Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause 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.
Q. 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.
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 as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.
Q. When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q. What is that 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 (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.
Q. How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
Q. What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.
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 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Q. When should I change my spark plugs?
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.
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 technicians for defects.
Q. What should I do if I am leaking oil?
A transmission leak is not something to ignore. The transmission fluid serves to cool and lubricate. With an automatic transmission, the fluid transfers power, and provides necessary pressure to the internal parts of the transmission. All of these functions are affected when the transmission fluid is leaking and is now low from that leak. As the amount of transmission fluid goes down, your transmission will start slipping which causes overheating resulting in damage to the transmission and could ultimately require a major repair to enable the transmission to function properly. If you are leaking anything give West Escondido Automotive & Transmission a call, and we will do all we can to help put you safely back on the road, and give you the honest advice you need.
Q. What to do when there are delays going in gear?
The problem may be caused by an external part that needs to be adjusted or replaced. It may be an electronic control hindrance. It could also be a problem with the transmission fluid level , which may be low because of leakage. These could potentially require only minor repairs. If your automatic transmission has been overheated or the transmission fluid has become contaminated, internal parts may be damaged. If this is the case, the transmission may need to be disassembled and rebuilt. This would be a major repair. Whatever the cause might be, transmissions never fix themselves. Transmission problems always become worse with time, so having the problem fixed immediately will cost you less. It will be beneficial to you in terms of time and money, in addition to safety. A delay in your transmission is a warning that something is not functioning properly. See a transmission specialists as quickly as possible. If you live in the San Diego area, we are just around the corner.
Q. What should I do if my car won't move?
With a vehicle that won't move, more than likely the vehicle will need to be towed to West Escondido Automotive & Transmission. Call West Escondido Automotive & Transmission and we'll give you the best advice we can. Transmissions are extremely complex and vary according to year, make and model. You will want to be sure to select expert home town technicians to work on your vehicle and a transmission center that guarantees its work. West Escondido Automotive & Transmission has serviced more than 50,000 transmissions and stands ready to get you back on the road.
Q. What should I do if my car will not go into gear?
If your transmission is not going into gear, you have a transmission problem. You will probably need to be towed to West Escondido Automotive & Transmission where the transmission will need to be examined for the cause. If your vehicle may still be driven and you do not want it to be towed, go directly to West Escondido Automotive & Transmission for a Basic Diagnostic Check. When a transmission will not go into gear, various components of the transmission or clutch system are not functioning properly. The problem may be one of a few possibilities, such as an external control needing adjustment or replacement. This is considered to be a minor repair. Before damage becomes worse and to avoid being left with a vehicle that won't operate and is not safe.
Q. How do I know if I have water contamination?
The introduction of a limited amount of water into the engine or differential for a relatively short period of time does not necessarily spell disaster. On the other hand, even a cup of water in an automatic transmission almost always results in serious failure and major repair bills. To avoid this type of trouble, steer clear of deep puddles. Should you park your car, only to return to find that it is submerged in 16 inches of water or more, do not attempt to start or operate the vehicle. At that point you may have a good chance of avoiding a big repair bill. Call West Escondido Automotive & Transmission for a tow vehicle! West Escondido Automotive & Transmission will evaluate the damage, if any. If you're fortunate, draining and servicing the transmission may be all that is necessary. If you are not so lucky, in many cases depending on the circumstances, your auto insurance coverage may cover part, if not all, of the damage. An West Escondido Automotive & Transmission professional will be pleased to supply the technical information to your insurance carrier to register a claim.
