Olsen's Automotive Repair Frequently Asked Questions

(925) 386-6937
6411 Brisa Street
Livermore, CA 94550
Cynthia Waitley-Tinkham and Lyde Waitley at Olsen’s Automotive Repair’s Livermore facility
Q: How long will a tune-up take?
A: "It really depends on the type of the vehicle and the mileage. Many factors come into play. But generally, about two hours."
Q: What if I've been in a car accident?
A: "We’re not a body shop, but if you want to keep driving the car without fixing the damage, we can evaluate whether it’s possible to get the car back on the road legally with only minimal repairs."
Q: I’m waiting for my car to be fixed. Do you have a waiting area?
A: "We’ve got a pleasant waiting area, including a couple of leather chairs with guest reading materials."
Q: What about loaner cars?
A: "We can arrange a low-cost rental through our relationship with Hertz car rental agency."
Q: How often should I change my oil?
A: "Oil change intervals depend on the type of driving the vehicle is subjected to. Short-distance driving is the worst. The oil never gets hot enough for long enough to evaporate the contaminants that build up. We suggest a minimum of three oil changes a year to protect the internally lubricated parts of your engine from the ravages of sludge. Oil is cheap, and major engine repairs are not; three oil changes cost under $100.For vehicles driven long distances regularly, change your oil every 3,000 miles. Synthetic oils last longer than conventional oils, but cost more."
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
A: "Rotate tires at every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Sooner is always better. Tire wear patterns should be closely inspected at this time to see whether an alignment or tire balance is in order. This can greatly increase tire life."
Q: Should I stop immediately if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
A: "Not in most cases. However, if you notice a change in the way the engine runs, such as a hesitation, surging and jerking, or stalling, stop as soon as you safely can and get the problem checked out."