Car Care Tips2023-03-17T14:56:12-05:00

Car Care & Car Maintenance Tips

AUTO REPAIR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?2020-12-04T20:10:49-06:00

Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.

When should I change my spark plugs?2020-12-04T20:10:22-06:00

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?2020-12-04T20:09:56-06:00

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?2020-12-04T20:09:20-06:00

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?2020-12-04T20:08:39-06:00

Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

Why is engine oil milky brown?2020-12-04T20:08:10-06:00

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.

When should I get my oil changed?2020-12-04T20:07:45-06:00

You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?2020-12-04T20:07:02-06:00

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to the nearest, trusted auto repair facility.

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?2020-12-04T20:05:57-06:00

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?2020-12-04T20:06:18-06:00

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

How often should I rotate my tires?2020-12-04T20:06:34-06:00

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Personal, friendly and professional service is the standard at Parra. They deliver what the big franchise dealers are unable or unwilling to. I found Parra about a year ago and they have made me a lifelong client.

D.E.

The repair experience was very positive in all respects, from my first call to the completion of the work. They were polite, friendly & very professional. I won’t hesitate to call on Parra again.

G.P.

They have a great team from the office manager to the technicians as they were very polite and professional in every way. My vehicle was inspected, the problem found, and I was called and informed what my options were. They replaced the part same day and had it completed that afternoon. I would highly recommend them for any service needs.

D.F.

Great job on the 100,000 mile tune up for my 2012 Honda CRV. Parra is honest and fair unlike the dealership “service advisers” that invent problems about your car. It is important to me to not have to worry about the condition of my vehicle. In addition, the NRH location is more convenient than where dealerships are located in relation to home.

K.W.

Great, honest service. I know I can trust you guys to give me an honest assessment of what my car needs and then to perform the work at a reasonable rate. That’s incredibly valuable…thank you!

D.B.

SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON

  • 32 Point Vehicle Inspection

  • Text Updates & Digital Reports

  • Honest Repair Advice

Wheel Alignment FAQs

At Parra Car Care, we recommend having a four-wheel alignment performed on your vehicle every two to three years. Failing to have a wheel alignment service performed on time or continuing to drive a vehicle that needs wheel alignment can cause excess wear and tear and result in avoidable automotive repairs.

During a wheel alignment service, one of our ASE-certified mechanics will connect your vehicle to a specialized machine that measures the four wheels’ exact camber and toe. Once measured, a mechanic will make the necessary adjustments to the angle of your wheels to ensure that they point in precisely the same direction and are aligned perfectly with one another.

A wheel alignment ensures that your vehicle travels in a straight line with the lowest rolling resistance possible. Although a car alignment service may sound like a minor deal, your car’s alignment has many effects on your vehicle. Here are a few examples of the components that a wheel alignment affects:

  •  Suspension
  •  Transmission
  •  Tires

Here are a few signs that your vehicle may need car alignment service:

  • Pulling — You may need a wheel alignment service if your vehicle consistently pulls to one side when you drive. This is especially obvious on flat roads if your vehicle needs constant correction to travel in a straight line.
  • Vibration — If your steering wheel is vibrating or you feel vibrations shake the cabin when you reach driving speed, this may be a sign that you need wheel alignment service. When wheels move out of alignment, they try to pull your vehicle in different directions. This “tug of war” between your wheels translates to vibrations that can be felt inside the cabin.

As you drive, your tires, steering, and suspension system encounter thousands of impacts daily as you roll over road imperfections, potholes, speed bumps, and whatever else lies in the road. Even as you turn, thousands of pounds of force is being put on your steering and suspension system. Over time, these impacts and turning stresses slowly move your wheels out of alignment. While these stresses only cause a few degrees of movement, even the smallest misalignment can negatively affect your vehicle.

Wheel alignment is the act of aligning your wheels to point perfectly straight. Wheel balancing is adding weights to your tires to counter vibrations.

Minor imperfections created when tires are manufactured can cause them to vibrate once they reach driving speed. When a wheel balancing service is performed, one of our ASE-certified mechanics will install small weights on the side of your tires that weigh just a few grams. These weights are seldom noticed and counter any weight imbalances to ensure vibrations aren’t felt in the cabin.

Typically, you need a wheel alignment service every two to three years. However, these driving situations may cause you to visit an alignment shop sooner:

  • Spirited driving
  • Pothole impacts
  • Collisions
  • Off-road driving

The cost of wheel alignment will depend on whether your vehicle is receiving a front- or four-wheel alignment. Alignments on larger vehicles, such as heavy-duty pickup trucks or commercial vehicles, often cost more than smaller vehicles like sedans and SUVs.

At Parra Car Care, we work to help you save money by offering low, affordable prices without sacrificing quality. We also encourage you to check our current service specials and see how much you can save on your vehicle’s service.

These are a few signs that your vehicle needs car alignment:

  • Tilted Steering Wheel — You may need a wheel alignment if you notice that the emblem on your steering wheel is a few degrees off-center when you’re driving on a flat, even road.
  • Uneven Tire Wear — Uneven tire wear is a telltale sign that your car’s alignment is off. If your tires are worn on the inside or outside ring of the tread, your vehicle’s weight is not evenly distributed across its four tires. This is likely a sign that you need a wheel alignment.
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