Frequently Asked Questions
At Dean's Automotive, we are dedicated to making your auto repair experience with us as easy and comfortable as possible. One major factor of that is making sure your that we answer all of your frequently asked car repair questions honestly and completely. If you ever have any questions about our auto repair services in Mountain View, feel free to talk to one of our talented, ASE Certified Technicians, they will be happy to help! In the meantime, you can also check out some of the frequently asked questions we have compiled here for your quick reference:
Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. Regularly rotating your tires extends the life of your tires, and reduces the risk of premature tire wear.
Q. 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. Most auto maintenance services cost a lot less than auto repairs in Mountain View.
Q. What does it mean if my "check engine light" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
Your check engine light is a warning light, alerting you that something is wrong, or something is about to be wrong, with your vehicle. 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. Your trusted mechanic or auto repair shop in Mountain View can read the codes from your check engine light and determine the car problem.
Q. 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! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to the nearest, trusted auto repair facility in Mountain View.
Q. When should I get my oil changed?
If you are using petroleum-based oil, you should change your oil every 4,500 -- 5000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. If you use synthetic oil, you can wait longer between oil changes, consult your auto repair mechanic for their best recommendation.
Q. How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection. When your vehicle is being serviced, the service center can/should perform a battery load test which will determine the battery's overall condition.
Q. Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for any vehicle, but especially for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy, provide longer intervals between changes, and reduce internal engine deposits and wear.
Q. When should I replace my car's fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 60,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Q. 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 auto repair technicians for defects.