My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Rescue Ur Forever Friend Donation Drive and Dog Meet & Greet Event

Creech Import Repair is hosting a rescue dog meet and greet event and donation drive for Rescue Ur Forever Friend (RUFF) a 501c non-profit dog rescue organization in the Garner area. The event will be held Saturday September 7th from 10am until 2pm. Creech Import is collecting donations for RUFF, please see their Amazon, general and dog wish lists for needed supplies. Items can be dropped off at Creech Import anytime before September 7th or the day of the event. Monetary donations are welcome as well and always appreciated.

There will be many rescue dogs available for adoption, please visit RUFF’s website to see pictures and descriptions. If you are interested in adopting, you MUST fill out an application and be pre-approved prior to the event.

The event will be held inside our shop, rain or shine.

Lunch is provided by From The Ashes BBQ.
From The Ashes
Sunset Slush of JoCo will be onsite with cold treats to help beat the heat.
Sunset Slush of Johnston CountyFood is complimentary while it lasts.

Please join us for this event if you are able, or donate to the organization if you can. We greatly appreciate our customers and hope you will be able to help this worthy cause. All of us here at Creech Import hold animals near and dear to our hearts.

RUFF's Website

RUFF's Facebook Page

RUFF's Amazon Wish LIst

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:5fc889ea-ac79-40ac-9e60-196976a0869d