Yes, but that’s just one of the many reasons your service engine light might be on. If your gas cap is secure and the light is still on after driving it for a while, you should probably get it checked by an Automotive Professional.

[Top]

How often should I have my oil changed?

The general rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles. But there are a wide variety of options today that could extend the time between oil changes; such as using synthetic oil. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle and follow the manufacturers recommendations for oil type and change frequency.

[Top]

What all do you check when you perform an oil change?

We have a multi-point inspection that includes checking and topping off your fluids, wipers, belts, hoses, verifying the lights work properly, tire pressure, filter conditions and many other small maintenance checks. Ask Tom about it when you bring your vehicle in and he’ll tell you all about it.

[Top]

How often should I rotate my tires?

The general rule of thumb here is every 6,000 miles, but it’s often easier to remember to do it every other oil change. That could be misleading, however, if you use extended life oil that may prolong the frequency of your oil changes. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle and follow the manufacturers recommendations for tire rotation frequency.

For more information, we also recommend this article: How do I know when my tires need to be rotated?

[Top]

How do I know if I have a bad belt?

A bad belt will sometimes make a very loud squealing sound. Typically, you can tell your belt may be due for replacement with a simple visual inspection. Often you will see signs of cracking and/or glazing on the belt when it’s due for replacement. When in doubt, as always, consult your Car Care Professional.

[Top]

I have a turn signal / headlight out. Can you replace that for me?

Of course we can! But we’ll be honest with you about this. It’ll be a little cheaper if you go get the bulb from your local parts store and bring it with you.

[Top]

Do I have to take my car to the dealership when there’s a problem?

If your car is still under the factory warranty and you think you may have an issue covered by that warranty, this actually not a bad idea. But manufacturer warranties rarely cover maintenance items and normal wear tear. So oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements and things like that will not affect your warranty at all. In fact, having a documentable record of regular maintenance performed by Certified Automotive Technicians may help should a warranty issue unfortunately arise.

[Top]

I’m having issues with my car pulling to one side, does that mean I need an alignment?

It might. But it might also mean you have low pressure in one of tires. Does it only happen on a very specific stretch of road? It could just be the road in that spot. But if your tire pressure is good and it happens pretty much all the time no matter where you’re driving; you should definitely bring it in and let us take a look. Letting an alignment or suspension problem go for too long can cause damage to your tires and potentially other suspension related components. In some rare cases, it can even be a safety issue. Get it checked as soon as you can to be sure.

For more information, we also recommend this article: How do I know when my car needs to be realigned?

[Top]

How do I know when I need new brakes?

This can be a tough question to answer sometimes because cars can make so many different kinds of sounds. Brakes actually have an indicator on them that will make a high pitched squealing sound when you apply the brakes. This is the most common indicator that you need to have your brakes checked.

Another common symptom is if your brake pedal is noticeably lower than it used to be. You used to just barely tap the brake pedal and the car stopped and now you have to depress the pedal about half way before you really start slowing down. Or perhaps you feel a pulsing or a vibration in the brake pedal when braking.

Sometimes, people will encounter a “spongy” brake pedal or a pedal that goes all the way to floor and doesn’t seem to be working. Or perhaps they have to “pump them up” a couple times before the car begins braking. This kind of issue can often indicate a more serious problem than a simple routine brake job. If you are experiencing this kind of issue, please have it checked immediately. Bandy’s Auto Service offers free brake inspections to our customers to ensure they are traveling safely.

For more information, we also recommend this article: 5 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked

[Top]

My car is really loud, does that mean I need a new muffler?

It could mean several things, but an exhaust issue is one of those possibilities. If you also have a noticeable exhaust fume kind of smell inside the car, it’s likely an exhaust problem. Bandy’s Auto Service handles exhaust problems better than anyone else in the area. We’d be happy to take a look and let you know where the problem is and what it will take to fix it.

For more information, we also recommend this article: Signs of Problems with Your Car's Muffler

[Top]

My check engine light is on, but the car runs fine. Should I have it checked or not?

You should absolutely have it checked out. But honestly, if the car is running just fine, you may be ok to schedule that service at your convenience. If you notice something smells funny, the vehicle is running “funny” or acting unusual; we always recommend you adopt the “Better Safe Than Sorry” policy. We don’t want you to get stranded on a road somewhere. The safety of you and your family always comes first.

For more information, we also recommend this article: What does check engine light mean?

[Top]

6771 W Washington St Indianapolis, Indiana 46241 (317)-241-2336
Suspension Maintenance Brakes Exhaust Climate Control Engine Diagnostics
Frequently Asked Questions When are you open? How can we contact you? Where are you located? Do I have to drop my car off or can I wait? Can I set an appointment? Can the gas cap really make my check engine light come on? How often should I have my oil changed? What all do you check when you perform an oil change? How often should I rotate my tires? How do I know if I have a bad belt? I have a turn signal / headlight out. Can you replace that for me? Do I have to take my car to the dealership when there’s a problem? I’m having issues with my car pulling to one side, does that mean I need an alignment? How do I know when I need new brakes? My car is really loud, does that mean I need a new muffler? My check engine light is on, but the car runs fine. Should I have it checked or not? When are you open? We are open 8:00 am until 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday We are closed Saturday and Sunday [Top] How can we contact you? You can reach us at (317)-241-2336 [Top] Where are you located? 6771 W Washington St Indianapolis, Indiana 46241 Right across the street from Kmart [Top] Do I have to drop my car off or can I wait? Either works for us. So whichever is convenient for you. [Top] Can I set an appointment? Of course! Give us a call at (317)-241-2336 to see what’s available. [Top] Can the gas cap really make my check engine light come on? Yes, but that’s just one of the many reasons your service engine light might be on. If your gas cap is secure and the light is still on after driving it for a while, you should probably get it checked by an Automotive Professional. [Top] How often should I have my oil changed? The general rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles. But there are a wide variety of options today that could extend the time between oil changes; such as using synthetic oil. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle and follow the manufacturers recommendations for oil type and change frequency. [Top] What all do you check when you perform an oil change? We have a multi-point inspection that includes checking and topping off your fluids, wipers, belts, hoses, verifying the lights work properly, tire pressure, filter conditions and many other small maintenance checks. Ask Tom about it when you bring your vehicle in and he’ll tell you all about it. [Top] How often should I rotate my tires? The general rule of thumb here is every 6,000 miles, but it’s often easier to remember to do it every other oil change. That could be misleading, however, if you use extended life oil that may prolong the frequency of your oil changes. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle and follow the manufacturers recommendations for tire rotation frequency. For more information, we also recommend this article: How do I know when my tires need to be rotated? [Top] How do I know if I have a bad belt? A bad belt will sometimes make a very loud squealing sound. Typically, you can tell your belt may be due for replacement with a simple visual inspection. Often you will see signs of cracking and/or glazing on the belt when it’s due for replacement. When in doubt, as always, consult your Car Care Professional. [Top] I have a turn signal / headlight out. Can you replace that for me? Of course we can! But we’ll be honest with you about this. It’ll be a little cheaper if you go get the bulb from your local parts store and bring it with you. [Top] Do I have to take my car to the dealership when there’s a problem? If your car is still under the factory warranty and you think you may have an issue covered by that warranty, this actually not a bad idea. But manufacturer warranties rarely cover maintenance items and normal wear tear. So oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements and things like that will not affect your warranty at all. In fact, having a documentable record of regular maintenance performed by Certified Automotive Technicians may help should a warranty issue unfortunately arise. [Top] I’m having issues with my car pulling to one side, does that mean I need an alignment? It might. But it might also mean you have low pressure in one of tires. Does it only happen on a very specific stretch of road? It could just be the road in that spot. But if your tire pressure is good and it happens pretty much all the time no matter where you’re driving; you should definitely bring it in and let us take a look. Letting an alignment or suspension problem go for too long can cause damage to your tires and potentially other suspension related components. In some rare cases, it can even be a safety issue. Get it checked as soon as you can to be sure. For more information, we also recommend this article: How do I know when my car needs to be realigned? [Top] How do I know when I need new brakes? This can be a tough question to answer sometimes because cars can make so many different kinds of sounds. Brakes actually have an indicator on them that will make a high pitched squealing sound when you apply the brakes. This is the most common indicator that you need to have your brakes checked. Another common symptom is if your brake pedal is noticeably lower than it used to be. You used to just barely tap the brake pedal and the car stopped and now you have to depress the pedal about half way before you really start slowing down. Or perhaps you feel a pulsing or a vibration in the brake pedal when braking. Sometimes, people will encounter a “spongy” brake pedal or a pedal that goes all the way to floor and doesn’t seem to be working. Or perhaps they have to “pump them up” a couple times before the car begins braking. This kind of issue can often indicate a more serious problem than a simple routine brake job. If you are experiencing this kind of issue, please have it checked immediately. Bandy’s Auto Service offers free brake inspections to our customers to ensure they are traveling safely. For more information, we also recommend this article: 5 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked [Top] My car is really loud, does that mean I need a new muffler? It could mean several things, but an exhaust issue is one of those possibilities. If you also have a noticeable exhaust fume kind of smell inside the car, it’s likely an exhaust problem. Bandy’s Auto Service handles exhaust problems better than anyone else in the area. We’d be happy to take a look and let you know where the problem is and what it will take to fix it. For more information, we also recommend this article: Signs of Problems with Your Car's Muffler [Top] My check engine light is on, but the car runs fine. Should I have it checked or not? You should absolutely have it checked out. But honestly, if the car is running just fine, you may be ok to schedule that service at your convenience. If you notice something smells funny, the vehicle is running “funny” or acting unusual; we always recommend you adopt the “Better Safe Than Sorry” policy. We don’t want you to get stranded on a road somewhere. The safety of you and your family always comes first. For more information, we also recommend this article: What does check engine light mean? [Top]
Welcome ~ Contact Us ~ Services ~ About Us ~ Frequently Asked Questions

6771 W Washington St Indianapolis, Indiana 46241 (317)-241-2336

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome ~ Contact Us ~ Services ~ About Us ~ Frequently Asked Questions