FAQ's About Auto Repair

At Car ER, the safety and care of out customers always come first. We only use high-quality, warrantied parts from trusted suppliers to ensure proper fit, performance, and reliability. We cannot accept customer suppled parts for several reasons.

1. We cannot warranty customer supplied parts. Most of our repairs come with a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty. To make sure that we can provide this warranty for our customers, we get only-high quality parts from trusted vendors that honor our warranty.

2. Customer supplied parts also have uncertain quality, and potential fitment issues, which could lead to more costly repairs.

3. Legal concerns. If a customer-supplied part fails and causes damage to the vehicle or leads to an accident, it creates legal liability concerns. We cannot take responsibility for parts we did not source, inspect, or verify as high-quality.

4. Potential for misdiagnosis or additional repairs. If a customer brings a part they believe is the issue, but the real problem lies elsewhere, it can lead to unnecessary repairs, wasted money, and a vehicle that is still not fixed.

We hope you understand why we cannot use customer-supplied parts at Car ER. Your satisfaction, and the safety of you and your family is always our priority. Have an amazing day!

For most vehicles, oil changes should be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil or up to 7,500 miles with synthetic oil. Regular oil changes help prevent engine damage and improve fuel efficiency. But manufacturer recommendations always precede general recommendations. If you're looking for affordable oil change services in Harrisonburg, VA, schedule an appointment with us today.

The check engine light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to serious engine problems. Common reasons include faulty oxygen sensors, catalytic converter issues, or ignition coil problems. Our Harrisonburg auto repair shop offers check engine light diagnostics to identify and fix the issue quickly.

Signs that you may need brake repair or replacement include:
✅ Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
✅ Soft or spongy brake pedal
✅ Vibrations or pulling to one side
✅ Longer stopping distances

At Car ER, we provide expert brake repair services in Harrisonburg, VA, using top-quality brake pads and rotors to keep you safe on the road.

To get better fuel efficiency, make sure to:
✔️ Keep your tires properly inflated
✔️ Get regular engine tune-ups
✔️ Change your air filter when needed
✔️ Avoid aggressive driving

Regular auto maintenance from a trusted Harrisonburg auto repair shop like Car ER can help improve your vehicle’s MPG and save you money on gas.

A car overheating can be caused by low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a broken radiator fan, or a leaking water pump. Driving an overheating car can cause serious engine damage, so if your temperature gauge is rising, pull over immediately and call Car ER for cooling system repair.

You should replace your tires when:
✔️ The tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch (if you don't know what that is, do a penny test):

The Penny Test for Tire Tread Depth

1. Take a penny and hold it so Lincoln's head is facing down.
2. Insert the penny into the tread of your tire.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low (less than 2/32") and it’s time to replace your tires.
4. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tread is still good.

✔️ You notice uneven tread wear
✔️ The sidewalls have cracks or bulges
✔️ You experience frequent loss of air pressure

For tire replacement and tire rotation services in Harrisonburg, VA, visit Car ER for expert advice and service.

If your car won’t start, it could be due to:
🔋 A dead battery
🔌 A faulty starter or alternator
⛽ Empty fuel tank or fuel system issue

Before calling a tow truck, check if your battery terminals are corroded or if your headlights turn on (indicating battery power). If you're still stuck, Car ER offers battery replacement and electrical system diagnostics.

A shaking steering wheel could mean:
✅ Unbalanced or misaligned wheels
✅ Worn-out suspension parts
✅ Warped brake rotors

Our Harrisonburg suspension repair services can diagnose and fix the issue to restore smooth handling.

Yes! Following your factory-recommended maintenance schedule helps:

✔️ Prevent costly breakdowns
✔️ Improve vehicle performance
✔️ Maintain your car’s resale value

Car ER provides factory-scheduled maintenance for all makes and models, keeping your car in top shape while helping you avoid expensive repairs.