is preventive maintenance?
Preventative Maintenance is regular maintenance of your vehicle that helps keep your automobile running efficiently and eliminating potential problems that may leave you stranded. Manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and increase your satisfaction with their product. Preventative maintenance includes:
What Maintenance Should I be doing and when?
These are generic service recommendations based solely on time or mileage not on visual appearance or measurement. Their purpose is to extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent breakdown. Your vehicle’s requirements may differ depending on driving habits and/or owner’s manual recommendations. Check your owner’s manual and with your service advisor for specifics.
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 is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.
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; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Car Center.
Does it really matter where I take my car for service?
Yes. A professional certified mechanic is required to undergo continual training in the latest systems and proficient use of state-of-the-art equipment in order to test the electronics that control most cars’ functions and to enable diagnosis and prognoses of complex problems. Equipment includes: electronic scopes to monitor sensor signals, scanners to communicate with the computers, etc.
As well, a certified mechanic has access to tech-info services to reference wiring diagrams, manufacturer’s technical service bulletins and other data. Without these resources, a garage mechanic might easily misdiagnose your vehicle’s problem at your expense.
How can I keep my vehicle’s warranty in effect?
Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your Owner’s Manual or Warranty Booklet, and keep very clear records of your vehicle’s Maintenance. Be sure to list the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep these receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your Owner’s Manual or Warranty Booklet, use it. For guidance on service intervals, consult our Preventive Maintenance schedule.
Am I required to use my new car dealer for maintenance to uphold my warranty?
No. You can have routine service done by any independent service station, shop or garage and still maintain your warranty.