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| Do I need an appointment for service/warranty repairs? On today's vehicles, what is the most common cause for the "service engine soon" light coming on? Do you have a computer that you can hook up to my vehicle that will tell you what is wrong? Can I drop my vehicle off when the service department is closed? I do my own oil changes; will that affect the vehicle's warranty? If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear seatbelts? When I have my oil changed at your service department, do you check the air pressure in the tires? If your service department is servicing my vehicle, will I be given another vehicle to drive? How does my vehicle know when to turn on the change oil light on the dash? What does the ABS/anti-lock brake light on my dash warning me about when it comes on as I'm driving? My fuel mileage seems poor. What can you do to increase fuel mileage? What causes my brakes to squeak when I am stopping? If you didn't find what you were looking for, please consult the contact information below, and we'll be happy to help! |
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| Do I need an appointment for service/warranty repairs? To minimize your wait-time and repair-time on your vehicle, we do maintain a service schedule for appointments. The appointment time we set for you is the consultant time to start the service process, not the time the vehicle is to be repaired. So please arrange to spend time with your service consultant at the time of the drop-off of your vehicle. If you do need an emergency repair/service, we will work with our schedule and yours to get you back on the road again. Back to top I have an amber-colored light on the dash that reads "service engine soon" that comes on when I'm driving. What does that mean? Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors and controls operations of the fuel, ignition, and both emission and transmission systems. Today's computer system is intended to not only assure that emissions are at an acceptable level for the life of the vehicle, but it also helps produce a cleaner environment, as well as optimum fuel mileage and power. The computer system is always testing itself and other systems. The light is a warning to you that the computer has seen a fault in the system and for you to contact us for service. Back to top On today's vehicles, what is the most common cause for the "service engine soon" light coming on? The most common cause of the "service engine soon" light coming on with today's vehicle is a diagnostic code for a leak detected in the evaporative system. The evaporative system is the emission system that consists of vacuum lines from engine to fuel tank that carries fuel vapors. The on-board computer can detect a leak in this system when the computer performs the tests. If the computer detects a leak, it could be nothing more than the fuel cap being left off or simply not being screwed down tight enough. The most common cause of the evaporative diagnostic code is just this. Be sure when fueling that the engine is turned off, and tighten the fuel cap until you hear at least 5-6 clicks. Back to top Do you have a computer that you can hook up to my vehicle that will tell you what is wrong? Even with modern technology, there is no computer to tell exactly what is wrong with today's vehicles. We do have the most advanced computers to use as a tool to help diagnose the vehicle's problem, though. Back to top What if I lock my keys in the vehicle or need a tow truck when I am out of town (even in another state)? GM provides roadside assistance to all new car owners to help you in situations of lockouts, flat tires, out of gas, need a jump-start, or towing. Check your owner's manual for the correct phone number, write it down, and keep it in an accessible place, such as your wallet or purse, for the next time in need. Back to top Can I drop my vehicle off when the service department is closed? We do provide an after-hours, drop-off service. Next to the large shop entrance door, we offer envelopes to sign-in and a mail slot in the large door so you can drop off the keys and envelope for us to process during business hours. Please fill in all needed information, including a phone number so we may contact you during the day. Back to top Under the manufacturer's warranty period, are my vehicle repairs covered completely by that warranty? As your warranty booklet states, normal tire wear or wear-out is not covered. Road hazard damage such as punctures, cuts, snags, and breaks resulting from pothole impact, curb impact, or other impacts is not covered. Also, damage from misuse, negligence, or alteration is not covered. Damage due to environment, aftermarket products, insufficient or improper maintenance is not covered. All vehicles require periodic maintenance. Vehicle maintenance, adjustments, and wear items are not covered. A complete list of maintenance items is listed in your warranty booklet. Back to top I do my own oil changes; will that affect the vehicle's warranty? No, but my suggestion is when you buy your oil and oil filter, write the mileage on the receipt when you change them, and keep the receipt for your records in the glove box. Be sure you use the correct grade of oil and filter. TIP: we will change the oil and filter, lube and complete vehicle visual inspection for $19.44 plus tax. Back to top If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear seatbelts? Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplement systems only: so they work with the safety belts; not instead of them. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection (and avoid a ticket). That's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. Back to top When I have my oil changed at your service department, do you check the air pressure in the tires? When we perform an oil change, oil filer and lube, we visually inspect the underbody, under the hood, check all the fluid levels, fill windshield washer fluid and adjust the air pressure to the correct pressure as per GM. We will consult with you of any concerns that we may see upon our visual inspections. Back to top If your service department is servicing my vehicle, will I be given another vehicle to drive? To enhance your ownership experience, we are proud to offer a courtesy transportation program for our service customers. Depending on the circumstances, we offer several transportation options. So when you call for your service appointment, advise the service consultant of your transportation needs. Back to top How does my vehicle know when to turn on the change oil light on the dash? General Motors engineers conducted performance and quality tests using Mr. Goodwrench oil and determined how many engine revolutions the oil will provide the best protection. When the engine has made that number of revolutions, the change oil light will be displayed for your benefit. The computer that calculates the engine oil life does not and is not able to factor in short trip driving, dirt in the air or normal engine fuel burning contaminants that can cause long-term damage if the oil is not changed. So it is best to always follow the service menu that we designed for you. If you change your oil yourself, be sure to consult your owner's manual for the proper procedure to reset the change oil light. Back to top What does the ABS/anti-lock brake light on my dash warning me about when it comes on as I'm driving? The indicator lamp is warning you that the anti-lock brake system has detected a malfunction in the system. If the regular brake system warning lamp is not on, you still have brakes, but no anti-lock brake capability. Call us to set up an appointment for service. Back to top My fuel mileage seems poor. What can you do to increase fuel mileage? Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do. With today's on-board computers that is always adjusting the fuel to the exact fuel and air ratio depending on air temperature, driving habits, weather conditions and engine load, the system will detect any abnormal fuel commands and turn the "service engine soon" indicator lamp on. To help us diagnose poor fuel mileage concerns, please give us the fuel mileage of present and maybe two or three months prior. Back to top What causes my brakes to squeak when I am stopping? There are many causes for disc brake squeak... from the materials used in the manufacturing of the brake lining, to government and environmental regulations, to pads needing replaced. As your owner's manual states, a complete brake inspection should be performed once a year or every 15000 miles. The number one cause of brake squeal is lack of maintenance of the brake system and heat build up, especially during hot city-driving days of summer. During a brake inspection, we will not only remove the wheels and inspect lining condition, but we'll also inspect lines and hoses, wheel cylinders and calipers, master cylinder, and inspect caliper mounting slides. We perform a complete brake system inspection for the safety of you and your family. Back to top |
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