Warm weather or cold, you still need to think about our vehicle’s air conditioning. Most people don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Vehicle manufacturers have preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning service, just as they do for transmission service, oil changes and so on. 

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Have us inspect your belts and hoses to make sure there are no leaks! Timing belts keep everything working together – they are tough and flexible, and they last a long time but they do wear out. If they break, the consequences can spell disaster.  

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Cabin air filters are becoming a standard feature on newer vehicles. These filters can clean particles out of the air down to three microns, which accounts for pollen, dust and most pollutants. If you suffer from allergies or have a respiratory disorder, this may be just what you’ve been waiting for. 

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Our cars must operate in a wide range of outside temperatures and our engine coolant must be able to perform no matter what. Think for a moment about the environment where the coolant works. Very hot, high pressure, corrosive . . . 

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If your engine has overheated, you should also check your coolant system for leaks. Check the radiator for cracks and the radiator hoses for leaks. You should also check your water pump. They don’t need to be replaced on a regular schedule, but they do need to be checked regularly. They can and do wear out. 

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If you’re interested in customizing the wheels on your vehicle, there are a few things you should know first. 

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The drive train in your vehicle includes all the components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. Those components differ depending on what type of vehicle you drive, namely, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

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When a good technician changes your oil, they will also inspect your air filter. You shouldn’t need a new filter at every oil change, but you will need to change it regularly. Heed your technician’s auto advice if they tell you to change your filter. It’s not expensive, and it makes a big difference to your vehicle. 

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Your vehicle’s exhaust system is more than just a tailpipe and a muffler. In fact, it is one of the most complex systems on your vehicle. Maintaining it is good auto advice, but it’s also good health advice and good environmental advice. 

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Over time, vehicles have developed in complexity and variety, and their fluids have developed as well. It’s important to always use the right type of fluid for your vehicle. 

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All-wheel drive vehicles are also known as 4x4s and four-wheel drive vehicles. These vehicles require a specific system, especially when used for off-roading and towing.

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Fuel filters clean the dirt, dust and grime out of your fuel. Both gasoline and diesel-powered engines have them. The fuel filter is located in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine.

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Engines need to burn fuel to operate. Fuel is pumped from your fuel tank to your engine where it is squirted—or injected—into your engine’s cylinders. This is the function of the fuel injectors. 

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Most new cars come with halogen headlamps.  A decade ago, halogens were exotic and expensive.  Now that they are standard equipment, the price has come way down. Many luxury cars are equipped with high intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps.  You have probably seen them on the road, they’re very bright and have a bluish tint. 

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Oil lubricates your engine and keeps it running smoothly. If you’re running low, there is increased friction in your engine. Friction creates drag, which means more fuel to keep the motor running. This all translates to lower gas mileage. 

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Did you know that the first federally mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960’s? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government to regulate harmful emissions as well as to improve fuel efficiency in the country’s vehicles. 

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Power steering is now standard on all vehicles, but there are several ways that power can be delivered. Most vehicles use a hydraulic power steering system. In this system, a serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump that pressurizes the power steering fluid. The pressure activates a hydraulic cylinder that provides steering power. 

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The radiator is the best-known and most recognizable part of the cooling system. Hoses filled with coolant (also known as antifreeze) connect the radiator to the engine. The coolant draws heat from the engine and then flows to the radiator. The air passing through the cooling fins on the radiator cools the coolant. The coolant then cycles back into the engine to start the process over again. 

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The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which cools the engine; the air conditioning, which cools the driver and passengers; and the power steering pump, which allows for easier steering. When the belt breaks, all these systems shut down. 

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Springs do most of the work of the suspension system.  The most common types of springs are coil and leaf, but air springs and torsion bars are becoming more common. The body of the vehicle is “suspended” by the springs. 

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If your suspension is in trouble, you often feel it in how your vehicle drives. If the vehicle pulls to one side or wanders, if the steering is erratic, if your ride isn’t as smooth as it should be, or if your vehicle handles poorly, you should get your suspension system checked. Uneven tire wear can also indicate worn parts in your suspension system. 

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The timing belt is so named because it keeps the pistons and valves operating in synch with each other, just as a conductor keeps all of the instruments in an orchestra in time with one another. Thus, the timing belt is critical to the proper operation of your engine. 

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When your transmission is running properly, it transfers more power from your engine to the drive wheels and improves fuel economy. That’s why its recommended to change your transmission fluid at regular intervals.  

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Your engine has many component systems that each need to be working properly. And the components need to be working in sync, all timed up together in order for the engine to work efficiently. 

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Multi-point inspections normally come with other routine maintenance services, checking fluid levels, filters, tires, and more.

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Replacing a water pump is a car care issue that almost all of us face eventually. They don’t last forever. On the other hand, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle, including the water pump, through preventive maintenance. 

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Wiper blades are a crucial factor in your ability to see the road.

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