Services

Car & Small Truck Repair Service
Transmission Repair Service
Fleet Service

Some of Our Services Available:
• Transmission Service
• Major Engine Repairs (Rebuild & Replacement)
• Brakes
• Timing Belts
• Head Gaskets Replacement
• Fuel Systems
• Ignition Systems
• Heating & Cooling Systems
• Exhaust & Emission Control Systems

We perform all manufacturers recommended maintenance.

Transmission Maintenance

For those of you who aren’t mechanically-savvy, you probably still understand that transmission problems are among the most expensive repairs required for your vehicle. That’s because your transmission is a complex system of gears that transmit mechanical power to your engine, ultimately determining the rate of speed you travel. Transmissions convert this power from the engine so that it can supply high torque at low speeds, in addition to selecting which gears are appropriate based on the driving conditions. This is especially true with automatic transmissions—by far the most popular transmissions found in the US. Rather than using a clutch to engage the transmission, automatic transmissions use a torque converter (between the engine and transmission) to control the number of gears when driving. Supplying the power to regulate gear action is a demanding task and here are some of the essential maintenance tasks which need to be completed on a scheduled basis:

• Drain transmission and torque converter
• Refill Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF) with new fluid

Transmission problems typically arise when regular service is neglected. When fluids aren’t properly changed, heat caused from mileage friction results in rough shifting, accelerated wear, and even complete failure. That’s why it’s essential that you turn to us to make sure that your transmission is lubricated and cooled by the finest quality transmission fluids, installed by our service professionals.

Air Conditioning Service

Did you know that without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency per year? This means that without proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit may be performing as poorly as other models that are years older! We understand all aspects of AC repair, from modern computerized components to environmental disposal concerns. Today’s AC systems are fairly complex, and new improvements are always being initiated. That’s why you need to turn to us, the qualified source for everything related to your air conditioning system.

Belts & Hoses

Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear

out faster than any other components in your car.  That’s why regular

inspections are so important. Here are the belt and hose types in your car,

along with their applications.

Accessory Drive Belts

While some accessories in your car are electrically powered by the charging system, others use the engine itself as their power source. The power for these accessories is delivered by a system of pulleys and belts. Examples of these accessories are:

• Alternator
• Water Pump for engine cooling
• Power Steering Pump
• Air Conditioning Compressor
• Radiator Cooling Fan
• Many late model cars use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories.

Hoses

The hoses that convey your car’s fluids are made of two rubber layers with a layer of fabric in between. Typical hoses include:

• Radiator and Heater Hoses – These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core.
• Fuel Hose – As the name implies, this hose transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.
• Power Steering Hose – It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.

Braking Systems

Hydraulics

Master Cylinder

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure which pushes brake fluid to the wheel brakes.

Brake Lines and Hoses

Steel brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses are the avenues through which the pressurized brake fluid travels.

Wheel Cylinders and Calipers

These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, causing your car to stop.

Friction Materials

Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes

These brake linings are composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your car.

Types of Brakes

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder, Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car.

Parking Brake

The Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being driven.

Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For Safety

Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on and off rapidly, and the on-board computer.

Cooling System Maintenance

What Our ASE Certified Technicians Do

The following components are inspected. Their condition is recorded and compared to manufacturer’s specs. Recommendations are made per the Motorist Assurance Program Uniform Inspection Guidelines:

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Visual Inspection

Interior controls and blower

Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat

The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension

Leaks or other damage

Component condition, leaks or damage

Heating and Air Conditioning Tests

Pressure test engine cooling system

A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer’s specifications

A/C system is leak tested

Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents.

Oil Change

Check the owner’s manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be “severe service.” This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Car Care Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3-5,000 miles. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climes (sub-zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30.

Description: The typical oil filter consists of a high-strength steel housing containing various types of filtering media. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from running out of the filter when the engine is off. Today’s oil filters have a convenient spin-on design that makes removal and installation easy.

Purpose: The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. Should the oil filter become restricted or clogged with contaminants, they will flow around the filter. This bypassing is a safety mechanism, but you never want to let oil and filter changes go so long that bypassing takes place.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: For best results, consult your owner’s manual, but consider that your driving probably constitutes a severe maintenance schedule. Usually, this means oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If you change the filter yourself, dispose of it properly. Take used filters to a facility that accepts them. Used filters can be crushed, removing the used oil and the steel part of the filter can be recycled. The oil from one used, seemingly innocent filter leaking into a landfill can taint 62,000 gallons of ground water.