J & Z Garage

This light means your car’s onboard computer system (OBD1 or OBD2) has detected a problem with the engine, transmission, or emission system. It could be something simple like a loose gas cap (check this first!), or it could indicate a more significant issue like a failing oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, spark plugs/wires, or mass airflow sensor. If your check engine light stays on, that usually means to get it checked soon, and if your check engine light is flashing – that indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. At J&Z, we will use a computer to diagnose the issue and provide you all the insight from the computer as well as how much it costs to fix.

If your vehicle is older, the golden rule of “every 3,000 miles” is often used, but nowadays most cars can go much longer. Many vehicles now recommend oil changes between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, or even more, using synthetic oil. Your car owner’s manual is the best source for your specific car’s recommended interval and oil type (conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic). Synthetic oils generally offer better protection and last longer, but cost more. Factors like driving habits (frequent short trips, towing, extreme temperatures) might change how frequently you need to change your oil. You can also search for your users manual online, or give us a call and we can help out.

This answer is complicated – it really varies based on what you need repaired and what type of vehicle you own. Some vehicles require parts to be imported from around the world, and require significant disassembly just to get to the part, so while a part may be inexpensive, the installation may be very labor-intensive. For bigger jobs like this, we understand the challenge and try to explain the reason for the cost or offer you a bulk rate instead of charging you per hour. We always use OEM parts and warranty all parts and labor.

Brake wear depends heavily on your driving style and road conditions. If you daily drive into the city where there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic, you will need to replace your brakes more frequently. Generally speaking, pads might last anywhere from 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Key warning signs your brakes need attention include:

• Squealing, screeching, or grinding noises when braking.
• Vibration or pulsing felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel.
• A soft or spongy feeling brake pedal.
• The car taking longer to stop.
• The brake warning light illuminating on your dashboard.

Regular inspections (often done during tire rotations) are crucial. Rotors may need replacing or resurfacing along with pads if they are warped, grooved, or too thin. Don’t ignore brake issues – they are critical for safety.

Your tires can need replacement for a few reasons:

• Tread depth – if your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, you should replace them. You can use the penny test – put a penny in your tread and if you see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace them.
• Uneven wear – this may also require an alignment, as this typically means your tires are rotating in a way that’s not perfectly circular.
• Cracks or bulges – this indicates a broken bead, which can happen if you hit a pothole or a curb too hard. Beads are structural within the tire and if they break, this requires immediate repair.
• Tires age – the rubber in tires degrade over time; many manufacturers recommend replacement after 6-10 years, regardless of tread depth. There is a date code on your tires. When in doubt, check the date code.
• Rotation: Rotating tires (moving them to different positions) helps them wear more evenly, extending their life. A common recommendation is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, often coinciding with oil changes. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval and pattern.

If repairs become overwhelming, we can help you prioritize. In general, repairs fall into a few categories:

• Safety Critical: this is usually problems with brakes (not just pads), tires, steering, suspension, or lights often require immediate attention. Delaying these is risky.
• Preventative Maintenance: Things like fluid changes/flushes or timing belt replacements prevent much larger, more expensive problems down the road. Delaying slightly might be okay, but ignoring them leads to more serious issues. Something like a timing belt replacement can be a low-cost replacement, but if this is neglected it can blow your engine.
• Performance/Convenience: A minor oil leak or a noisy component might be something you can live with temporarily, but it could worsen over time.

Give us a call and let us know what problems you’re having and we can often help you prioritize over the phone.