Al Petticrew, Service Manager, says: When comparing prices for services, be careful of the terminology used for the services being performed. For example, an Anti-Freeze/Coolant Service is completely different from an Anti-Freeze/Coolant Exchange. The same is true of a Transmission Fluid Service versus a Transmission Fluid Exchange. In this case, a few key words, "Service" and "Exchange" make a great deal of difference. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
Some service facilities will quote a price for a Anti-Freeze/Coolant flush when what they are really doing is draining the coolant from only the radiator and refilling the radiator ("drain and fill"). A "drain and fill" is not a true flush and doesn't remove the old coolant nor dirt and debris from the radiator and engine. A "drain and fill" will contaminate your new coolant with the old coolant mixed in. Exchanging (flushing) is more efficient. Also, exchanging the fluid adds corrosion inhibitors and a water pump lubricant for protection. So watch out for the "bargain coolant service", it probably is not what you expected you were getting.
Transmission Services are similiarly confusing when a "drain and fill" versus an "Exchange/Flush" is performed. Only about half of the transmission fluid is replaced when a "drain and fill" is performed and your new fluid usually looks old right after the service is performed.
When servicing your car, know what you're getting! The bargain price usually is a bargain for a reason, and not actually what you were expecting in the service your car needed. If you are unsure of what you need or want, do not hesitate to contact one of our of our knowledeable and friendly Service Consultants to get advice. We will take the time to educate you to ask the right questions so you can verify that our prices are competitive and that value is built into what we do for you.
My car was towed by you. When and where can I pick it up?
You can pick up your vehicle Monday through Friday during normal hours of operation, or on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. If you need to call the tow truck, our number is (302) 644-2869.
How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?
There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. Service Manager, Al Petticrew, stresses how important it is to check your oil frequently when going for long periods of time between changes. We often see cars where the oil is many quarts low because people have forgotten to check the level in between oil changes. Don't let that happen to you!
However, if you are driving a 2011 or newer GM vehicle, the oil in your vehicle's engine will meet a recently unveiled specification called "dexos 1." If your owner's manual says to use dexos 1 oil, the use of regular motor oil could void your warranty.
Rex Roy, Editor of AOL Autos writes, "Oils that meet the dexos 1 (yes, with a lowercase “d”) standard provide some real benefits. However, when it comes time for that first
oil change, expect a 25-30 percent cost increase -- which could be about the same as choosing pure synthetic oil. Further,
GM says that if a customer has an engine failure that is traced to oil or lubrication issues, and if the customer does not use dexos 1 oil in their gasoline-powered GM vehicle, that act alone could void the
warranty. The same goes for GM vehicles with diesel engines, which use a diesel-specific “dexos 2” oil blend. The real payback comes from extending the time and mileage between oil changes. Dexos and GF-5 oils allow drivers to drive more miles between oil changes without needing to worry about a loss of lubrication qualities, the buildup of sludge, or damage to sensitive emission control devices. Depending on driving habits, oil changes could extend beyond 10,000 miles." For more information on the newest generation of oils, go to
http://autos.aol.com/article/gm-engine-oil/.
, expect a 25-30 percent cost increase -- which could be about the same as choosing pure synthetic oil. Further, says that if a customer has an engine failure that is traced to oil or lubrication issues, and if the customer does not use dexos 1 oil in their gasoline-powered GM vehicle, that act alone could void the . The same goes for GM vehicles with diesel engines, which use a diesel-specific “dexos 2” oil blend. The real payback comes from extending the time and mileage between oil changes. Dexos and GF-5 oils allow drivers to drive more miles between oil changes without needing to worry about a loss of lubrication qualities, the buildup of sludge, or damage to sensitive emission control devices. Depending on driving habits, oil changes could extend beyond 10,000 miles." For more information on the newest generation of oils, go to ., expect a 25-30 percent cost increase -- which could be about the same as choosing pure synthetic oil. Further, says that if a customer has an engine failure that is traced to oil or lubrication issues, and if the customer does not use dexos 1 oil in their gasoline-powered GM vehicle, that act alone could void the . The same goes for GM vehicles with diesel engines, which use a diesel-specific “dexos 2” oil blend. The real payback comes from extending the time and mileage between oil changes. Dexos and GF-5 oils allow drivers to drive more miles between oil changes without needing to worry about a loss of lubrication qualities, the buildup of sludge, or damage to sensitive emission control devices. Depending on driving habits, oil changes could extend beyond 10,000 miles." For more information on the newest generation of oils, go to .
How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear. If you buy your tires at [DEALERNAMEl, you will receive free tire rotations for the life of the tire.
Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.
I have a belt making a very loud squeal on my car. Should have it changed?
Inspect & replace belts regularly. The belt system in your car helps such things as your alternator and air conditioning compressor to operate correctly. When a belt breaks, they can cause costly damage. To avoid this, inspect them regularly for wear. If they are showing signs, go ahead and replace them before they become a problem.
What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.
What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to your local Buick, Chevrolet, GMC Dealership .
Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.
How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.