Q: How often should I get my oil changed?

You should bring in your vehicle for an oil change about every 5,000 miles that you drive in severe conditions and every 10,000 miles in mild conditions.

Q: How can I tell if I need my brakes replaced?

A good initial indicator might be if you hear your brakes making a squeaking or grinding sound, but the best way to tell if your brakes need replacing starts with you simply looking at the brake pads between your wheel spokes. Be sure to check your front brake pads first, considering they wear down faster than the rear brake pads. If the brake pad is less than a quarter inch thick, then it's time to get your brakes inspected or replaced.

Q: How often does my air filter need to be changed?

It's best to change your engine air filter between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If you drive on dirt roads, you will need to keep a closer eye on your filter and change it sooner. However, if you don't drive that often, then you ought to change the air filter every three years.

Q: How often should my vehicles fluid levels be checked?

Before the beginning of winter, and then the beginning of summer, be sure to check your coolant level so that you check at least twice a year. Check your brake fluid every oil change or at least once a year.

Q: What do I have to do to keep my vehicle's warranty in effect?

To make sure that you keep your vehicle's warranty in effect, plan for your vehicle to be serviced at intervals dictated by the owner's manual, or warranty booklet, and maintain precise records of your vehicle's maintenance. Be sure to include such information as the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number, and mileage recorded on the invoice. Store your receipts in a secure location. If you have a service log in your owner's manual or warranty book, it would be best to use it.

Q: How do you know how much air to put in tires?

To determine what the air pressure of your tires should be, search for a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door or in the owner's manual. If you are still unable to find the sticker, it may be located in the glove box or the fuel door. If all else fails, check the writing on the side of your tires, which will show the maximum pressure your tires will allow. However, it is not advisable to fill the tires to their maximum pressure.

Q: How can you tell what size replacement tire is best?

To ensure that your vehicle maintains the same handling, match the new tires' aspect ratio to your existing tires. You will be able to find this ratio on the side of the tire or on the placard that provides your tire information located on the inside of your driver's side door. It may alternatively be found in the glove compartment, fuel door, visor, or owner's manual.