Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

How often should I change my oil?

Regular oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. Be proactive about checking your oil, once a month is good maintenance practice. 

 Why do oil changes cost more at your shop than change only shops? Dukas Auto Repair uses only the very best quality OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. We are highly trained, ASE and BAR certified technicians. We provide professional, quality oil change service, allowing for 100% consumer confidence in work preformed.

“You get what you pay for” sincerely rings true regarding oil change services. We have found on numerous occasions cars serviced at “speed” oil changers have incorrectly sized oil filters, loose oil filters, upside down air filters, as well as under or over filled crankcases. Without proper oil upkeep your car will die, why risk it?

What should the tire pressure be on my car?

The tire pressure should always be set by the tire manufacturer’s suggested PSI (pound per square inch) pressure specs. The specs can be found on the side of your tire. Properly inflated tires will give you better gas mileage, tire wear, and over all handling of your vehicle.

How often should I check my anti-freeze?

Checking the anti-freeze as well as all other fluids is very important for proper vehicle maintenance; again once a month is good practice.

How long do spark plugs last?

That really depends upon the type of spark plugs that are in your vehicle. Vehicles 15 years old or older are more likely to have standard plugs with approximate life expectancy of 12,000-15,000 miles, newer model vehicles up to 2000 are usually platinum tipped, lasting approximately 30,000 miles. Lastly, some 2001 and newer model vehicles come with iridium tipped plugs which could last up to 90,000 miles.

How often should I change the timing belt on my car?

Best to refer to the owner’s manual for exact mileage details regarding timing belt maintenance. Timing belts are made of rubber and should be considered a regularly scheduled maintenance item. If you are unsure of your need to replace the timing belt we recommend consulting us for a diagnosis. Additionally, some vehicles have timing chains instead of timing belts, they are not considered a maintenance item like the timing belt (as they are made of metal) and may last up to 200,000 miles before needing replacement.

Why should I do a pre-buy inspection on a car before I buy it?

When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle it is extremely important to know exactly what you are getting yourself into. You don’t want to end up with a lemon and get more than you bargained for. Dukas Auto Repair can provide you with a thorough pre-buy inspection. We check for body damage which may be invisible to the untrained eye, covered by bondo and paint. We inspect the vehicle’s mechanical soundness by checking the engine, drivetrain, belts, hoses, and search for oil leaks. Additionally, we perform a comprehensive safety check including break and lights testing, suspension examination, as well as frame examination for damage and wear.

No one wants surprises after the purchase of a new or used vehicle. An additional benefit to the pre-buy inspection is the fact finding sheet that you will be armed with when negotiating a final sale price.