Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of services do you provide?
What other services do you provide?
Oil Changes
Why Should I Change My Oil Regularly?
OnDemandMechanic recommends changing your oil on a regular bases. Not changing engine oil on a regular basis can cause undue wear and tear on internal engine components shortening the life of your vehicle. Regular oil changes will keep your engine clean and running great for longer.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
You should follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicles owners guide for recommended intervals between oil changes. If you do not have access to a maintenance schedule, the rule of thumb is to change your oil about every 5000 miles, your mileage may vary. The key is to keep your oil changed regularly to avoid undue wear on your engine.
If you use a fully synthetic or synthetic blend of oil you can go a longer period of time between oil changes as synthetic oil does not break down like regular oil does.
Tire Rotation
Why Should I Rotate My Tires Every 5000 Miles?
To prevent excessive wear to your tires you should rotate them every 5000 miles. Front tires wear differently than rear tires and since the front wheels are the turning wheels, they are more susceptible to unusual wear patterns which is why they should be rotated to the rear on a regular basis.
What Is The Correct Way To Rotate Tires?
With radial tires the recommendation is to keep them rotating in the same direction. The front and rear right tires should be swapped, and the front and rear left tires should be swapped. Often times when radials are "cross rotated" the steel belts inside the tire can start to separate which can cause ride problems and potential steering issues. Always check your vehicles owners manual for recommendations on the proper way to rotate your tires.
Drive Belt
Why Should I Change The Drive Belt?
For most vehicles the recommended replacement mileage for a drive belt is 100,000 miles. It is an easy, inexpensive repair and may keep you from being stranded on the highway.
How Do I Check The Drive Belt For Wear?
Spark Plugs & Wires
Why Should I Change My Spark Plugs?
Do I Have To Change My Spark Plug Wires?
Radiator Flush
Why Should I Change My Anti-Freeze Regularly?
Changing your anti-freeze on a regular basis helps keep your engine running at it's optimal temperature. Over time anti-freeze can break down and start corroding the inside of your cooling system causing internal damage to cooling components such as the water pump.
How Often Should I Change My Anti-Freeze?
You should follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicles owners guide for recommended intervals between radiator flushes. If you do not have access to a maintenance schedule, the recommendation could be as little at 50,000 miles to as much as 150,000 miles. The key is to change your anti-freeze regularly to avoid undue wear on cooling system components.
Consultations
What Used Car Consulting Service Do You Provide?
While it is impossible to know exactly what is going on internally with an engine, transmission, or rear differential, we have mechanics with experience to be able to let you know if potential problems may be lurking. We will take a ride with you and inspect the vehicle along with you.