Your Car Maintenance Questions, Answered by a Mechanic in Mineral Wells
- Kasi Drummer
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
We took a poll from our customers and asked them common questions that you might ask a mechanic. We got a lot of really great questions. Below are the full questions and the full answers as provided, followed by a short, plain‑language take from our side of the counter. If you are in Mineral Wells and want a second opinion or a quick check, we are happy to help.
How often should I change my oil?
Answer: For most late-model vehicles the factory schedule lands between 5,000 and 7,500 miles (or 6–12 months) under “normal” driving. Engines that require full-synthetic oil (turbo, direct-injection, high-output) may stretch to 10,000–15,000 miles. Always default to the interval shown in your owner’s-manual or electronic maintenance monitor, which adjusts for “severe-duty” use such as lots of short trips, extreme temps, towing, or dusty roads.
Mechanic’s quick take: If you are unsure, follow the car’s maintenance monitor. Synthetic usually stretches farther, but towing, short trips, and Texas heat shorten the interval.
Do I really need transmission-fluid, coolant and brake-fluid services, and when?
Answer: Yes, each fluid has a service life even if it looks “clean”:
Fluid | Typical factory interval* | Why it matters |
Automatic-transmission fluid | 60 k–100 k mi (30 k–60 k mi for many manuals, CVTs or heavy-duty use) | Worn fluid loses friction modifiers → heat & clutch damage |
Engine coolant | 5 yrs / 100 k mi for long-life OAT/HOAT; 2 yrs / 30 k mi for “green” conventional | Spent coolant turns acidic and stops protecting gaskets & metals |
Brake fluid | Every 2 yrs (or 30-45 k mi). It’s hygroscopic—absorbs water even in a sealed system | Water lowers boiling point, corrodes ABS solenoids & calipers |
*Always verify by VIN; hybrids, EVs and some heavy-duty trucks publish different charts.
Mechanic’s quick take: Fluids wear out even when they look fine. Brake fluid draws water, coolant loses protection, and transmission fluid loses its grip. Fresh fluids prevent expensive parts from failing.
Timing belt vs. timing chain: do I have one, and when does it need attention?
Answer:
Timing belt (rubber/fiber): Most gas engines built 1990-2015 and some modern ones. Change at 60 k–100 k miles or 5-7 years—whichever comes first—to avoid catastrophic valve-piston.
Timing chain (steel): Common on many 2010-up engines. Intended to last the life of the engine, but only if oil changes are on time; sludge or low oil stretches chains. Inspect (listen for rattle, scan cam/crank correlation) after ~150 k mi or if codes.
The quickest way to know which you have: enter your VIN on the maker’s service-information site or check the maintenance section of the owner’s manual.
Mechanic’s quick take: Belts are scheduled parts, chains depend on clean oil. If you hear rattle at start‑up or see timing codes, get it checked before damage occurs.
When should I replace spark plugs? Coils?
Answer:
Spark plugs
Copper-core: ~30 k mi
Platinum: ~60 k mi
Iridium/laser-platinum (most 2000-up cars): 90 k–120 k mi. Confirm gap & torque whenever removed.
Ignition coils have no time/mileage schedule; replace only when misfire diagnostics point to a weak or open coil. Keeping plugs fresh prevents coil overload.
Mechanic’s quick take: Replace plugs on schedule, and the coils usually live a long life. Misfires under load often point to a weak coil or a worn plug.
Do I need synthetic oil?
Answer: Use it if either (a) your manual specifies it, or (b) you want the extra margin. AAA testing found synthetics resist heat, sludge, and shear ~50 % better than conventional oil, at roughly $5 more per month on a normal service schedule. They are especially helpful for turbo engines, stop-and-go commuters, extreme-temperature climates, and extended drain intervals. If your engine is designed for conventional oil and sees light duty, conventional still meets spec, just follow the shorter interval.
Mechanic’s quick take: Synthetic handles Texas heat and turbos better. If your car calls for it, use it. If it does not, you can still use it for extra protection.
How often should I rotate/balance tires and get an alignment?
Answer:
Rotate & balance: Every 5,000–7,000 miles (basically at every oil change) unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Balancing is usually bundled with rotation or done any time you feel vibration.
Wheel alignment: Have it checked yearly (or roughly every 10–12 k mi) and immediately after curb/pothole hits, suspension work, or uneven tire wear. Many shops quote a 6,000-mile check for older vehicles or off-road use.
Mechanic’s quick take: Rotate at each oil change for even wear. Check alignment once a year, and any time the wheel sits off center or the tires wear unevenly.
How long do brakes/rotors typically last?
Answer: Brake-pad life swings widely with driving style and vehicle weight, but the industry average is 25 k–65 k miles for pads and 30 k–70 k miles for rotors. City stop-and-go, towing, or performance driving shortens those numbers; highway and hybrids (regenerative braking) stretch them. Measure pad thickness at every tire rotation; replace pads below 3 mm and rotors below the minimum thickness stamped on the hat.
Rule of thumb: your owner’s manual (or the OEM service portal, searchable by VIN) always overrides generic charts. Use these intervals to start the conversation and budget, then fine-tune for your exact car and driving conditions.
Mechanic’s quick take: Pad and rotor life depends on how and where you drive. Measure thickness rather than guessing, and plan service before you hear metal.
Need a mechanic in Mineral Wells
If you are in Mineral Wells or nearby, we can check fluids, plugs, brakes, and alignment, and we can translate the maintenance schedule into a simple plan. Our owner, Rhonda, set out to make this the shop where people feel respected and informed. We want S&S Auto and Diesel to be the preferred auto shop for women in Mineral Wells, and we work for that trust every day.
S&S Auto and Diesel
(940) 325‑1221 ·
Open Monday through Friday 9-6
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