Did you know these 10 items should be checked regularly?

We can check all of these as well as show you how to! A better informed driver is a safer driver.  Regular maintenance on your vehicle will save you money in the long run. New oil and filters make for a smoother running engine and a more efficient car.  We can also check your belts to make sure you aren’t at risk of breaking one while driving. Having regular maintenance and minor repairs can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones. Best of all we will give you a free estimate and tell you what needs to be done now and what can wait.

Coolant Systems

For an engine to perform properly, the operating temperature must be controlled within a tight range. The job of the cooling system is to regulate engine temperature for maximum fuel economy, power and component life as well as minimal emissions. Failure to maintain the cooling system often results in overheating and eventually, a breakdown. The lifeblood of the cooling system is the coolant, a mixture of antifreeze and water that circulates throughout the engine to regulate temperature. Proper maintenance can help you to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine. From radiators and water pumps, we service all of your coolant needs.

Batteries

How can you tell that the battery capacity is getting low? Are there any signs that a car battery is failing? Yes. When the battery is weak, you might notice that the engine turns over slower than usual and the dash lights flicker or dim when you are starting your car. This happens even if the battery is fully charged after driving. Another sign is when you operate your power windows after the engine is turned off, the windows move much slower than when the engine is running. Sometimes you also may notice that the lights dim when the engine is idling, but become brighter again when the engine is revved. The excessive corrosion at the battery terminals and cables also suggests that the battery is getting weaker.

Alternators

If the alternator dies, the battery doesn’t get a charged and rebuild its power storage from any drain it had to cover. When the car is running, the charging system (alternator, voltage regulator) should recharge the battery and provide sufficient electrical power to the vehicle. The battery serves as a backup. If the vehicle requires more electrical power than the charging system – alternator – can provide, the battery covers the difference. This can happen in cold weather, especially if you’re stuck in traffic, in snow or rain. Lots of stop and go, brake lights are on and off constantly, headlights on, heat and defog, interior dash lights, devices like smartphones being charged, radio and any other hi-fi equipment that requires power (boomin’ system), possibly integrated wireless, Bluetooth, onboard computers, entertainment systems like DVD players, games, internet/satellite/cell service connections. It all takes electrical power. The alternator has a pretty tough job.

Timing belts

Ticking noise coming from the engine?

 When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create a ticking sound inside the motor. This warning sign may also be an indication of low oil pressure or the engine not having the proper amount of lubrication. Since the timing belt is so critical to the operation of your vehicle, if you notice this warning sign, you should contact a us as soon as possible.

Engine won’t turn over?

If the timing belt has broken inside, the engine will not be able to turn over or ignite. When you turn the key, you might hear the starter motor engage, but since the timing belt operates the crank and camshaft, it will not turn over.

Engine misfires?

A worn out timing belt might also impact the engine’s fire rate. The timing belt is attached to pulleys that drive the crank and camshaft as we’ve indicated above. However, sometimes the belt will slip on the camshaft drive and cause one cylinder to open or close earlier than it should. This might cause a misfire situation and if not replaced soon, may result in catastrophic engine damage.