Service FAQ's
Service FAQ's
Airport Chevrolet GMC is pleased to offer a comprehensive library of Frequently Asked Questions for car shoppers seeking more information related to parts and service. Whether you're trying to determine the differences between leases and loans or want to know more about add-on accessories, Airport Chevrolet GMC's FAQ collection will answer your automotive queries. Simply choose your desired topic to browse the questions and answers within that category. If you cannot find a satisfactory explanation, please contact us via our online contact form or by phone at (877) 245-6306.
OUR TOP TIPS
- Factory OEM parts, new aftermarket parts and used parts allow several options for replacing a broken component. Read more in our parts FAQs.
- Warranties won't cover all of the costs, as the owner often pays for scheduled service charges. Read more in our service FAQs.
Q. Will it damage my car's engine if I drive it when the check engine light is on?
A. It depends on the reason that the light is on. That said, you should get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. At the very least, you may see a decrease in performance. Stop in or give us a call is you have questions about the check engine light.
Q. What is the main cause of tire damage?
A. There are many things that can damage your tires, however, improper inflation is the primary factor. You should frequently check the pressure of your tires, and if you do not know the correct pressure, stop in or give us a call.
Q. How do I know when my vehicle needs a tune-up?
A. Some signs are a gas mileage or performance decrease, your vehicle may start running rough, or your check engine light comes on. Most recent model vehicles owners manual will suggest a tune-up at a specific mileage. We perform tune-ups on most vehicles; to schedule a tune-up, stop in or give us a call.
Q. When do I need to replace belts and hoses?
A. Cracks in the belts are a good indicator that it is time to have them replaced. We recommend replacing belts and hoses at least every three to four years. If you are not sure when to replace belts and hoses, stop in or give us a call.
Q. What do I do when my Tire Light comes on?
A. The first thing to do is to go into your Driver Information Center (DIC) and check the tire pressure on each tire from each monitor. The DIC will show each tire individually. The recommended tire pressure is shown on a label on the driver's door. The tire pressure should be within 3 lbs. of the GM-recommended pressure. All tire pressure recommendations are "cold pressures," IE: the vehicle has not been driven in the last two hours. If the light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to a GM dealer to have the tire monitor system checked.
Q. What do I do for Recall #12106?
A. If you have recently received a recall notice from GM on your 2008 Pontiac or 2008 Saturn for a trans shift cable, the parts will become available for repair after January 31, 2013.
Q. When do I rotate my tires?
A. GM Owner's Manual states that tires should be rotated every 7500 miles. If you have OnStar you will receive a notification after 5,000 miles. Due to the fact that the engine's oil life monitor will notify you via a message on your dash between 5,000 and 8,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, a good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires when you change your oil. That way you'll never wonder when it is time; you'll always have it done along with the oil change.
Q. Understand the conditions of your warranty
A. All new and many used vehicles arrive with a warranty covering unexpected repairs. Be sure to understand the duration and covered components of the warranty. A typical warranty might be written "48/50,000" meaning that coverage lasts either 48 months from the initial purchase or until the vehicle has 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Q. Why are multiple warranty periods listed?
A. Depending on what is being repaired, the length of a factory warranty varies. Often a comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" warranty covers everything outside of schedule maintenance. This is generally the shortest warranty period. A usually longer powertrain warranty covers engine and transmission defects. Anti-corrosion protection often lasts even longer. Finally, some manufacturers offer roadside assistance for a limited time.
Q. Are used vehicles still covered under factory warranty?
A. Warranties are often transferable, meaning that a vehicle inside its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty.
Q. How does one maintain the warranty?
A. By performing required service at the proper intervals and responding if something clearly goes wrong. Your owner's manual explicitly lists service intervals, although cars are often equipped with "check engine" dashboard lights that signal needed maintenance.
Q. What is the driver's job?
A. You just need to take the vehicle in for service when the time arrives. Factory-authorized technicians must perform service and any other outside maintenance can potentially void a warranty.
Q. Will a warranty pay for all expenses?
A. Many warranties cover the parts and labor costs involved in fixing unexpected repairs but place the burden of expected maintenance on the customer. Certain repairs may be covered by some manufacturers and not by others.
Q. Engine oil
A. Changing your engine's oil and filter is one of the most vital maintenance procedures possible. Oil keeps friction down in the engine and prevents the motor from seizing up. Typical intervals for new cars are between 5,000 to 15,000 miles.
Q. Engine coolant
A. Water and antifreeze keep your engine from overheating and freezing during extreme temperatures. Intervals for flushing the system and replacing coolant vary, as some manufacturers promise long lasting antifreeze good past 100,000 miles. A general timeframe would be every few years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
Q. Spark plugs
A. Older vehicles required the replacement or adjustment of spark plugs much more often than new vehicles do. Manufacturers today promise over 100,000 miles before a tune-up that includes changing the plugs. Still, checking the plugs at 50,000 to 60,000 miles is not a bad idea.
Q. Air filter
A. The interval for changing the filter depends on the quality of filter, type of vehicle and environment in which most driving occurs. Traveling on dirt roads will surely clog a filter faster than paved highways. Also, local pollution can determine filter life.
Q. Battery
A. Again, the interval of changing a battery depends on the type of battery, type of vehicle and local climate. Super cold regions may require a more powerful battery for cold starting. Also, rechargeable batteries that have completely lost their charge at some point often never reach full potential again.
Q. Hoses/belts/general pathways
A. During scheduled maintenance it's a good idea to inspect all hoses, belts and other connections under the hood to be sure everything is in good shape and properly attached.
Q. Windshield wipers
A. Wipers need to be replaced, especially in climates with ice and snow. Sometimes just the blade needs replacing, while other times the entire wiper unit should go. Some customers may choose different types of wipers for better performance.
Q. Tires
A. The type of vehicle, specific tire and driving style determine the life of a tire. Many are rated to last 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but an aggressive style can wear out tires in 15,000 miles. Customers may deviate from OEM specification in the interest of better looks or performance.
Q. Brakes
A. Like tires, brake life depends heavily on driving style. Lots of stressful braking will significantly shorten the life. Replacement requires new pads and sometimes, new rotors.
Q. Other issues
A. Anything required for an annual inspection can also need replacing. Light bulbs, exhaust components and emission controls may require fixing.
Different seasons require different types of tires. Many manufacturers sell vehicles with all-season tires that are suitable for most conditions. However, if your vehicle arrived with performance summer tires you should invest in a set of snow tires for safety in the bad weather. Some drivers with all-season rubber may also fit snows for added security.
How does one find correct snow tires?
No tire is perfect, as extra competence in one category often means compromise in another. For example, a tire that is great in snow may be so-so on dry pavement and average in the rain. Try to find reviews on a tire to determine if it meets your criteria.
Other advice:
Always be sure to maintain the proper inflation for safety, performance and longevity.
Buy four matching tires, for the most part. Some rear-wheel-drive cars can get by with just rear snows, but front-wheel-drive cars should never have snows up front and non-snows out back. The inconsistency in grip during braking can cause the tail end to slide out of the driver's control. All-wheel-drive vehicles require four tires as well.
When purchasing a set of snow tires try to pick up an extra set of wheels on which the rubber can be mounted. Not having to mount/dismount tires each season saves time and maximizes tire life. Often your dealer will sell a reasonably priced set of steel wheel to match the snow tires.
- Be sure your engine oil is the correct viscosity. Colder climates can cause oil to thicken, demanding a thinner oil to start.
- Check your antifreeze and be certain the proper water-to-antifreeze mixture is maintained. Antifreeze testers are available at many auto parts stores.
- Verify that your windshield wipers are operable and keep the washer fluid reservoir full.
- Double-check hoses and belts. Cold temperatures can cause rubber to shrink and crack, so be sure your hoses and belts have some flexibility left.
Q. If a part on your vehicle demands replacing there are three options for replacement:
A. First, you can find a factory OEM part by either going through a dealer or contacting the manufacturer directly. Factory parts are built by the OEM manufacturer to the exact same specifications as the existing parts. New OEM components are generally the most expensive option but often yield the best fit, durability and overall quality. If you own your vehicle and are thinking of reselling, documenting repairs using factory parts can increase the resale value of the vehicle.
Second, you can find a new aftermarket part from a variety of parts dealers online and at shops around the country. Aftermarket parts are often exact replicas of OEM parts but are built by companies not associated with the primary auto manufacturer. While aftermarket pieces are less expensive than their OEM counterparts, they also may suffer in terms of quality, fit and finish. Aftermarket parts are great to get a car back up to speed if the budget is an issue and fit/quality do not matter. However, some aftermarket companies produce pieces that are of exceptional quality.
Third, you can find a used factory (or maybe even a used aftermarket) part at a salvage yard or from a private seller. Good used factory parts are a great way to save money and get an OEM specified piece at the same time. Obviously, used parts are subject to wear and are highly variable in their quality and usability.
Q. Researching parts
A. To determine the best method of replacing a part, check with you dealer, owners of similar vehicles and on the Internet to determine what option makes sense. You know the new OEM part will work, so read online testimonials to see if aftermarket replacements are worth the cost. You can also gain insight that's helpful in a used search, learning the common defects/attributes of a part before buying it yourself.
Q. Locating parts
A. Many suppliers offer both OEM and aftermarket parts for a broad range of vehicles. Some specialty parts may not be produced in the aftermarket if demand does not warrant investment. Tracking down these obscure pieces may require consulting a parts specialist. Some dealers have caches of unused factory parts, often called New Old Stock (NOS) or New Old Replacement Stock (NORS). These command high prices especially when out of production.
Q. Add-on accessories
A. Like replacement parts, some add-on accessories are factory authorized while others are produced in the aftermarket. Depending on the popularity of a vehicle, a variety of special components exist to modify it. Engine enhancements, body kits, interior pieces, electronics, exhaust systems, wheels and tires are among the many elements that contribute to customization.