Central Florida Frequently Asked Questions
AAMCO Central Florida—Your Local Mechanic For Car Tune-Ups
At AAMCO Central Florida, we strive to achieve customer satisfaction with every service we provide. We then of course do our best to help educate you so that you understand as much about your vehicle as possible. We know that cars issues can often be scary and you may have a lot of questions about what those issues mean. We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers to help you get an idea of what may be wrong and so that you can understand your vehicle.
Questions from Real People, Answers from Expert Mechanics
General Service Questions
Q: How often does my car need a tune-up?
A: Getting a tune-up every 30,000 miles tends to be enough for cars made before 1970. A tune-up can make you aware of possibly hidden larger issues that may be expensive if not taken care of as soon as possible. It also allows you to appreciate the value of a regular maintenance schedule.
Q: What is preventative maintenance?
A: Preventative maintenance can help you save money, ensure the long, reliable life of your car, and avoid unnecessary costly repairs. A proper consistent car care schedule involves ensuring that all the vehicle’s systems work. Keeping up with factory recommended maintenance will help you track important checkups and services required to keep your car running as efficiently as possible. If you don’t get preventative maintenance for your car occasionally, you’re likely going to pay for it later. Take advantage of our seasonal specials that often include FREE inspections.
Q: Does it really matter where I take my car for service?
A: Properly maintaining your car now will help prevent you from paying for expensive repairs later. Larger repairs tend to crop up after ignoring your vehicle for a few months and pushing it through rough conditions, such as heavy stop and go traffic during a commute. AAMCO Central Florida is a reliable expert of vehicle maintenance and repair. From manufacturer recommended maintenance and regular services. just check out our reviews.
Q: Should I take my car to the dealership?
A: Car dealerships usually charge higher rates for vehicle repairs and maintenance. AAMCO Central Florida provides personalized car care service unlike what you’ll receive from a large dealership, plus we have many locations to serve you in Central Florida and nationwide.
Check Engine Light & Car Not Starting
Q: Why won’t my car start?
A: There are many reasons why your car is having difficulty starting, or won’t start at all.
- Failing starter
- Alternator going bad
- The fuel line is blocked or fuel pump is malfunctioning
- The fuel injector is nonfunctional or clogged
- Spark plugs are failing
- Bad or failing Engine Control Module (ECM)
Call your local AAMCO Central Florida service center if your vehicle won’t start. Towing available based on location.
Q: My check engine light is on. What should I do?
A: Your vehicle’s engine’s emissions and performance are maintained and guaged by the sensors and computerized components in the car. If one of these components malfunctions, the “check engine” light will generally engage. Your car might seem fine, however, we encourage bringing it in to your local AAMCO Central Florida for an diagnostic. We’ll do a thorough review of all major systems in your car to check that you are completely up to date on recommended factory maintenance and your car is safe and efficient. We identify any issues and recommend the necessary repairs, but we don’t do any work without your approval.
Important Parts & Maintenance
Q: Is it necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
A: YES. The timing belt controls the velocity that your engine runs. When the timing belt fails, the engine will lose control of its systems and moving parts and can cause serious problems. If you’re lucky, the piston rods don’t blow through the engine block, or some other massive damage has not occurred. You will end up having your car towed to a mechanic, for quite possibly some terrible news. You might be facing a lot of expensive repairs, if repairs are even possible, or you might just have to get a new car.
What do I do if…?
Q: What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
A: An overheating vehicle can cause very serious problems and damage to your engine. It is imperative that you pull off the road when it is safe and to turn the engine off. Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is to call your Local AAMCO Central Florida location, towing will be available.
Q: What should I do if I hear strange sounds in my car?
A: Strange noises coming from your vehicle can be an indicator of serious car problems. It is best to have our vehicle checked by one of your local AAMCO Central Florida professional technicians as soon as possible to avoid damaging your vehicle.
When should I…?
Q: When should I change my oil? How many miles between oil changes?
A: It’s recommended that you bring your vehicle in for an oil change every 3000 miles or at the interval indicated in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q: When should I have my car’s alignment checked?
A: Alignment should be done once a year or every 10-12,000 mile to increase the lifespan of your tires.
Q: When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?
A: For trouble-free vehicle performance, swap out your car’s fuel filter every 30,000 miles or as suggested in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q: When should I change my spark plugs?
A: For the highest fuel efficiency and max engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
What is that…?
Q: What is that milky brown engine oil?
A: Coolant leaking into your engine oil is indicated by oil with a milky brown color. A blown head gasket (other gasket) or cracked casings may be the culprit behind this leakage. This issue is very serious and must be inspected by a professional technician quickly to avoid further damage.
Q: What is that smell coming out of the air conditioning vents when I turn the A/C on?
A: The filter for your air conditioning is contaminated with dirt and is growing mold. Have your A/C system inspected and cleaned out by your local AAMCO Central Florida.
Q: What is that clicking noise when making sharp turns?
A: Your C.V. axles most likely need to be replaced. Have your vehicle’s front end inspected by our expert mechanics.
Q: What is synthetic motor oil?
A: Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, high mileage vehicles, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates.
How do I…?
Q: How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
A: Inspect the battery terminals for any dirt buildup, rust or corrosion. If you find any of these elements that may indicate a poor electrical connection caused by a damaged or old battery. Ensure the terminals are covered and secure. Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and checked to maintain a strong electrical connection.
Q: How do I replace a burned-out fuse?
A: Check your owner’s manual for your best chance at finding the solution for your vehicle. The manual should have clear instructions, as well as specifications on the type of fuses that are needed. Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse). If a fuse blow repeatedly, you should have the circuit inspected by one of our professional technicians for damage.
Questions About AAMCO Services
Q: Transmission slipping, grinding, overheating or just not acting right?
A: Check out our Power Purge® Services. Power Purge® is a proprietary process that drains virtually all of the old, degraded transmission fluid and replaces it with fresh, clean fluid to assist in extending the lifespan of your transmission.
Q: Do you offer towing?
A: Yes we do. Check with your Local AAMCO Central Florida location for more information.
Q: What is your warranty?
A: Each AAMCO Central Florida dealer offers a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty on Total Car Care services. This does not include minor transmission repairs. Call your local AAMCO Central Florida dealership for information on transmission repair and Total Car Care services. Get complete information on AAMCO warranties and extended service contracts.
Q: Will you be utilizing all new parts in my vehicle?
A: AAMCO uses high-quality new and re-manufactured parts where required to bring your vehicle up to (OEM) original manufacturer specifications.
Q: Do you have financing?
A: Check with your Local AAMCO Central Florida. Our locations deal with some financing companies to help get your vehicle serviced.
Q: Do you accept extended warranties?
A: Yes, we accept and work with all extended warranties.