FREQUENTLY ASKED SERVICE QUESTIONS

September 3rd, 2024 by


 

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Car problems have many causes, but without figuring out what’s wrong and taking care of it, they can worsen and cost more to repair. That’s why we recommend that you bring your car in so we can assess it. In some cases, the repair might be as easy as cleaning the fuel injection system, putting in new spark plugs, or replacing the air filter. But car problems are, at times, more challenging to remedy.

Usually, you should bring your car in for a check-up every two years or 30,000 miles. However, if you are seeing any of these symptoms, you should bring your vehicle in sooner to have us take a look and repair the problem.

  • My car has trouble starting. 
  • It regularly stalls for seemingly no reason. 
  • It runs rough. 
  • It sounds funny (or different) when I’m at a red light. 
  • My gas mileage has suddenly gone down.
  • My Check Engine light just came on or has been on for some time.

Does My Car Need a Tune-Up? 

There was a time not that long ago when many people would do a tune-up on their car in their driveway. With today’s computerized engine systems, tune-ups require specific software, and the Ford service technicians best do that at Spitzer Ford St. Marys. If your vehicle isn’t getting the gas mileage it used to, shifting gears is more challenging, or your car stalls, we can run tests to uncover fault codes. Your ignition timing could be off, your idle speed could be too high or too low, or you could have any other issues. 

How Often Should My Vehicle Be Serviced? 

Depending on age, you should bring your vehicle to your certified service center every few months. Routine oil changes are usually needed every 4,000 or 5,000 miles.

How Can I Check My Vehicle Before Travelling? 

Inspect your vehicle’s tires, oil level, battery, and brakes to prepare for a road trip. Your auto service center will offer 21-point inspections, during which all critical mechanisms of your car are diagnosed.

Is It Better To Get Your Vehicle Serviced At A Dealership?

Our dealership’s auto repair center offers certified service far above regular repair shops. At our certified auto repair center, your truck or SUV will receive approved OEM service and parts so your vehicle can get back on the road safely.

Should I Still Get My Vehicle Serviced? 

Absolutely! As more people drive to avoid crowded spaces, it’s more important than ever to ensure your vehicle receives the proper service and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Neglecting something as affordable and simple as an oil change can cause catastrophic damage to your engine, costing you thousands of dollars or the vehicle itself. Our dealership will provide a safe auto service option so your car can receive the maintenance it needs to keep you driving longer and getting the most out of your vehicle.

Does Your Dealership Service Other Brands’ Vehicles? 

Absolutely! As a dedicated auto service center, we employ expert technicians to care for your vehicle. We service and repair various vehicles using approved parts and techniques. If you need urgent auto service, you can trust us to give you expert service at a fair price. Visit our auto service center today!

When Should I Change My Transmission Fluid? 

Transmission fluid keeps your transmission lubricated and keeps it from burning too hot and ultimately failing. That is why keeping your fluid at the correct level is best practice. Some car manufacturers recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles; others tell you to wait until you reach 100,000 miles. Refer to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. You must check your fluid level regularly to ensure it stays full and protects your transmission.

How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed? 

If you drive an old car or truck, changing your oil every 3,000 miles is advisable. In modern vehicles, changing your oil roughly every 5,000 to 6,000 miles should be acceptable. Your owner’s manual will have your precise car model’s suggested oil change intervals. Your driving may require you to change your oil with greater regularity.

When Should I Get My Car Brakes Checked? 

If you want to drive safely and stay out of collisions, your brakes are the most essential part of your car. How do you know when to have your brakes serviced or repaired? Some professionals say you should replace your brake pads every 20,000 or 60,000 miles, depending on how you drive. If you live in a hilly area or a city with much slow-moving traffic, you should have your brakes serviced more frequently…and repaired if necessary.

Schedule Service Today!

The only way to find out what’s wrong is to bring your car, truck, or SUV to Spitzer Ford St. Marys for a complete “check-up.” Call us at 814-971-1693 or stop by, and we’ll be happy to look!

 

View Our Service Specials

Pay – Over – Time

90 Day Same As Cash Financing Available On All Repairs or Maintenance

With approval. 90% approval rate and no hard credit pull. See dealer for details. Expires at month end.

Spitzer Inspections

St. Mary’s New Tire Store

Spitzer VIP Perks

1 Point Per Dollar! – Spitzer VIP

Lifetime Warranty

Ask us about our lifetime brake pads and parts warranty

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards bonus Points on The Works® Package.*

• Synthetic Blend Oil and Filter Change
• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 offer per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Ford Employees and Retirees - Get four $50 instant service discounts to use or share.*

Eligible Services Include: The Works® Package, Tires, Brakes, Batteries, and More!

*Active U.S. Ford Employees and Retirees only. Generate up to 4 PINs at FordServiceDiscount.com from 4/15/26-9/7/26 for personal use or to share. Limit 1 PIN per VIN. Receive a $50 instant discount on eligible maintenance services with a minimum $100 customer-pay repair order. Eligible services include oil changes, The Works®, brakes, batteries, tires, wipers, and filters. Requires purchase and installation of genuine Ford/Motorcraft® Parts or select name-brand tires. Valid only on Ford and Lincoln vehicles at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present PIN at write-up; prior authorization required. PINs expire 60 days after generation. See Service Advisor for full details through 9/7/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane®, Motorcraft®, and The Works® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 09/07/2026

We'll beat your best price on a set of four tires,* plus get up to a $125 rebate.**

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Bridgestone, Yokohama®, Hankook, Firestone, Pirelli, Toyo®, Nitto®, Cooper®, Falken, and Kelly®.

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Dealer-installed purchases only. Limit 1 tire rebate per retail vehicle (15 per fleet). $125 rebate or 27,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear® Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT; Bridgestone Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent; and Yokohama® Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT. $100 rebate or 22,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Hankook, Bridgestone (excludes Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent product lines), Firestone Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2; Pirelli, Toyo® (excludes medium and commercial/Motorsport), and Yokohama (excludes Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT product lines). $80 rebate or 18,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Nitto Motivo 365, NT555 G2, Invo, Neo Gen, NT05, NT420V, EXO Grappler AWT, Dura Grappler, Nomad Grappler, Ridge Grappler, Recon Grappler A/T, Trail Grappler M/T, Terra Grappler G3, and Mud Grappler (excludes 37" and larger sizes). $70 rebate or 16,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear (excludes Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT product lines), Cooper®, and Firestone (excludes Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2 product lines). $60 rebate or 14,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken WILDPEAK A/T4W. $50 rebate or 12,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken AKLIMATE, WILDPEAK A/T Trail, and ZIEX CT60 A/S. $40 rebate or 10,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Kelly. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Military and First Responders - Receive an $80 instant discount with the purchase and installation of four select tires.*

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®.

*Available to active and retired Military and First Responders. Receive an $80 instant discount on a set of four qualifying tires from participating brands (Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®). Excludes Toyo medium and commercial/Motorsport patterns. Combinable with other eligible offers. Dealer-installed purchases only at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present nontransferable Hero Code at purchase (requires ID.me validation). Limit 2 Hero Codes per calendar year per customer. Valid for tires purchased and installed 1/1/26-12/31/26. Unused codes expire 12/31/26. See Military and First Responders Tire Discount for details. Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards Points with purchase and installation of a Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS or MAX Battery.*

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 rebate per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Low Price Tire Guarantee*

Find a better price within 30 days, and we'll beat it on over a dozen major tire brands for all makes and models.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

The Works® Package Synthetic Blend Oil Change and More*

• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee*

*Available for Motorcraft® brake pads purchased after 7/1/14. Nontransferable. Requires copy of original repair order and completion of any necessary brake service (e.g., rotor service). Pads must be installed by a U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® technician. Covers pads only; labor costs excluded. Excludes commercial delivery, taxi, limousine, postal, police, tow, racing, and emergency vehicles. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane® and Motorcraft® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Complimentary Brake Inspection*

Performed by an expert technician.

*Inspect brake friction material, caliper operation, rotors, drums, hoses, and connections. Inspect parking brake for damage and proper operation. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS Batteries, $149.95 MSRP, or redeem 30,000 Ford Rewards Points.*

With 24-Month Battery Replacement Warranty

*With exchange. Taxes and installation extra. Warranty includes complimentary towing on dealer-installed batteries. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. See Service Advisor for vehicle applications and limited-warranty details. Expires 7/6/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Have your battery tested at no charge.*

Be sure you have the starting power you need.

*Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Earn and redeem Points on Ford Service with Ford Rewards.*

Ford Rewards members can redeem Points for service and earn 10 Points per $1 spent on eligible Ford Service.**
Join and activate Ford Rewards by downloading the Ford app† or visiting FordRewards.com.

*To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Limitations apply. Earn Points for the purchase of Ford, Motorcraft®, or Omnicraft™ Parts and associated labor at participating Ford Dealers. See FordRewards.com for terms and FAQ. Motorcraft® and Omnicraft™ are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. †The Ford app is compatible with select smartphone platforms and available via download. Message and data rates may apply. Visit Ford.com for privacy notice.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Pickup & Delivery

When you need service, your dealer will pick up your vehicle, service it at the dealer, and deliver it back to you. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. Nonoperational vehicles are not eligible and require Roadside Assistance. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Mobile Service

Let your dealer come to you at your home or office to perform routine vehicle maintenance there on the spot. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Motorcraft parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Parts Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Ford Parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

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