Tips & Advice

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How often should I rotate my tires?
Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear. Our techs measure the tread-depth of your tires at each oil change and rotate when there is 2/32 difference between tires.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the manufacturer-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.

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?
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. If the light is blinking, your vehicle needs to be checked as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of causing major damage.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem. If your car overheats for too long, it can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut off the engine! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If using synthetic oil, that interval can be extended.  Galen would be glad to visit with you about the recommended interval for your particular car or pickup.

What causes milky brown engine oil?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket, a failed transmission cooler or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils, though more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, provide longer intervals between oil changes as well as many other benefits. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up. Galen is a certified representative for Schaeffer Mfg synthetic oil products and can answer any questions you may have.

When should my fuel filter be replaced?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter once a year, depending on the miles driven each year.

When should my spark plugs be changed?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum-tipped spark plugs.

What if I have a burned-out fuse?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse). If a fuse continues to blow, you should have the circuit checked for defects by one of our technicians.