We frequently get questions regarding our service department. Here is a list of Frequently asked questions and the answers.
- Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
- A: That's always a good idea. It helps us to get your car in if we know when it will be here.
- Q: Is my appointment for a specific time?
- A: We will do our best to get you in as fast as possible. Please understand that we allot as much time as needed for a repair. If a vehicle comes in with multiple problems it is very hard to know the time allotment.
- Q: Do I have to schedule an oil change?
- A: No, we have installed a special lift and bay for quick lube services. We also can do tire rotation at the same time for only $9.95.
- Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
- A: For the longest tire life, I would recommend every oil change or 5000 miles depending on your schedule.
- Q: You said every oil change or 5000 miles, shouldn't I change my oil every 3000 miles?
- A: I was always a believer in 3000 mile oil changes. But with the new oils and additives, the manufacturer has gone to 5000 mile services and I will have to agree. It also saves money in the long run.
- Q: Can I use synthetic oil in my RX8 or rotary engine?
- A: Synthetic oils should never be run in a rotary engine. Oil is injected into the engine from the oil pan to the rotor housings to lubricate the engine. Synthetic oils do not burn like standard oils and will cause excessive wear and premature engine failure.
- Q: What are your service hours:
- A: We are open from 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday thru Friday. Service is not open on Saturdays but we do have a drop-off service if you would like to leave your car for Monday service.
- Q: Do you do state inspections:
- A: Yes, we can inspect all of your vehicle needs, as long as it will fit in the shop. We can also inspect motorcycles and trailers.
- Q: Do you work on any other brands besides Mazda and Volvo?
- A: Yes, all of my tech's are factory trained in Mazda and Volvo, but also have ASE Master Certification in American brands also.
- Q: My check engine light is on, is that serious?
- A: There are hundreds (really!) that can cause the check engine light to come on. The most common is a loose or missing gas cap. But even if you find a loose cap and tighten it up, the light will remain on until the system does a 40 drive cycle test to verify the problem is fixed. Again, there are many items that can cause the light to come on, and the only way to diagnose it is to connect it to a computer and run a systems fault test.
- Q: How long does a system fault test take?
- A: That totally depends on the fault code and problem, but the test itself takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
- Q: Is there a charge to run fault codes?
- A: If your car is under factory warranty, and there is a defect, the manufacturer will cover parts, labor and diagnostic time. If its out of warranty, or it is not a covered item, there is a charge of $80.00 to hook it up to the computer and run codes.
- Q: $80.00 seems like alot just to check for codes, why that much?
- A: There are several factors that play into this, of course the technician has to get paid for his time, the factory charges us for the computer time, and all the updates, and the training it takes to do the job correctly.
- Q: Can I call you if I have a question about my car?
- A: Absolutely! We will be glad to answer any question that we can, and if we don't know the answer, we'll find it for you.
