How Often Should You Service Your Car?

Knowing the right kind of vehicle maintenance your car needs is the first step in making sure it will keep running stronger and longer than usual.  Just how often should you service your car, you ask?  Typically, a full service is suggested about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.  The purpose of this service is to evaluate the components and the operating systems for general wear and tear, which includes the condition of the fluids, brakes, engine, tires, and more. 

In addition to the advice of your trust auto mechanic, your vehicle’s service manual outlines a recommended schedule of vehicle maintenance. This schedule typically includes:

• Oil changes, including filter replacement
• Lights, tires, exhaust systems
• Brakes and steering systems
• Tune up, including spark plugs, fuses, wiring 
• When to replace fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission, and coolant
• Air Conditioner system, including the radiator, belts, and hoses
• Suspension system--shocks, struts, axles
• Wheel alignment and tire balancing
• Car Battery-including the alternator and starter

Many of today’s newer vehicles have an in-vehicle service reminder system for some of these maintenance services. Though, for older vehicles, service intervals are still based on the number of miles driven within a certain time period so it is vital to know what your owner’s manual recommends.

Taking care of the suggested vehicle maintenance items before they turn into expensive repairs will save you time and money later down the road.  A well-maintained vehicle can also help prevent an accident and even save lives!

Are you wondering how often should you service your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What Happens When You Rebuild an Engine?

Are you worried that the engine on your vehicle is damaged beyond repair?  Even just usual mileage wear and tear, lack of service, and lubrication issues could cause signs of engine damage, such as:

• Excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe
• Knocking sounds
• Oil burning up faster than normal
• Excessive overheating

However, this does not necessarily mean the end of your vehicle.  When many vehicle owners hear the term “engine repair,” they rush out to buy a new vehicle.   This may not be the best decision.  If you consider the cost of engine repair versus purchasing a new vehicle, the economic benefit of keeping your current vehicle would be the better decision, either with a rebuilt engine or a replacement.

So what happens when you rebuild an engine?  A rebuilt engine involves removing the engine block from the vehicle and totally disassembling it.  Once it has been cleaned and checked, damaged parts are replaced with new or refurbished parts.  All new gaskets, seals and lubricants are used that will meet OEM standards.  Major parts are replaced only as needed, such as camshafts, crankshafts and pistons.

There are normally only two scenarios in which an engine cannot be rebuilt.  First, the engine block has been damaged internally due to broken connecting crankshaft. Second, the exterior of the engine block has been cracked.  Otherwise, a rebuild is the best engine repair option.

Once the engine is rebuilt, you can be confident in knowing that everything has been closely checked and now has new parts.  You will be able to keep driving for many more miles!  It has been said that rebuilt engines are better than the engines originally installed at the factory—dependable, reliable and backed by warranties. Inspect with your auto shop on their guarantee for rebuilt engines before making a final decision.

Of course, not all engine issues require an engine rebuild.  Many times the issues are not serious and may only require relatively minor engine repair, such as a simple fan belt adjustment.  

Are you wondering what happens when you rebuild an engine?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What is involved in a Major Car Service?

If you ask many vehicle owners, they might admit that at one time, they have procrastinated when it came time to take care of a required maintenance service.  They may blame it on their busy schedule. Some may think that they are saving cash, but in reality, they may really spend more on an emergency car repair than the cost would have been for the regular maintenance service.  

Vehicle manufacturers publish a service schedule for a good reason—they want to make sure that the car operates dependably and safely for the vehicle owner.  Not only does regular maintenance help drivers avoid expensive car repair, it is essential for keeping your car roadworthy, protecting yourself, your passengers, as well as other drivers.

So how do know where to find what is involved in a major car service?  If you said your owner’s manual, you are right!  It lists the recommended mileage or time interval for every maintenance service, as well as the relevant details.   You can also ask your trusted car repair mechanic for expert advice.

There are three general levels of car service:

• Basic Service - This Basic service usually includes simple oil and filter change and a visual check up of the key components of your vehicle to ensure that everything is in the best condition possible.  Fluids will also be topped-off.    
• Full Service - This service usually consists of basic service plus additional 15-30 checks on the components of your vehicle.
• Major Service - This is the most comprehensive service available.  It not only includes the whole thing covered in the basic and full services described, but it also includes wear, service, and repair of all vehicle components and operating systems as recommended by the manufacturer.

So if you want to know what is involved in a major car service and how much it will cost, your car repair technician can help you determine what is needed and then give you an estimate of the cost before beginning work.

Are you looking for quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what is involved in a major car service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.