Do I need to get my vehicle serviced at the dealership? | Car Doctor
Q: I own a Land Rover LR4. I was wondering if I needed to get the services done (including brakes and tires) at the dealership? They try to make it seem that if you go elsewhere, you'll get inferior service or affect the warranty. What is your take? Can you recommend a good repair shop?
A: It is important to keep your car maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, but you don’t need to go to the dealer for routine service.
Today, most good shops are equipped with databases such as Mitchell on Demand or Alldata. These databases have the suggested service intervals and repair procedures.
As long as you keep records and follow the manufacturer's recommendation, there is no issue with the warranty.
For some complicated repairs (and leave this up to the repair shop) and warranty issues, you may still need to go to the dealer.
Go to AAA's website (aaa.com/repair) to find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you.
Q: I recently replaced the oxygen sensor on my 2012 Toyota Corolla due to the "check engine" light. How long will the car need to be driven once I disconnect the battery and reset the check engine light so I can have the car inspected?
A: The computer system in the car continually monitors individual emission components. When the battery is disconnected, these monitors revert to “not ready” status. The readiness monitors will remain until the car has been driven long enough for the computer to evaluate the various system and sensors.
The amount of time can vary based on the vehicle. In some cases, it can take up to 100 miles for all the computer monitors to completely reset.
There are also methods to speed up the ready status, but if you are not in a hurry, let the monitors set naturally.
Q: We purchased two Honda 2012 CR-Vs about six months apart. At 25,000 miles, the brakes started to squeal in one of the vehicles, and we replaced the rear brakes. Shortly after, the same problem presented itself in the second CR-V.
Now, at about 120,000 miles, the "check engine" light started coming on, and we needed to replace the oxygen sensor, at a cost of about $450. Like clockwork, the same problem is showing up in the second CR-V. What are the ramifications if I fail to replace the oxygen sensor now, or at least wait until the next inspection is due?
A: When the check engine light is on, it indicates the engine emissions system is malfunctioning and possibly polluting the air and wasting fuel. If it were me (and keep in mind, I’m cheap), I would have the vehicle tested and the fault repaired as soon as possible.
If it is a faulty oxygen sensor, over time it could damage the much more expensive catalytic converter.
Q: I have a hard-starting, great older Chevy S-10 pickup. I have replaced the spark plugs, plug wires and fuel filter. Sometimes it runs fine; other times it hesitates. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Although you have done a fair amount of maintenance, one area you may have overlooked is fuel pressure and volume.
When reading the fuel pressure using a gauge, you should see 60 to 66 pounds of pressure with the “key-on-engine-off.” If the pressure is less, it can result in hard starting and hesitation.
Q: I have an Infiniti G35. I’m getting squeaks out of the area of the tires or shocks when I drive over an uneven road. Just passive motion, up and down, causes the issue. It sounds like something needs to be lubricated (but there is nothing to lubricate) around that area. Any suggestions?
A: The problem is most likely a suspension bushing. Since the noise is easily duplicated, a technician should be able to pinpoint the source on a “drive-on”-style lift. The most common problem with some Infiniti models is a lower control arm bushing. The bushing is not serviceable, and the control arm assembly will need to be replaced.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Car Doctor: Do I need to get my vehicle serviced at the dealership?
