FAQs

Yes on both counts.

The air filter is what cleans the air being ingested into your engine in order to burn the fuel. Dirty or clogged engine air filters limit the amount of air entering the engine and are one of the major reasons for poor performance and fuel economy. Generally the engine air filter should be replaced about every 20-30,000 miles unless your vehicle is being operated in very dusty or dirty conditions. In which case, it may be necessary to change the filter more often to insure optimal engine protection and performance. The cabin air filter is not required for optimal engine performance. The cabin air filter is designed to filter the air entering the interior of the vehicle. Generally the cabin air filter should be replaced about every 30-40,000 miles unless your vehicle is being operated in very dusty or dirty conditions. It filters out dust, pollen as well as catches leaves, pine straw and all kinds of debris that end up in your car’s fresh air intake. If you vehicle starts to smell musty it may be time to change the cabin air.

Island Tire & Automotive Services maintains a comprehensive inventory of engine air filters and cabin air filters for all makes of domestic and import vehicles. 

Yes on both counts.

The air filter is what cleans the air being ingested into your engine in order to burn the fuel. Dirty or clogged engine air filters limit the amount of air entering the engine and are one of the major reasons for poor performance and fuel economy. Generally the engine air filter should be replaced about every 20-30,000 miles unless your vehicle is being operated in very dusty or dirty conditions. In which case, it may be necessary to change the filter more often to insure optimal engine protection and performance. The cabin air filter is not required for optimal engine performance. The cabin air filter is designed to filter the air entering the interior of the vehicle. Generally the cabin air filter should be replaced about every 30-40,000 miles unless your vehicle is being operated in very dusty or dirty conditions. It filters out dust, pollen as well as catches leaves, pine straw and all kinds of debris that end up in your car’s fresh air intake. If you vehicle starts to smell musty it may be time to change the cabin air.

Island Tire & Automotive Services maintains a comprehensive inventory of engine air filters and cabin air filters for all makes of domestic and import vehicles. 

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear. Regular tire rotations also allow for proper brake inspections.

Yes, often a little bump like that gets forgotten, especially if the car handles the same. Today’s cars are lighter with fewer and smaller suspension components and therefore less forgiving. If damage goes unnoticed, new tires may be needed. Look closely at the tread for uneven wear patterns or bald spots. Checking tire pressures helps tires last longer, improves handling and fuel economy. It’s important to set tire pressures at or just below the maximum rating on the tire.

Yes, if you have a major system failure. Freon (R12) makes your car's air conditioning system work--it's pretty nasty stuff as far as the ozone layer is concerned. Production of Freon has been ceased in the US. There are substitutes that require conversions and are rather costly. If your a/c system is going to require an overhaul, you may be asked to consider changing to a new substance. The question is, "convert or not convert"? The general industry consensus is to convert, for several reasons. Environmental and cost are the 2 main reasons. The old R12 Freon is still available and can be used until the supply is gone which could be several more years but it is getting very expensive. We normally only use R12 in rare or vintage cars where a conversion would lower the value. The newer refrigerant is called 134A which requires some upgraded equipment in order to work as efficiently in our sub-tropical climate.

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic motor oils, though somewhat more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. Many manufacturers specify the use of only synthetic motor oils to insure proper operation and engine longevity. Island Tire & Automotive Services stocks many engine specific full synthetic motor oils and lubrication products. 

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 as it can cause severe and painful burns you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Island Tire & Automotive Services or call us and we can assist you in getting your vehicle towed to the closest Island Tire & Automotive Services location. 

Today’s cars are equipped with front wheel disc brakes; some models even have 4 wheel disc brake systems. Disc brakes work much like a modern bicycle’s brakes. Brake squealing and noises are common with various causes. Most often it is caused by dust and high frequency vibrations of the brake pads, much like the way a cricket makes noises by rubbing its legs together. Worn brake linings also tend to be noisy. Brake systems should be checked regularly and worn parts replaced before ruining expensive calipers and rotors.

Most of today’s engines use timing belts, and are an important preventative maintenance item. Traditionally, they were made of metal and called timing chains. As engines became smaller and lighter, rubber belts have replaced the heavier chains that had to be lubricated. The belt deteriorates with heat and age and lasts about 60,000 miles or 5 years although some makes have increased the life expectancy. The timing belt's job is to keep moving parts, primarily valves and pistons, in time with one another. If the timing belt is not replaced, it will eventually break, leaving you stranded, and on some models causing expensive engine damage which can be extremely expensive to repair.