Car Care Questions & Tips
Regular Maintenance of your Vehicle plays a Major Part of its Handling/Driving Characteristics.
Q. What does it mean if my “Check Engine 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.
Q. 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 as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to the shop.
Q. What is Synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils, though more expensive than mineral-based oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. We carry AMSOIL synthetic motor oils that will save you money and give you peace of mind that comes from using the best. Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged, or super charged engines, vehicles that are used for towing, or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates.
Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many engines can result in serious damage to valves or pistons in interference engine. Then the cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is many times greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. Also then you will not be “stopped” along side the road and need to be TOWED to the shop.
Q. When should my engine have Sparkplugs & Fuel Filter change?
Many cars need fuel filters at 30,000 miles but some will in the fuel tank & not need to be changed. Also the same intervals with most Sparkplugs are change at 30,000 or 60,000. Some vehicles have Platinum sparkplugs and will be changed at 100,000 miles.
Q. What kind of oil should I put in my engine?
Many car manufactures require the correct viscosity in their engine or performance & mileage will be affected. We recommend quality name brand oil, with the correct viscosity be put in your engine. We use CASTROL oil products and AMSOIL synthetic oils in all our oil changes.
Q. Do you need an Appointment for an oil change or Repair work?
YES, for faster service an appointment is recommended. Some services such as wiper blades, air up tires, or light bulb change can be done on a drop-in basis. You can call us @ 360-966-4440 to schedule an appointment or by E-Mailing jim@jimsautoexperts.com
Q. How early/late can I drop-off/pick-up my vehicle?
Our hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday and vehicles can be dropped/picked up during those times. We also have an Early Bird box with envelopes to put keys in and slot ABOVE to slide into front office. Other arrangements can be made for after hour’s vehicle pick-up.
Q. What form of Payment do you accept?
We accept local checks, cash, and Debit/Credit cards. Visa/MasterCard/Discover/Amex.
Q. Can I make payments on my repair bill?
We can make arrangements for 90 day Promissory Note before the work is done. These arrangements are made with down payment required and balance paid off in 90 days.
Q. Do you guarantee your parts & labor?
YES, all parts have warranty by the manufacturer and our labor goes with that part.
Our labor workmanship warranty is 2 years or 24,000 miles; whichever comes first.
Q. Do you perform 30k, 60k, 90k & 120k Service that Dealers do?
YES, All service intervals are done here, the same as the dealer does. The factory warranty of your vehicle will still be in effect. The maintenance book will be filled in also if you provide us with it. We will use OEM parts if required.
Q. How much does it cost to repair….?
We can give you an estimate over the phone but many times the car needs to be inspected before we can give an accurate estimate. Please call 966-4440 to discuss this with us.
Q. Can you perform warranty repairs?
We cannot perform new car dealer warranty; but many dealers sell extended warranty policies that we are able to perform those vehicle repairs. You will have a policy that has a phone number to call and a contract number to reference.