Top Questions About Cars

The Beach Boulevard of Cars features 14 dealers and service centers ready to answer questions you may have about one of the significant investments in your life. Below is a quick list of the top automotive questions today.

Do I need to change the oil every 3,000 miles?

Always check your owner’s manual to find your machine’s correct oil change interval. Many modern rides only need their oil changed every 5,000, 7,500, or even 10,000 miles. If you drive in extreme conditions or pilot a classic car, 3,000 miles is the gold standard.

Is it hard to check the pressure in my tires?

Checking your tire pressure is super simple. Pick up a pressure gauge for a few dollars, and it fits in your glove box. Unscrew the valve stem cap on the tire and press the end of the gauge over the stem. The pressure will show up on a pop-up stick or round dial. It takes less than five minutes to check the tires.

What is the difference between front, rear, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive?

All four types of drivetrains support different styles of travel. The front-wheel drive delivers excellent car control for most drivers on dry, paved roads. All-wheel drive constantly adjusts traction to each wheel, which improves car control on wet, muddy, and snow-covered roads. Rear-wheel drive is often found on performance sports cars but requires the most practice and knowledge to maintain control in challenging driving conditions. Four-wheel drive is designed for SUVs and trucks traveling over unpaved trails, climbing rocky inclines, and powering through dunes.

Does my car need premium fuel?

Most engines installed in most popular models today are designed to function their best using regular unleaded gasoline — the one with an 87-octane rating. The only vehicles that need 93-octane are ones with a supercharged performance engine, like a Dodge Challenger Hellcat or Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Adding the higher octane fuels to most well-maintained motors has little to no benefit. Follow the recommendations for fuel use in the vehicle owner’s manual and save some bucks at the pump.

What is the best intelligent safety feature that should be included in my next new SUV?

Forward collision mitigation systems are preventing fender benders across the nation. Shop for a vehicle that offers forward collision warnings and autonomous emergency braking. In downtown Huntington Beach-type traffic, the car looks for other stopped vehicles or pedestrians in your path, providing an audible and visual alert. If you do not apply the brakes, your ride can bring the car to a controlled stop.

What does the engine light mean?

If you see a little picture of an engine illuminated on your dash, your car is trying to tell you that it needs service. The engine light can indicate a minor problem, like a loose gas cap or something serious inside your engine. Have the code checked as soon as possible using an OBD2 scanner or bring it to a trusted service center. The code will tell the technician what part needs to be fixed. If the engine light is on, have it checked. 

If the engine light is flashing, that’s an emergency, and you should not continue driving the vehicle. Generally, it is an indication of an engine misfire. If you keep driving with a flashing engine light, you may cause irreversible damage to the vehicle, including the expensive catalytic converter.

If you have more questions, check in with one of the Beach Boulevard of Cars dealers, and learn how to care for your vehicle today.