Car Advice

by Anthony Davis

. Do you really have to change your oil at 3000 miles?
A. Yes and no. It is always a good idea to change your oil at 3,000 miles. Some oil is rated for 4,000 to 5,000 miles, but even if you use this kind of oil it does not hurt for it to be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months.

Q. Why is there a squeak in the front when I step on the brakes?
A. The most likely thing is that your brakes are worn down. There is a built in squeaker so when your brake pads get low and are almost ready for replacing, it will squeak. It could also be a number of other things but that’s usually the first thing to check.

Q. Why does the frontend shake after a certain speed?
A. Most likely one or more tires is out of balance. Also something could be wrong with suspension.

Q. Why are my tires wearing funny in the front?
A. Most likely you need a frontend alignment. When this is being done if a part such as the tie rod or ball joint or something along those lines is bad they will tell you and you can have it fixed or do it yourself and your problem will be solved.

Q. Why is my tire pressure sensor on when I first get in my car when it’s cold out but after driving for a couple minutes it goes out?
A. This is because when it is cold out the air condenses and the sensor does not get a proper reading. As you drive the air will expand and the light on dash will go out because it is now getting a proper reading.

Q. When I get in my car and turn the key nothing happens at all?
A. First to check is the battery. It may have gone dead from leaving lights on or just from sitting. If a battery does not fix this problem then it could be a number of different things. A bad connection is one.

Q. Why is my car running hot?
A. First thing is if your car starts overheating, pull over and shut it off. This will avoid any further damage to you engine. First to check is to see if it is low on coolant. If it is and you have no antifreeze, then water will work till you can get it home. If it is not low on coolant then it could be a bad water pump, a bad thermostat, a worn belt, maybe a clutch fan, and always possibly the head gasket.

Q. Why is my transmission shifting weird?
A. First thing to check is your transmission fluid. On an automatic you will have a dipstick under the hood. The car has to be running and should be fully warmed when you check the fluid. Manual transmission will have a check bolt on the transmission itself. If low add transmission fluid, be sure to use the right kind.