CAR MAINTENANCE FAQ

Car Maintenance FAQs | ACDelco

When you see a service advisor or technician for vehicle repair or maintenance, you should expect them to answer any questions about your vehicle’s needs. If you know which relevant questions to ask, then you’ll be better prepared and informed through every step of vehicle service.


Review our list of questions below and check your vehicle Owner’s Manual for proper service intervals.

Oil Change, Motor Oil, Filters & Fluids

  • How often should I get an oil change?
  • Is the engine oil you’re using the right type for my vehicle and driving habits?
  • Do I need a new oil filter every time I get an oil change?
  • Is an oil filter change included with oil change service?
  • How often does my air filter need to be changed?
  • When my fluids are low, will my vehicle alert me?
  • How often should my vehicle’s fluid levels be checked and refilled?

Brakes

  • What does it mean when my vehicle’s brake warning light appears?
  • How can I change my driving habits to make my brake pads last longer?
  • Will replacing my brake pads or brake rotors solve the braking problems I’ve been experiencing?
  • Should my vehicle get any related brake services while the brake pads or brake rotors are being replaced?

Tire Service

  • If my car begins shaking at higher speeds, are my tires the problem?
  • Are my driving habits affecting my vehicle’s tire wear?
  • Should my driving habits be a factor in determining which type of tires to buy?
  • What are the consequences if an incorrect tire size is installed on my car?
  • If I need one tire replaced, should I replace two at the same time? All four?
  • How do I determine proper air tire pressure?
  • Do front and rear tires require the same amount of pressure?
  • How will my vehicle be affected if there is too much or too little air pressure in the tires?

Wheel Alignment

  • Does alignment service affect all four wheels?
  • Will you road-test my vehicle to make sure it is properly aligned?
  • Does improper wheel alignment cause poor tire wear or cause my vehicle to pull to one side?
  • Can an alignment problem lead to worn steering and suspension parts?

Tune-Up

  • What are the services included in a car tune-up? What other maintenance should my vehicle receive at this time?
  • What is my vehicle’s ideal tune-up service interval?
  • Does the “Service Engine Soon” light tell me when my vehicle needs a tune-up?

Belts & Hoses

  • How do you identify electrolytic corrosion? How does it affect my cooling system?
  • What are the individual features and benefits of a V-belt and a serpentine belt?
  • What is the purpose of the notches on an aftermarket V-belt?
  • Why are branched hoses beneficial to my vehicle?

Air Conditioning Service

  • When it’s hot outside, should I turn the air conditioning on immediately? Or should I roll the windows down and let the car run before engaging the A/C?
  • If my A/C system is not cooling properly, can I damage it if I keep using it anyway?
  • Is liquid dripping from the bottom of my vehicle normal when using the A/C?
  • What is wrong with my A/C if it is emitting a musty smell from the vents?
  • I hear a clicking under my hood and the A/C is cooling inconsistently. What is wrong with the system?
  • What are the benefits of R-134a refrigerant? Should I switch my older vehicle over from R-12 or Freon refrigerant?

“Service Engine Soon” Light

  • What are the possible problems when my “Service Engine Soon” light appears?
  • While you’re investigating what triggered the “Service Engine Soon” light, do you recommend any additional services?
  • If I ignore the light, what are the possible consequences?
  • If I don’t investigate the problem, will the light turn off by itself?
  • Is it possible for my vehicle to pass an emissions test if the “Service Engine Soon” light is on?

Appearance

  • Is it necessary to fix small cracks or scratches in my windshield if they’re not spreading or causing problems with visibility?
  • What’s the best way to remove or cover small scratches in my vehicle’s paint?