When to change my oil? Car manufacturers have varying oil change intervals but according to your car’s service manual if you meet any one of the following criteria then this is considered ‘Severe use’

Cold weather, less than 10 degrees
Extreme heat, more than 90 degrees
Extreme humidity
Towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials
Repeated short-distance trips of less than five miles
Extensive idling or in stop-and-go traffic

Most of us meet at least one of these criteria, if not several. So why would you want to go 7500, or 10,000 miles on an oil change? Even if your oil were able to last 10,000 miles it is going to be carrying contaminants and over time will build up sludge in your engine. Synthetic oils are better in this respect but will not stop the formation of sludge over time. Synthetics won’t break down under normal temperatures where a conventional oil would but under hard use they will still break down. Moisture or condensation which doesn’t get cooked off by only driving short trips will also cause the build up of sludge to occur faster. Turbos also are harder on oil and will cause oils to break down faster than conventional aspirated engines.

To setup an appointment or request an estimate, please fill out the contact form below or call us now at 703-817-0650.

Newer cars use spark plugs that are meant to last longer than used in previous models. It may interest you to know that as your spark plugs wear the voltage requirement for efficient ignition increases and in return causes the ignition coils to work harder and harder. This increases the likelihood of ignition coil failure. For example, In 1999 Volvo went to Direct ignition coils, while spark plugs were still changed out every 30K to 60K. Those Ignition coils rarely, if ever, failed. Same Ignition system as used today, the cars are going 75K and higher without changing spark plugs and guess what, Ignition coils are failing more than ever. A typical Spark plug can retail $15 to $25 depending on manufacturer, and ignition coils can range from $60 to $90 each. So you have to ask yourself, is it worth it to not replace your spark plugs more often?

To setup an appointment or request an estimate, please fill out the contact form below or call us now at 703-817-0650.

European cars such as Volvo, BMW, & Mercedes to name a few, pride themselves on having better features which include braking systems. These cars are designed and spec’d with Brake pads and brake rotors that are softer than those found on domestic cars. This is in part why European cars tend to need brake rotors more often than the average domestic or Asian car. Most aftermarket companies manufacture their brake pads and rotors from harder materials. While they may last longer, they are more prone to brake noise and most do not stop as well as the OEM supplied brakes your European car came with. Although the brake rotors on your Volvo or BMW may need replaced more often the plus side is a much higher level of stopping power.

To setup an appointment or request an estimate, please fill out the contact form below or call us now at 703-817-0650.