Car maintenance can be complicated and expensive. From the battery to oil changes, there are many things that can go wrong with your car.

Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for novice drivers to know when they should take their cars in for repairs or what those repairs might cost. Luckily, we’re here to help! Below is a list of common questions that car owners have about their vehicles’ health.

If you have one of these problems or others not mentioned here but still need answers about your car’s health – there’s only one thing left to do: find yourself a mechanic!

Car Talk: Top Car Maintenance Questions Answered

Takeaways
Regular maintenance is important for keeping your car in good condition.
Follow your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Winter can be tough on your vehicle, so be sure to take extra precautions during the colder months.
Don’t hesitate to ask a mechanic if you have any questions or concerns about your car’s maintenance needs.
Many common car maintenance tasks, such as changing your oil and rotating your tires, can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge.

Table of Contents

Q. How often should tires be rotated?

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This is important because it helps prevent uneven tread wear and makes sure that your car can handle curves and turns with ease. When you rotate tires, you want to make sure that the front and rear tires wear evenly.

You can do this by rotating them in pairs: one side of the car at a time (front left, rear left; front right, rear right).

Winter driving can be tough on your vehicle. To help keep it in good condition, follow these expert car maintenance tips for winter driving that cover everything from changing your oil to checking your tires.

Q. How often should the oil in my car be changed?

A. In general, the recommended oil change intervals vary by make and model of your vehicle. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. If you’re unsure about what to do next, we recommend following these guidelines:

Change your oil every 3,000 miles if you drive less than 5,000 miles per year.
Change it every 5,000 miles if you drive more than 5,000 miles per year on average (this includes both highway and city driving).
Extend these intervals by one additional mile for each degree below 40 F or above 100 F that the ambient temperature is when you have an oil change done; so if it’s 50 degrees outside when we do the job for example then go ahead and add another 2K miles onto these numbers above!

Recommended Oil Change Intervals by Car Make & Model

Car Make/Model	Recommended Oil Change Interval
Toyota Camry	Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months
Honda Civic	Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months
Ford F-150	Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months
Chevrolet Silverado	Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months
Jeep Wrangler	Every 5,000 miles or every 6 months

This table shows the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for several popular car models. However, oil change intervals may vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, age of the vehicle or oil, and type of oil used. Always refer to the owner’s manual for the specific oil change schedule recommended for your vehicle.

Q. What type of oil should I use in my car?

The answer is simple: use the type of oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

If you don’t know what kind of oil is recommended for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual or ask a mechanic (but really, there’s no need for that). The general rule of thumb is to use an SAE 5W-30 grade synthetic motor oil as this provides optimal protection against heat and friction while also improving fuel economy by reducing engine wear over time.

However, if you are unsure about which type of motor oil will work best for your specific make and model vehicle, then it may be worth consulting with someone who knows what they’re doing before making any decisions!

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly. Check out these top 10 car maintenance tips to learn how to keep your vehicle in top condition.

Q. How often should I replace spark plugs and wires?

Spark plugs and wires are the primary components that deliver power to your engine. They’re responsible for igniting the fuel mixture in each cylinder, which turns into energy that turns your wheels.

When a spark plug fails to do its job properly–whether it’s because of age or wear–you may notice drivability problems like hesitation or stalling when accelerating from a stoplight, as well as excessive oil consumption (and therefore higher gas mileage).

Spark plugs should be replaced once every 30k miles; replacing them early means less wear and tear on other parts of your car’s engine over time.

Replacing both spark plugs and wires together is cheaper than buying individual replacements: about $100 at most shops for both items combined!

Q. Is it okay to keep driving a car when the ‘check engine’ light is on?

A: If your car’s check engine light is on, it means there’s an issue with the vehicle. The longer you drive with the light on, the worse off your car will be. In some cases, driving with a faulty part in place can lead to a complete breakdown of your car while driving or even cause damage to other parts of your engine.

If you notice that all four corners of your gas cap are not sealed tightly together when closed (as shown in this image), then it could mean that there’s an issue with either how much pressure is built up inside or outside of said tank–either way warrants further inspection by a professional mechanic!

Wondering how often you should change your oil or what kind of coolant to use in your car? Get answers to these common car maintenance questions and more with our most common car maintenance questions answered guide.

Q. How do I know if I need brakes or brake pads replaced?

You can tell if your brakes need replacing by checking the brake fluid level and looking for a burning smell.

If you hear grinding sounds, or if there are visible signs of wear on your brake pads (such as grooves in them), it’s time to replace them.

Also check that the calipers aren’t leaking any fluid–this could mean they need to be replaced as well. Finally, make sure you replace rotors with new ones when replacing just the pads!

Signs Your Car Needs New Brakes: The Difference Between Brake Pads and Rotors

Problem	Symptoms
Worn brake pads	Squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes
Warped rotors	Vibration or shaking in the steering wheel when you brake
Thin brake pads	Reduced stopping power and longer stopping distances
Worn brake pads and rotors	Loud metallic grinding noise when you apply the brakes

This table outlines some common signs that your car’s brakes may need to be replaced, including worn brake pads, warped rotors, and reduced stopping power. Keep in mind that these symptoms may vary by car make and model, and it’s important to consult with a mechanic if you have any concerns about your car’s braking system.

Q. What should I do if my tires are underinflated or overinflated?

Tires are the only contact point between your car and the road, so it’s important to make sure they’re properly inflated.

Underinflated tires can affect handling and braking, while overinflated tires wear out more quickly and are more likely to blow out on the highway.

If you’ve noticed that one of your tires looks like it has a flat spot in it, then this is likely due to underinflation. In most cases, this means there’s an air leak somewhere in the tire–but before we get into how to fix this problem, let’s talk about how much air should be in your tires:

For every 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) drop below recommended pressure level: multiply by 1/2 percent; add 2 pounds; divide by 100%. So if I have a tire with 30 PSI but its recommended pressure is 40 PSI then my car would need 6 extra pounds added (40 – 30 = 10 x 1/2% = 0.50 x 2 = 1) divided by 100%.

Regular car maintenance is important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. Follow these expert car maintenance tips for maintaining your vehicle’s health to keep your car running smoothly.

Q. What’s the best way to jump start a car battery and why do they die so quickly?

A: Jump starting a car battery is one of the easiest ways to get your car started again. It involves connecting the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of another, creating an electrical circuit that allows current to flow through both batteries and start charging them up.

Batteries die quickly because they’re designed to be used, not stored for long periods of time (hence why you should always keep yours fully charged).

Batteries need to be charged and discharged regularly in order for them to last as long as possible–the more you drive your vehicle, the better!

Q. When should the timing belt in my engine be replaced?

A: The timing belt is a critical component of your engine, and it needs to be replaced every 60,000 miles. If it breaks, it can cause serious damage to the engine. In many cases, replacing a timing belt is relatively inexpensive compared with what you’d pay for repairs if you don’t replace it on time.

Timing Belt Replacement Schedule by Car Make & Model

Car Make/Model	Recommended Timing Belt Replacement Interval
Honda Civic	Every 100,000 to 105,000 miles
Toyota Camry	Every 90,000 to 100,000 miles
Subaru Impreza	Every 105,000 miles or 8 years
Volkswagen GTI	Every 105,000 miles or 8 years
Ford Mustang	Every 60,000 miles

This table shows the manufacturer-recommended timing belt replacement intervals for several popular car models. Please note that these intervals may vary by model year and driving conditions. Check your car owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic for specific timing belt replacement recommendations for your vehicle.

Q. Why does my AC stop pumping out cold air after a few minutes of driving?

If your car’s AC is pumping out cold air, but then stops after a few minutes of driving, there are a few things that could be causing it.

The first thing to check is whether or not your battery has enough power left to run the AC compressor. If it does not, then you’ll need to replace it with one that has more capacity or recharge your current one (if possible).

If that doesn’t work and you’ve checked for other issues like loose connections between wires and fuses, then maybe something else is wrong with your vehicle’s electrical system–like an alternator or compressor problem–and will require further diagnosis by a mechanic.

Make sure you keep up with regular car maintenance by following this essential car maintenance checklist for long-term ownership. From checking your oil to inspecting your brakes, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your car in top condition.

Q. My headlights suddenly seem dimmer than normal – what could be the problem, and how much will it cost to fix it?

A. Headlights can get dimmer over time, but it’s not always a sign of an electrical problem. It’s a good idea to check that your bulbs are still in working order and have not burnt out, but if you don’t notice any issues with the bulb itself then it may just be time for a new set of headlights.

The cost will depend on what kind of car you have and where you go to replace them–but generally speaking, this type of repair is pretty affordable!

Conclusion

With so many questions about car maintenance, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of some common issues and how best to address them.

FAQs

How often should I change my oil?

Most vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, the exact frequency will depend on your car’s make and model, as well as your driving habits. Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Most mechanics recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. This helps to ensure that your tires wear evenly and last longer.

How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced?

Signs that your brakes need to be replaced include squeaking or grinding sounds, longer stopping distances, and a soft or “spongy” brake pedal. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your brakes checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What should I do if my car won’t start?

If your car won’t start, there are several potential causes. The battery may be dead, the starter may be malfunctioning, or there may be an issue with the fuel or ignition system. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.

How often should I replace my windshield wiper blades?

Most experts recommend replacing your windshield wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, or as soon as you notice that they’re not cleaning your windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades can reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions.