Why? Making Sense Of Vehicle Maintenance

BRAKE FLUID CHANGE

The brakes are one of the most important safety components in your vehicle.  Timely and thorough brake fluid service is essential. If you are experiencing softness when applying your brake pedal -- this may mean that your brake fluid system is contaminated:

•By moisture or contamination getting into the system

•By normal wear particles getting into the brake lines

When brakes are applied, the power of this pressure can turn the fluid into foam if contaminants are present.  It can also force particles into the valves, pump, or lines, causing damage and the potential for danger. A brake fluid change will remove the contaminated fluid, clean the system of contaminates, and replace it with clean clear brake fluid for maximum protection.

BRAKE SERVICE

Many symptoms could identify poor performance of your brake system.

•Squealing can result when your brake pads are worn down to the wear indicators

•Pulsing in your brake pedal may mean rotors need resurfacing or possibly replacement

•A scraping sound and feeling in your pedal could mean that the brake pad is excessively worn and may be damaging the rotors. If unresolved, this can lead to further complications and expenses

•A change in pedal pressure often means your brakes need adjusting or that your brake fluid level needs attention.  An inspection is often the best way to be sure

•Pulling of your vehicle left or right while braking indicates an imbalance of brake system performance

When you notice one of these warning signs, your brakes should be inspected and possibly serviced immediately. Your Brake Service will consist of:

•Inspecting brake linings, drums and hydraulic system

•Cleaning debris & corrosion

•Lubricating caliper pins, sliders, and backing plates

•Road test

CHANGE YOUR OIL & FILTER

•The engine's primary protection against debris and the premature wear that it causes is the oil filter.  Proper lubrication by manufacturer-approved oil is vital to the performance and longevity of your engine.  Oil is also responsible for approximately 30% of the cooling of the engine.

•Failure to change your oil and filter at regular intervals can cause your filter to become plugged, straining your engine.  It can also contribute to engine overheating.

•Regular oil changes can save you money in the long run as it will protect your engine from wear and potential failure.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON

The Check Engine Light; one of the most feared lights on the dashboard.  This light can be triggered by a number of issues.  Don't worry -- the check engine light seldom means a costly repair. The check engine light can caused by something as minor as:

•Loose gas cap

•Dirty air filter

•Clean air sensors

•Spark plugs

•In rare cases, the catalytic converter

These are just some of the triggers -- ignoring the illuminated light can lead to more costly problems with you vehicle. To minimize the risk of further issues, it is recommended that you have your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICING

Contaminates in your fuel system and deposits on your injectors can cause a decrease in the overall power of your vehicle.  This will have a negative impact on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, torque, and towing capacity when needed.  To ensure that you are getting optimal performance from your engine, a fuel system service is recommended. Your Fuel System Service will consist of:

•Removing potentially harmful deposits from your vehicle's fuel system and injectors

•Removing contaminates and build up from your vehicle's air intake system, sensors, and throttle body

•Removing intake valve deposits as well as deposits in your vehicle's combustion chamber

Having this service performed will:

•Improve the air flow to your fuel system

•Improve the overall performance and power of your vehicle on acceleration and while idling

•Reduce harmful emissions

•Promote efficient fuel flow, therefore increasing the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, which will in turn save you money

POWER STEERING FLUID CHANGE

•Power steering fluid contributes to the driver's ability to control their vehicle when driving down the road

•Over time vital power steering components will break down in your vehicle, including seals and rings

•As a result, the power steering fluid will become contaminated with debris. This debris can lead to a build up in the valves and cause excess wear on the power steering pump

•Failure of steering components as a result of debris is unsafe and can also lead to costly repairs

•Symptoms of a contaminated power steering system may include pulsating while steering and/or a whining sound when turning the steering wheel to one side or the other

REPLACE YOUR CABIN AIR FILTER

•This is the filter in the incoming air duct of your vehicle's heating and air conditioning system. It cleans the air coming into the passenger area

•These filters become dirty and clogged by road debris, dirt, and even leaves

•When these filters become clogged, the AC and heating performance will be reduced. Odors may also occur

•Clogged or dirty cabin air filters can restrict the flow of air through the cabin vents and the quality of the air entering the passenger area will suffer

•The cabin air filter will reduce dust, pollen, and mold particles from entering the passenger area

REPLACE YOUR ENGINE AIR FILTER

•The engine in your car relies on clean air to run properly

•While it is running, your vehicle draws air into the engine, which passes through the engine air filter

•The engine air filter protects your engine by removing contaminants from the air before it passes through to your engine

Dirty engine air filters could lead to:

•Reduced fuel efficiency

•Poor acceleration when you need it

•Reduced engine performance

Changing your engine air filter is an economical way to assist your engine in running at its optimum level.

ROTATE YOUR TIRES

This simple an inexpensive service can make your car safer and save you money.

•The front tires support over half the weight of your vehicle

•They are responsible for all steering and 80% of braking

•The right side of your vehicle is exposed to a higher risk of hazard, such as curbs and potholes

•Your tires wear at different rates, therefore they need to be rotated regularly

It is important to rotate your tires to evenly distribute the wear, prolonging the life of your tires and your ability to maintain even performance from your tires.

SERVICE YOUR COOLING SYSTEM

One of the most common and inconvenient mechanical breakdown is an overheated car. The Engine Cooling System controls the heat generated by your Engine. With thousands of controlled explosions per minute, when the spark plugs inside the engine ignite the fuel to move the vehicle down the road, there is a tremendous amount of heat generated. 

This heat, if not properly controlled by the cooling system, can cause serious damage to your engine components, such as 'blown gaskets' and warping of aluminum heads, which can lead to engine failure.

A Cooling System Service can help prevent overheating, one of the major causes of a mechanical breakdown. The service will consist of:

•Thorough pressure test and check for leaks

•Complete inspection of hoses, radiator and cap

•Drain or flush old coolant from system and refill with manufacturer approved coolant

SERVICE YOUR DIFFERENTIAL

•The differential controls the speed of the left and right wheels on your vehicle

•It allows them to rotate at different speeds while making turns, as the outer wheel path is longer in distance than the inner wheel

•As the result the differential is subject to fiction and heat, which over time will break down the additives in the differential fluid

•Wear particles from the clutch as well as condensation also mix with the fluid, causing the fluid to further break down

•Differential Service removes old contaminated fluid and replaces it with manufacturer approved new fluid, as well as cleans the gear box and surface areas

SERVICE YOUR TRANSMISSION

•Your transmission is made up of hundreds of parts that must operate together with precision to ensure optimum performance and timing

•The transmission delivers the power from the engine to the wheels of you vehicle

•It is subject to pressure, friction and debris. Buildup of debris could lead to poor performance and the failure of your transmission

Having your transmission services will include:

•Draining the old used fluid and replacing filter if required

•Replacing all transmission fluid with new manufacturer approved transmission fluid

THROTTLE BODY SERVICE

A primary component in the operation of your engine is air.  The throttle body controls the amount of air flowing into the engine.  The plate in the throttle body opens and closes in response to the driver pressing down on and releasing the accelerator pedal. Over time, dirt and residue can form around the plate in the throat of the throttle body and can lead to:

•Rough idling

•A feeling of missing or delay on acceleration

•Stalling

•Poor fuel economy

A throttle body service will clean out built up dirt and residue.  Once clean, the throttle body will be inspected for proper operation and will be calibrated, if necessary.  This service can help improve fuel economy, performance, and drivability.

TRANSFER CASE SERVICE

The transfer case is a gearbox found on most 4-wheel drive (4×4) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles.  It controls the distribution of power from the transmission to the front and rear wheels.

The transfer case is subject to heat and friction, which over time will cause the additives in the transfer case fluid to break down.  Also, particles of metal from the gears may break down and mix with the fluid as they wear.  The fluid in your transfer case keeps the vital components in your case lubricated.  If these fluids become contaminated, it will put your transfer case at risk.

Having your transfer case serviced will consist of removing the old fluid and filling the transfer case with new manufacturer-approved fluid. A transfer case service can:

•Prolong the life of the transfer case

•Reduce the effects of breakdown of components due to heat

•Protect your vehicle warranty requirements

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

•Consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other

•Something as simple as hitting a curb or a pothole can cause your vehicle to be out of alignment

•Incorrect wheel alignment can affect the handling and safety of your vehicle, as well as cause irregular tire wear

A wheel alignment consists of adjusting your vehicle's:

•Camber -- The angle at which the wheels sit on the road when viewed from the front of the vehicle.  If out of alignment, this will cause tire wear and pulling to one side.

•Toe --  The measurement of the distance between the wheels at the front and back of the tire.  If they are pointed in or out, it will cause excessive tire wear.

•Caster -- The angle at which the suspension is situated to pivot your wheels.  If the caster is out of alignment, the steering will be loose and difficult to keep in a straight line, or it will be tight and the steering wheel may kick when you go over a bump.

A proper wheel alignment can ensure control, safety, and a longer tire life for your vehicle.