Radiator and Cap – Radiator uses air flow to dissipate heat from coolant and the rad cap controls system pressure lowering the boiling point. Orifice Tube / Expansion Valve – Controls refrigerant flow in the A/C system. Accumulator / Receiver / Drier Tank – Used on low/high pressure side to filter refrigerant. Condenser – Dissipates...
Read moreTune Ups
It’s Time for the 21st Century Tune-up Times are changing…cars are changing. One of the biggest changes in today’s automotive industry is the perception of a “tune-up.” Ask 10 vehicle owners their definition of a tune-up and chances are there’ll be 10 different answers. The classic “tune-up” was once the...
Read moreFall Car Care Tip
As summer heat gives way to cooler days, it’s time to think of your vehicle. Staying on top of your vehicle’s care is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly – especially in preparation for the cold months ahead. Visit us for a Fall Check up. A...
Read moreFIVE WAYS TO WINTERIZE YOUR COMMUTE
1. Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. 2. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your Owner’s Manual for directions and details. 3. Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield...
Read moreWhat’s That Dash Light?

What’s That Dash Light? You’re driving down the road and all of a sudden a dash light illuminates showing an icon of a battery or the word “CHARGE.” + What does it mean? The battery has an insufficient charge to power the vehicle’s electrical systems and accessories. + What action...
Read moreTalk the Tech Talk
1. ROUGH IDLE — The engine runs unevenly at idle and the vehicle may also shake. 2. SLUGGISH — With this condition, the engine delivers limited power under load or at high speed; it won’t accelerate as fast as normal; it loses too much speed going up hills and may...
Read moreWhat’s that sound? Suspension clunks and rattles
Does your car make a clunking, popping or rattling sound when you hit a bump or pothole or cross over railroad tracks? And does it sound as if it’s coming from the front of the vehicle? If so, you’ll want to have the front suspension inspected immediately. Clunks and rattles...
Read moreTPMS
If your car, SUV or light-duty truck is a 2008 or newer (and some earlier models), it has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) designed to alert the driver if the pressure in one or more tires Fall more than 25 percent. http://acdelcotechconnect.com/pdf/newsletters-press-releases/intune/2013/intune-issue-3-2013.pdf...
Read moreSpark Plugs
When should I change my spark plugs? For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 50,000 kilometers, unless your vehicle is equipped with 160,000 kilometer platinum tipped spark plugs....
Read moreDetailing
Annually having your vehicle detailed not only leaves you feeling happy traveling around in a clean car, it helps retain the vehicles resale value . A clean car is a happy car. Detailing can be as inexpensive as $50.00 and can go as high as $220.00. Give us a call...
Read moreSpring Break Checklist
Check all the major fluids, including engine oil, power-steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid— and don’t forget the antifreeze/coolant. Make sure the windshield washer solvent container is topped off. Check the engine’s belts and hoses, which can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear—especially if...
Read moreFilter Facts
Oil filter– Helps keep vitally important engine oil clean. It can capture contaminants that can affect the engine’s performance and life span. Engine air filter – Helps block particles that are harmful to the engine’s combustion chambers such a small dirt particle and road salt Cabin air filter–...
Read moreHow to Make Your Tires Last
Follow these steps to check your tire inflation pressure: 1. When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool — meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (If you have to drive a distance to get inflation, check and record the tire pressure first...
Read moreA Brief History of Wipers
• American inventor Mary Anderson patented the first windshield wiper design in 1903. • Windshield wipers became standard equipment on cars around 1916. • The first wipers were hand-operated. Electric wipers didn’t arrive until the late 1920s – and were only found on luxury cars. • Intermittent wipers were invented...
Read moreKeeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment
Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer, and will last longer-up to 50% longer, according to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians. The following tips should put you on the road to...
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