11 Frequently Asked Questions Delivered

Check your owner’s manual. It will give you all of the information you need regarding specific parts and service intervals. Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or severe service notations. Warranties are there to protect the consumer, but you must follow the requirements.

The choice of where to have your car serviced and repaired is yours. However, you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer for any repairs covered under warranty. Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain which repairs are covered.

Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warrantied longer than original equipment parts. Aftermarket parts supplied by CARQUEST meet or exceed manufacturers’ specifications.

A timing belt, is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine’s valves. Your timing belt should be changed every 50,000-70,000 miles, however every manufacturer is different. You should consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct replacement interval.

The average driver uses their brakes 75,000 times per year and takes for granted that they’ll work every time. Today’s brake systems are hydraulic and use brake fluid which is hydrophilic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

Once the hydraulic system has moisture in it, corrosion takes place and brake components fail. Brake fluid should be flushed periodically to keep corrosion under control. This procedure is not expensive and is included in many preventative maintenance schedules.

Brake fluid should be handled with care. It will melt plastics and remove paint.

Antifreeze should be replaced every two years due to oxidation and deterioration of important additives. These additives lubricate the water pump and protect metal parts from rust and oxidation. They also help keep coolant hoses soft and flexible.

Today we can recycle and clean old antifreeze, replacing the additives. Antifreeze is very toxic and not environmentally friendly so recycling makes good sense.

The other question you might not know to ask is, should the thermostat also be changed? Yes, the engine’s thermostat should also be replaced every 2 years to keep the engine operating temperatures in the proper range.

Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge. Otherwise, you might need another jump start.

First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor.

Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced. If you have more questions regarding your brake system check out our video Understanding your braking system.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet and keep clear records of your vehicle’s maintenance. Be sure to include the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number, and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep your receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet, we highly recommend that you use it.

Even if you lease a vehicle, you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs required to keep the vehicle in good working order as outlined in the owner’s manual.