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Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions? We Have Excellent Answers! A car or truck is one of the most important purchases most people make, and regular repairs and maintenance are critical to maintaining your investment and keeping you safe and comfortable on the road. At Excellent Auto Care & Tire, we have the answers to your questions on how to keep your vehicle in top running condition. Here are some common questions (click one to learn more): How can I get better gas mileage? Have another question? Call us or stop by 7 days a week and our professional staff will be happy to answer them.
Keeping your tires inflated to the proper level can save you up to three percent of fuel. Other tips include: avoid jack-rabbit starts, keeping an even amount of pressure on the gas-peddle and increasing your speed when approaching a grade. Here’s how we can help:
The engine warning light on your vehicle is a broad indicator that something within your engine is malfunctioning. It may, or may not be serious. It’s best to make sure by having a qualified technician perform a diagnostic test and precision analysis. Isn't vehicle diagnostics just pulling the codes? A complete diagnostic procedure includes using scanning tools to analyze the vehicle's onboard computer system. This process allows the technician to retrieve computer codes and software versions, freeze frame data, view statuses, and other important sensor information. This procedure takes the process to the next level in diagnosing what specifically is illuminating your check engine light.
Brakes that squeal may indicate your brake pads or rotors (disks) are wearing down. It”s best to have them checked by a certified expert as soon as possible. In the meantime, apply foot-pressure to the brake pedal in a smooth, even motion, and press firmly when coming to a stop.
Every vehicle has basic systems which are built to a set of specifications. These include the engine vacuum, back-pressure, engine timing (both mechanical and electrical), and the ignition, fuel and emissions systems. Verification testing can determine whether your vehicle has failures in any of these systems that may cause your check engine light to illuminate. How often should I change my oil? You should chang your oil as often as 3,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Depending on your driving, you can change your oil more frequently, but the most important thing is to do it regularly. We can help with a reminder. Pinpoint Testing can further isolate and verify your vehicle's circuits and components to match strict manufacturer standards, so that the technician can arrive at an accurate and absolute diagnosis of your vehicle's specific problem(s). Pinpoint testing is achieved through electrical and/or mechanical tests, bi-directional control tests, visual inspections of suspect areas and interpreting wiring diagrams.
The general rule-of-thumb is to have your tires rotated about every 4,000 to 6,000 miles, depending on your vehicle type and manufacturer specifications. Having your tires rotated at regular intervals promotes uniform wear and increases the longevity of your tires. We can help with a reminder.
The alignment of your tires is very important to the way your car or truck drives. It also increases tire mileage and makes your car or truck safer on the road. Tires that are out of alignment can be hazardous.
Technical Service Bulletins, research, and hotline information will reveal if your vehicle's issue(s) are related to a "pattern failure," which means that the manufacturer is aware that your particular vehicle make, model, and year tends to have similar issues. These alone, however, cannot replace verification testing and pinpoint testing in the diagnostic process because there are other interconnected systems specifications involved.
There are many things that can cause a slow or non-start of your engine. It might be the ignition system, fuel system, or it may be a computer-related problem. It might just need a tune up. Our free inspection with every oil change can help identify a problem. If there is a problem, our competitively-priced comprehensive diagnostic check will pinpoint the problem and produce recommendations.
Vehicle Repair is unique to each vehicle and each issue diagnosed, but may include any of the following: passage, connection, and component cleaning, parts replacement, manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins updates, upgrades to the vehicle's computer software and/or wiring repair or replacement.
Yes! EAC repeats diagnostic testing and verification steps to ensure all repairs are successful and your vehicle meets proper specifications and standards for engine emissions and efficiency. |