Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services

Your Local Experts for Auto Repair and Filter Replacement in Hickory

Looking for engine air filter or cabin air filter replacement in Hickory? At Richey's Automotive, we provide fast, reliable car repair and maintenance services to protect your engine and ensure a clean, healthy cabin environment. We also offer complete auto maitenance services as part of our preventative care plans.

Our skilled technicians work on all makes and models, using top-grade parts and diagnostics to keep your vehicle running strong. Whether you're dealing with reduced airflow, musty smells, or engine performance issues, we'll get to the root of the problem and fix it right.

Give us a call at 828-495-7210 or reach out online to schedule your service today.

Our basic auto maintenance services include:

30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:

• Fluid replacements
• Oil and Filter changes
• Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
• Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
• With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable

Belt Replacement
Fan belts (or drive belts) dry out and crack over time. If you hear squealing or see wear, visit Richey's Automotive in Hickory for expert belt inspection and replacement using quality parts.

Check Engine Light Diagnostics
It could be a loose gas cap-or something serious like a failing catalytic converter. Visit us in Hickory for quick code reading and diagnostics. At Richey's Automotive, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you.

Factory Scheduled Maintenance
Automakers provide a service schedule for each vehicle. Our Hickory technicians follow this closely for gas and diesel vehicles, domestic or import, to ensure long-term performance.

Hose Replacement
Cracked, dry hoses can leak coolant and cause overheating and prevent optimum performance. We inspect and replace worn hoses to keep your cooling system in top shape.

Oil, Lube & Filter Changes
Most vehicles need oil and filter changes every 3,000 to 7,500 miles. We provide full oil, lube, and filter service at Richey's Automotive to prevent wear and overheating.

Oil Filter FAQs

How often should oil filters be changed?

Consult your owner's manual to determine the maintenance interval for your vehicle's oil filter. Some manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every time you get your oil changed while others recommend every other time.

Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?

The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Richey's Automotive. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.

Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?

If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.

FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles

Why are my wheels making a chirping sound when I accelerate?

The most common reason why your car's wheels make a chirping or squealing sound, especially during acceleration is a bad wheel bearing. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel this can also be the sound of a wheel bearing beginning to fail. If you are in Hickory, Alexander County, Bethlehem, Caldwell County or the surrounding area, come by Richey's Automotive and we can diagnose the problem quickly.

Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Richey's Automotive to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Hickory can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.

Why is my car making a squealing noise?

It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Richey's Automotive in Hickory our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.

Discover More About Car & Truck Care Repair Services At Richey's Automotive in Hickory

Undercar Services
Tire Repair Services