East Rock Auto Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vehicles do you work on?
At East Rock Auto we service and repair foreign and domestic vehicles – cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. We can also service your brand new vehicle while keeping your warranty in place, so that if you need to have a manufacturer's recall we will supply you with the proper paperwork to get the work done easily and quickly.
Why do my brakes squeak?
Brakes can squeak for a variety of reasons, but continuous squeals and grinding sounds may mean it's time for new brake pads and shoes. Worn brakes can result in longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. Rotors and drums that are too thin may even become over-stressed and break. Remember, if you notice any of these symptoms it's a good idea to have your brakes inspected.
Why is my check engine light on?
The check engine light is one of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle. It alerts the driver of a potential problem with the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system (main computer or sensors). When the check engine light comes on it means that a system in your vehicle – such as ignition, fuel injection, or emission control – is not operating efficiently and emissions levels have the potential to rise. Our government mandates that the check engine lamp illuminate when there is a potential for tailpipe emissions to rise fifty percent.
If your check engine light comes on and it's flashing, that indicates a more severe problem that should be checked out immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter. When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds, especially if you're towing.
When the check engine light comes on, there's no need to panic, just make an appointment to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring your check engine light could damage engine components and cost you more money in the end.
How often do I need to change my oil?
Non-synthetic oil should be changed every 3,000 miles and synthetic oil every 6,000 miles. Oil gets contaminated from combustion gases that leak by the pistons and valves in your engine. These gasses combine with moisture from condensation when the engine is first started to form contaminants. If your motor oil is left in too long the contaminants form deposits then sludge. All modern oils have additives to suspend contaminates. Some newer vehicles will calculate many factors and alert the driver when it is time to change the oil.
Do I really need to change my brake fluid?
Yes, we recommend every two years or 30,000 miles. Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Once your brake fluid has absorbed 3% moisture two things happen. The boiling point of this fluid is greatly reduced creating a safety hazard and the moisture in this fluid will rust the steel components of your brake system from the inside out.
Why am I being charged a diagnostic fee?
Thirty years ago vehicles were diagnosed easily. This is not so today. In many
cases it takes a highly skilled technician to accurately and efficiently
determine the cause(s) of your problem. Our diagnostic tests are broken down
by procedure. Most are equal or less than one billed hour, we try to keep them
affordable. Our diagnostic technicians have at their disposal the best of
testing equipment and many proprietary web sites where case histories are stored
to solve your problem as efficiently as possible.
Do I really need to change my timing belt?
Yes, by the manufacturer's required mileage (usually 60,000, 90,000 or 105,000 miles) the timing belt's job is to keep moving parts, primarily valves and pistons, in time with one another. If the timing belt is not replaced when it is due it will eventually break. If your engine is an "interference engine" the pistons will collide with the valves causing severe damage. If your engine is "free wheeling" severe damage should not happen, however we have seen cases where built up carbon deposits on top of the pistons turn a free wheeling engine into an interference engine and the valves still bend. As this rubber belt ages it falls victim to the extreme temperatures and stresses of your engine. Do yourself a big favor...replace your timing belt when it is due.
Does my new car have to go back to the dealer for service?
No. Preventative maintenance for today's hi-tech cars helps keep small problems from becoming large expensive ones. Most new car warranties are affected by scheduled preventative maintenance, meaning that maintenance must be done in order to keep the factory warranties in affect. New car dealers would like you to believe that they are the only facilities that can perform these services. This is not true. Anyone can perform the required services, as long as the parts used are Original Equipment quality and all maintenance is performed on time per the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
I am planning to purchase a used car. Should I get it checked out?
Yes. At East Rock Auto, through trial and error, we have designed an inspection procedure that has saved many customers thousands of dollars. This inspection is currently priced at $129.00. It is an hour and a half inspection that includes an exam of the brakes, engine, transmission, cooling system, computers, and maintenance items. You will get a list of any immediate work that may be needed and maintenance items coming due in the future.