We offer a full line of automotive maintenance and repair services. Or technicians are ASE certified in all areas of automotive repair techniques and we confidently perform the following services:
Computerized Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment normally takes less than one hour. The vehicle is placed on a platform, which allows the wheels to spin while a computer calculates orientation. The computer compares this to a database of manufacturer specifications for the year, make and model of the car. If wheel alignment is off, an adjustment is made and the vehicle is tested again. Balancing can be done at the same time, if required.
Computerized Engine Analysis
Your modern vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. The days of your father's gas-guzzler are long gone—instead, Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Regular services (such as tune-ups, spark plug, and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's control computer. Our factory-trained technicians are here to provide these basic services.
A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information and based on information and instructions coded within this savvy computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control. Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging "check engine" light) our service pros check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you'll know if your vehicle's performance is caused by a real problem or just a sensor/computer issue.
Complete Engine Tune-Up
A tune-up usually refers to the routine servicing of the engine to meet the manufacturer's specifications. Tune-ups are needed periodically as according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure an automobile runs as expected. Modern vehicles still need periodic engine tune-ups.
Transmission Maintenance
Often, the transmission fluid should be replaced, Usually the transmission fluid level is checked with the engine hot and in park, and with the engine running. Automatic transmission fluid is usually pink in color. Most standard "stick" shift transmissions will have a drain plug to service the fluid. Some stick shift transmissions use engine oil as a lubricant.
Our technicians know which parts always need to be replaced – generally filters and those made from soft materials that wear such as rubber, paper or cork – and those components will be replaced with new components. In many, if not most cases, your vehicle manufacturer’s updates will recommend that additional transmission components need to be replaced, and those components will be replaced with reconditioned or new components.
Shocks, Struts, & Springs
Shocks and Struts are made to absorb the bumps and dips your vehicle hits when you drive down the road. Typically there's one shock or strut at each wheel. They consist of a piston in sealed tube filled with gas and/or liquid depending on the construction and use. When you hit a bump, the shock is meant to allow the wheel(s) to absorb the bump and recover from the bump quickly so that the car stays under control.
If your shock absorbers or struts are weak or worn out, the car will bounce a lot when you hit a bump and your control on corners will not be good. Safety is compromised.
Struts usually are an integral part of the front suspension of cars whereas shocks are more of a bolt-on to the suspension.
Complete Exhaust Systems
Vehicle engines have to manage the exhaust of the cooled combustion gas from the engine. The exhaust system frequently contains devices to control pollution, both chemical and noise pollution. The exhaust system is frequently tuned to improve emptying of the combustion chamber. Our technicians are trained at replacing and repairing vehicle exhaust systems.
Batteries
A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause premature alternator failure. Dirty or corroded battery terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the battery and alternator. A quick and inexpensive battery check and cable inspection can be done at each oil change. The replacement battery should be the same size, have the same battery cable connections, and should be the same electrical capacity as the original battery.
We will check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty battery cables are a common "no start" condition. Cable ends and battery terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion build up. Battery terminal protecting spray coatings can also be helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion. We install A/C Delco and Interstate batteries that are very dependable and 100% maintenance free.
Belts and Hoses
Belts and Hoses should be replaced if they are worn on the edges, frayed, or cracked. We check the tension on each belt, and see if anything is rubbing or coming in contact with it.
Electrical Systems
Electrical Equipment in a motor vehicle provides electricity to start the engine and ignite the fuel and operate the lights and windshield wiper and heater and air conditioner and radio. The heart of the car's electrical system is the battery, along with the alternator, lamps, ignition system, starter, blinker signals, and voltage regulator. Our technicians can troubleshoot electrical systems and fix electrical problems.
Air filters
A dirty air filter will not cause the engine to run bad, stall, or misfire. A dirty filter can cause reduced fuel economy and higher exhaust emission gases.
Cooling and Radiator Service
We will check the fluid level in the plastic "overflow reservoir" and the actual level of coolant inside the radiator. You should be able to visually see the coolant level inside the radiator when the engine is cold. If the antifreeze is dirty or rusty colored, or has lost its over heating/anti-freezing capability we will flush and replace it. Regular life antifreeze is bright green in color, and the newer "extended" longer life antifreeze is red in color. Either type can be used but should not be mixed together. We also check for leaks or bulges at all points along the hose. If soft spots, bulges, or a "cracking feeling" is identified, we replace all water hoses at the same time. We check PH and Freeze protection with a Litmus Paper strip to determine if replacement and/or flushing is required.
Fuel Filter
Fuel filters become clogged with dirt and debris during normal operation and should be replaced to increase performance, extend fuel pump life, and aid in fuel economy.
Spark Plugs
Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause misfire, poor fuel mileage, loss of power, and slow or extended starting time. Spark plug wires should be replaced when replacing spark plugs. Spark plug wires should be replaced when replacing spark plugs to get maximum performance and life expectancy of spark plugs.
Windshield Wiper Service
We inspect wiper blades for wear and washer fluid level during a regular oil and filter change. Some wiper blades are different lengths for driver and passenger side. We measure old blades before replacing with new ones.
Timing Belt
Timing belts are commonly used on Japanese cars. The timing belt is a rubber belt that drives the engine’s internal components. The timing belt is not easily visible and should be replaced at the indicated mileage and time not on visual wear like a normal drive belt. If the timing belt breaks, the engine stops and costly internal engine damage can occur. The water pump on some vehicles is driven by the timing belt, and should be replaced when replacing the timing belt.
Distributor Cap/Ignition Rotor
These items should be inspected/replaced when replacing spark plugs and spark plug wires, or when a "major tune-up" is called for. The distributor cap is where the other end of the spark plug wires connect to, and the ignition rotor is underneath the distributor cap. Some newer model vehicles do not have a distributor at all. These cars are designed with Distributorless Ignition Systems (D.I.S.), and therefore do not have these parts.
Air Conditioning Service
Air conditioning refrigerant commonly known as "Freon" should be checked for proper pressures and level of refrigerant oil periodically. Low Freon and refrigerant oil levels can cause premature wear on air compressors, and decrease overall performance of the a/c system. Although the a/c system is a sealed unit, it is not uncommon to have to add small amounts of refrigerant (Freon) periodically due to small leaks and seepage.
CV Boots and CV Joint Repair
Used mostly on front wheel drive cars, Constant Velocity (CV) joints are shafts that connect the transmission to the wheels with knuckle joints on either end of the shaft. The shafts provide the power to turn the wheels by linking the transmission to the wheel. There are two shafts and four joints on most front wheel drive cars. CV boots are made of pliable rubber to cover the CV joint. Torn CV boots allow grease meant to lubricate the joint to escape, and allows dirt and debris to enter inside the joint. A worn CV joint usually produces a clicking noise from the wheel area on hard turns.
Drive Shaft and U-Joint Repair
Rear wheel drive cars and trucks have drive shafts in place of CV joints that are found on front wheel drive cars. The drive shaft links the transmission to the rear differential to provide power to turn the wheels. Most drive shafts have two or three U-joints connecting the shaft to the transmission and rear differential. The shaft and joints should be checked for wear during regular engine oil changes. Some U-joints can and should be greased during the "grease job" portion of the oil change.
Differential & Drive Train Repair
The rear differential (commonly referred to as the rear end) fluid or grease should be checked during each routine oil change and topped off as needed with the fluid prescribed in the owner’s manual. We also drain and flush the rear end fluid periodically to remove any metal filings that have normally accumulated in the differential housing. We are also experts in bearing and gear replacement
Brakes
We check the brake fluid level. The fluid level should only need to be slightly topped off occasionally. If more than 2 oz. of fluid is needed, the brake system should be inspected for leaks and component wear. The fluid in the reservoir should be clear in appearance and free of dirt and debris. Brake fluid retains moisture and should be flushed and re-bled (remove the air from the system) to keep brakes working effectively.
We also check for brake pad and shoe wear. Don’t wait until you hear grinding noises to have the brakes inspected. Have brakes checked periodically for wear. Some warning signs of brake problems are: noises when brakes are applied, the steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied, needing to add more than 2 oz of brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir, a soft or squishy brake pedal, or the brake pedal goes to the floor slowly while brakes are applied. We also check brake fluid with litmus paper testing
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid can either be pink or clear in color, usually only a very small amount is needed to top off fluid level. If more than 2 oz. is needed, we check the system for leaks or wear. Power steering fluid, just like any other fluid, becomes dirty and contaminated and should be replaced with clean fluid periodically. Dirty power steering fluid can cause the power steering pump or the power steering gear assemblies to fail and can cause premature wear to occur.
Tire Repair and Replacement
We inspect tires for pressure and uneven tread wear, punctures, bulges, or cuts in sidewall of the tire. Routine rotation and balancing can greatly extend the life of your tires. Most front end "shake and shimmy" complaints can be attributed to out of balance, or out of round tires.