SERVICE CENTER AT GENESIS OF ANNAPOLIS SERVING ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY AND MARYLAND'S EASTERN SHORE

Most modern vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If the oil change light is on, you'll want to make an appointment as soon as possible. Using synthetic oil helps lengthen the time between oil changes, while conventional oil should be changed sooner.

The first thing you should do is see whether the light is blinking or solid. A solid light means you need to contact someone as soon as possible to have your vehicle inspected. A blinking light means it's a severe emergency and you need to pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Either way, you should contact a service center or mechanic to see what steps should be taken next.

If you've noticed that the tires on your vehicle aren't holding air the way they should, are damaged, or have a tread depth that drops below 2/32 of an inch, it's time to have them replaced. It's also a good idea to have tires changed every six years if everything remains intact until then.

You should have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Normally, when you have your tires rotated or changed, you should also have your brakes inspected. If you notice that your car squeals, shudders, or the brake pedal feels spongy when you use the brakes, you'll want to have them checked as soon as possible.

The battery on a car typically lasts between three and five years. Of course, there are factors that shorten battery life. These include extreme heat, frequent short trips, inactivity, loose hardware, or a parasitic drain (leaving lights on or a door open).

The engine's oil is the most important fluid to check and maintain. The other important fluids include coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Each option needs to be full, not leaking, and the right color. Many fluids won't stay clear with use, meaning that if they become cloudy or dirty, they should be replaced.

Yes, you absolutely can perform car maintenance on your own. If your car is under warranty or a lease, you'll want to make sure that you're following the guidelines and rules so you don't void anything. Make sure you get the right parts for the task and keep a log of any work you do, including the date, mileage, and tasks completed. This will help you keep up-to-date and have a better vehicle sale.

You should always ask for an itemized written estimate before any work begins on your vehicle. Be very clear about your specific concerns, confirm what parts will be used and ordered, and ask for a timeline of what will be done and how long it should take. You should also ask if the repair is covered under your warranty, what types of parts will be used, and what is included in the service.

Generally, you won't need to pay for any parts or labor on a warranty repair. There may be hidden fees or exceptions, depending on the type of warranty you have and what you're still considered responsible for. Our technicians should be able to see what is covered under the warranty and discuss possible repair costs if applicable.

For other questions or concerns, please contact our Genesis of Annapolis service team. We'd love to answer your questions and get you scheduled at our service center today.