If you do nothing else for your car, change the oil religiously. We have seen more than one engine completely ruined by infrequent oil changes. The oil in your engine is the only thing that prevents metal on metal friction inside your engine so when the oil breaks down, you are doing damage.

If you are planning on keeping your car for more than a year, use premium parts. We always recommend them because they last longer, have fewer problems and failures and save you more in the long run on labor.

Many headlight and taillight bulbs are relatively easy to replace yourself (although some are hard even for us and these should be done by us to prevent damage to your car). If you want to save a few bucks, stop at an auto parts store and do it yourself. Just remember not to touch halogen bulbs with your bare fingers. The oil on your fingers will cause these bulbs to explode when it heats up. Jeeze!

Vermont State Inspection rules have recently changed. Until February of this year (2011), we didn’t have to look at your brakes as long as they stopped the car within a certain distance. Now we are required to check the brakes on every car and you fail if they are getting worn out.

Vermont State Inspection is a safety and emissions test, proscribed by the state. That’s why dash warning lights are a flag – a “check engine” light indicates an emissions problem.