Frequently Asked Questions
Oil Changes:
- Engine oil should be changed every 3,000, 4,000, or 5,000 miles depending on the oil you are using
- Oil consumption increases when not doing regular oil changes Use only quality oil
- Sludge starts to build up in the oil passages
- Short trips (less than 2 miles) tend to break down oil more quickly
- Extended oil change intervals can make oil seals fail prematurely
- This interval should be adhered to even when using synthetic oil
- Use only quality oils that meet all manufacturer specifications
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended weight
All oil leaks are caused by two conditions:
- Worn Oil Seals
- Excess Crankcase Pressure
Worn oil seals are caused by age and/or high mileage and not adhering to proper oil change intervals.
Excess crankcase pressure is a direct result of a restricted positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. All engines develop crankcase pressure and all engines have a means of maintaining proper levels.
- Volvo’s PCV system is unusually sensitive to plugging up due to infrequent oil changes.
- The system should be serviced every 30,000 miles. More often on higher mileage cars.
- The PCV system MUST always exert a vacuum on the crankcase.
- We use a tool to determine whether the system needs to be serviced.
- In extreme circumstances where the system cannot achieve a vacuum after being serviced the engine may require rebuild.
- A plugged PCV system can cause a turbocharger to consume oil.
- All oil leaks can be repaired successfully as long as the PCV system functions correctly
- Oil leaks on the top of the engine are addressed first (valve cover, distributor)
- Oil leaks on the front of the engine are addressed second (front engine seals)
- Oil leaks on the sides of the engine are addressed third (breather box)
- Oil leaks at the rear of the engine are addressed last (rear engine seal).
Brake Issues:
Warped brake rotors can be caused by sustained high heat – constant braking without letting up on the brake pedal and/or improperly torquing the wheels.
- It can also be caused by machining the front rotors down to the legal minimum thickness (the less mass there is to the brake rotor the greater tendency to warp)
- The symptom is the steering wheel will move side to side and the brake pedal will pulsate.
- If the rear brake rotors are warped the vibration will be felt through the whole car.
- Brake rotors should always be machined when replacing brake pads.
- Front or rear brake rotors should be replaced if they approach minimum thickness after machining.
- The less material there is on the brake rotor to dissipate the heat the greater tendency there is to warp.
Squealing brakes are usually caused by an audible vibration set up by the brake pad.
- This can be caused by the material in the brake pad reacting to the brake rotor.
- It can also be a result of misalignment of the brake caliper to the brake rotor.
- Squealing can occur if the brake pads were replaced but the rotors were not machined.
- If metal to metal contact of the brake pads are not lubed with a high heat silicone lube.
- It is not unusual for brakes to have intermittent squeaks from heat and dust.
Soft or spongy brake pedal means that you have an issue with your brakes that you should have checked immediately.
Cars that pull left or right when braking may have a problem in the brakes, steering, or suspension and you should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
The brake failure light on indicates a problem with the brakes and you should have them checked immediately.
Brake dust on front wheels is brake pad material and is virtually unavoidable.
Grinding usually indicates that the brake pad material has worn off and the metal backing plate is contacting the rotor. Some brake pads are equipped with a sensor that will notify you if brakes are needed. There could be an audible squeak when not applying the brakes before this happens.
DEQ:
- 1996 and newer vehicles will not pass DEQ with a check engine light on.
- Make sure that the engine is completely warmed up.
- Don't forget to bring your completed registration form with you and eliminate having to go to DMV to get your tags.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team is here to provide answers. We are happy to help!