How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear, and also results in undue stress on your vehicle's suspension system.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! If you can not immediately pull off the road, turn your air conditioner off, and turn your heater on full blast. If you have not already lost all your coolant (in the case of a blown hose), this might help to dissapate the excessive heat and allow you to pull over in a safe area off the street. Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop. If you do not have the number of a towing service, your favorite repair shop will likely be able to assist you.

When should I get my oil changed?
It depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of oil it uses. Some are every 3000 miles and some can be every 5000, 7500, or even 10000.  Every 3000 miles is still a very good rule of thumb! Be sure your oil is up to the task and pick the right oil change schedule, either "normal" or very "severe".  Routine highway driving is relatively easy on cars and is considered "normal". Short trips around town is very hard on cars and is considered "severe".  Extreme heat and cold, or very dusty conditions is also considered "severe". The most important thing is to not cheat on your vehicle's maintenance. If you are unsure, please stop by our shop or give us a call!

What is that milky brown engine oil?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly. Failing to do this can result in total engine or transmission failure. Simply changing the oil is not a cure. Please call us to schedule a diagnostic appointment as soon as possible.

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.When you bring your vehicle in to Campbell's Auto Service for either maintenance or repair, as a courtesy, we will automatically test your battery and clean your cables and terminals.

What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend synthetic oil in the maintenance schedule. Although more expensive than mineral-based motor oil, synthetic oil can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.

When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs. Refer to your vehicle's maintenance schedule for the proper recommendation. If you do not have your owner's manual or maintenance schedule, give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to "blow," you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects. You should never replace a fuse with one of higher amperage. Remember that fuses are a safety mechanism for your vehicle's electrical system.

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