This section, fondly called "Ask Shannon", answers common questions and concerns that help you drive safe and keep costs down.  If you have a specific question not covered or have ideas on how to improve this section, "ask Shannon" directly or go to our contact page. 

What is scheduled Maintenance?

Scheduled maintenance, sometimes called normal, regular, routine, or preventative maintenance, includes items typically not covered under warranty such as fluids & filters, lubrication, spark plugs, brake pads & linings, bulbs & fuses, clutch linings, and wipers.  These items should be checked or replaced on a regular schedule outlined in your owner's manual.  If you can't find your owner's manual, stop by and we'll look it up.
 

My car is under warranty; when can I come to you?

There are three primary types of warranties: Basic (or bumper-to-bumper), Powertrain, and Extended.  All three typically do not cover scheduled maintenance, so you can come to us for anything listed on our Maintenance page, and save a bundle by doing so.  Some recent new car buyers' incentives have included part or all scheduled maintenance, but it's rare. 

Warranties typically kick in when it comes to repairs (see our Repairs page for a list).  If your bumper-to-bumper warranty is still valid, nearly all repairs will need to be done by the dealer to be covered.  The powertrain warranty covers much less, meaning we can help you much more.  There is no industry definition of powertrain, but in general, it covers anything crucial for powering your wheels.  We maintain warranty information specific to all vehicles and can help you sort it out.  Extended warranties are 3rd-party insurance policies that don't specify where the work needs to be done (even when sold by the dealer).  You will need your extended warranty papers as anyone who does the work (us or the dealer) has to call first for permission, similar to some medical insurance.

One last thought on warranties...we highly recommend that you stop by for a Warranty Check before your warranty expires.  Manufacturers do not pay dealers as much for warranty work as you will after the warranty runs out.  While we hope your dealer wouldn't overlook something on purpose, there is a financial incentive to do so.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Around here most people are concerned with the coolant qualities of this stuff; up North it's the antifreeze.  What most of us don't think of is the anti-corrosion qualities which prevent rust and other acidic reactions to eat up the insides of your engine.  The antifreeze/coolant qualities usually don't breakdown unless you've diluted it too much with water (if you're constantly adding water or coolant you have a problem that should be checked immediately).  Anti-corrosion additives, on the other hand, do breakdown and should be checked on a regular basis.

While there may be 100 different types of coolants on the market, there are really only three different categories: ethylene glycol, extended life (OAT),  and propylene glycol.  Ethylene glycol has been the standard for years with anti-corrosion life of about 2 years or 30,000 miles.  Around 1995, a new additive called Organic Acid Technology (OAT) dramatically extended anti-corrosion life to about 5 years or 150,000 miles.  More recently, propylene glycol gained popularity for its environmental benefits, being less toxic to children, pets, and wildlife. 

We don't recommend mixing categories as it's probably not good idea to play chemist with your car.  A few auto companies like VW strongly warn against it.  If you want to change categories, you should do so only after a thorough flush of the cooling system.  An old rule of thumb was not to mix coolant colors.  However, color is more of a manufacturer's preference (an added dye) than an indication of chemical make-up.  It's perfectly fine to mix different colors within the same coolant category (although it generally won't look good)!

We recommend that you have your coolant checked every year, just in case.  A quick test will determine how well your coolant is holding up.  Also, it's not a bad idea to have the cooling system flushed every couple of years even with extended life coolant.  Anti-corrosion doesn't mean no corrosion.  Even a little corrosion creates sediment and particles that can block radiators and heating cores.  A good flush now and then clears out the sediment and prevents more costly repairs.
 

What is a tune up and do I need one?

Back in the 70's a tune up used to mean something.  It was done every couple of years as normal maintenance.  Over time, onboard computers and fuel injection eliminated the need for most items covered under the old definition.  Today, most drivers will ask for a tune up when the car isn't running smooth, when they are going on a long trip, or haven't had the car serviced in a long time. 

So what is a tune up?   About all that is left from the original definition, is to replace the spark plugs and spark plug wires when needed.  Yet if you ask 20 people what is involved in a tune up, you'll probably get 20 different answers.  Some shops will bundle a variety of services at a hefty price under the guise of a "tune up".  We don't.  Our philosophy is to never charge you for services you don't need.  So if your car or truck isn't running smooth, if you're going on a long trip, or if you haven't had it serviced for a while, tell us.  We'll gladly check it out, tell you what it needs and how much it will cost, and let you decide if you want the work done (see our Trip Check and Maintenance Startup specials).

To avoid misunderstandings, it is probably best not to ask for or buy a tune up.  Your owner's manual tells you what maintenance your car or truck needs and it doesn't mention a tune up!