My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Nationwide Roadside Assistance | Auto Repair

Nationwide Roadside Assistance Warranty

Creech Import Repair is a FMP Partners Network center. Our customers are covered by a Worry-free Driving Nationwide Roadside Assistance Warranty.

Limited Warranty
As of 4/1/2023

From coast-to-coast, Canada to our southern borders, this auto service warranty reaches across all of America. Don’t worry – if you take your vehicle from our shop to California, you’re covered. If you travel to Seattle, you’re covered. Thinking of visiting the Florida Keys? No worries – you’re covered.

Creech Import Repair is proud to offer our customers a Worry-free Nationwide 3 Year, 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty. The extensive network of Automotive Repair Shops participating have you covered no matter where you may travel in the Continental US.

For Warranty assistance call 866-588-0728

For more details click here

The nationwide network of FMP Partners Network centers provide auto repair service you can count on. Enjoy peace of mind when traveling long distances after having car repairs. Our nationwide roadside assistance warranty program covers auto repair services on the parts and labor included in your vehicle repair. For a whopping 3 years or 36,000 miles following the maintenance job our professional and knowledgeable mechanics provide, which ever comes first when traveling more than 25 miles from our auto mechanic shop.

The Nationwide Roadside Assistance Warranty Covers Auto Repair Services Such As:

Climate Control Systems – Air Conditioner – Heat
Brake Services – Pads – Rotors – Calipers
Auto Electrical – Computer or ECU – Wiring – Car Battery – Starter – Alternator – Headlight, Tail Light, & Brake Light Problems – Power Windows – Power Door Locks
Emission Control System – Oxygen Sensor – Catalytic Convertor – PCV Valve – Charcoal Canister
Engine Cooling System – Cooling Fans – Radiator – Water Pump – Thermostat – Heater Core
Drivability & Performance Issues Related to Car Engine Trouble
Exhaust System Repairs – Exhaust Manifold – Pipes – Tail pipe
Fuel System – Pump – Injectors – Filter
Ignition System – Battery – Distributor Cap – Ignition Coil Packs – Spark Plug Wires – Spark Plugs – Ignition Module – Powertrain Control Module (PCM) – Crankshalf, Camshaft, & Knock Sensors
Starting & Charging Related Auto Repairs – Starter Switch – Battery Terminals & Cables – Fuses
Steering & Suspension Systems – Power Steering Pump – Rack & Pinion – Yoke – Coupler – Inner Tie Rods – Outer Tie Rods – Shocks – Struts – Ball joints
Hybrid Drive Battery Replacement

In the event you need assistance on a warranty related vehicle repair when traveling 25 miles or more from our service center, the warranty administrator will direct you to the nearest in-network service facility to handle the warranty related auto repair.

Call: 866-588-0728

Another big perk to have all your car repair services performed at an authorized Partners Network Service facility, the Roadside Assistance Reimbursement Program of course!

Get Expert Professional Car Service From Raleigh’s Best Auto Repair Mechanics At Creech Import Repair

Check Engine Light

Today’s vehicles have sensors that send signals to a computer that monitors emissions set to a government standard. If any of the sensors read a level that falls outside acceptable levels, your check engine light will illuminate, helping you avoid catastrophic damage to your vehicle.

Contact us today

For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

Shop Location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609

Monday - Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Call us 919-872-1999

Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

Please Note

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Auto Repair Warranty