Short drives and infrequent oil changes are two factors that lead to formation of sludge in an engine. This gelling of the oil can cause premature engine failure. Oil change intervals depend on the type of driving done. If most of the driving is open highway with little stop and go the interval could be 5000-7500 miles. But if the driving done is short trips and or stop and go, the oil should be changed every 3000 miles or 6 months whichever comes first. Some vehicles use a monitoring program that lets the computer say when to change the oil.
Every oil change includes a 12 point inspection, top up of fluids and set tire pressures.
Remove transmission oil pan and replace internal filter (if equipped),
top off fluid and test drive. This service is designed for regular maintenance
and should be performed with a transmission flush if the fluid is extremely
dirty or burnt. This service only replaces approximately 50-60% of the
fluid.
This service hooks into the cooler lines and completely flushes the transmission
fluid, thereby replacing 100% of the fluid. For best results, you should
perform this service along with the traditional transmission service.
By doing both services together, you start off with clean fluid and a
new filter. Keep in mind that both of these services are done for maintenance
and if you are having a shifting problem, additional repairs may be required.
Engine coolant loses some of its protective qualities after a period of
time. This is why you should replace the engine coolant at 30,000 mile
intervals if your engine has the traditional coolant (the green stuff)
and 60,000 mile intervals for most extended life coolants (the red stuff).
Some manufacturers will state 100,000 mile intervals for extended life
coolant but in reality it should be replaced more often. When this service
is performed, the entire cooling system is inspected to determine if hoses
or other components need replacement. Coolant hoses are recommended to
be replaced every 4 years, regardless of how many miles they have on them.
(carbon cleaning)
Even through normal operation, your engine will accumulate deposits inside
the manifold and injectors. This carbon buildup can rob your engine of
power and, in some cases, will even cause your car to run rough. By regularly
cleaning the injectors and fuel system of these harmful deposits, you
will maintain smooth operation, higher fuel mileage and cleaner emissions.
Many of today’s engines utilize a timing belt. If this belt breaks,
serious engine damage could occur. This is why the vehicle manufacturer
will specify certain intervals at which this belt should be replaced.
The mileage will vary from 60,000 to 90,000 miles with some recommending
replacement at 105,000 miles. We recommend timing belt replacement at
90,000 miles or your manufacturer’s specified interval, whichever
is less.
This service includes an oil change, full vehicle inspection including
the brakes and suspension, inspection of all exterior lights, windshield
wipers and a battery service. This service should be performed in between
your major maintenance services to help keep your car in top running order.
This is typically your 30/60/90,000 mile service. Each manufacturer has
their own recommendations on what services should be performed at this
interval. Ask your service advisor for more information on keeping your
car maintained.
We first perform a complete inspection of the braking system. Without
doing this, we cannot adequately determine what your car really needs
or how much it will cost. Our technicians can repair all braking systems
including the newer anti-lock brake systems. Each car requires different
components to repair the braking system so please schedule an appointment
to have your brakes inspected.
By replacing the shocks and struts on your vehicle you can maintain the
ride quality, handling characteristics and performance of your automobile.
Shocks and struts wear out very gradually and most people can’t
feel the difference until they are replaced and the ride and handling
is firm and crisp. Any time a shock or strut is leaking it is impossible
for it to do its job properly and should be replaced. On most vehicles,
when the front struts are replaced an alignment should also be performed.
If your car is not running properly, won’t start or has a ‘check
engine’ light on, you will need some diagnostics. This procedure
first communicates with your car’s computer to find out what the
computer thinks is wrong. We then verify component failure to make sure
the computer is not simply confused. After determining the cause of your
problem, we will recommend the necessary repairs. Our cars are becoming
mobile computer systems and the diagnostics process is becoming more complicated
with every new model. Our experienced technicians and state-of-the-art
equipment will help to fix your problem.
We have access to all makes of tires and are competitively priced. Whatever
you desire, we can get it. We also have a road hazard warranty available
with all tires we sell. We can even put road hazard coverage on the tires
you already have on your car. Ask us for details.
The clutch is what engages the transmission to the engine. Where and how
you drive will have a huge impact on how long this part will last. On
some vehicles, additional parts replacement may be required or recommended
at the time of clutch replacement. Ask us about clutch replacement at
the first sign of problems.
The battery is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is responsible for starting
your car and running many of the accessories on the vehicle. The battery
must endure temperature extremes and still be able to perform. The natural
venting of fumes from the battery will cause corrosion on the battery
terminals. This must be periodically cleaned. The alternator is responsible
for operating all the electrical accessories while the engine is running.
Everything from the turn signals to the engine computer to the fuel pump
is powered by the battery and alternator. The alternator also recharges
the battery after it is used to start the engine. Electrical system problems
can be slight or major. We sell batteries and offer electrical system
repairs and alternator replacement using quality parts.
The heating and air conditioning system, also known as climate control,
is what keeps us comfortable when we drive our cars. The coolant should
be replaced periodically. Proper service and diagnosis of the air conditioning
system and related repairs should only be done by a qualified technician.
There are certain EPA regulations and procedures that must be followed
for proper repair and recovery of the refrigerant. An improper repair
can result in damage to the rest of the system. Please allow our qualified
technicians to service your heating and air conditioning system.
Proper wheel alignment is important for your car to handle properly and
for your tires to wear evenly. An out of alignment vehicle can result
in diminished fuel mileage, abnormal tire wear, extra wear and tear on
suspension components and a possible pull to one side. The old myth, “the
car drives straight, the alignment is fine” is just that, A MYTH.
The alignment angle that will cause tire wear WILL NOT cause a pull, and
transversely, the angle that causes a pull CANNOT cause tire wear. We
recommend having your vehicle aligned at least once a year and any time
tires or suspension components are replaced.
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Hybrid
Just as with any
other vehicle, we are staying on the cutting edge of technology and have
invested in training and equipment to repair your hybrid vehicle.
While your hybrid vehicle is under warranty, we will get any warranty
repairs done for you.
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