As cars become more advanced, it's more important than ever to monitor and maintain the condition of your vehicle. There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to keeping your vehicle properly maintained and serviced. In order to clear up some vehicle maintenance confusion we've listed some of the most frequently asked questions below. The following are 10 of the most frequently asked questions and we have them answered for you. Remember, when in doubt you can always check the owners manual that comes with your vehicle or speak with a service technician!  

#1 How often should I change the engine oil? 

Many of today's newer vehicles will alert you when they are due for service such as an oil change. Oil change intervals will vary depending on the type of engine oil, age and make of your vehicle. Nowadays manufacturers recommend oil changes between 5,000 and 10,000 miles for synthetic and every 3,000 to 5,000 for conventional. Remember that an oil change is essential because it acts as a lubricant for the internal cogs and gears under the hood. Without regularly scheduled engine oil changes oil can turn into sludge and keep your vehicle from operating properly.  

#2 What is the difference between conventional and synthetic oil? 

Conventional oil provides a reliable, cost-effective option for your oil change needs. Manufacturer's recommend conventional oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and cost about half the price of a synthetic oil change. If you have a choice between conventional and synthetic oil it's important to consider your annual mileage and how good you are about changing your oil. Today, conventional oil change services are still recommended for most vehicles. It will be a little lighter on your wallet and you're unlikely to notice a performance difference in your day-to-day driving! Synthetic oils have a few advantages over conventional oil. They are designed to be more effective at;

• Resisting oil breakdown, making it last longer than conventional oil.
• Withstanding higher temperatures, which helps keep engines running longer.
• Flow smoother in cold temperatures, thus reducing engine wear during cold startups.

Many high-performance and European make vehicles typically require synthetic oil however, it is now being used in more mainstream vehicles. While synthetic will cost you approximately 2-3x more than conventional on the other hand, you will also get 2-3x the lifespan between changes. Manufacturers recommend synthetic oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.  

#3 What is preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is regular maintenance on your vehicle that keeps it running efficiently and eliminates potential problems that may occur down the road. A properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer and increase your satisfaction with your vehicle. Preventative maintenance includes engine oil changes, battery service, tire rotations, air filter replacements and used car safety inspections.

#4 How often should I rotate my tires?

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. Your tires should be rotated every other oil change or every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Tires wear differently depending both on their location on the vehicle and the vehicle's drivetrain. Rotating your tires ensures that they wear evenly which will extend tire life and save you money!  

#5 How much air pressure should I put in my tires?

The amount of pressure a tire requires depends on the type of tire and vehicle. You can find the optimum air pressure printed on either the door jam, the side-wall of your tires or in your owner's manual. Too much pressure in your tires as it can make it too difficult to maneuver your vehicle while too little pressure may result in a blow-out.  

 #6 How will I know when I need new tires?

While there's no way to tell exactly how long your tires will last it's important to inspect your tires every month to check for wear. A trick to tell how much tread you have left on your tires is to insert a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If you see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn and need to be replaced! When tires are worn down they lose traction during breaking and won't grip the road well when driving in the rain, ice and snow. There are many different tire options available but the right one depends on the type of vehicle you drive, where you live and your driving needs and style. A new set of tires may be pricey but don't put it off because they are one of the most important safety feature on your car!  

#7 When should I replace my brake pads?

Brake pads on average wear out around 20,000 to 30,000 mile-mark but there are also other factors that may impact this figure. It's important to know what signs to look out for detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or if you notice a high pitch screeching when braking. If you drive with worn brake pads it will eventually effect the rotor which can be a costly repair. Scheduling a check-up is integral and taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money!  

#8 How often should I check my fluid levels?

Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that should be checked frequently that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Examples include transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant and power-steering fluid. The levels of these fluids are not only affected by how frequently you drive but also if you drive in extreme temperatures. Specialists recommend checking these at the same time of your oil change or every month or two.  

#9 How do I know when my windshield wiper blades need changing?

Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months to a year or as soon as you notice a change in visibility while driving. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with your windshield they can begin to squeak, smear or streak reducing driving visibility. Remember to maintain wiper blades to ensure visibility, efficiency and reliability!

#10 Why is my check engine light on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicles engine performance and emissions. The check engine light alerts drivers to a problem with a system in your vehicle; such as ignition, fuel injection, or emission control. Even though your vehicle may be operating fine there could potentially be a significant problem and should be checked out immediately. Don't ignore your check engine light as it could severely damage engine components and end up costing you more money in the end. No need to panic, just make an appointment to have your vehicle checked out as soon as possible!   The Lia Auto Group offers twenty two locations to conveniently service your vehicle across New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. To schedule your auto maintenance and repair needs with Lia click here. We're ready to assist you with all your vehicle needs!