FAQ

General Car Repair Questions
Answers to your common car repair concerns, all in one place

Brake Service Questions
Answers to your brake service and maintenance inquiries.

Transmission Questions Answered
Expert transmission service for smooth, reliable performance.
Any Questions?
We understand that you may have questions about our services and policies. Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear and concise answers to common inquiries, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance and repair needs.
Complete Auto Center provides a comprehensive range of automotive services, including preventative maintenance, brake repairs, transmission services, engine diagnostics, electrical work, and more.
With over years of experience, Complete Auto Center is a family-owned and operated business committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
If your car experiences decreased fuel efficiency, starting difficulties, or unusual noises, it may be time for a tune-up.
To prepare your car for winter, ensure tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated, check battery health, use winter-grade oil, maintain appropriate antifreeze levels, and equip your vehicle with a winter emergency kit.
Before a road trip, ensure your vehicle’s tires, fluids, battery, brakes, lights, and wipers are in optimal condition to guarantee a safe journey.
Brake squeaking can result from worn pads, debris between pads and rotors, moisture accumulation, or aggressive braking habits. A “brake job” involves inspecting, servicing, or replacing components like pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid to ensure optimal braking performance.
The check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, ranging from minor issues like a loose gas cap to more serious concerns such as a failing catalytic converter.
Driving over obstacles like curbs or potholes at high speeds or improper angles can cause impact breaks or bulges in tires, leading to structural damage.
Timing belts should generally be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5 to 7 years, depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.
It’s recommended to replace serpentine belts every 50,000 to 100,000 miles or every 4 to 6 years, and radiator hoses should be inspected regularly, replacing them every 8 to 10 years as a preventive measure
Transmission FAQs
Ensure smooth shifting and reliable power with our comprehensive transmission services. We handle fluid changes, repairs, and rebuilds, addressing any issue to keep your vehicle's heart running strong.
Common signs include slipping gears, delayed engagement, unusual noises (grinding, humming), fluid leaks, and a burning smell.
Automatic transmission service typically involves fluid and filter changes, while manual transmission service may include fluid changes and clutch adjustments or replacements.
Slipping gears can be caused by low or contaminated transmission fluid, worn clutches (in manual transmissions), or internal transmission component failures.
A transmission flush is a process where all the old transmission fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid. It’s more thorough than a simple fluid drain and fill.
Humming or whining noises can indicate a failing transmission pump, worn bearings, or other internal problems. It’s important to have it inspected.
Many transmission leaks can be repaired by replacing seals or gaskets. However, severe leaks or internal damage might require a more extensive repair or replacement.
The cost varies depending on the type of service or repair needed. We provide accurate estimates after a thorough inspection.
Yes, our technicians are trained to service both automatic and manual transmissions, as well as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Hard shifting can come from a number of issues. Low transmission fluid, a bad sensor, or internal problems in the transmission itself. It should be looked at by a professional.
Brake Service FAQs
Your safety is our top priority. We offer expert brake inspections and repairs, addressing everything from squeals and spongy pedals to any general concerns. Trust us for reliable braking that provides peace of mind on every drive.
Common signs include squealing or grinding noises, a pulsating brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and a brake warning light on your dashboard. If you experience any of these, schedule an inspection immediately.
We recommend a brake inspection at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles, but this can vary depending on your driving habits and vehicle type.
Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotors to slow your vehicle. Rotors are the metal discs that the pads clamp onto. Both are crucial for effective braking.
Squealing brakes can be caused by worn brake pads, a buildup of brake dust, or loose components. It’s best to have them checked to determine the exact cause.
While sometimes possible, it’s generally recommended to replace rotors when replacing brake pads, especially if the rotors are worn or damaged, to ensure optimal braking performance.
Brake pad lifespan varies, typically between 25,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits, vehicle type, and the quality of the pads.
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transmits pressure from the brake pedal to the brakes. It’s essential for proper braking function and should be checked and flushed periodically.
Yes, our technicians are trained and equipped to diagnose and repair ABS systems. We have the tools necessary to repair the complex systems within modern vehicles.
A spongy brake pedal often indicates air in the brake lines, a leak in the hydraulic system, or a problem with the master cylinder. It’s a serious safety concern and requires immediate professional attention.