Crady's Auto Repair - Helpful Auto Tips

Maintenance Quick Reference:

Oil Change, Filter & Lube

every 3,000 miles

Tire rotation

every 2nd or 3rd service

Air filter

every 15,000 miles

Automatic transmission service

every 30,000 miles

Fuel filter

every 30,000 miles

automotive tips header

Helpful Automotive Advice

My car won't start and won't crank over. What do I do?

  If your car won't crank over, check the battery voltage by turning on the headlights. If the lights come on bright, have someone watch the headlights while turning the ignition key to the cranking position. If the lights dim or go out, your battery is low or dead. Also check your car's battery cables. They might be loose or corroded.
  If the headlights stay bright, you probably have a bad starter or starter solenoid. If your car has an aftermarket alarm system, you might have an alarm system problem.
  Remember if you try to use Jumper cables, Red is the positive terminal and Black is the negative terminal (Ground). Hook up both the Red terminals, then the Ground terminals, then start the car you are using to jump the broken car. Rev up the engine on the running car, this will give you extra power to start the broken car and protect the electrical of this car. Then have someone start the broken car. If possible, remember to wear glasses when working around batteries.

+ ALWAYS REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST!! +

My Check Engine light is on! What does it mean?

  When the yellow or orange Check Engine (or Service Engine Soon) light on, the car's computer is monitoring the fuel injection, smog system and some ignition systems. If the car is running normally, don't worry too much. Look at the other gauges and warning lights. If they are normal, you probably have a sensor or emissions problem. Bring it to your repair shop at your convenience. You are probably using extra gas, but you will not get stuck with your car.
  If your car is sluggish or missing and the Check Engine light is on and the rest of the gauges look normal, you need to drive to a shop as soon as possible. Your car's ignition system or injection system maybe malfunctioning and you could get stuck!
  If your Check Engine light is on and the other gauges are not normal, TURN OFF YOUR CAR! Tow your car in to prevent further damage and to avoid getting stuck on the way to a shop!

How do I keep my car from breaking down?

Most people driving today's cars do not understand how to repair their own car. Regular, routine maintenance from a high-tech auto repair shop will help avoid a breakdown. During routine maintenance, the shop can catch problems early before they become major repairs. Routine maintenance will also keep your car in better shape for a longer period of time.
We would like to see our customers every 3,000 miles for a Lube, Oil & Filter. At that service interval, we can get a good overall look at you car. Depending on your driving habits, rotate your tire every second or third service. Every 15,000 miles change your air filter. Every 30,000 miles service the automatic transmission and replace fuel filters. 60,000 miles is usually the biggest service interval. Tune ups, cooling system and timing belts are all done at 60,000 miles. This service is expensive, so remember to budget for it in advance.

We can always estimate the price to you in advance.

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