FAQ'S
A: Without motor oil, your engine would not be able to run at all. Motor oil provides a film of lubrication between moving parts, reducing friction and wear and helping to disperse heat. It also limits the moving parts’ exposure to oxygen; oxidation of parts will soon lead to rust. Without motor oil, the engine would soon self-destruct.
A: Absolutely. After several thousand miles, the old oil filter is saturated with the carbon, acids and gunk that were in the old motor oil that you just had changed. Leaving the old filter in place would immediately contaminate the fresh oil you just added.
A: Yes. “Extreme use” would include situations such as:
- Towing or hauling heavy loads
- Cold weather – extended periods of less than 10 degrees
- Extreme heat – long periods of over 95 degrees
- Extensive idling
- Lots of trips of less than five miles, where the engine never gets a chance to completely warm up
A: You can expect:
- Fresh oil and filter
- Check all fluids under hood, top off if needed
- Inspect engine for leaks
- Check belts and hoses
- Check exhaust and undercarriage for damage or corrosion
- Check tire pressure
- Check air filter
A: Auto maintenance is extremely important. Proper auto maintenance will help your vehicle last as long as possible. Auto maintenance can help you catch worn parts before they become serious problems. Car maintenance is avoided simply because of the cost. It’s important to remember that maintenance will cost far less now than repairs will cost later.
A: There are several recurring auto maintenance tasks you should stay on top of, including:
- Oil & Filter Change
- Tire Rotation
- Battery Check
- Brake Inspection
- Vehicle Inspection
For many vehicles, all of these services can be performed in the same appointment.
A: The check engine light could signal a number of issues, ranging from minor to serious. A check engine light could mean you have a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, or an engine problem. It doesn’t mean you need to stop your vehicle immediately, it just means you need to have your vehicle serviced soon.
A: An engine repair also includes rebuilding the head, replacing worn pistons, new timing components, decking the block, replacing the rod and main bearings, and replacing the freeze plugs.
A: Adhering to a routine maintenance schedule is essential for prolonging the life of any machine, and your car's engine is no exception. Allowing dirt, old oil, and small incidents of damage to build up without proper care will likely cause your car's engine to die prematurely.
A: A typical engine rebuild is between $3k & $5k in parts and labor costs. This type of engine repair might include simply replacing bearings and seals, and obviously taking the engine out and re-installing it. It could be much higher too.
A: Fleet management is essential to a smooth operating fleet of vehicles, no matter the size. Tracking the location and condition of the vehicles, maintenance schedules, and fuel usage helps manage costs and keeps the equipment working longer.
A: A fleet safety training program saves your business money. It protects both your drivers and your finances against legal losses. It also minimizes the chance of drivers being involved in avoidable incidents caused by careless driving and other dangerous practices
A: Start by reviewing exception reports to identify excess spend within your fleet. You may also work with strategic consultants at Velasquez Complete Auto Care who can pinpoint areas of excess or unnecessary spending in order to generate savings.
Our fleet professionals will increase savings by managing vehicle depreciation. The best way to manage vehicle depreciation is by adhering to maintenance schedules. By adhering to a proper maintenance schedule and keeping a detailed maintenance history, we will increase your fleet vehicle’s resale value, thereby netting a better return.
A: All gasoline-powered vehicles from model years 1996 or later qualify for testing once they reach four model years old. The same provision applies to large trucks from model years 2007 and newer weighing between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds.
A: That depends on where you keep your vehicle. If your vehicle is kept in the following counties; Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington & Waukesha. it is subject to emissions testing in order to renew your vehicle’s registration.
A: If you fail the Emissions Test, you will be required to have the issue repaired. This may cause a delay in your vehicle registration. At the time of your failed test, your inspector will be able to explain the repair and retest process.
A: Your exhaust system and mufflers in particular are very sophisticated. Your muffler has baffled passages that the exhaust gasses move through to muffle engine sound. These elements work together to have the sound waves hit one another to reduce the noise.
A: Excess noise could be from cracks or holes in manifolds or gaskets. On your muffler itself, excessive rust on a muffler, on holes in a muffler can cause a louder ride. Bad mufflers may also lead to increased pollution and even a rough idle.
A: Excessive rust or broken bolts could cause muffler, pipes, and other parts of the exhaust system to hang dangerously low, resulting in a hazard for the people driving behind you. We recommend having your exhaust system inspected at least once a year.
A: The suspension system on your vehicle consists of the following parts:
- Coil springs: These are the parts that absorb the impact when a vehicle hits a bump in the road
- Shock absorbers: Sometimes called the shocks or dampers, this part supports the coil spring to further reduce the impact of a bump or pothole
- Rods: These parts work together to link different parts of the suspension system together
- Joints & Bearings: These parts allow certain components of the suspension system to make sliding actions
A: Your vehicle’s suspension system sustains a lot of wear and tear. When you drive over potholes, hit bumps in the road, crash into the curb, or get into a fender bender.
Signs you should have your suspension system checked:
- Your vehicle takes a nosedive when you hit the brakes.
- Your vehicle pulls to the side when you drive it down the road.
- Your vehicle feels like it drifts when you turn a corner.
A: You may need to replace your shocks or struts between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. If you notice fluid leaking from your shocks and struts, or they are greasy, you may need to replace them.
A: Behind every wheel is an intricate brake system. At Velasquez Complete Auto Care, our comprehensive brake inspection covers all the intricacies of your particular make and model’s brake system.
As part of every brake Inspection, we check these brake parts:
- Pad
- Calipers
- Rotors
- Wheel Cylinders
- Springs & Adjusters
- Hoses
- Brake Cables
- Fluid Condition
- Wheel Bearings
- Master Cylinder Fluid Exchange
A: Brake pads press against your rotors, creating the friction necessary to bring your car to a precise stop.
A: In order for your vehicle to stop properly, all four rotors have to stop. The brake pads that are attached to each rotor create the friction needed to bring those spinning rotors, and your vehicle, to a stop.
A: Signs that your tires are wearing out or may need replacing include uneven wear, a decline in vehicle handling performance or ride. Tread that looks slick, and a tire that’s losing air faster than it should.
A: Winter tires are designed for optimal safety on extreme winter road conditions – dry but cold, rain, slush, ice and snow. They should then be mounted on your vehicle as soon as the temperature begins to approach freezing. Replace Winter with Summer or All-Season Tires as soon as temperatures go consistently above freezing.
A: Storage conditions and conditions of use – such as inflation pressure, load, speed, temperature, impacts and road hazard injury. The single most important factor is how the tire is maintained once it’s installed on a vehicle.
A: A faulty or broken thermostat is the most common cause of your car's failing heat. Stuck open or stuck closed, the part can not only cause issues with your heat but also your engine's cooling system.
A: Usually, there isn’t enough coolant in the engine or there is a problem with your heater core.
A: Unlike the furnace in your house, a car’s heating system does not involve a central heating unit that can be simply replaced. Regular maintenance includes checking hoses and belts, and ensuring the antifreeze is clean and filled to proper levels; it will help keep the whole system in good working order.