FAQs

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If you notice any cracks on your belts or hoses, it is time to replace them.  Other indicators it is time to replace them is if they feel hard or extremely soft.  However, hoses can start to wear from the inside out, and this isn't something you would be able to see on a visual inspection.  We typically recommend you replace them every 2 to 4 years.

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Synthetic motor oil and regular motor oil both start off life as crude oil.  However, synthetic motor oil has been refined and broken down to remove impurities.  This improves its stability and also improves its lubrication qualities at higher and lower temperatures.  Synthetic motor oil is a more costly choice.  There are a few scenarios in which we recommend using synthetic motor oil, such as performance vehicles with a turbo and in some high mileage vehicles.  Despite this, regular motor oil should not be looked down on.  It does a wonderful job at protecting your vehicle's engine and keeps it running smoothly.

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It is a good idea to check your coolant and engine oil at least 1 to 2 times a month to make sure the fluid looks good and is filled to the appropriate level.  Every manufacture will have suggested maintenance schedule for replacing your cars fluids.  In most cases, we suggest you change your coolant every 30,000 miles.  If you are unsure whether it is time to have your coolant replaced, stop by with your car, and we can help you determine if a coolant change is needed.

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The Michigan heat can be very hard on car batteries. no different then or cold winters.  A couple indicators that your battery may be starting to fail are the clock in your vehicle has been reset or isn't keeping correct time or your radio stations are no longer programmed.  You may also notice your car is slower than usual to crank over when you start it.

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Yes, in most cases, if your timing belt fails, you can cause severe engine damage.

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Once you notice your vehicles temperature is starting to climb, it is best to take immediate action.  First thing you should do is turn off your AC if you have it on and find a safe place to pull your car off the road.  Do NOT attempt to remove the radiator cap or check any of the hoses.  It is very dangerous to do this under these conditions, and you are likely to get severely burned.  A car that has over heated can cause massive damage, very quickly.  This is why it is important to pull off the road as soon as you safely can and have your vehicle towed to our shop for an inspection.

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We can't stress enough how important a pre-sale vehicle inspection is.  This is the only sure fire way of knowing what you are really purchasing, because even 'pretty' vehicles can have an ugly unsafe side to them.  With our used car inspection, we look for safety concerns and look for overall maintenance issues.  We also review the vehicle for body damage that the seller may be trying to hide.  Having a professional technician inspect your car gives you a very clear picture of the 'true' condition the car is in and in some cases gives you the power to negotiate a better price.

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If your brakes make a grinding or squeaking noise, it normally means your brake pads are worn out and need to be changed.  It is always best to have any noise your brakes make looked at by a professional technician to make sure it isn't a safely issue.

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Preventative maintenance for your car really comes down to REGULAR maintenance.  This helps to ensure your vehicle is running optimally and helps to avoid larger issues from developing.  Overall, preventative maintenance makes your car safe, dependable, efficient, and in the end, saves you money.  A well-maintained car will not only last longer but will get better gas mileage.

Below are a few examples of preventative car maintenance we offer.

• Regular Oil Changes
• Tune-Up
• Differential Gear Oil
• Battery
• Power Steering Flush
• Servicing the Transmission and Fluid Flush
• Brake Flush
• Replacing Belts and Hoses
• Coolant Flush
• Replacing Head Lights/Tail Lights
• Replacing Windshield Wipers
• Rotating the Tires
• Inspecting the Exhaust System

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Absolutely! Dearborn Automotive offers financing through Snap financing.  Click here to learn more.

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You may notice your vehicle starts to run rough or the check engine light may come on.  Each vehicle has a different manufactures recommendation for when a tune up is needed.  You can check your owner's manual or stop in and we can help you determine if it's time for a tune up.

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ASE is short for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.  ASE is an independent, non-profit organization that tests and certifies automotive professionals.  It is a way to gauge the level of technical expertise a technician has and brings confidence to the vehicle owner.  To be an ASE master certified technician, you have to pass a variety of ASE tests in different subject matters.  To remain ASE certified, a technician must re-test every five years to verify they are keeping with all the advancements in the profession.

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Each automobile manufacturer sets different standards as to when they recommend your vehicle needs an oil change.  In our experience, we have found doing an oil change every 3,000 miles works best.  If you have questions about what oil change schedule would work best for your vehicle, give us a call.

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Yes, we suggest that any time you are planning a trip with your vehicle, you have it inspected for any possible safety issues along with making sure it is in optimal running condition.  You don't want the highlight of your trip to be when the tow truck finally rescued you from the side of the road!

If it has been a while since your last oil change, we typically suggest you have your oil changed before and after any long road trips.  In addition to an oil change, you will want to check and make sure all your lights are in working order, along with your windshield wipers.  Check all your fluids, belts and hoses, and inspect your battery to make sure it doesn't show any signs of corrosion.  It is also very important to check your tires to make sure you have plenty of tread, no cracks, and to ensure they are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications.  We suggest you also take a few basic items with you in case of an emergency, such as jumper cables, some basic tools, a first aid kit, and water.