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Yearly Archives: 2013

HVAC Components

If you think of the belts under your hood like the chain on a bicycle transferring your leg energy to where it’s needed at the wheels. Now think of your vehicle’s hoses are like arteries, responsible for carrying life-sustaining coolant to the places that need it. Without proper maintenance, your engine could overheat and the risk of a breakdown becomes very real. Belts and hoses degrade over time and can crack, split, swell or burst. It is important to check them at the regular intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to avoid a breakdown from a broken belt or hose failure. A system is only as good as its weakest link and hoses are a vital cooling system component requiring regular service. Replacing the radiator hoses before they begin to leak can prevent an inconvenient breakdown and the potential for expensive related repairs. When cracks are visible or the hose swells or feels soft, it is a likely sign that the hoses are near the end of their life. Ofte ... read more

Categories:

Engine

Headlightss

How often should they be replaced: Well, obviously when lights dim or burn out. For maximum driving safety, it is very important to keep a close eye on how your car lights are functioning. If a light goes out, follow these steps to replace it and continue driving safely. In general, there are two kinds of headlamps—sealed beam and composite. Sealed beam lights are common in older cars, while composite lights are found in newer models and contain special housing with a removable halogen or xenon bulb or capsules. More often than not, if not caused by an accident, headlights and/or capsules should be replaced in pairs. Why? Because they’re usually of the same age, so when one goes the other it also likely to go out too. With newer composite lights, dimming can also be caused by oxidation of the outer lens – similar to cataracts in people. Replacing the entire composite assembly can be an expensive option. However, we may have less expensive opti ... read more

Categories:

Safety

Shocks and Struts Revisited

Shocks and Struts Revisited

Most of us think shocks and struts are simply a ride comfort item… something that insulates us from the potholes and washboard roads we use. But what about safety and longevity? Did you know that they also can improve steering control, braking distance and reduce tire wear? In fact, they can help you stop up to 10 feet sooner! Shocks and Struts help keep your vehicle’s tires in contact with the road. A few of the vital functions they perform include: Control spring and suspension movement and weight transfer Reduce tire bounce, vehicle roll and sway – plus brake dive and acceleration squat Help to maintain consistent handling and braking Maintain wheel alignment, and reduce wear on tires and other suspension components Brakes help you stop, but Shocks and Struts help you stop sooner. Just one (of four) 50% degraded shock can increase stopping distances by up to 10 feet under certain driving conditions (Actual distance var ... read more

Categories:

Suspension

Filter Changes

So how do you like your drinking water – Clean or mixed with dirt and metal shavings? Clean, right? Your vehicle engine would answer the EXACT same way about its oil. Similar to your home water filter, an oil filter’s job is to remove oil contaminants. It sifts out the solid particles while allowing the oil to flow unrestricted through the engine. Likewise, over time the oil filter can become full or “clogged,” and the oil and contaminants will flow around the filter. As a safety mechanism, the bypass is allowed because as far as your engine is concerned, dirty oil is better than none at all. However, when this occurs, the contaminants (dirt and metal shavings) head straight for the engine where they can eventually cause permanent damage. Studies also show that fuel economy and emissions are adversely affected during by-passing. Ok, so then which do you prefer to breathe – fresh or stale, polluted air? Similar to the oil filter, your engine’s air filter cap ... read more

Categories:

Spring
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