Car Care Tips2024-08-16T10:35:10-05:00

Car Care & Car Maintenance Tips

Tire Shop Guide to Tire Safety for Drivers

When you’re thinking about your car’s safety features, tires probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Even so, your wheels are responsible for protecting you and your passengers. A good set of tires [...]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON

  • 32 Point Vehicle Inspection

  • Text Updates & Digital Reports

  • Honest Repair Advice

Go to Top