This typically indicates a tire-balancing problem, but it could also be associated with your vehicle's suspension, such as a loose front-end part. Vibration may also be due to other mechanical problems.

A car is a machine, and as such, it requires a certain amount of preventative maintenance in order to perform at its best. A tune up is a regularly scheduled opportunity to do all of the preventative maintenance that needs to be done, which can ultimately extend the life of your vehicle.

Tune-up intervals can vary from vehicle to vehicle, but your Duxler Service Advisor will be happy to explain when your vehicle's next tune-up is due. It's in your car's best interest to check periodically to make sure that your vehicle is working at maximum efficiency, especially if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or pull heavy loads. The more efficient your vehicle is, the less money you'll spend at the gas station.

When you start your car, your engine's combustion process moves internal parts, which then powers a belt (or a series of belts, depending on your car) at the front of the engine block. This main belt-called a serpentine belt-powers everything from the water pump to the air conditioner to your power steering. Belts and hoses should be checked on a regular basis. Replacement is typically done between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, depending on the type of driving you do.

If you notice a sweet smell coming from your vehicle this is usually an indication of an antifreeze leak. If the smell is coming through your vents it is possible that there is a problem with your car's heater core. This must be checked as soon as possible. If not, you run the risk of your vehicle's engine overheating and doing much greater damage.

If the "check engine" light is illuminated, it is an indication that your vehicle's computer has picked up a signal from one or more of its sensors telling it there is a problem. You may or may not actually detect the problem yourself, but it should be checked out by a professional as soon as possible. At Duxler, our certified technicians have access to all of the coding information and official technical service bulletins that apply to your vehicle's specific make and model.

If you notice a chirping sound coming from under the hood, it could be a belt problem or a belt tension problem. But there are a number of other parts under the hood that could make a similar noise, such as the water pump or alternator. In any case, all of these issues need to be checked to make sure that no breakdown has occurred. Any one of these problems-if not addressed promptly-could result in your vehicle needing to be towed to a repair facility. Therefore we recommend having the problem checked out by a certified technician as soon as possible.

Most likely it's the battery, the starter or the alternator. However, your ignition system is made up of a number of other parts and it could be something else. Below are some common problems and things to check for:

• If the vehicle starts, but dies right away, check the fuel filter and alternator
• If there is a clicking sound when you turn the key, check the battery terminal connection.
• If the vehicle won't start at all, make sure that the car is in park. Check to see if the battery is dead. It is also possible that the starter could be bad.
• If the car won't start, but the lights on the dash work and the starter clicks, it is most likely a dead battery.
• If the battery won't hold a charge, check the alternator, drive belt or voltage regulator.

Yes! It is very important that you follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule. Be sure to refer to the owner's manual and keep good records of all maintenance performed. This helps keep problems to a minimum and insures a safe, dependable vehicle. Once you have your vehicle serviced at Duxler, we'll be glad to send you an email or a postcard to remind you about routine scheduled maintenance on your vehicle.

No! Contrary to what you may have heard, it is not necessary that you have your maintenance work done at an auto dealership. Any repair facility with ASE-certified technicians and the proper diagnostic equipment (like Duxler) should be able to follow and perform the required maintenance or repairs on your vehicle. And, often we can do it for less than what a dealership would charge for the same work.

It takes highly trained technicians to diagnose computer problems on today's vehicles, so Duxler's certified technicians go through very extensive (and expensive) instruction. In addition, it is important to conduct a thorough diagnostic assessment, which takes at least an hour to complete. Finally, Duxler invests in the most state-of-the art diagnostic equipment available, which is expensive, but well worth it, so we can provide the best service possible for our customers.