Frequently asked questions.

  • If you are driving and the vehicle starts to overheat, turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater and immediately pull over to the shoulder. The odds are if the vehicle starts to overheat, there is a problem in the cooling system such as low coolant, a clogged radiator or a broken drive belt or burst hose.
    Once at the shoulder, shut off the engine, open the hood and let the engine cool down for a minimum of 30 minutes.
    Once any heating stops and the engine has cooled, look for obvious signs of trouble.
    DO NOT attempt to open the radiator cap unless the engine is off and the top of the radiator is cold.
    If there is no noticeable problem such as a broken drive belt or burst hose, at this point if possible you can then add a coolant/water mixture to the radiator or overflow reservoir, then start the vehicle and drive slowly to a service station.

  • Brake components like caliper pins and backing plates need proper lubrication. Without it, they can cause squeaking or clunking noises. If your car has been sitting in damp or rainy conditions, surface rust can form on the rotors. This typically clears after a few braking cycles but may cause initial squeaking. More serious issues, like warped rotors or a malfunctioning caliper, can lead to grinding or squealing sounds and uneven braking. If the noise persists, consult a trusted auto repair shop like Junior's Auto Repair for a thorough inspection and diagnosis​.

  • Oil change, this is one of the simplest car maintenance services you can do to keep your vehicle in good running condition. Not maintaining it could void your warranty and even cause an engine failure, which can cost thousands . Keeping your cooling system in working order is also important. This is also a good time to have a system flush. Having the pump, hoses, fluids and belts checked is also part of proper cooling-system maintenance.

  • It is possible but often not usual, unless the light is flashing. A decrease in vehicle performance is possible. Recommended to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Quicker servicing may lead to less repairs.

  • Flush the cooling system and change coolant once a year. A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water will keep the cooling system in good shape and prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the cooling system.

  • The tire pressure should always be set to the tire manufacturer's suggest PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure specs. The specs can be found on the side of your tire. Properly inflated tires will give you better gas mileage and less tire wear.
    Check your tire pressure. Invest a few dollars in a tire gauge and check your tire pressure regularly (including the spare). This helps improve fuel efficiency, cut down on tire wear and tear and lets you know if your vehicle is aligned correctly.

  • Most car manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or about once a year, depending on your driving conditions.. An air filter can be described as a vehicle's lungs. A clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage in older cars with carbureted engines by as much as 14 percent. Replacing clogged air filters can help improve acceleration time.

  • This means it is adept at attracting moisture. Moisture causes components to corrode and fail. Replace fluid and bleed system once a year. Brake fluid is cheap. Calipers, hoses, and sensors are expensive.