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Euro Car Center - Andover and Wilmington Auto Repair

(978) 447-1590

Car Care Tips from Euro CAR CENTER


  1. Change your oil at regular service intervals.
  5. Brake pads are your friends. Check them regularly.

Car Care Q&A


  • Are my tires properly inflated?

    What’s the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?

    The correct tire pressure for a vehicle is determined by the size and weight of the vehicle, the type of tires it uses, load hauled, and the type of driving the vehicle is intended for. The vehicle manufacturer places a tire inflation placard in each vehicle that gives the proper tire inflation pressures for that vehicle. This placard is located on the inside of the glove box door, inside the fuel- filler door, or on the driver&rsquo;s side doorpost (depending upon manufacturer). Most manufacturers also list tire inflation levels in the owner&rsquo;s manual.

  • How long should wiper blades last?

    How often should I change my wiper blades?

    For vehicles that are parked inside, car care experts recommend that the wiper blades be replaced at least once a year or when the wiper blades start streaking &ndash; which ever comes first. On vehicles kept outside or in areas where the wipers receive excessive use, changing the blades two or even three times a year is recommended for clear vision.

  • When should I change my engine oil?

    How often should I have my engine oil/filter changed?

    According to automotive experts, regularly scheduled oil/filter changes are the single most important item for prolonging engine life. Most new vehicles have recommended oil/filter change intervals of 7,500 miles and some new vehicles have recommended oil change intervals of 11,000 to 15,000 miles under normal operating conditions, with &quot;&quot;normal&quot;&quot; operation described as the operation of the vehicle for at least 20 minutes at a medium speed, with a steady throttle and in a clean driving environment.

    Short hops to the store, stop-and-go rush hour driving, driving on dirt roads and inclement-weather operation are all considered severe operating conditions that can cause impurities to build up quickly in the oil, resulting in increased wear and tear on internal parts. That is why most owner&#39;s manuals and mechanics recommend changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) to assure that maximum engine lubrication occurs while a minimum of impurities are suspended in the oil. To find out what the recommended oil change frequency is for your vehicle, check your owner&#39;s manual or talk with your automotive service professional.

  • How can I tell if my coolant is OK?


  • Why is heat coming from my A/C?

    Why is heat coming out of my air conditioner?

    If your air conditioning system is blowing hot air instead of cool, the refrigerant gas may have leaked out, you may have a clogged condenser, or the air conditioner&#39;s blend door may be stuck. Whatever the cause of the problem, the air conditioning system needs immediate service. Turn the system off. You can cool the vehicle interior by putting the ventilation control in the &quot;&quot;vent&quot;&quot; position and/or opening the windows.

  • What can I do if my car overheats?


  • How often should my car get a tune-up?

    The term &ldquo;tune-up&rdquo; actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). On these vehicles a tune-up would generally be required every 15,000 &ndash; 20,000 miles and consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap and adjusting the ignition timing as well as the carburetor.

    On modern vehicles equipped with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computer controls, the term &ldquo;engine performance maintenance&rdquo; is a more accurate term. A &ldquo;tune-up&rdquo; for these newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to maintain peak engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low exhaust emissions. During this process, spark plugs, plug wires, sensors, and modules may be replaced. The frequency at which a newer vehicle needs a tune-up is dependent more upon driving conditions than mileage and recommended tune-up frequencies vary between 30,000 &ndash; 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer. To learn how often your vehicle needs a tune-up, check your owner&rsquo;s manual or speak with your local automotive service provider.

  • Why are my brakes making noise?

    Why are my brakes making noise?

    If you hear a grinding or squealing sound when the pedal is applied, you probably need new brake shoes or pads. Brakes shouldn&rsquo;t make any noise as they operate. Even if the actual problem turns out to be something minor, the only safe assumption is this one: noisy brakes are unsafe brakes. Postponing service is unsafe and could raise the cost of repairs later. If your brakes are making noise, get them inspected or serviced right away.

  • Does my transmission ever need service?

    Most car care experts advise having an automatic transmission&rsquo;s fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles, to keep it in good working order. This is especially important if the vehicle is more than five years old. Many vehicles newer than five years old may need scheduled service less often and some new vehicles have transmissions that need no scheduled service for the life of the car.

    By-the-book service, however, may not be adequate if your vehicle is driven hard, tows a trailer, goes off-road or carries a camper. Under these conditions, the fluid and filter may need to be changed more often -- every 12 months or 12,000 miles --because dirt and moisture buildup in the fluid can cause internal damage. Heat buildup can also be a problem. The harder the transmission works, the hotter the fluid gets and the quicker the fluid breaks down. To find out the recommended service schedule for your vehicle&rsquo;s transmission, check the owner&rsquo;s manual or talk with your local automotive service provider.

    Manual transmissions generally need no regularly scheduled service, but may need service due to worn clutch and throw-out bearings and broken synchromesh gears. Check your owner&rsquo;s manual for specific information on manual transmission service or talk with your local automotive service provider.

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