Service FAQ | Lavonia, GA

The old rule of thumb was to change your vehicle’s engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. That may be true for your vehicle; however, the best way to determine when to change your vehicle’s oil is to check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Your owner’s manual will also advise on the type of motor oil you should use for optimal performance. The way you drive, too, can impact the timeline of necessary oil changes. So, pay attention to your habits and where you drive, especially if you’re traversing over dirt and dusty roads on the regular, when figuring out your vehicle’s oil change needs. A quick inspection of the engine’s dipstick, will also let you know the current quality and level of oil you’re working with.

Regular oil changes are vital to your engine’s performance. If your engine is operating with dirty, old oil or oil filled with debris, it’s working harder than it should, putting it at risk for extensive damage and overheating. Fresh, new oil will help your engine operate effectively and efficiently and help protect it from unnecessary harm.

Tires are one of your vehicle’s most important safety features and maintaining them is integral to keeping you, your passengers, and those around you safe. Tires that are rotated when necessary will allow them to wear more evenly for a better driving performance and helping you avoid the cost of a new set earlier than expected.

When the check engine light comes on, it’s okay to panic, but just for a moment. Then, you should bring your car into the service bay at Ed Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep_® Ram. There are many reasons why this light flips on, ranging from small like a loose or faulty gas cap or dead battery to big like a misfiring catalytic converter or old spark plugs. Because it’s nearly impossible to know the reason why without a second opinion from one of our service techs, always assume it’s unsafe to drive when this light is on.

A clean car, inside and out, doesn’t just look good, it helps protect your vehicle’s performance and most importantly, it’s resale value. Experts advise putting “car wash” on your to-do list every two weeks. If you want to be a star car owner, bump it up to your weekly chores. Don’t neglect the cabin. Get rid of junk, clutter, and trash and tend to upholstery stains as soon as possible.

If you’re looking to go green behind the wheel, you’ll find that electric vehicles can be less hassle — maintenance-wise — compared to vehicles with a gas combustion engine. EVs use a powertrain consisting of a battery and motor, which utilizes less moving parts and fluids than a traditional engine.

You know the saying — looks can be deceiving. Don’t compromise your safety by trusting your eyes to monitor the air pressure in your tires. Checking the psi doesn’t take a lot of time, and those minutes are invaluable to your safety on the road. This also gives you the opportunity to visually inspect your tires for signs of damage like bulges in the sidewall, uneven tread, or other problems.