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FAQs

Q: What Exactly is Preventative Maintenance, and why is it important? 

When it comes to the service and repair of your vehicle, it is better to take a proactive approach. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, it will require certain services at different intervals. These services are designed to prolong the longevity, driveability, and safety of your vehicle, along with preventing potentially expensive and dangerous repairs. If you decide to miss your vehicle’s next appointment for preventative maintenance, you might find yourself paying for it later.

Q: Why is Regular Car Maintenance SO Important?

The short answer is to keep your vehicle running newer, longer. By bringing your car in for routine maintenance, you help prevent bigger, more expensive car trouble later.

Your vehicle manufacturer has designed a maintenance schedule for your vehicles specific needs. This schedule can be found in your owner’s manual. If you stick to this schedule, the better your chances are your vehicle will deliver optimal performance even as the miles rack up. Regular maintenance will help the parts last longer and save you money on expensive parts replacement. For example, lapsing maintenance on simple parts like fluid changes, dirty filters, old spark plugs and fussy belts can lead to larger problems like broken radiators, slipping gear shifts, and even engine failure.

Q: Does the Expense of Car Maintenance Really “Pay Off” in the long Run?

Absolutely. Regular maintenance is the best decision you can make for your vehicle for both longevity and cost. Regular maintenance will help protect you from the need of having to replace more expensive parts. Think of it like a routine doctor visit for your vehicle. People exercise, eat healthy, vaccinate and have regular check-ups with their doctor to prevent serious illness- routine maintenance is your vehicles equivalent.

One example is this. Consider you have an average sedan with around 100,000 miles. During those miles you would have your oil changed around 25 times (at an oil change every 4,000 miles). Assuming the average cost of an oil change is around $40 you’ll spend $1000 on oil changes overall. If you neglected to have an oil change during that period, your engine could flood with contaminates and eventually seize. Dirty, thick oil cannot properly lubricate vital engine parts, causing metal-on-metal friction. This could cause damage that leads to an engine replacement costing somewhere around $4000 give or take.

Check your owner’s manual for service intervals specific to your vehicle.

Q: What Maintenance Items are most Commonly Recommended by the manufacturer?

They usually vary, but the following list is a good starting point:

• Axle fluid exchange
• Coolant fluid exchange
• Filter (air, cabin air, fuel) replacement
• Routine parts and fluid inspections
• Spark plug replacement
• Timing belt replacement
• Tire rotations and alignments
• Transmission fluid exchange

As all inspections and recommended service intervals vary by your vehicle make and model, be sure to check your owner’s manual for the specific needs of your vehicle. 

Q: How Often Should I Check My Vehicle’s Fluid Levels?

Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power-steering fluid. Their levels are not only affected by how frequently you drive but extreme temperatures as well. As such, specialists advise checking them at the same time as your oil change or every month or two.

Q: How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

The consensus agrees that a driver should get an oil change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or every three months. However, you can always refer to your owner’s manual which covers the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model. Many of today’s newer vehicles will actually tell you when they are due for service. Remember: an oil change is essential because it acts as a lubricant for the internal cogs and gears under the hood. Without it, oil can turn into sludge and prohibit your vehicle from operating correctly.

Q: When Should I Get a Tire Rotation?

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labor on a specific set of wheels. That being the case, having your tires rotated every six months or around 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rule to uphold. Doing so will ensure your tires wear evenly.

Q: How Much Air Pressure Should I Put into My Tires?

The amount of pressure a tire requires depends on its type and the vehicle. You can find out the optimum air pressure either printed on the door jamb, the side-wall of the tires, or in your owner’s manual. Too much pressure can make it difficult for you to maneuver your vehicle while too little pressure can result in a blow-out. You can always speak with a product expert to determine what pressure levels are most appropriate.

Q: When Should I Replace My Car Battery?

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.

Q: When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Knowing what signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a checkup is integral. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

Q: How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

Q: Does it Matter Where I Bring My Vehicle to be Serviced? 

It matters greatly. Think of what could go wrong on the road if you bring your vehicle to a less-than-qualified facility. First, your vehicle requires a qualified technician to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair your vehicle. This technician must possess the experience, education, and equipment to get the job done right the first time. However, excellent auto repair and preventative maintenance is only one piece of the puzzle — you need to find a facility that you can trust. At Prestige Auto works, we work hard to earn your trust. We are honest and upfront about which services your vehicle requires. 

Q: What makes Certified Service Technicians Different?

From oil changes to engine replacements, our automotive experts build upon their meticulous skill by undergoing annual training to care for your vehicle’s special and ever-evolving needs. Building upon that meticulous skill, our technicians leverage your vehicle’s advanced diagnostic data and connected technology capabilities. Here at Prestige Auto Works, we can handle routine service maintenance to engine replacement and everything in between. We are Dodge Viper and SRT certified. We specialize in Mopar, GM, and Ford performance modifications, engine and transmission tuning.

Q: My Check Engine Light is Flashing! What should I Do? 

You may see that light illuminating on your dashboard and start to panic. The flashing light means it needs your immediate attention. We recommend you do not drive the vehicle because you could do severe damage to the engine and catalytic converters. If the check engine light is on and not flashing, you may continue to drive the vehicle, but you should have it diagnosed as soon as possible by a qualified technician.

Q: Can you service or repair automatic and manual transmissions, and how is turnaround communicated?

Yes. We service and repair both automatic and manual transmissions as part of our Transmission Repair & Service offerings. Our team includes factory-certified technicians and an ASE Master Technician on staff at all times, which ensures experienced diagnosis and repair work. Turnaround varies by vehicle condition and parts availability; we perform a diagnostic assessment and include an estimated timeline in the written estimate we provide before work begins.

Q: Do you perform brake inspections and replacements, and do you resurface rotors?

Yes. We perform comprehensive brake inspections and full brake system repairs or replacements, covering pads, calipers, hardware, brake lines, and related components. Rotor condition is evaluated during the inspection; we will document whether resurfacing (turning) or rotor replacement is the recommended option and include that recommendation and cost in your written estimate so you can choose the preferred repair path.

Q: Do you offer performance tuning or modifications, and how do you ensure safety and street legality?

We offer performance tuning and modifications, specializing in Mopar, GM, and Ford platforms and carrying certifications such as Dodge Viper and SRT. Our approach prioritizes safety and compliance: certified technicians perform pre‑modification safety checks, tuning is carried out with calibrated equipment and documented parameters, and we evaluate and advise on emissions and street‑legal considerations for each modification. All performance work is backed by our workmanship standards and the 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty on services.

Q: Do you provide upfront written estimates, and how are additional costs handled? Are there hidden fees?

Yes. We offer free upfront written estimates for diagnostic and repair work. If diagnostic findings reveal additional recommended services, those items and their costs are added to an updated written estimate and require customer approval before we proceed. We do not include hidden fees; all charges are itemized in the estimate and invoices. Our warranty and satisfaction promise apply to completed services, and the estimate process is designed to keep pricing transparent.

Q: What warranty and satisfaction guarantees do you provide on repairs and services? 

We back every repair and service with a 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. That warranty applies to labor and parts installed by our technicians, providing extended protection beyond a single visit. In addition to the written warranty, we stand behind our work with a customer satisfaction promise: our goal is that you are completely satisfied with the repair before you leave the shop. If any issue arises that falls under the warranty terms, we will address it promptly and professionally.

Q: Are your technicians certified and experienced with specialty or performance vehicles?

Yes. Our shop maintains an ASE Master Technician on staff at all times and has more than 20 years of top-level dealer and factory certifications. We are certified for Dodge Viper and SRT vehicles and have Cummins certification for two decades. This combination of master-level ASE credentials and manufacturer-specific certifications enables us to perform complex diagnostics, performance tuning, and specialty repairs with factory-level standards.

Q: Do you offer free estimates and which areas do you serve?

We provide free estimates for repair and service work. The shop has been locally owned and operated and has serviced vehicles for Slidell residents for over 20 years. Our service area focuses on Slidell and the surrounding local community; residents can expect the same local service, expertise, and warranty coverage that we have delivered for decades.

Q: What automotive services and specialties do you perform?

Our team performs a full range of mechanical, electrical, and performance services. Core services include oil changes and lube, engine diagnostics and repair, transmission service and repair, brake repair and inspection, suspension work including lift kits, performance tuning and modifications, air conditioning repair, electrical systems service (starters, batteries, charging), scheduled maintenance and tune-ups, and radiator/coolant system service. We also handle performance and specialty vehicle work consistent with our Dodge Viper, SRT, and Cummins certifications.

Q: Do you offer after-hours drop-off or vehicle pickup within Slidell?

Prestige Auto Works offers after-hours vehicle drop-off. We currently provide vehicle pickup within Slidell. Please call us at 985-259-4727 before your appointment to confirm availability and make arrangements.

Q: Is there on-site parking, and is the shop accessible for customers with mobility needs?

Yes, customer parking is available on-site at our shop at 2770 Gause Boulevard East in Slidell. The facility is accessible for customers with mobility needs and includes accessible parking, step-free entry, and an accessible restroom.

Q: What is the typical turnaround time for oil changes or brake inspections?

Turnaround depends on the vehicle, appointment schedule, and any issues discovered during service. A typical oil change or brake inspection takes 15 minutes or less. Brake repairs require additional time and depend on parts availability. We provide an estimated completion timeline before repair work begins.

Q: What payment methods do you accept, and do you offer financing or payment plans?

Prestige Auto Works accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, or checks. We do not currently offer financing or payment plans. Please contact us before service if you have questions about payment options.

We maintain a strong local reputation—reflected in a 4.5‑star rating from 137 reviews—and combine that reputation with factory-level certifications and a robust warranty to give customers confidence in every visit. Contact us to schedule service or request a free estimate.