Bill Dobson Ford is a trusted source for quality auto maintenance in the Washington, IN area. From regular oil changes to serious repairs, we're here to make sure your car, truck, or SUV gets the care that it needs.
Visitors to our service center near Vincennes, IN have questions about various maintenance practices. There's a lot to think about in terms of car care, after all. To make things easier, we have compiled some of the most common questions with brief answers below. If you have further questions about our services, don't hesitate to call or visit.
Recommended oil change intervals can vary by make and model, but there are some general rules of thumb to consider. For most cars, it's recommended to schedule an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This ensures that your engine has fresh oil throughout its lifespan. However, certain engines have extended oil change intervals.
Brake pads are designed to last several thousand miles, so you should be able to get at least a couple years' worth of use out of a set. However, exact mileage intervals for installation can vary widely depending on your driving habits. If the majority of miles stacked up during city driving near Jasper, IN or Lawrenceville, IL, then you'll likely need new pads more frequently. If it's mostly highway driving, your pads will probably last longer.
Brake rotors usually last quite a while -- some sources estimate up to 70,000 miles. However, this can also vary from car to car. Some vehicles may need new rotors in as little as 15,000 miles. Weather can affect the wear and tear of rotors via the freezing and thawing process and rust accumulation.
If you noticed a lack of power from your engine, it may be as simple as a dirty air filter. Engines need fresh air to make peak power, and a dirty filter can mitigate air flow. It's also recommended to install a new air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles in order to prevent this occurrence.
Tire rotations are meant to lengthen the lifespan of a set of tires. Each position on your vehicle causes different wear patterns from the other three. Rotating your tires to different positions can even out wear and help the entire set last longer overall. We recommend having your tires rotated at every other oil change appointment.
If your wheels aren't turning straight, it can cause issues and damage to many components. First and foremost, it can cause excessive and unnecessary wear and tear to your tires. Wheels out of alignment can also diminish ride quality and handling. Our technicians have equipment that can easily tell if your wheels are aligned or not.
If you're noticing streaks on your windshield, it's probably time to install new wiper blades. Worn wiper blades won't remove water cleanly from your windshield. This can result in streaks that reduce visibility. Installing a new set can restore visibility and confidence. We recommend installing new wipers at the start of every new season.