Scheduled Maintenance As per Dealer OR Manufacturer

When Exactly Scheduled Maintenance has to be Done

Dealer or Manufacturer Who is right?

Q: Its confusing when exactly to get the vehicle serviced.  In a MSN article they mentioned that a service should be done on the manufacturer's schedule, not the dealer's. Is the manufacturer's schedule what is listed in the car manual? This also shows major service at 30k miles. On the Ford Web Site it just refers you to the dealer for the maintenance schedule. How do you find the correct "manufacturer's" recommendation?

A: VEHICLES OWNERS MANUAL GUIDE.
I suggest using the maintenance schedule in the Owner's Manual as a guide. The Owner's Manual provides the guidelines for required maintenance for warranty purposes and suggested maintenance to keep your vehicle operating safely and reliably. When a customer comes into our shop and asks what type of service their vehicle needs we'll refer to the Owner's Manual as a guide. The manual is clear on defining service intervals and maintenance that is often overlooked. As a consumer you should maintain records in the event a warranty issue should arise and be on the watch for redundant type service. For example in New Hampshire the annual state safety inspection program covers much that is suggested for safety and service inspections on the Owner's Manual. Asking a repair shop or dealer to perform that work again is redundant and adds needlessly to the cost of keeping your vehicle in good operating condition. The Owner's Manual is a good guide, but like most things in life a little salt and common sense can get you a long way.

Shock recommendation?

Looking to upgrade shocks

Q: What brand of rear shocks do you recommend for a 1995 2WD? I haul some fairly heavy things sometimes and the vehicle must be weighted down for traction in winter. When I weigh it down, it sags a good bit. I am currently running factory shocks. Thanks for the advice. in advance?

A: First, understand why shock absorbers are used. The job of the shock absorbers is to keep the tire on the road; they are not designed to lift a vehicle. But, there are shock absorbers that are modified to assist in maintaining the ride height of a vehicle.

The modified shocks are generally found in 2 configurations: air assisted (known to many as air shocks) and coil assisted (shocks with coil springs).

• The coil assisted shocks are designed to maintain vehicle ride height with about 200 lbs. of additional weight in the vehicle, rates vary depending on manufacturer. 
• Air assisted shocks have air lines that join together at a fitting that looks similar to a tire valve stem. 

The air pressure can be increased or decreased as needed to maintain the vehicle's ride height.
For more details before buying ,Check the manufacturer's specification regarding the additional load abilities of these shocks.
If the load you're carrying is greater than the manufacturer's recommendation then consider installing stronger springs with heavy duty shocks.That will help.

Synthetic engine oil OR conventional engine oil

Best Engine Oil To Use

Synthetic Oil, How Long Will It Go?

Q: Vehicle miles getting close to  first oil change.Its for 1999 Ford Explorer (3000 miles). Would there be much of an advantage to go to synthetic oil after the break in period? Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic or do you lose the protection if you go longer?

A: As per my Auto garage Repair Experience i will suggest Synthetic engine oil to be used.Synthetic engine oil is a better product than conventional engine oil. Generally, synthetic oils exceed all car and light truck manufacturer warranty requirements. Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic oil? If you have a new vehicle you'd better not! Whether you're using conventional motor oil or synthetic you must change the engine oil as required by the vehicle manufacturer. The reason? The manufacturer, can and has, the right to void the warranty on the vehicle's engine if the engine oil is not changed as specified (mileage/time) in the Owner's Manual. I use synthetic oil myself, there's no doubt in my mind that synthetic oil will provide superior protection to your vehicle's engine. As for extending your oil change intervals? Stick to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals, or you could lose your warranty protection.

My Auto Repair Mechanic Is Cheating On Me

HOW CAN TRUST MY CAR REPAIR MECHANIC

CAR MECHANIC COMPLAINT BOX

Q: Having trouble with a mechanic who had worked on my auto. I am seeking organizations or some place that keeps files on bad mechanics. He operates out of three businesses that are cash only operations. Also, the mechanic had made additional repairs without my knowledge and charged me extra! I to had paid the mechanic, but instead of getting a receipt I got a deposit slip. I am being taken advantage of! I do not know where to turn to? Please Help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



A: Very Sad to here that.I dont know why these helpers forget there aim " Honesty is the Best Policy".
We all are public helpers and for the public.
I know why he only took cash! He hadn’t had time to get a checking account for his three businesses. No wait! To open a checking account for a business the company name has to be registered with the state before the bank will allow the account to be opened. Oh, he had three businesses, it takes a lot of time register those businesses. But you just wait, once the businesses are registered you can go to the better business bureau and file a complaint. I’m curious to just what led you to take your vehicle to a cash for repairs mechanic? Was it the low labor rate or bring your own parts? I mean something had to draw you in? If I called a contractor to work on my house and found that he only expects cash under three possible business names I wouldn’t let him on the property and you let a guy like this work on your car? Oh, I’m sure this cash only “dude” had plenty of insurance too. Look, for a reputable business to open, the owner has to lay a lot out on the line. But there’s more to it than just money. A real business is held to a higher level of accountability. This accountability is enforced by state laws and regulations to aid and protect the consumer. When you do business with people like “the dude” you’re on your own. Yes it is likely you were taken advantage of. It is unlikely you have any reasonable recourse. Where do you turn now? The right direction is away from “the dude’s” shop to a real repair facility. Education comes in many forms. This is one of those life lessons, be sure to learn by it.

Fact About Tornado/Cyclone Fuel Savers

Are These Tornado/Cyclone Real Fuel Savers OR Not?

Q: It shows ads on TV regarding saving fuel and I think it's too good to be true. So, do the Tornado fuel savers really work and save you money? Please Guide me regarding these before i go for these product?


A: Here are my thoughts on these marvels of technology that have eluded engineers from all of the car and truck manufacturers. Just imagine a miracle product that would increase horsepower and gas mileage! After all, if you got better gas mileage it would mean you also reduced emissions! The world’s dependency on oil would be washed away! Along with this special you would get the cap snaffle.  It snaffles caps off of any size jug or bottle and it really really works! But wait there’s more!!! If it is surely a marvel of technology and it really really works the inventor would be rich and living on an island not pushing their wares in infomercials. As for the cap snaffle, it really does work, I have one.

Automatic Transmission Shifter Will Not Lock

Transmission Shifter Lock Issues

Unlockable Automatic Transmission Shifter Lock

Q: The shifter would not unlock out of park on my car. After following the procedure in the Owner's Manual, we were able to get it to release. What do you think the problem is?
And Whats the Approx Repair cost for such problems?



A: Your Problem description is not clear regarding your car model.Knowing the year, make and model of your vehicle would make things a little easier to answer your question.

But still that doesn't matter too much.
I will try my best to answer your query.

Here are the details ....................

The shift-inter lock systems are found on most all makes of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The reason for the shift-inter lock system is to assure that the driver of the vehicle has their foot on the brake pedal, not the gas, when moving the transmission selector from park to drive or reverse. The operating system of the shift-inter lock is reasonably generic across the line of manufacturers. There will be fuses, a brake pedal position switch (many times it is the brake light switch) a possible relay/module and last a solenoid/actuator. When the ignition is turned on electrical power goes to and activates the solenoid/actuator. The solenoid will pull a pawl/lock into place that blocks the movement of the shifter. When you step on the brake pedal another electrical signal is sent to the relay/module and it responds by canceling the other signal, which causes the shift-inter lock solenoid to release, allowing the shifter to be moved. The most common problem we see in the shop are failed fuses or worn shift-inter lock solenoids. The inside of the solenoid will wear and bind internally and will not release once activated. The fuses you can check yourself. Leave diagnosing the rest of the system to a qualified technician.

Should I Buy These Used Car

Before Buying Used Car

Beware of buying used cars

Q: Hey there, looking to purchase a used car and the owner states the only problem is with the fan. He says the car overheats quickly and there may be something wrong with something called a "Gasket". Obviously I don't know what the heck any of these items are since I'm only a driver and not knowledgeable or interested in them at all. Please respond with your answer and possible solution(s). I'd also like to know on average what I should expect to pay for either of these repairs to be done.

A: Stay away! In no way would I recommend purchasing that vehicle! The problems you described are big dollars that could easily double the cost of the vehicle. Before purchasing any used vehicle you should take it to your technician and have a thorough inspection performed. Also, just driving around the block doesn't provide enough information. To identify problems with the suspension, brakes, steering, engine, etc. the vehicle should be driven a minimum of 10 miles over a variety of driving conditions. An extended drive time allows the driver to become accustomed to the vehicle and any oddities that the vehicle may have. When purchasing a used vehicle, always proceed with caution.