Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Service Questions Southampton NY

Answer Your Common Service Questions at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Southampton

To keep your Ram, Jeep, Chrysler or Dodge vehicle running as smoothly as it did when you first drove it off of the lot, regular maintenance is key. You can even avoid expensive repairs and save money at the gas pump by staying on top of simple maintenance tasks like tire rotations and oil changes. Here are the answers to some common questions that drivers in the Southampton and Riverhead area have.

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

Generally, your check engine light could indicate a problem with your emissions system in your vehicle, such as an issue with your catalytic converter. It could also indicate a problem with your spark plugs or even a small issue like a loose gas cap. Some vehicles have separate lights for the engine and oil pressure, while others use only the check engine light as an umbrella for a range of engine issues. If you don't have a dedicated oil alert, your check engine light may indicate a loss of oil pressure or that the oil level is too low. You should always heed these warnings and bring your vehicle to our mechanics near East Patchogue, as damage could be extensive and expensive if you continue to drive.

How Often Should I Have the Oil in my Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram Vehicle Changed?

There's good advice in your owner's manual regarding oil weight and type as well as oil change intervals. Optimized for your particular Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram vehicle, it's good to heed that specific advice when planning maintenance. A loose rule of thumb for an oil change is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or twice a year if you don't put a lot of mileage on your vehicle. Synthetic oil allows you to extend the intervals between changes. We encourage you to visit our dealership near Sag Harbor to find the right solution for your vehicle.

What's the Best Kind of Tire For My Vehicle?

Your owner's manual includes the correct tire pressure, as well as the tire type and size for your particular vehicle. If you want dedicated summer and winter tires, you may want to purchase a separate set of rims for the alternate set so they can be changed easily. All-season tires are a good compromise for general driving in Hampton Bays. Still, if you're planning on driving in deep snow, winter tires offer both an optimized tread pattern and the chemical composition to keep them supple in subzero temperatures. Remember to have your tires rotated regularly to keep tread wear even.

Is an Alignment Really Necessary?

You should have an alignment performed each time you put on a new set of tires at our Long Island dealership. Not only will it keep your tires from developing an uneven wear pattern, but it can also keep your steering wheel calibrated for better handling.

How Often Should I Have My Brakes Done?

This will depend largely on your driving style and typical route. Those who spend the majority of their time driving on loosely populated highways can get a lot more mileage out of their brake pads than someone who commutes in stop and go city traffic daily. It's vital for your safety to maintain your brakes, so if they begin squeaking, bring your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection. Flushing your braking system of used fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid, known as bleeding your brakes, falls under the long term maintenance heading of every 50,000 miles or so, but check your owner's manual to be sure.

What Other Maintenance is Important?

Your engine has four filters in the fuel, air, and oil categories that all streamline performance. Changing those when necessary, along with maintenance like replacing windshield wipers or burnt bulbs, will keep your vehicle performing as it should. You can also have an aging battery tested when heading into winter or summer to ascertain if it's up to the demands of the season.

Visit the Service Center at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Southampton to Learn More

If you'd like to learn more about your vehicle's specific service needs, we encourage you to visit our dealership near Riverhead and East Patchogue soon. You can meet with our trusted service professionals and get your vehicle driving just like new in no time. We look forward to working with you soon!