Dealership Alternative is proud to offer a wide range of repairs and services. Here are just a few for you to review. When it comes to service and repairs we want to make sure you fully understand all work done to your vehicle and our staff will give you specific recommendations for your make and model at a fair price. We invite you to visit our BBB page rated A+
Manufacturers differ in their recommended guidelines for when engine oil and oil filters should be changed. As a general rule, however, engine oil should be changed every 3,000-5000 miles to keep the engine healthy and to prolong its life.
Recommendations
Replacing the engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even if the manufacturer recommends it less frequently, can greatly extend the useful life of the engine.
We recommend using OEM high-quality engine oil filter. Cheap filters wear more quickly and may not properly keep contaminants out of the engine.
We recommend always replacing the drain plug gasket along with the oil and oil filter on most car and trucks.
Sometimes referred to as 7.5k service, 7,500 Scheduled Maintenance
The 7,500 mile service is a minor service, and it is the primary service that all other maintenance services are built on.
This service generally involves an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a safety inspection. While changing the oil, the mechanic will be performing visual inspections of the brakes, belts and hoses, inspecting for any fluid leaks, listening for any abnormal noises, and paying attention to any irregularities in the operation of the vehicle.
The 15,000 mile service is an intermediate service, and likely the first one for your vehicle.
This service generally involves an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a safety inspection, as well as possible replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter depending on make and model. While changing the oil, the mechanic will be performing visual inspections of the brakes, belts and hoses, inspecting for any fluid leaks, listening for any abnormal noises, and paying attention to any irregularities in the operation of the vehicle.
The 30,000 mile service is a major service, and likely the first one for your vehicle.
In addition to all that is performed at the 15,000 Mile Service, the 30,000 mile service is where you will start seeing some of the fluids replaced, such as the brake fluid, engine coolant and transmission fluid, as well as spark plugs, air filters and the fuel filter. A more comprehensive checklist of inspections may also be included. Each shop and vehicle manufacturer may vary the actions performed so be sure to refer to your owners manual.
Possible Repairs Needed at the 30,000 Mile Service
It's not uncommon for your vehicle to need a brake pad replacement at this mileage, and on some vehicles the tires may need replacement
The 45,000 mile service is an intermediate service.
This service generally involves an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a safety inspection, as well as possible replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter. While changing the oil, the mechanic will be performing visual inspections of the brakes, belts and hoses, inspecting for any fluid leaks, listening for any abnormal noises, and paying attention to any irregularities in the operation of the vehicle.
The 60,000 mile service is a major service, and likely the second one for your vehicle. For many vehicles, this is the largest service you will need.
In addition to all that is done at the 30,000 Mile Service, the 60,000 mile service is where you will start seeing the replacement of additional fluids like the Automatic Transmission Fluid (Filter if equipped), Engine Coolant and Differential Fluids. Some vehicles will require the Timing Belt Replacement and Valve Adjustment at this mileage interval. A comprehensive checklist of inspections should be included. Each vehicle manufacturer may vary the actions performed.
The 75,000 mile service is an intermediate service.
This service generally involves an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a safety inspection, as well as possible replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter. While changing the oil, the mechanic will be performing visual inspections of the brakes, belts and hoses, inspecting for any fluid leaks, listening for any abnormal noises, and paying attention to any irregularities in the operation of the vehicle.
The 90,000 mile service on most vehicles is a major service, and in many ways is identical to the 30,000 mile service.
The 90,000 mile service is where you will see some of the fluids replaced, such as the brake fluid, engine coolant and transmission fluid, as well as spark plugs, air filters and the fuel filter. A comprehensive checklist of inspections may also be included. Each shop and vehicle manufacturer may vary the actions performed so be sure to refer to your owners manual or the manufacturers website. For applicable vehicles it is important to have the timing belt inspected at this time, and possibly replaced.
Possible Repairs Needed at the 90,000 Mile Service
At 90,000 miles you may start seeing the wear and tear items like the Drive Belts, Coolant Hoses, Motor Mounts and Suspension Bushings starting to show signs of wear. Oil leaks may start to appear as well.
The 120,000 mile service is generally identical to the 60,000 Mile Service. Like the 60,000 mile service, replacement of spark plugs, air filters and fluids like the Automatic Transmission Fluid (Filter if equipped), Engine Coolant and Differential Fluids is the norm. Some vehicles will require the Timing Belt Replacement and Valve Adjustment at this time also. A comprehensive checklist of inspections should be included. Each vehicle manufacturer may vary the actions performed.
Possible Repairs Needed at the 120,000 Mile Service
Depending on your vehicle, after 100,000 miles is when you really start seeing the benefits or pitfalls of proper maintenance. A vehicle properly maintained may need brakes or minor repairs, where as a vehicle that has been neglected can be confronted with repairs totaling in the thousands of dollars.
To replace the timing belt, remove the fan belts, pulleys, crankshaft pulley, and timing covers. When replacing the timing belt, the mechanic also inspects components inside the timing cover and, if necessary, replaces oil seals, tensioners, and idler bearings. On certain engines, a water pump replacement should be done at the same time as the timing belt. The timing belt and timing belt idler are considered a unit and should be replaced at the same time.
If your timing belt breaks, your engine will stop working, stranding you wherever you may be. Even worse, it could cause major engine damage. That’s why it’s important to have your timing belt regularly inspected.
Why this happens
It is crucial that the timing belt be replaced at or before the interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in a broken timing belt which can leave you stranded and in some cases cause severe damage to the engine.
A worn timing belt can result in trouble codes from the camshaft or crankshaft sensors, causing a dashboard warning light to be lit.
The engine may start to make slapping or scraping noises if the timing belt is worn. Adjustment may take core of the noise, but replacement may also be necessary.
Most of us don't think about our car's brakes until we need them for a panic stop, hear a screeching or grinding noise, or when a warning light comes on. But brakes are worn down every time you drive your car. It's important to keep them maintained and serviced—before you hear that screeching. The sooner the better ... and cheaper.
All cars incorporate some type of brake warning system to inform the driver of a problem. A warning light is the most common. It typically alerts a driver to:
Low brake fluid
Brake system hydraulic pressure failure
An applied parking brake
An ABS malfunction
Brake pads need replacement
An inoperative brake bulb
At Dealership Alternative we service all your brake system concerns.
Your car's heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature of the vehicle's cabin. With Houston's unpredictable weather having the heater or A/C working is an essential part. Rest assure that we have the equipment and qualified Technicians to service your vehicle.
The heart of a car's electrical system are the battery and alternator. Together, they supply the vehicle with the electricity needed to power the brain of a car; the engine control unit (ECU). That's why we provide free battery test for all our customers and we are here to provide service from a simple turn single bulb replacement to advanced electrical diagnostics.
The suspension system absorbs shock and vibration from the road so your body doesn’t have to. Suspension also plays a critical safety role by working to continuously keep all four tires on the ground for maximum traction, braking, and steering capability.
Steering
Most cars use a rack-and-pinion steering system in which the steering wheel turns a steering shaft that is connected to a pinion gear. This gear moves a steering rack left and right. The rack has two arms attached to it called tie rods, which connect to the steering arm and steer the wheels.
Dealership Alternative services all aspects of the steering and suspension on all makes and models from wheel alignments to struts/shocks we got you covered.
