How Much Information About My Car Problem do You Need from Me?
Everything you can think of. Be clear of, and perhaps even take notes about, your car’s symptoms and performance. Try to be as specific as possible regarding when the problem started, when you are experiencing it and how often, and where it seems to be coming from—and don’t be shy. We aren’t going to laugh…
Easy Car Adjustments
Listening to the radio a lot on your car rides? If you’ve noticed that your antenna keeps sticking, wax paper works great to fix the problem. The antenna will slide up and down easier if a coat of wax is applied occasionally, just rub the wax paper up and down the antenna, the wax…
What do you mean by bleeding the brake lines?
It’s important to drain and replace the brake fluid from the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers and wheel cylinders, because not only to air bubbles get trapped in the lines, but because moister seeps into the system. As the brake fluid absorbs water, its boiling temperature lowers, which can lead to some sever problems down…
What are CV Boots and Joints?
If your car is newer, it transmits power to the wheels through flexible axles, called Constant Velocity Joints, attached to the drive shaft. These are covered with rubber boots packed with grease to keep debris out of the joints. If the rubber boot gets damaged, this protective grease gets out and moisture and dirt get…
Maintenance for Tire Rotation
Increases the life of the tire and lets them wear more evenly. Easily done while the tires are off your car for a break repair or other work.
What is usually replaced during a brake job?
Depending on your needs, brake service can include a number of things. The standard list involves replacing the front disc brake pads, resurfacing the rotors, replacing the rear drum brake shoes, resurfacing the drums. bleeding the brake lines, inspecting the system for leaks or other problems, and of course, adjusting the parking brake. We also…
Why are my brakes squealing?
Because brakes are now made of hard, semi-metallic materials, hearing a squeal in brakes has become pretty common and doesn’t necessarily mean you need new brakes. It could just be that the brake pad is grinding on the steel rotar. On the other hand, the squealing could be an indicator that your brake pads are…
Maintenance for Tire Pressure
Very important. Also very easy. If you have a good gauge, you can do this yourself. Shoot for once a month, when the weather changes, and before any long road trips. Do this when the car has not been driven for a few hours, or else just a few blocks. Find out the recommended…
How often do I need to get new brakes?
If you’re having brake problems (grabbing, pulling, vibration, noise, etc.) it is always a good idea to have them checked. Otherwise, there is no specific time period for how often brakes should be replaced. It all depends on the driver, the driving conditions, the weight of the car, the brake system itself, and really anything…
How often should I replace my belts and hoses?
It used to be easy to spot aging in belts and hoses, but modern parts often show no outward signs of damage. A good rule of thumb is to replace your V-Belt every 30,000 miles, while your serpentine belt and timing belt should be replaced every 50,000, although these numbers vary depending on the make…
Maintenance for Timing Belt
This belt allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves; without this belt your engine doesn’t run. This should be inspected for cracks, shredding or excessive slack regularly. Replacing it too soon is preferable to having it break.
Why should I go to a repair shop when I can go to a quick stop for my oil change?
Our mechanics spend their days diagnosing and fixing automotive problems. They are trained and experienced to see things that are wrong with a car, things that an oil service attendant would never notice, and have an understanding of the overall picture. They are not interested in pushing the limited range of services that a quick…
Maintenance for Spark Plugs
Good to change at least every 30,000 miles. Your engine will suffer, misfire, and run poorly if you don’t. You’ll see less fuel efficiency and greater emissions as well.
Do you honor vehicle warranties?
Yes and no. We are unable to perform warranty work on new cars still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. We do perform warranty work on vehicles with aftermarket policies. This involves contacting the warranty company, explaining the situation to them, and making sure they will cover the work. A lot of shops won’t do this…
Maintenance for Power Steering Fluid
This fluid gets contaminated as other parts wear out, causing the power steering pump to work harder, which will eventually break. If it does break and damages the rack, you have to replace the entire system. Ouch. If you hear any whining or moaning noises when you turn the wheel, have it checked out right…
Maintenance for Oil Change
Mileage estimates vary from car to car, driver to driver, and road conditions. An oil change is one of the most important things you can do for your car in terms of its future. It also gives the car a chance to be seen by a mechanic who can possibly spot a problem before the…
Maintenance for Belts
Power the water pump, power-steering pump, other accessories. On modern cars, these are all powered by one serpentine belt. Belts will wear from use, and are prone to cracks and decay. Replace when recommended, check for damage periodically.
Maintenance for CV Boots
CV boots protect the drive axle joint. Have them checked whenever you get your oil changed. Replace before damage is done to the much more pricey joint.
Maintenance for Coolant
Coolant absorbs heat from the engine and disperses it through radiator and interior heater; it also contains rust inhibitors. Changing it out removes dirt and rust particles that can clog the system and lead to an expensive overheat.
What is a drivability analysis?
Modern cars are extremely complex, and often problems are hard to diagnose. If you are experiencing a problem with your car, we will do a number of things to discover the exact trouble. It is a common misconception that all we have to do is hook up a computer to a car and immediately…
