Whether you’re in for a service visit or just poking around the web site, Smith’s Service Center believes that the more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you’ll be to take care of it properly and make it last. Below are some answers to basic questions we hear over and over. If your curiosity isn’t satisfied, feel free to email us.
Q. How often should I have my oil changed?
That depends on your vehicle’s service schedule. It’s usually every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. But you may need to change it more often if you drive frequently under certain conditions: stop-and-go traffic, excessive idling, short trips of less than five miles, extreme temperatures (over 90 F or below 32 F), towing and hauling. By inspecting your vehicle’s oil dipstick, you should be able to gauge the quality of the oil. If it looks dirty, it is probably beginning to break down and should be changed.
Q. When should I rotate my tires?
Tires usually require rotation every 7,500 miles or so. To make it easy to schedule, many people have them rotated every other oil change (based on a 3,000-mile service). Some vehicles and tires, however, require rotation more frequently to help them wear evenly and preserve the tread. Smith’s Service Center can help you determine what’s best for the life of your tires.
Q. When an indicator light goes on, such as “Check Engine,” why are computerized diagnostics required?
Electronic controls have become increasingly common in new vehicles. Today, some have dozens of sensors that track everything from seatbelt use and tire pressure to oil levels and fuel injection. The “check engine” light alone could point to several different issues. The “worry-free” operations that are ordered electronically make the life of the driver easier but the job of the technician more difficult when trying to determine the source of a problem. That’s where computerized diagnostics come in. Our system provides a comprehensive review of all computer-controlled processes in your vehicle and pinpoints the problem so our technicians can fix it with certainty.
Q. How do I know I need to buy tires for my car?
Different levels of quality and performance are built into tires, so the answer is not the same for everyone. But what does remain the same is what constitutes “worn out” and, therefore, a road hazard. Tires need to be replaced when they reach 2/32nds of an inch tread depth. Most tires have a tread wear indicator built into them – a line found across the tread face, which is 2/32nds higher than the base tread. As tires wear down, they have less traction. If the traction isn’t enough to support the use of your vehicle, you may want to buy new tires even sooner than the indicator suggests.
Q. My daughter is interested in buying her first car, a used one, and I want to be sure it’s going to last without costing an arm and a leg. How could you help us with this stage?
Our Buyers Inspection has helped several new and existing customers make a confident, informed decision when purchasing a used car. Our technicians will perform a complete bumper-to-bumper inspection of the underside and under hood after a road test as well as a general maintenance inspection. We know that this type of work is very time sensitive, so your prompt call to schedule a Buyers Inspection will help us work you into our schedule accordingly.
Q. Our family is taking a road trip. How can we be sure the car will make it safely?
By scheduling a Trip Inspection with us, you will travel with confidence knowing that all general maintenance has been performed and a bumper-to-bumper inspection and authorized repairs have been made. Please call us two weeks or more in advance of your trip to allow for time for any maintenance or repair that may take longer than a day.
