inspections, car care & tune ups
Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001
While your owner’s manual will have slightly different recommendations for how often to replace your fluids, filters, timing belts, and tires, the trained auto service mechanics at All Around Auto Repair have electronic diagnostic tools to tell whether parts have worn out before their time. Unchanged: While your owner’s manual will have slightly different recommendations for how often to replace your fluids, filters, timing belts, and tires, the trained auto service mechanics at All Around Auto Repair have electronic diagnostic tools to tell whether parts have worn out before their time.
Your owner’s manual will set the basic rules, however, and tell you whether you’re using the right gas in your vehicle when you fill up at the pump every week and whether a synthetic oil might be the best option for your vehicle. Unchanged: Your owner’s manual will set the basic rules, however, and tell you whether you’re using the right gas in your vehicle when you fill up at the pump every week and whether a synthetic oil might be the best option for your vehicle.
The danger in throwing caution to the wind or just doing whatever when it comes to maintaining your vehicle is that you could be using more expensive gasoline that you need or skip routine auto service that could have saved you thousands long term. Yikes! Unchanged: The danger in throwing caution to the wind or just doing whatever when it comes to maintaining your vehicle is that you could be using more expensive gasoline that you need or skip routine auto service that could have saved you thousands long term. Yikes!
Making Your Preliminary Inspections
Spending a little bit of money on preventative maintenance now will undoubtedly save you thousands of dollars down the road – pardon the pun – in terms of all the money that you’ll save from not having to replace your engine or (perish the thought) replacement vehicle. Spending a little bit of money on preventative maintenance now will undoubtedly save you thousands of dollars down the road – pardon the pun – in terms of all the money that you’ll save from not having to replace your engine or (perish the thought) replacement vehicle.
Basic Visual Inspection Unchanged: Basic Visual Inspection
Give your vehicle a quick visual inspection to ensure that all of your head lights, fog lights, tail lights, and brake lights are working, especially when you apply pressure to the brakes. Have someone stand behind the vehicle and confirm that your lights are working properly. Unchanged: Give your vehicle a quick visual inspection to ensure that all of your head lights, fog lights, tail lights, and brake lights are working, especially when you apply pressure to the brakes. Have someone stand behind the vehicle and confirm that your lights are working properly.
Next, check the tires. Look for any kind of tilt to your vehicle, which could indicate that one of your tires is under-inflated. Your tires have wear indicators that can clue you in to potential issues early, or you could rely on the penny test to get a rough estimate of your tires’ remaining tread. Unchanged: Next, check the tires. Look for any kind of tilt to your vehicle, which could indicate that one of your tires is under-inflated. Your tires have wear indicators that can clue you in to potential issues early, or you could rely on the penny test to get a rough estimate of your tires’ remaining tread.
Check Your Fluid Levels
Checking your antifreeze (a.k.a., coolant) and wiper fluid levels isn’t that difficult, and topping off those fluids is actually pretty easy. Many of your fluids will have gauges, dipsticks, and notches that indicate whether you’re running low. Unchanged: Checking your antifreeze (a.k.a., coolant) and wiper fluid levels isn’t that difficult, and topping off those fluids is actually pretty easy. Many of your fluids will have gauges, dipsticks, and notches that indicate whether you’re running low.
Checking your power steering fluid (small tank by firewall), transmission fluid (front of engine by transaxle), and engine oil can be more challenging, and if you’re not feeling adventurous you may simply want to take your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair for inspection, routine maintenance, and auto service. Unchanged: Checking your power steering fluid (small tank by firewall), transmission fluid (front of engine by transaxle), and engine oil can be more challenging, and if you’re not feeling adventurous you may simply want to take your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair for inspection, routine maintenance, and auto service.
Coolant
With your coolant, you’ll want to look near the overflow container by the radiator and make sure that the liquid level is above the minimum level. Coolant is the yellow or green fluid by the radiator and works to keep the radiator from overheating or freezing. With your coolant, you’ll want to look near the overflow container by the radiator and make sure that the liquid level is above the minimum level. Coolant is the yellow or green fluid by the radiator and works to keep the radiator from overheating or freezing.
If your coolant’s below what your vehicle needs, then all that you need to typically do is create a 50/50 mix with water/antifreeze and slowly fill the level to be above the line. Unchanged: If your coolant’s below what your vehicle needs, then all that you need to typically do is create a 50/50 mix with water/antifreeze and slowly fill the level to be above the line.
Engine Oil
Moving on to engine oil, that’s probably the most important of all but something that you might want to leave to the certified mechanics at All Around Auto Repair if you’re not completely confident. Unchanged: Moving on to engine oil, that’s probably the most important of all but something that you might want to leave to the certified mechanics at All Around Auto Repair if you’re not completely confident.
Engine oil, after all, is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine in that it prevents gunk buildup and overheating. Unchanged: Engine oil, after all, is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine in that it prevents gunk buildup and overheating.
Important note: Always follow your owner’s manual when it comes to the procedure to follow for checking your engine oil. Some vehicle’s owner’s manuals will tell you to check the oil while the engine is cold whereas others will say to check the oil when the vehicle has warmed up. Unchanged: Important note: Always follow your owner’s manual when it comes to the procedure to follow for checking your engine oil. Some vehicle’s owner’s manuals will tell you to check the oil while the engine is cold whereas others will say to check the oil when the vehicle has warmed up.
Some vehicles also have an electronic oil monitor whereas older vehicles will have a dipstick with a low/high or max/min icon that will indicate proper oil level. Unchanged: Some vehicles also have an electronic oil monitor whereas older vehicles will have a dipstick with a low/high or max/min icon that will indicate proper oil level.
While most vehicle owners might be able to change their coolant and windshield washer fluid themselves, changing the engine oil or power steering fluid can be much more complicated. When in doubt, rely on All Around Auto Repair. Schedule routine maintenance, oil changes, or auto service today.

Inspections, Car Care & Tune Ups at All Around Auto Repair
We have a lot to say about Inspections, Car Care & Tune Ups and the importance of regular maintenance for your vehicle. See our articles below to learn more about how to keep your vehicle in it’s best condition:

What really happens during a vehicle inspection
Everything you need to know before your next service visit Whether you’re planning a road trip, buying a used car, or just want peace of mind on the road, a vehicle inspection is one of the smartest things you can do for your car. Yet many drivers—especially...

Seasonal maintenance tips you shouldn’t ignore
A Year-Round Guide to Protecting Your Vehicle from Extreme Temperatures Your car is built to handle a lot, but weather is one of the most underestimated forces that can impact your vehicle’s performance, longevity, and safety. Whether you’re facing the blistering heat...

Dashboard warning lights decoded: what they really mean and when to take action
You’re driving along, everything feels fine, and then bing, a dashboard warning light comes on. Maybe it’s the little engine icon, maybe a red exclamation mark, or a thermometer symbol you’ve never seen before. Do you need to pull over immediately? Is your car about...

How to spot a good used car before you buy — mechanic-backed tips for non-experts
A Practical Guide for Smart Second-Hand Car Shopping Buying a used car can feel like a gamble—especially if you’re not mechanically inclined. You want something reliable, affordable, and safe. But how can you tell if that shiny vehicle on Craigslist or at the...

What happens to your car when it sits too long
In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for a car to sit unused for weeks—or even months—at a time. Whether you’re working from home, driving less, storing a second vehicle, or leaving your car parked for the winter, long periods of inactivity can take a real toll on your...

How Often Should You Really Service Your Car?
An Honest Guide to Smart Car Maintenance If you’ve ever felt unsure about how often your car really needs service, you’re not alone. One shop tells you to come in every 3,000 miles. Your owner’s manual says 7,500. Your neighbor says they go a whole year without...

Top 7 Car Maintenance Tips to Avoid Major Repairs
A Practical Guide to Keeping Your Vehicle Reliable and Repair Costs Low At All Around Auto Repair, we often tell our customers one simple truth: Preventive maintenance costs a little now—but saves a lot later. Whether you’re driving a brand-new sedan or an older SUV...

Should I Fix My Old Car or Buy a New One? What Mechanics Really Think
It’s the question nearly every car owner faces at some point: “Should I fix my old car or buy a new one?” When a costly repair suddenly pops up—like a blown transmission, a failing engine, or an electrical issue that affects drivability—it’s normal to wonder whether...

5 Sounds You Should Never Ignore from Your Car
Cars speak to us in more ways than just through warning lights and gauges. One of the most important—and often overlooked—ways your car communicates is through sound. That strange squeal, clunk, or hum you hear while driving may not just be annoying; it could be your...

Engine Work and Overhauls at All Around Auto Repair
Your engine is the heart of your vehicle—it powers everything from your daily commute to long road trips. But like any hardworking machine, it experiences wear and tear over time. Whether you need minor engine repairs, major overhauls, or a full rebuild, All Around...
Automotive Services
All Around Auto Repair provides maintenance for cars of all makes and models. Our mechanics also service most types of recreational vehicles, boats, and motor homes. We use sophisticated diagnostic computers to find out why your check engine light went on and identify any other problems with your vehicle.

Oil Changes
A regular oil change lubricates your engine in the short term and provides long-term protection by actually cleaning your engine’s parts as it goes about its business of taking you from point A to point B.

Brake Repairs and Replacements
Too many people think that brake problems either mean you need new brake pads or all new brakes. A smart auto mechanic can find other solutions. We love solving problems and educating our customers.

Inspections, Car Care & Tune Ups
Slight vibrations in your steering wheel or brakes that grind and become less effective are surefire, though sometimes subtle, signs that you're overdue for a tune up. Don't wait for the check engine light.

Scheduled Maintenance (30k/60k/90k)
Getting your vehicle serviced is critical to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and on the road for longer. You're probably already pretty familiar with the importance of getting your oil changed, but did you know that this is only one kind of car service that you can get?

Engine Work and Overhauls
Whether you car needs some minor engine work, or a complete disassembly for an overhaul, All Around Auto Repair can help.

Diagnostic Tests
Without a doubt, diagnostics tools make life easier for all of us. Computers and sensors inside your car can alert you to trouble before something bad happens or significantly speed up the search for a solution.

Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Auto experts say that the benefits of maintaining a comfortable temperature far outweigh the marginal increase in fuel economy that you'll get from being sweaty and uncomfortable by going a few degrees warmer.

Transmission Service and Repair
Good transmission service and repair is essential for your vehicle because it will promote optimal performance and prevent the failure of the component.

Clutch Repair and Replacement
Though the quality and lifespan of the typical clutch has improved over the years, it will not last forever. If you have driven your vehicle in excess of 20,000 miles, you should have its clutch inspected at least once a year.


Wheel Alignment
Automobile wheel alignment is an essential aspect of car maintenance that every car owner should prioritize.
