Category: Automotive

Auto Repair for Beginners

Many drivers know the feeling of one moment sailing down the highway and the next moment hearing and awful, expensive-sounding noise coming from the vehicle. It could be the clunk-clunk of a flat tire, the grinding noise of brakes with worn out brake pads, or the knocking noise an engine with serious problems makes. Cars are significant financial investments. They are also, for many people, a necessity. Getting to work or getting kids to school is impossible for people in many areas of the United States without a car. Cars also represent freedom for some people. That freedom comes with responsibility and all vehicles require a basic degree of maintenance to continue operating.

The Importance of Car Maintenance

Proper car maintenance is vital for many reasons. Perhaps the most important reason is that keeping up to date with car maintenance will save drivers from more expensive repairs later. Sure, no one wants to pay $20-$100 every three months or so for an oil change. However, that’s preferable to paying $7,000 to replace the engine, which may be a likely outcome of not staying on top of oil changes. Staying up to date with car maintenance also makes it safer to drive. Proper maintenance can prevent issues (like old tires going flat) that lead to roadside emergencies. Keeping up with vehicle maintenance and maintaining repair records will often net you more money when you resell your vehicle. It’s also better for the planet. Excellent maintenance keeps the amount of pollution your car produces down. Regardless of the type of car, driving is more pleasurable in a vehicle that works well, with properly rotated and balanced tires, the correct oil level, windshield wiper blades that work correctly. Many people drive daily and with so much time spend on the road, it’s important to enjoy the drive when possible.

What to do When Problems Occur

Auto mechanics must quickly and accurately diagnose common vehicle problems.

Many problems today are found using computer diagnostic systems in the shop, however, some simple problems are quickly and easily diagnosed manually.

Fluids, for example, have their own distinct colors making a potential leak easier to track. Quickly dabbing leaked fluid with a white paper towel can help you to better see the color of the fluid.

• Pink or green fluids are usually coolant.
• Yellowish? Look for problems in the power steering line.
• Transmission fluid is more reddish in color.

Color is also helpful in diagnosing potential exhaust system problems. White, blue or black smoke can point to head gasket or engine valve problems which should be investigated immediately.

Basic Maintenance

Some drivers choose to save money by performing some or all of their car’s maintenance themselves. An easy first task is learning how to add windshield wiper fluid. Another simple task is changing out a headlight or rear light. Some people then go on and learn how to change turn signal relays or change their own oil. Some basic tools will be needed to perform vehicle maintenance. A basic set would include screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and channel locks in various sizes. A better quality jack than the one that came with the car is a good purchase. Also, try and find the car repair manual for the vehicle being worked on. This is not the same as the owner’s manual. The repair manual is designed for service center employees and gives detail and insight into how a car works and how to make basic repairs.

How to Change Your Air Filter

To maximize gas mileage and minimize emissions, your air filter should be changed every six months or 15,000 miles. To optimize savings, change it yourself.

Instructions

• Step 1: Park level, turn off engine Park your car on a level surface in the shade. Turn off the engine and let it cool down.
• Step 2: Locate air filter Open the hood and locate the air filter. In most cars, it’s enclosed inside a round or rectangular plastic case at the top or front of the engine.
• Step 3: Flip open clasps Flip open the metal clasps on either side of the case. If they’re stuck, use the flathead screwdriver to pry them open. In some older cars, you may need to unscrew the cover.
• Step 4: Pull out old filter Pull the old filter out of the case.

TIP: Hold the old filter up to the light—if you can see light through it, it’s still in good shape and can be reinserted.

• Step 5: Slide in clean filter Slide in the clean air filter.
• Step 6: Close clasps Close the clasps on the case.
• Step 7: Close hood Close the hood—and breath easy. Now your car can, too.

TRANSMISSION REPAIR

were from out of town and really worried about driving back home because car was making a noise that didn’t sound good, it was closing time for them and they still put car up on the lift just to look to make sure nothing was major and would not have a problem getting home

Honest. Thorough. Detailed. Fair. Fixed an issue other shops attempted to fix but failed, handled all the paperwork needed to get a NAPA parts replacement from the previous shop.

have never had any problems, they always do a great job and finish the work in a timely manner. Finding a trust worthy Auto mechanic is not an easy task

always buy new vehicles, so I rarely have mechanical issues with my cars. However, I typically order new tires for my cars online, and have gone

Everyone is always very polite and respectful, in my experiences. Every service or repair I’ve had was completed in a timely manner and either at or under the estimated cost. They’ve come through in the clutch when I needed an oil change before making an emergency trip out of town and even checked my tire pressure. I show up without an appointment, having a tire that needed a patch and they handled it with grace

REPAIR SERVICES

knowledgeable auto experts will diagnose the situation and help you make a decision. Leave the dirty work to us

Very knowledgeable bunch of guys. Went beyond what the dealership offers as far as checking the vehicle over for any potential issues or safety concerns.

crew have always been very friendly, helpful, honest and professional. I appreciate the care they have taken

No one likes having to call an automotive mechanic. Gone are the days when everyone had “their guy” who took care of their car. What a refreshing change to know there is a place

This has been the only shop I use in town for the last few years. Junior always treats me fair and takes great care of my car. They always accommodate a loaner car if I need it

TRANSMISSION 4X4 SERVICES

Differentials

The differential transfers the engine power to the wheels. One important function of the differential is to pass on power to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds – thus the name differential. When turning, the outer wheels travel a larger distance than the inner wheels do (also the front wheels travel a longer distance than the rear wheels). This means that all four wheels travel at different speeds during a turn and this is where the differential comes in to help. To make sure your vehicle’s differentials are working properly, have them checked regularly.

Driveline

A driveline is a part of your motor vehicle that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheel axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain less the engine and transmission. Failure of the driveline means that the car would not move since energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles.

Hubs, Seals, Studs, & Nuts

A wheel hub motor, also referred to as a wheel motor, is an electric motor incorporated into the wheel hub and drives it directly. You can have a safer and smoother ride today by replacing your warped and worn out wheel hubs.

Properly working seals provide oil and grease sealing – offering enhanced performance in a wide range of temperatures and environments. Worn out or warped seals allow external contaminants to enter the bearing unit or let lubricant escape from the unit. This ultimately leads to premature failure of the bearing unit. To keep out contamination and retain lubricant in the bearings, have the seals replaced with new ones

Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are found inside of wheels, allowing the wheels to spin freely, and are connected to the brake system. They can become worn over time, causing a vibrating suspension and noisy rubbing as the car is driven. If they break completely, the vehicle will become very difficult to control and unsafe to drive. Replacement interval for wheel bearings varies greatly, but they should be checked for leaks and wear periodically

Quality repairs

Automotive believes that everyone deserves top quality repairs that ensure safety at a fair price. maintain an honest and transparent environment that starts with team and transcends to customers. Automotive is powered by extraordinary people who do extraordinary work.

HONEST CARE WITH EVERY REPAIR

believe safety is a priority and that’s why provide a courtesy inspection to every vehicle. know that you depend on your vehicle to provide reliable transportation for work, to pick up children from school, and running everyday errands. That’s why believe it is important to employ A.S.E. Certified Technicians and Advisors.

Maintenance Services

Oil Changes

Air Filter

Cabin Filter

Manufacturer Scheduled Maintenance

Wheel Alignment & Tire Balance

Differential & Transfer Case Service

Fuel System Services

Digital Inspection

Fleet Maintenance Services Repair

Fluid Exchanges & System Flushes

Bumper-To-Bumper Services

Service Engine Warning Light Testing & Repairs

Abs & Traction System Repair

Electrical Systems Testing & Repair

Emission Repair

Differential & Axle Repair

Brake Check & Repair

Exhaust Systems Repair

Heating & A/C Repair Service

Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Transmission Repair

Engine Replacements

Steering & Suspension Repair

Batteries

Diesel Repair

Transmission Repair

Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your car, as it allows your vehicle to smoothly transition between gears and accelerate properly. Therefore, it’s equally as important to keep up with routine maintenance checks to ensure your transmission is functioning at its highest level while traveling

Why Should I Check My Transmission?

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it operates very much like a bicycle. You’re responsible for commanding when the car shifts through the gears, using the clutch and the gearshift. While an automatic transmission vehicle does the shifting on its own, a manual transmission requires the driver’s input to know when to shift.

Signs of a Failing Transmission

As with many parts on your car, there will likely be indications if your transmission is getting ready to fail or has already begun to do so

Here are some of those signs:

Not Shifting – If you’re driving a manual transmission vehicle and the car refuses to move into the next gear, you’re working with a failing transmission.

Sweet Burning Smell – No burning smell coming from your car is a good thing. However, if it smells sort of sweet and is associated with coaxing your vehicle to higher speeds, then it may be transmission fluid burning. If so, this is indicative that your transmission is overheating and thus working too hard.

Clutch Issues – If it feels like the clutch is sticking when you press it, this is another sure sign that your transmission isn’t what it used to be. This is commonly referred to as dragging clutch and is one of the plagues of manual drivers.

Shaking – When you feel your car shake as it shifts into the next gear of your automatic vehicle, then you’re experiencing something going wrong with the transmission.

team of professionals will work to diagnose the issue and get it fixed before the problem becomes more serious.