Do I need a smog check?
Registered vehicles are required to obtain smog certification every other renewal period or when ownership is transferred unless the vehicle is exempt. Check your DMV renewal notice to determine if you need a smog check.
Will my vehicle fail the smog check if check engine light is on?
Yes. Simply resetting the check engine light will not resolve the problem or ensure your vehicle will pass. The engine computer readiness flags must be set before a vehicle can pass even if the check engine light is off. The readiness flags are only set when the computer runs a complete check of the system without detecting any trouble codes. The computer will illuminate the check engine light if any trouble code is detected. The chances of the engine computer setting the required readiness flags before detecting the trouble code and illuminating the check engine light are slim to none. Time is better spent having a certified smog station diagnose the check engine or service engine soon light, then time spent trying to avoid detection and/or repairs. Give us a call or stop by our shop to get our expert opinion. We will properly diagnose and repair your vehicle without trying to sell you unwarranted or unneeded repairs.
How often should i replace my engine oil and filter?
For most cars and light trucks, the standard recommendation is to change oil and filter every six months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Most late model owner's manuals say that except for "Severe Service" applications, oil change interval can be safely stretched to once a year or every 7,500 miles, with filter changes at every other oil change. Read More
What type of motor oil is recommended?
Use the type of motor oil specified in your customer's owner’s manual. Most manuals say it's okay to use a variety of viscosity grades depending on temperature conditions. Generally speaking, the following holds true:
10W-30 is best for all engines for year-round driving. 10W-40 is more popular in the aftermarket, but 10W-30 is actually a better oil because the additive package in it holds up better over the long haul. This is why General Motors does not recommend 10W-40 motor oils for any of its cars.
5W-30 is approved for most late-model four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 engines on a year-round basis. It is not approved for many turbocharged or diesel applications, some high output V-8s, or applications involving driving at sustained highway speeds or towing in hot weather. It may not be the best choice for older, high mileage engines.
5W-30 is used as the factory fill oil on most new cars because it pumps through the engine more quickly after start-up (important for keeping overhead cams properly lubed). It also makes cold weather starting easier and reduces fuel consumption.
Straight viscosity oils have limited temperature ranges and lack the versatility of multiviscosity oils. They can be safely used as long as their temperature limits are observed.
Straight 10W is okay for cold weather starting and driving, but too thin for warm weather driving.
Straight 20W is okay for all around driving, but doesn't provide the temperature protection of straight 30W (which gets too thick at low temperatures for easy cold starting).
Straight 40W and 50W oils are primarily for heavy-duty applications.
Special multiviscosity oils such as 2OW-50 are typically formulated for racing or severe duty applications such as towing.
Synthetics are a good alternative for any of the above because most provide extended temperature protection and service life.
10W-30 is best for all engines for year-round driving. 10W-40 is more popular in the aftermarket, but 10W-30 is actually a better oil because the additive package in it holds up better over the long haul. This is why General Motors does not recommend 10W-40 motor oils for any of its cars.
5W-30 is approved for most late-model four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 engines on a year-round basis. It is not approved for many turbocharged or diesel applications, some high output V-8s, or applications involving driving at sustained highway speeds or towing in hot weather. It may not be the best choice for older, high mileage engines.
5W-30 is used as the factory fill oil on most new cars because it pumps through the engine more quickly after start-up (important for keeping overhead cams properly lubed). It also makes cold weather starting easier and reduces fuel consumption.
Straight viscosity oils have limited temperature ranges and lack the versatility of multiviscosity oils. They can be safely used as long as their temperature limits are observed.
Straight 10W is okay for cold weather starting and driving, but too thin for warm weather driving.
Straight 20W is okay for all around driving, but doesn't provide the temperature protection of straight 30W (which gets too thick at low temperatures for easy cold starting).
Straight 40W and 50W oils are primarily for heavy-duty applications.
Special multiviscosity oils such as 2OW-50 are typically formulated for racing or severe duty applications such as towing.
Synthetics are a good alternative for any of the above because most provide extended temperature protection and service life.
