Click one of the links below to jump to the section you want. If you don't find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us online or call us at:

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541.344.0869 Campus 

541.746.6430 Springfield

541.344.2219 Oakway

541.998.3717 Junction City

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• My brakes are squealing - what causes this?

• Why is my Check Engine Light on?

• My car just isn't running right - what could be wrong?

• My car pulls to one side - why?

• How often should I change my oil?

• How can I prevent breakdowns?

• My car won't start - what's wrong?

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My brakes are squealing - what causes this?

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Noisy brakes can be caused by any number of reasons, such as:

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• Thin brake linings

• Wear indicators

• Cracked linings

• Defective pads

• Poor quality parts

• Normal occasional brake squeal

      

Answering these questions will help a technician diagnose   

the source of brake noise:

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• Do the brakes squeal all the time?

• Does the noise go away when the brake pedal is pushed?

• Does the squeal seem to occur only under light to moderate braking pressure?

• Were any repairs recently performed on the braking system?

 

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Why is my Check Engine Light on?

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A Check Engine Light can be caused by many factors, such as:

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• Loose gas cap

• Emission control device failure

• Engine computer and/or sensor failure

• Mechanical problem with the engine

• Transmission sensor or failure

• Up to 100 direct or indirect causes

 

If you've had your vehicle repaired for a Check Engine Light and it comes back on soon after the repair, it may or may not be related to the repair. Remember that the Check Engine Light indicates a failure of up to 100 different causes.

Because a Check Engine Light has so many causes, it is extremely important to have it repaired. Only by having your vehicle repaired each time the Check Engine Light comes on, can you safely operate your vehicle and be assured that you are not causing additional damage and expense to your automotive repair budget.

Note: DEQ will not test your vehicle if your Check Engine Light is on.

 

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My car just isn't running right - what could be wrong?

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Common causes of poor performance are:

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• Vehicle overdue for tune-up

• Fuel injections system is dirty or malfunctioning

• Computer or sensor malfunctions

• Poor quality of fuel

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Answering these questions will help a technician diagnose the source of engine malfunctions:

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• When was your last tune up?

• Is you check engine light on?

• What brand and quality of fuel are you using?

• Does your car hesitate or ping? At what speed?

• Is it worse when warm or cold?

 

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My car pulls to one side - why?

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Any of these factors may cause your car to pull to one side:

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• Alignment is off

• Brake calipers are sticking

• Radial tire pulls

• Worn suspension bushings

• Worn suspension parts

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Answering these questions will help a technician diagnose the source of steering pull:

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• Does it pull at all times, or only when braking?

• Does it pull only while accelerating?

• Were any repairs recently performed on the vehicle?

 

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How often should I change my oil?

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For the vast majority of drivers, oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. So why do many owner's manuals recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles? This recommendation is based on what the manufacturer calls normal driving conditions. Unfortunately, the term normal is very misleading. The vehicle manufacturers definition of normal is a vehicle that is driven long distances, and more than 30,000 miles per year (Most of us drive 10,000 to 15,000). Most people drive their vehicle under severe conditions. If you drive in extreme cold, dusty conditions, or stop and go traffic (most of us) then you are driving in severe conditions and should change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Our goal is to not only prevent costly breakdowns, but also reduce your overall cost per mile vehicle expenses. Regular oil changes are the cheapest way to protect your automotive investment.

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How can I prevent breakdowns?

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The number one cause of preventable breakdowns is not performing the regular scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. The following services should be performed on a regular basis:

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• Vehicle inspection

• Change transmission fluid

• Periodically change belts, hoses and thermostat

• Flush the cooling system

• Inspect brakes and flush brake fluid

• Replace air and fuel filters

• Replace timing belt and water pump

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Our staff can provide you with the manufacturers maintenance recommendations for your vehicle and suggest services based on those recommendations and your specific driving habits.

 

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My car won't start - what's wrong?

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Common reasons for a car not to start are:

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• Out of gas

• Battery is dead

• Starter is worn out

• Alternator is not charging

• Shorted relay, switch or wiring

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Here are some questions to answer:

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• What happens when you turn the key? Does your engine even try to start?

• Have you tried to jump-start the car? If so, what happened?

• Does your car make any noise when you turn the key? Click or grind?

• Do you have enough gas in you tank?

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