101 East Main St, Unit 5
Merrimac, MA 01860
Frequently asked questions:
Find the answers to some common automotive care questions right here. Have more questions? Stop in or call Auto Alliance today and we’ll be happy to answer!
How often should I rotate my tires?
To avoid premature tire wear, rotate tires every 6,000 miles or with every other oil change. This is very important for even wear and complete use of the tires you purchase, especially in All Wheel Drive vehicles!
Is it important to replace my timing belt at the recommended intervals?
Yes! Recommended intervals are based on how long the average timing belt will last before breaking. A broken timing belt may result in major engine damage and much higher repair costs.
What does it mean if my check engine light comes on?
It means that your vehicle's computer has detected a failure or vehicle running at nonoptimal level. Always bring your vehicle in for diagnosis when the check engine light comes on, even if the car is running fine. As vehicles become more computerized, the failure of a sensor or component can illuminate the warning light.
What should I do if my car overheats?
Never continue to drive when your car overheats as it can seriously damage the engine. As soon as you notice a problem, pull over and shut off the vehicle. Never attempt to open the radiator! Extremely hot coolant can spray out and cause serious burns. Call a tow truck to have your car brought to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
How often should I get an oil change?
Your vehicle owner's manual will recommend the proper intervals to change the oil. Depending on the type of oil your vehicle uses the intervals range between 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you do not reach these mileages, it is recommended to have the oil changed every 6 months. The oil change service is the time to have the car looked over for upcoming repairs
Why is my engine oil milky brown?
If you notice your engine oil is a milky brown color or greyish, bring it to a technician immediately. This is a sign of foreign liquid in the oil. This is a serious problem.
How can I be sure my car battery has a good connection?
Have your battery cables and terminals inspected during other maintenance visits, such as oil changes. Over time, a buildup can cause bad connections and the terminals will need cleaning.
Should I use synthetic motor oil?
If you have a high output, turbocharged or supercharged engine synthetic oil is a good choice. It’s also great for vehicles in extreme temperatures or vehicles under extreme conditions. Synthetic oil provides instant lubrication upon start-up also creates less carbon deposits. It may also last longer between changes than mineral-based oil, synthetic motor oil breaks down slower than conventional motor oil.
How often should I change my spark plugs?
Check your vehicle owner's manual, it will recommend the mileage time for replacement. We can also look up regular maintenance recommendations for your vehicle based on mileage or age.
A fuse burned out. What should I do?
Fuses burn out for all kinds of reasons, make sure you replace the old fuse with one of the same amperage, which is printed right on the top of the fuse. If the fuse continues to burn out, bring your vehicle in for a circuit check by a professional technician.