FAQS About Auto Service and Maintenance

Do you want to know the secret to making your vehicle last a really long time? It’s proper auto maintenance and care, and it’s not really a secret at all. In order to get your vehicle to last you for years, and run in good condition, you must be serious about routine auto maintenance and proper auto care. Not only can you increase your vehicle’s lifespan, you can protect yourself from costly breakdowns and huge repair bills.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about auto care, and perhaps learn a little more about what it takes to protect and preserve your vehicle.

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ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

When Do I Change the Oil in My Car?

Several factors will influence the length of intervals between oil changes and other factory scheduled maintenance. These factors can include the region you live in, the type of car you drive, the type of fuel it uses, your driving habits, its total number of miles, its overall condition, and more. It is best to consult your owners’ manual or a licensed mechanic for specific recommendations. However, the standard “rule of thumb” is to change your oil every 3,000 or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

What Fluids Do I Put in My Car?

There are seven vital fluids that every vehicle requires for safe and optimal performance. These include windshield wiper fluid, coolant, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, and power steering fluid. They all require periodic flushes and refills, and most need to be done by a trained mechanic. You should be able to add your own coolant and windshield wiper fluid, hassle-free.

How Do I Check Car Tire Inflation?

In vehicles equipped with TPMS, a light will illuminate on the dashboard to indicate unsafe tire pressure detection. This light will remain on until the air pressure imbalance is resolved. Those without a modern tire pressure monitoring system in their vehicle are left to use manual tire gauges to measure tire pressure. You can choose between a digital gauge or a “pop-out” style gauge. In order to use a tire pressure gauge properly, be sure to begin on a “cold” car that has not been driven in the past few hours. Then just refer to the manufacturer instructions for a step-by-step guide on how to use your tire pressure gauge.

How Do I Check Tire Tread on My Car?

Use the penny test to measure your car’s tire tread. What is commonly referred to as the “penny test” in the automotive service industry, is a simple and effective method of assessing a tire’s tread. And you really only need a penny to do it. Once you have your penny in hand, insert it into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires. It’s that easy!

Which Side is My Gas Tank On?

If you want to prevent the onset panic of pulling up to a gas pump and being unsure of which side your fuel tank is on, simply look at the gas pump icon on your dashboard. Near the fuel gauge or icon, you will see a small arrow, usually without a handle, like these “ƒ„.” Whichever side the point is facing is the side your fuel tank door is on.

Where is My Car’s Maintenance Schedule?

the first place to look for your vehicle service maintenance schedule is the owner’s manual. Generally, this comes with the paperwork when you purchase your car. In most of the time it’s located in the glove compartment, but it can also be located in the trunk, under a seat, or in a pouch behind a seat. If you didn’t purchase a car brand-new, the manual is usually in the glove compartment. If it’s not there, and it’s not anywhere else, download a generic vehicular maintenance schedule online or visit a bookstore or library’s automotive section. You may also be able to visit your local auto repair shop and get free information regarding your vehicles service maintenance schedule.

Do I Need to Use a Certified Car Mechanic?

You never want to use an unlicensed or unofficial car mechanic when you need work on your car. Additionally, you do not want to blindly choose a mechanic either. The best decision you can make to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and warranty-standards is to take your car to a skilled, ASE-certified automotive mechanic. See our blog, “Why is it Important to Use an ASE Certified Car Mechanic?” to learn more about the importance of finding skilled car repair work.

Where Can I Get Trusted Indianapolis Auto Repair Service?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

How Often Should I Bleed My Car Brakes?

Routine car maintenance is the most effective method for increased your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. Most car owners are familiar with the standard factory recommended car maintenance schedules, including fluid changes, tire rotations, inspections, tune-ups, and more. But there is a vital part of routine car maintenance that is not as familiar to most people, so it is commonly overlooked. We are talking about having your car brakes bled. Bleeding your car brakes is very important, and should be done according to your vehicle’s maintenance needs.

Continue reading to learn more about bleeding car brakes, and when you should have yours done.

Indianapolis Brake Repair and Service
Indianapolis Brake Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Basics of Bleeding Car Brakes

To get straight to the point, automotive service experts recommend having your car brakes bled every two to three years. You can choose to have a licensed mechanic perform the service along with your scheduled brake services, or you can try to do it yourself. But keep in mind, the latter is not recommended for those without experience. Not only can it be quite messy, it can be dangerous.

So why do you need to bleed car brakes on a routine basis like this? The answer is air. Overtime, small amounts of air begin to enter the brake lines. This changes the way your brakes perform. And if too much air gets inside the brake lines, it can lead to complete brake failure at any given time.  You can tell your brake lines may have air in them if they feel spongy or squishy when you apply pressure to them.

The most common reasons why air gets inside brake lines are leaks or worn brake pads. In other cases, air can also enter brake lines during a certain types of car service, or even result from repeated slamming of the brakes. Regardless of how your brake lines acquired air, it is important to have them bled to remove the damaging air and bring your braking system back to a safe and efficient condition.

When to Replace Car Brakes

If you notice that it takes longer to come to a complete stop than it did before, or if you have to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to get the car to stop, then your vehicle needs attention.  This often happens when the pads against your brakes wear thin, reducing the amount of pressure applied to the rotor.  In this case, you may also hear squeaking noises caused by the rotor and bare brake pad rubbing against each other.  This is a highly dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately.  Brake failure can result in fatal and serious car accidents.

Another way to tell if your car brakes need repaired, replaced, or serviced is if your steering wheel is shaky.  If it wobbles and vibrates back and forth while you drive, it is an indication that the rotors are damaged.  These are usually changed or replaced along with the pads because they have similar life-expectancy. See our blog, “How Do I Know When My Car Needs Brake Repair?” to learn more signs of brake deterioration.

Trusted Indianapolis Car Maintenance

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car brake service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.