Are you thinking of buying a used vehicle? Shiny paint and a promise the vehicle is in good condition doesn’t always reveal the truth. I can’t tell you how many times a customer has come to our shop excited with the news they bought a used vehicle for themselves or a family member and ask us to perform an after-purchase inspection only to discover the car needs major repairs. This sure takes the excitement out of buying that used car! Whether you are buying from a private party or a car lot, always ask to take the vehicle to a trusted shop to have the vehicle inspected before purchasing. This way you can feel confident in what you are buying. If the seller is not willing to make this concession, then the vehicle is not worth buying, no matter how good a deal it seems! If the vehicle does need some attention and you still wish to purchase, you can negotiate the repairs into the deal.
Today’s vehicles require the most advanced engineered oils available. While many oil distributors have lubricants designed to meet your vehicles specification, it is very important you use only the manufacturer’s recommended lubricants. Not only can the wrong lubricant cause a decrease in fuel economy, it can also cause catastrophic damage that will most likely void your warranty. You can rest assured. At RPM Automotive, we will only install lubricants that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specification. Come to our shop for your sparks oil change services.
People sometimes don’t ask questions about their car because it seems intimidating and complicated. I have provided some information on a few popular car questions.
When should I have the oil changed? The answer depends on which type of oil is required for your vehicle.
Changing your oil is one of the most important forms of vehicle maintenance. The engine is the heart of your vehicle and oil protects the engine’s vital components.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for when you should get your oil changed as well as the type of oil you should use. You’ll find this information in your vehicle owner’s manual or we can provide this information to you from the manufacturer’s website.
What should I do if the brake light or any warning light turns on?
Get it checked out immediately. Not only could you do harm to yourself or others, you could potentially do costly damage to your vehicle.
How often should I have the brake fluid checked?
You should get your brake fluid checked every time you get your oil changed and replaced at the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
How often should I have the air pressure checked?
Most modern vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that will warn you if your tires are low. If you drive an older vehicle without TPMS, you should do this at least once a month. You could run over a nail or something! At the very least, get it checked at every oil change. Low tire pressure could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and contributes to lower fuel economy and premature tire wear.
How often should I have my tires rotated?
Most tire manufacturers recommend tire rotation every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles. A commonly accepted practice is to rotate tires at each oil change interval. Tire rotation involves moving each tire to a new location on the vehicle, minimizing tire wear patterns and prolonging tread life.
When should I have my battery checked?
Modern vehicles have many features and electronics that put a huge demand on your battery for power. While today’s batteries claim to be “maintenance free,” that is a little deceiving. Even though you don’t add water to your battery as in years past, you still need to make sure your battery is checked and cleaned each time vehicle maintenance is performed. Extreme cold and extreme heat take a toll on batteries. Most batteries last for three to five years.
When should I have my coolant checked
You should have your coolant checked and changed per the manufacture’s guidelines. As professionals, we can help you interpret which fluid and schedule is correct for your vehicle.
Should I worry about mileage?
It is not uncommon to see cars that last 200,000 miles or more. That’s only if you take good care of them and give them the proper maintenance.
Where do I find a good mechanic?
You’ve found one right here at Scotty’s Transmission & RPM Automotive. We employee ASE Certified Master Technicians to take care of all your vehicle needs.
Go to our website www.rpmautomotiveinc.com to schedule your appointment. You can also check us out on Yelp and BBB.org.