As mechanics, we hear all kinds of questions. Some are common, such as “do I need synthetic oil,” whereas other are a bit more random. No matter how odd or obscure, we’re always happy to answer your questions. But to save some time, we’ve compiled the common car questions we get asked most, and answered them!
Do I Need Synthetic Oil?
Some car models require synthetic oil. For other makes, it’s a suggestion. Synthetic oil is typically more expensive, but it does have its benefits.
One of these benefits, especially for our cold weather, is that when you take mostly short trips, regular oil may not heat up fast enough to burn off moisture and impurities, meaning the oil will break down faster than synthetic. Also, synthetic usually lasts longer, meaning fewer oil changes. Because of this, it’s better for the environment!
That being said, unless your owner’s manual says you need it, it isn’t necessary. Also, if your car is older (8 years or more), or if you’ve always used regular oil, you make want to chat with us before switching.
How Often Should I Check Tire Pressure?
When was the last time you actually did this? Have you ever done it? Have you ever even thought about it?
Maybe you’ve heard that you should be checking it every time you fill your gas tank, but we know that’s not really realistic. You should try to check it at least once a month though. This is really important in the winter, especially with the weather we’ve had the last few weeks and the constant temperature ups and downs.
Is Premium Gas Really Better Than Regular?
In this case, you do get what you pay for. Sure, premium gas is more expensive, and with our current gas prices that’s not great, but it does actually help your car run better and save you money on gas. This is because the higher the octane level in the gas you use, the faster the compression ratios will run. Premium has higher octane levels than regular, making it more engine and wallet friendly.
That being said, you don’t actually need it, so if the higher prices makes you cringe, just stick with regular.
Do I Always Need To Check The Engine When The Light’s On?
We hear this question (and see the results) all the time. It’s common to think this is just a computer glitch or nothing serious, especially when your car is driving like normal. However, even if it seems like nothing’s wrong, trouble could be brewing under the hood.
It can be a big mistake to ignore that check engine light, so our best advice is to get in touch with your trusted mechanic (us of course!) to run a diagnostic test and see what’s really going on. Maybe it is just a malfunction with the light, but if it isn’t, you can save yourself some time and money by catching any issues before they get worse.
So, if you’re asking yourself “do I need synthetic oil” or even “what’s that sound,” we’re in your corner. At CSR Automotive, as far as we’re concerned, no question is too weird. If you want more details on any of these common car questions, or if you have one we didn’t cover, just give us a call. We’d be happy to answer them.
