| Preventative maintenance is extremely important and will prolong the life of your car as well as lessen the chances, frustration and expense of an unexpected breakdown.
These basic car maintenance tips will give you a general guide, but so much depends on driving habits. At Kerber Automotive we form a partnership with each customer and get to know their driving habits and avoid costly auto repairs through regular maintenance.
When should I get my oil changed?
We recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles. You may be able to go longer if you're a bit more technical and check under your hood for the levels (ex. oil, fluids, belts, hoses & tire pressure).
What do I need to do when my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these components fail, the "check engine" light comes on. If the light is on steady and driving appears fine you have time to schedule maintenance. If the light is flashing and you’re having a drivability issue this needs immediate attention.
When should I change my spark plugs?
Spark plugs are key to maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance. Replace your spark plugs every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
How often do I need to rotate my tires?
Every other oil change is a good rule of thumb, or every 6,000 miles. Neglecting tire rotation is a major cause of premature tire wear. Rotation will extend tire life span. Properly inflated tires help fuel efficiency, handling and performance.
Is replacing the timing belt at the recommended interval really necessary?
YES. In most all cars with a timing belt the failure will be catastrophic engine damage. Repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much more expensive than the cost of a timing belt replacement.
What do I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is always serious – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, safely pull off the road and turn the engine OFF! Don’t try to check the fluid level in the radiator as you can get burned by it. The best thing is to have your car towed to a repair shop.
What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Though more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, synthetic motor oil, can improve fuel efficiency and provide longer intervals between changes.
When do I need to replace my car’s fuel filter?
Approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual is best to help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance.
When do I need to replace my air filter?
For maximum fuel efficiency and performance we recommend 15,000–30,000 miles.
How often do I change my cabin filter?
The function of the cabin filter is cleaning the air passing through the a/c and heater. Neglected it WILL result in poor a/c and heater performance over time. We recommend changing it every 15,000–30,000 miles or once a year.
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Family Owned and Operated
30 years experience
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12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on all auto repairs
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Quality Auto Parts
Quality Auto Repair & Service
"I know that Mike is always there for all of my car needs, he's honest and upfront and makes only the repairs that are needed. I also like the idea that I'm informed when my oil changes & lubes are due. As a woman who looks at mileage? Thank you, Mike for being there for me."
—Lola, West Covina
"I have been one of Mike Kerber's regular customers for more than ten years. He has kept several automobiles reliable and running for myself, my wife, and my son. I have found him to be knowledgeable and trustworthy. He always explains what the car needs in such a way that I understand the reason for the work he is doing. Jobs are completed when promised, and I have a high level of satisfaction with the final result. If I wanted to offer a slogan for Kerber automotive, it would be,
'You can count on Mike.' "
—Frank, Upland
"Mike Kerber has been there for me through good and bad cars. I could always count on Mike getting me in for emergencies and giving me an honest diagnosis of the problem. A reliable trusted mechanic is hard to find. Thank you, Mike."
—Barbara, Upland
"I live out of state but my daughter is going to school in Claremont. She had her car towed to a Pep Boys who told me that it needed a water pump and $1,200.00 worth of repairs. A friend of mine referred me to Mike for a second opinion. Not only did Mike realize that the water pump was fine and fix the car for only $150.00, he made sure my daughter had his number in case she ever needed any assistance or had any questions in the future. Mike strikes me as extremely knowledgeable, honest and helpful."
—Michael G., Portland, Oregon
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