Have questions? Let us help!

When it comes time to service your vehicle, there a lot of points of confusion. You wonder if you actually need the service or if you could at least hold out until your next paycheck. You wonder how long you can really go until you need to address that check engine light. In order to clear up some of the vehicle maintenance process, here are some frequently asked questions below. If your question is not listed below, be sure to give us a call. Our Service Director will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!

Mr. Frank Deaton,

Owner & Operator

What's the HMC Difference?

What Should I Do When My Check Engine Lights Come On?

When your Check Engine Light comes on, there could be a number of issues. It could

be something basic, like a loose gas cap, or it could be something serious. The best

way to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel is to bring your vehicle into our shop

for a free service code reading and a multi-point inspection. We can find the issue and

make you aware of it so you can choose whether or not you want to take the next steps

to getting your vehicle back to normal operating condition.

What Happens If I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light?

If your tire pressure is low then it can cause uneven wear on your tires. That means that

one tire may wear faster than another forcing you to have to replace all of your tires

sooner. This can be quite costly. When you drive down the highway you may also feel

your vehicle pulling to one side of the road because of this. Also low tire pressure forces

your vehicle to use more power to generate the same amount of speed, costing you

more gas and money.

How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?

It is important to have your brakes checked often. Most folks have their brakes checked when they have their tires rotated, others wait until the brakes start making noise. If you begin hearing noise from applying the brakes, you should have them inspected immediately to prevent further damage and risk. One of our mechanics can check the thickness of your brake pads and the condition of your brake hardware to ensure that you are aware of the current condition of your braking system.We provide free brake inspections.

What Type of Oil Filter Do I Need?

The type of filter that your vehicle needs depends on the type of oil that it needs. Conventional oil needs to be changed about every 3,000 miles and only requires a conventional filter. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, lasts much longer. It can last anywhere between 6,000 and 12,000 miles.

What Type of Oil Do I Need?

There are a few different types of oil. The best way to check to see what oil your vehicle uses is to check the owner’s manual. This will tell you whether your vehicle uses synthetic or conventional oil. Conventional oil wears out sooner and needs to be changed more frequently than synthetic oil so be sure to know the distinction.

What Happens When I Don't Change My Oil?

Oil is the lubricant that keeps your engine from locking up. If you choose not to change

your oil then it will completely break down and create sludge in your vehicle’s engine.

This will wear your engine over time and cause it to break down much sooner. Changing

your oil at regular recommended intervals is the most inexpensive way to get the most

mileage out of your car, and avoid expensive engine repair.

What's the Point of a Tire Rotation?

A tire rotation … well… rotates your tires. This causes the wear on your tires to be

redistributed evenly, which will extend the life of your tires. If you don’t rotate your tires,

the wear on them will be excessive in one section, forcing them to be replaced sooner.

So be sure to rotate your tires at regular recommended intervals for the most mileage.

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

Your coolant is what keeps your vehicle from overheating. It, just like your vehicle’s oil,

can break down and clog the coolant system and its components. This can result in poor cooling performance and costly repairs down the road. A coolant flush allows you to get rid of all of that broken down coolant and replace it with clean coolant. Fresh new coolant also prevents premature deterioration of the entire cooling system, thus avoiding damage to your engine.

FAQ