Frequently Asked Questions About Service and Maintenance

Frequently Asked Maintenance Questions

Here at Rusnak/Pasadena Jaguar, our team is here to help you with all of your vehicle-related needs. This is especially true when it comes to vehicle maintenance and service. We want the process to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible for you. That is why our team of experts is always here to help you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the maintenance process, we can assist you. Below you will find some frequently asked service questions, from which you can find some answers you may be looking for.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET FACTORY RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE?

Your Jaguar vehicle has a lot of different components that all work together in order to make it run smoothly. However, the reliability of your driving experience is dependent on those components all working together. If one or two of those components degrade due to overuse or wear and tear, the entirety of your driving experience can be affected.

Case in point: changing your oil. While this one, small service may seem trivial, it is actually vital to complete on time, when recommended. If left unchanged, your oil will accrue sludge, dirt, and grime, all of which will create more heat in your engine and ultimately, irreparably, harm your engine. That is the main reason why getting factory-recommended maintenance is so important — it helps maintain the quality, safety, and longevity of your vehicle.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT I MAY NEED A TIRE ALIGNMENT?

There are a few different signs that you may need to bring your vehicle for alignment maintenance.

• You notice your tires are unevenly or rapidly wearing down.
• Your steering wheel is crooked, even though you are driving straight.
• Your steering is noisy.
• You notice your car is pulling to the left or right.
• Your tires squeal when you are driving.

All of these are clear signs that your alignment may be off. Not to worry, though! Just bring it in to our service center and we’ll get your vehicle back in good shape.

WHY DOES MY CAR SHAKE WHEN BRAKING?

There are a few different problems that could contribute to your car shaking when you brake.

• If your brake rotors have extreme runout (they wobble), or if they are not uniformly thick, your brake pads will not be parallel from the face of the rotor. That means that your brake pads could be slipping when you brake your vehicle, which causes both shaking and pulsations in your brake pedal.
• If your brake drums are out-of-round, you can feel pulsating in your brake pedal. Usually, you will also hear squealing when you brake if this is the issue.
• If your wheel bearings are worn down, your vehicle can wobble as a result of that.
• If your steering or suspension components are worn down, you will feel a vibration when driving and braking.

HOW DO I CHECK MY TIRE TREAD?

There is a very simple test that allows you to see just how much tread you have on your tires (and to discover whether you need a new set). All you need to do is find a penny. Place it into multiple tread grooves across your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down (toward the center of the tire). If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head when you place it in these grooves, you need new tires because your tread is worn down. However, if Lincoln’s head is always covered when you do this test, you do not need new tires yet.

WHAT IS A SERPENTINE BELT?

A serpentine belt is a specific component of your car that helps keep certain systems, like your power steering, your air conditioning, your water pump, and your alternator, all working properly.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY TIRES?

A general rule of thumb is that tires can last anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 miles before you need to replace this. This is only a rough average, though. Your owner manual can provide you with more specific parameters around when you need to change your tires, and how often you should do so.

WHY IS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

The dreaded check engine light — what does it mean? While there are a number of reasons why your check engine light has come on, that light is never something you should ignore! It could indicate anything from a failure in your O2 sensor, a need for your Exhaust System to be checked, that repair is required for your spark plugs, or that your gas cap needs to be checked.

WHY DO I NEED TO GET MY CAR SERVICED?

The main reason for getting your car serviced is, put simply, your car won’t last forever without it. While your Jaguar model has been built to last hundreds of thousands of miles on the road, certain aspects of your vehicle — like your tires, brakes, battery, and oil — all need to be regularly maintained to ensure your vehicle continues to perform reliably.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CAR MAINTAINED?

This is dependent on a few different factors. First and foremost, different services happen at different intervals. So, when you change your oil, you’re not also going to change your tires and your brakes. Therefore, it is best to consult your handbook and speak to our service technicians if you have questions about when to bring your car in for certain services.

MAINTENANCE IS EXPENSIVE, THOUGH; IS IT WORTH IT?

We understand that routine maintenance can add up However, routine maintenance also helps reduce your long-term costs. For instance, changing your oil helps reduce the chance of engine issues that sludgy, dirty oil can cause. So, yes, maintenance is definitely worth it.

WHAT KINDS OF SERVICES DO YOU RECOMMEND I GET?

There are a wide variety of services you should get to ensure your Jaguar vehicle continues to perform well on the road. They include, but are not limited to:

• tire rotations
• oil changes
• cabin air filter replacements
• timing belt replacements
• fluids and parts inspections
• spark plug replacements

If your vehicle has a specific issue, though (or if your check engine light, or any other light on your dashboard illuminates) our service technicians can help you every step of the way.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE SERVICE FOR MY JAGUAR MODEL?

We have made scheduling service easier than ever. All you need to do is visit our online service scheduler and choose a time that works in your schedule.

Ready to Learn More?

Servicing your car is one of the most important parts of the ownership experience, both in terms of extending its longevity and its efficacy.

If you have any questions about servicing your Jaguar vehicle, or if you have any specific questions about vehicle maintenance, we invite you to visit us at Rusnak/Pasadena Jaguar, located in Pasadena, CA. Our team would be more than happy to assist you with all of your vehicle-related needs, from purchasing to servicing.

Stop by at your next opportunity, and we can help you schedule a test drive with your favorite Jaguar model on our lot. We are proud to serve drivers in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Glendale.