Tips & Advice by Cress Creek

How often should I rotate my tires? Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 5000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear. 

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the manufacturer recommended interval? YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. 

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on? There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems or failure of emission tests. 

What should I do if my car starts to overheat? This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop. 

When should I get my oil changed? You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If intervals are extended, ensure you use oil that is capable of extended mileage changes. 

What is that milky brown engine oil? Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly. 

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection? Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection. 

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter? To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

When should I change my spark plugs? For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs. 

I need to replace a burned out fuse. What should I do? Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects. 


Visit Cress Creek Automotive for quality oil changes, brake inspections, brake system repairs, new tires, tire rotations, replacement belts and hoses, exhaust pipes and mufflers, engine repairs and engine replacement, driveline and chassis, shocks and struts, power steering pumps, oxygen sensors, EVAP components, EGR system repairs and more.

Contact Cress Creek Automotive at 630-355-5440 to schedule an appointment for repairs or maintenance. Or just bring your vehicle in today at 25 S. IL-59 in Aurora IL. We’re open seven days a week to provide faster service and minimize your vehicle’s downtime.

After more than 25 years of providing top quality auto repair service, we’ve built a strong bond with our Naperville IL neighborhood. Whether you’re a long time customer or new to our area, count on Cress Creek Automotive for all repairs and maintenance for your vehicle!

Cress Creek partners with top automotive part brands like Interstate Batteries to assure optimal performance.

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