Frequently Asked Service Questions and Answers
Do you have a service question that you need an answer for? If it's not included below, please don't hesitate to contact our Service Department.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Engine Oil?
The recommended interval between oil changes varies between vehicles, so you must look up this information in your owner's manual, or failing that, online. The old rule of thumb, every six months or 5,000 km, can be a safe and fairly accurate estimate over a sample of a thousand vehicles, but unless you're Jay Leno, you're probably not driving a thousand vehicles. So be safe and follow the recommended service intervals listed for your exact make of vehicle.
Your driving habits, the climate (everywhere through Canada is considered "severe driving conditions"), the vehicle type, and the type of oil you use will also determine your oil change interval.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long between Oil Changes?
One of the cruel hazards of waiting too long between oil changes is that you won't notice any issues at first, emboldening you to push the limits even further in the future. Oil lubricates the tightly-fitted moving components within the engine. But after a while, the oil collects contaminants-water, metal particulates, dust-and this causes the oil to become sludgy and less effective. The worse the quality of the oil, the more friction, the more grinding, the more abrasion from the free-floating metal slivers that wears down the tiny components of your engine.
While your engine is new, this damage is less noticeable since it has not yet had the chance to compound over time. (It's similar to how the effects of smoking may not be evident at first, but they show up eventually.) But it soon becomes noticeable. Once it does, it cripples the most important piece of your powertrain. While an oil change costs slightly more than filling up a sedan with a tank of gas, engine repair can be some of the most costly repairs you'll encounter. So be car smart and bring your vehicle in for the timely maintenance it needs.
Is your vehicle due for an oil change? Request a service appointment now at Islington Chrysler.
How Do I Find Out Whether There Is a Service Recall Outstanding for My Vehicle?
When a manufacturer discovers a defect with one of its vehicles post-production, it will announce a recall. This means that they will cover the costs of repairing or replacing the components in question, in order to bring your vehicle up to its quality standards.
However, the great majority of service recalls are mostly innocuous and harmless, so they aren't heavily advertised. (Think of a malfunctioning stereo control or a stubborn seat recliner.) They also often apply to just a handful of vehicles from a certain production batch, so yours may not even be affected. Still, it's better to check.
To find out whether your vehicle is subject to an outstanding recall, contact the Islington Chrysler Service Department. Drive with confidence!
Why Do My Tires Need to Be Inflated to a Specific Level?
Tire pressure will vary for a number of reasons, from regular use over time, to outside temperature swings, to slow leaks. Even though many new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles come with Tire Pressure Monitoring system on their dash, it's still important to check your tire pressure regularly, about once a month on average.
Think of all the bumps, divots, and types of terrain your vehicle will tackle. To allow for reliable traction and as smooth of a ride as possible, your tires need to be set at an ideal pressure: not to saggy that they drag, not too inflated that they jostle and jolt over every bump like a wooden cart without shock springs.
Under- or overinflated tires result in uneven tread wear, reduced traction, and poorer fuel economy. They also reduce the lifespan of your tires, especially if they pop or the sidewall bursts, which is much more likely with tires not set at the right PSI level. For a good rule of thumb, manually check your tire pressure when you arrive home after every second fuel up. (Be sure to do so on a flat surface after your car has cooled down a little.) Checking every month or so is also a good way to see if one tire is leaking air faster than the others, which is often evidence of a slow leak.
How Do I Know When It's Time for New Tires?
Nowadays, most every tire is built with special indicators that let you see at a glance when it's time to get new tires. Your service advisor can let you know when the signals become apparent.
But there are others telltale signs that it's time for a new set of tires:
- Cracked or bulging tire treads or sidewalls
- Uneven wear patterns
- Treads coming unattached from the tire body
- Tread depth below 1/16th of an inch
Of course, you don't want to push your tires to the brink of tread ware; that can be dangerous for everyone on the road, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Is it time for new tires? Check out our Tire Centre to find the right rubber for your ride!