Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I wax or wash my car after it’s been painted?

Yes, most modern refinishes are cured when they come out of the oven. Auto body shops are equipped with car-sized ovens: the materials used to paint your vehicle are cured when heated at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time. When the vehicle comes out of the booth it may feel tacky but should be a workable surface immediately, including wet sand and polish. If you just picked up your vehicle after it has been painted or repaired, you can wash and wax it at your leisure. No shop should give you a vehicle back that cannot be washed. If they say you can’t wash or wax it for any period of time, they are likely using inferior techniques or products.

Why are my car’s bumper and fender a different color?

There are many reasons why bumpers and adjacent panels (fenders, quarter panels) may look like different colors. The most common is that’s the way the factory made it. Painted parts are often finished at different facilities, so mixing, environment, stirring and spraying all affect the result. Paint on a plastic bumper next to a metal part can also look slightly different, especially with pearl paint, which can change how it looks in the sun.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high-output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, for vehicles used for towing (especially during hot weather), and for vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off. Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a trusted auto repair facility.