Certified Mechanical Repair Service in Greenville, MI

Mechanical FAQs

auto mechanical repair technician in Greenville Michigan

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:

  • Servicing Windshield Wipers
  • Tune-up or servicing/replacing spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor.
  • Replacing air filters
  • Engine oil change
  • Differential(s) gear oil change
  • Trans-axle oil change
  • Routine hose inspection
  • Battery service
  • Exterior drive belt replacement
  • Inspect brake rotor hydraulic lines and linings
  • Servicing/replacing transmission oil and filter
  • Timing belt replacement
  • Brake fluid flush
  • Power steering flush
  • Antifreeze replacement/flush
  • Rotate tires
  • Inspect exhaust system for leaks
  • Inspect brake calipers and wheel cylinders
  • Replace cabin air filter
  • Used car safety inspection

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.

  • OIL – LUBE – FILTER: 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles
  • TIRE ROTATION: 3,000 to 5,000 Miles depending on tire style
  • PCV VALVE: Yearly, replace and service PCV system
  • WHOLE CAR DIAGNOSIS: Yearly and before purchase or sale
  • FUEL FILTER: Yearly or as needed
  • BATTERY SERVICE: Yearly or as needed
  • AIR CONDITIONING: Check every spring or as needed
  • RADIATOR COOLANT: Every two years, flush
  • BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
  • CLUTCH SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
  • RADIATOR CAP: Replace every two years
  • ENGINE OIL FLUSH: 2 Years or 30,000 Miles
  • AUTOMATIC TRANS FLUSH: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
  • POWER STEERING FLUSH: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
  • EGR SYSTEM SERVICE: 2 Years or 24,000 miles
  • 4X4 TRANSFER CASE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
  • CARBON CLEANING: 2 Years or 30,000 miles or as needed
  • THROTTLE-BODY SERVICE: 2 Years or 30,000 miles or as needed
  • RADIATOR & HEATER HOSES: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
  • DRIVE BELTS: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
  • TIMING BELT: 4 Years or 60,000 miles
  • DIFFERENTIAL FLUID: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
  • MANUAL TRANS SERVICE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
  • VALVES: Adjust per owner’s manual
  • SCAN FOR COMPUTER CODES: When amber “CHECK ENGINE” Light is on
  • OXYGEN SENSOR: Per owner’s manual or as needed

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. Car Center offers mechanic services by a team of ASE Certified Master Technicians.

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.

Schedule Service with Car Center in Greenville, Michigan

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