Q: When should I change fluids, filters, and tires?
A: Each fluid and mechanical component has a unique job in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. It’s not too difficult to remember the service intervals. Learn more.
Q: Is synthetic oil better than conventional motor oil?
A: Synthetic oils utilize man-made molecules, and typically get into tighter spots inside your engine, providing better lubrication/protection. In some cases, synthetic oil has also delivers better fuel mileage. The most important thing you can do is to use the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Check the owner’s manual for oil requirements, and use the right stuff.
Learn More: All About Oil: High | Low | Podcast
Q: Why do my brakes squeal?
A: Most of the time, squealing brakes is a sign of worn brake pads and/or rotors. Grinding, or the steering wheel pulling hard in one direction or another when you apply the brakes are also signs of wear. A visual inspection is easy to do, and if done before visiting your mechanic, can save you experimental dollars trying to solve the problem.
Learn More: Changing Disc Brakes: High | Low | Podcast
Q: My wipers squeak and squeal when I use them, how can I fix this?
A: Similar to brakes, your wiper blades squeal when the rubber is worn. Any Advance Auto Parts Store will install new blades for Free. Also consider using Rain-X on your vehicle glass, it shed water much faster, and improves visibility.
Learn More:
Changing windshield wipers
Choosing the right blade
Wipers: what’s right for me?
Q: What do I do if my vehicle breaks down on the side of the road?
A: First, don’t panic. Try to take note of any abnormal sounds, vibrations, or smells coming from the vehicle. Signal with flashers or hand signals to the traffic behind you that you are pulling over. Be sure to find a safe place to stop if at all possible. GET OFF THE ROAD to avoid an accident. By staying calm, you will be able to take in more details, and ultimately help get resolution. To learn the best procedure for this scenario, click here: Roadside remedies
*Advance Auto Parts now has available a Mobile Application to help in situations like this. Look for “Auto Know How” in your web-enabled phone under Downloads >Get New > Auto know How powered by Advance Auto Parts.
Q: Is there a way to make my car’s battery last a long time, or at least keep it from dying after I leave it parked on campus for a long time?
A: Good question. 3 things kill car batteries, extreme heat, extreme cold, and vibration, in that order. Vehicle batteries tend to die during cold weather months since more amperage(power) is required to turn over the engine. In many cases, it was the nasty summer heat that actually killed a cell or damaged electrolytes, and it didn’t show up until winter. Vibration of a battery can happen when the mounting bracket for it is loose or unsecured. It’s really easy to pop the hood and check for a loose battery, and tighten it up. Be sure you don’t leave any lights or accessories on in the vehicle when you park it. Cell phone chargers, iPods, clocks, and other 12 volt accessories are common these days, and all draw current. To get a FREE charging system check, go to any Advance Auto Parts Store and request it. They’ll give you a full report in a few minutes, and just might prevent you from unnecessary expense by defining the problem for you! They also install new batteries at no charge!
Learn More:
Battery care
Choosing the right battery for you
Total Charging System Care: High | Low |
