Automotive Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Cleary Automotive provides a complete range of repair and maintenance services. We handle all makes and models of cars, truck and SUV's whether imported or domestic. We don't work on European vehicles.

Cleary Automotive accepts VISA, MasterCard, Debit and Cash. We also offer payment plans for major repairs. Call us for more information.

The general rule for oil changes on any vehicle is every 5000 miles. We recommend following the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the peak performance of your vehicle. Consult with our auto repair experts for more information.

According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the brake system should be inspected every 12 months.

When the check engine light comes on in your vehicle it doesn't necessarily signal a need for major repairs. To be certain, have your vehicle checked by a professional. Visit the service pages on this site for more information.

Cleary Automotive offers inspection and transmission flush services that include filter, gasket and fluid replacement.

Our certified technicians provide complete transmission repairs and rebuild for any foreign or domestic vehicle. This means we can help our clients with just about any motorized vehicle of any make! When it comes to transmission repairs, we're the go-to company!

Yes. If your vehicle is properly maintained it will last longer, operate more efficiently and save you money in the long run. Your owner's manual outlines recommended maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Just like anything in life, proper upkeep is key.

Liquid leaking from a vehicle is usually a sign that something is wrong. The clear liquid may just be water condensation which can come from the AC. This is perfectly normal. However, it could be brake fluid which can be clear though is usually a yellowish hue. Brake fluid will have an oily feel and a medium thickness.

The moment your vehicle begins emitting an odor, it is time to bring it in to the shop. There are certain smells that mean different things, and can signal almost anything. From a stuck brake and overheated engine to a leak in the fuel system or an electrical short.

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change or every 5,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems or failure of emission tests.

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut off the engine! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

You should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If intervals are extended, ensure you use oil that is capable of extended mileage changes.

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather) or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.