ride-way auto service faq's

When should I change my spark plugs?

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

What maintenance should I be doing and when?

  • OIL LUBE FILTER: 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles
  • TIRE ROTATION: 3,000 to 5,000 Miles depending on tire style
  • FUEL FILTER: Yearly or as needed
  • AIR CONDITIONING: Check every spring or as needed
  • RADIATOR COOLANT: Every two years, flush
  • BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
  • CLUTCH SYSTEM FLUSH: Every year
  • ENGINE OIL FLUSH: 2 Years or 30,000 Miles
  • AUTOMATIC TRANS FLUSH: 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • POWER STEERING FLUSH: 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • EGR SYSTEM SERVICE: 2 YEARS OR 24,000 MILES
  • 4x4 TRANSFER CASE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
  • TIMING BELT: 4 years or 60,000 miles
  • DIFFERENTIAL FLUID: 15,000 to 50,000 miles
  • MANUAL TRANS SERVICE: 15,000 to 50,000 miles

Why is it important to rotate my tires?

Front and rear tires wear differently because the front tires are in charge of turning the car. More pressure is put on the front tires meaning they’ll need to be rotated to extend the life of the tires. Also, tread wear should be equal on both front and rear tires, which only tire rotating can fix. Tires should be rotated every 5,000–10,000 miles, but the owner’s manual of each specific vehicle should give exact intervals for tire rotation.

Is it okay to let my car idle during short waiting times?

Extended idling is simply wasting your gas, and it’s not doing any favors to the environment either. Every two minutes that you leave your car idling uses the same amount of fuel as driving about a mile. It is false that idling is good for your engine. According to the Consumer Energy Center of the California Energy Commission, “Excessive idling can actually damage your engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and exhaust systems.”

Why am I getting worse gas mileage?

Most vehicles will have lower fuel-efficiency when driving at more than 50 mph. It is important to always remember how much extra you might pay in fuel costs when you choose to get somewhere a little faster. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is estimated that obeying the speed limit can increase fuel-efficiency by 7–14 percent. This can save you $0.25–$0.51/gallon