Tune Ups

A tune up is a combination of services that may include work like changing the vehicle’s spark plugs, air filters, fuel filter, oil and oil filter, windshield wipers, brake pads, and any other routine maintenance that your vehicle is due for. The goal is to replaced the wearable items to get your engine's health as good as possible to get the most life out of each component. Each make and model is specific, call for quote.

Engine Oil and Filter Changes

Basic safety check, drain and refill engine oil, replace oil filter, inspect coolant level and condition, inspect oil and obvious external leaks, inspect differential fluid levels, lubricate chassis(if applicable), inspect exhaust system, inspect brake fluid level and condition, inspect power steering fluid level and condition, inspect transmission fluid level and condition(if applicable), check windshield washer fluid, and top off all fluids.  Inspect air filter, inspect cabin air filter(if accessible), perform visual brake inspection, check tire pressure and condition.  Reset Oil Light.

Cabin and Engine Air Filter Changes

Most vehicles are equipped with two air filters that are visually inspected during the full service oil change and recommended when any dust, dirt, debris, and bugs are present. This filter prevents those things getting into the engine and harming the engine. Cabin air filters keep the same airborne particulates from coming into the cabin, helping to improve passenger air quality and reduce allergens.

Brake and Brake Fluid Inspections

Brakes are a strong safety recommendation and it is important to make sure you have good brakes. Technicians will road test vehicle and verify concern. Remove and reinstall four wheels to inspect brake condition. Check brake fluid level and condition. Inspect rotors and measure thickness. Inspect hoses and entire system for leaks.

Fluid Level and Condition Inspections

All fluids if applicable will be checked during a full service oil change on the vehicle. Technicians are looking for proper fluid levels, leaks, dirty fluids or floating debris, and other common signs of more serious issues. Fluid discoloration, fluids mixing, or bad smells are all indicators of a problem. ABC MOTORS IS Equipped to professionally service and flush all fluids in most makes and models.   Installing quality fluids back into vehicle systems that meet the manufacture specifications.  Fluid inspections typically include the oil, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, and transmission fluid (if accessible). Call or email for quote.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant Charge & Diagnostic

Vehicle air conditioners rely on a refrigerant used to cool air passing through the system before entering the cabin. The system relies on that refrigerant to be properly pressurized and in good condition. Refrigerant can eventually break down, leak, and need to be recharged. ABC MOTORS has the right equipment to evacuate, recover and recharge system. Also, adding leak detecting dye into system.  

Spark Plug, Wires, and Coil Boot Replacements

Spark plugs, spark plug wires and ignition coil boots are wearable items and need to be replaced at certain intervals.  Replacing ignition items will help restore engine performance, improve fuel efficiency and help get the most life out of your vehicle.  Each make and model is specific, call or email for quote.

Missouri Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections

Missouri requires a motor vehicle safety inspection for vehicles that are over 10 years old or over 150,000 miles. Technicians inspect items to ensure that meet common safety standards. A safety inspection typically includes exterior lights, tires, wiper blades, mirrors, seat belts, horn, brakes, and steering and suspension components.

Drive Belt Replacements

Serpentine belts wear out over the miles and can be visually inspected for any fray, crack, slip, or possibility to break off completely. ABC MOTORS can identify a bad drive belt and make a recommendation before you it breaks and leaves you stranded, each make and model is specific, call or email for quote. 

Upper Induction Service and Cleaning

An intake cleaning service should be performed regularly to remove any carbon deposits found in the throttle body or intake manifold.  This service involves adding pressurized chemical that is sprayed inside the throttle body and intake manifold as the engine is running. Also has fuel system additive to fill with fuel tank.  Helps restore power and performance by using advanced detergents to thoroughly clean the system.  Removes deposits, grease, dirt and sludge.

Differential & Transfer Case Fluid Replacement

Transfer cases and differential fluid are expensive components and fluids break down and should be replaced at regular intervals.   Technicians inspects fluid conditions and level to ensure fluids are in good condition.   Good fluid can ensure system gets as much life as possible and prevents future breakdowns. 

Warning Light Diagnostics

When an engine warning light illuminates, there is a reason. Regardless if it is serious or a simply warning, it is important to find out what the light is trying to tell you. Only then can you tell if the vehicle is truly safe to drive, whether or not you are experiencing other symptoms. All newer vehicles have electronic diagnostic programming that allows for scan test and diagnosing the fault in system. 

Engine Oil Leaks

Engine oil is such a vital part of your engine, that any issues with your oil system are reason to be worried. From oil pumps, to oil coolers, to oil lines, there are quite a few issues that can arise. Engine oil level is important and should make sure that you are not losing fluid.

Throttle Body Maintenance and Repairs

A vehicle’s throttle body is responsible for controlling air flow into the engine. When it gets dirty, the throttle itself functions less effectively and the sensors can give false readings. Maintenance may include cleaning the throttle, replacing intake air sensors, or replacing the entire throttle body.

Intake Manifold Gasket Replacements

Separating the intake manifold from the cylinder heads is a small but important gasket that ensures an airtight seal. The gasket will eventually degrade over time and need to be replaced. Accessing the gasket can be time consuming due to its location, and every engine is a little different.  Call or email for quote.

Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacements

The exhaust manifold gasket seals the gap between the exhaust port and the exhaust manifold. Just like the other gaskets on your vehicle, it eventually breaks down and starts to deteriorate. It will need to be replaced in order for the sensors and other exhaust components to work correctly.

Engine Noise Diagnostics

When your vehicle’s engine starts to make a new noise, there’s cause for concern. The large number of moving components inside that are designed to move together seamlessly, and when they don’t the noises can be unnerving. Identifying the noise can be difficult, particularly when the sounds are intermittent. A trained ear can tell the difference between detonation issues, piston slap, valvetrain noise, and other similar sounds, and be able to relate them to any other potential symptoms.

Cylinder Compression Testing

Cylinder compression testing is a process used to identify weak points in the vehicle’s piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Depending on the results of the compression testing, a technician can pinpoint what is causing running issues with the engine. They can then determine what needs to be done in order to correct any problems.

Engine Vacuum Testing

Testing and engine’s vacuum allows a technician to identify issues with the valve train, ignition system, piston rings, timing, intake manifold, misfires, and exhaust issues. With a vacuum gauge properly installed, the engine is observed under a variety of conditions in order to pinpoint weak spots within the engine. From there, further testing and repairs can be made.

Loss of Power Testing

When your engine feels sluggish and like it has lost power, it can be attributed to anything from a bad sensor, to an ignition problem, to a cooling system problem. Without any other symptoms or warning lights, it can be extremely hard to find the problem. A wide range of tests may need to be run in order to locate the issue. A trained technician knows where to start and how to narrow down the potential problems until a repair can be made.

Coolant System Flush and Fill

Keeping your cooling system working well is key to a long-lasting engine.  Technicians will inspect hoses and clamps.  Pressure test cooling system.  Back flush engine, and radiator. Bring antifreeze to -35 degrees.   Check thermostat and electric cooling fan operation.

Coolant Hose Inspections and Replacements

The cooling system’s hoses play a vital role in transferring hot coolant to the radiator and cooler coolant back into the engine. Due to the heat they are subjected to from the engine, they can become dry and brittle, or develop holes and cracks. This can lead to a coolant leak and potentially overheating the engine.

Thermostat Replacements

The thermostat in your vehicle is responsible for allowing the right amount of coolant through the engine in order to properly regulate engine temperatures. A failed thermostat can cause the engine to overheat, not heat up enough, and cause poor engine performance. Drivers most commonly notice quick fluctuations on their temperature gauge or rapid overheating when their thermostats fail.

Radiator Replacements

Your engine suffers when the radiator isn’t able to remove enough heat at a fast rate. Bent fins, clogged coolant passages, or a cracked radiator can all cause a ripple effect that inevitably leads to your engine overheating. While there are ways to improve a radiator’s performance, often the only real solution is to replace it entirely.

Water Pump Replacement

Water pumps can fail for several reasons, but the end results are always the same. A lack of coolant flowing steadily through the engine will lead to overheating and lead to further engine damage.  

Cooling Fan Testing and Maintenance

The engine cooling fans have a very simple, yet important, job of keeping air moving over the radiator. It takes a combination of switches, relays, motors, sensors, and programming to get the cooling fans to turn on when they are needed, and to conserve power when they are not needed. If your vehicle is overheating or the fans are not responding as they should, testing can pinpoint the component or sensor at fault.

Heater Core Testing and Flushing

Your vehicle’s heating system relies on the heater core to warm the air coming into the cabin. The heater core becomes filled with hot coolant coming from the engine before being sent to the radiator. Most often the heater core becomes damaged or cracked causing the vehicle to lose coolant. Heater cores may also become clogged and need to be flushed out. If the heater core is unrepairable, it will need to be replaced.

Engine Temperature Sensor Replacement

The engine temperature sensor plays a large role in how the vehicle’s computer maintains engine speed. When the vehicle registers as cold, timing is advanced to produce more power. As the engine warms up, the timing is slowed down to normal operating speeds. A failed temperature sensor may trigger warning lights, cause the vehicle to consumer more fuel, and you may notice an overall lack of power. 

Muffler Maintenance and Repairs

As the engine intakes air and fuel, it produces exhaust and extremely loud noises. Your exhaust system helps move those fumes away from the driver and dampen the sounds. Mufflers are required by law in most cities, as a way to maintain a peaceful environment. A muffler can fail several ways, including internally causing excess engine noise. A cracked muffler can cause both engine performance issues and the smell of an exhaust leak. Small issues with a muffler can be repaired, while major issues will require a replacement.

Catalytic Converter Maintenance and Repairs

Catalytic converters are filled with a “catalyst” material that turns harmful exhaust fumes into nontoxic vapor. This catalyst material can break down due to heat, and even melt together in extreme cases. Catalytic converters cannot be repaired a large majority of the time, and will need to be replaced. A clogged catalytic converter may cause a variety of engine problems most often resulting in a sluggish performance. It can also cause a chain reaction with other engine components and the oxygen sensors.

Oxygen Sensor Diagnostics and Replacements

Bad oxygen sensors most often result in a check engine light, poor engine performance, and are most noticeable during idle. Oxygen sensors report the level of unburned oxygen in the exhaust, telling the computer how efficiently it is running so that it can adjust timing and other configurations. Oxygen sensors must be replaced if and when they do fail.

Exhaust Restriction Testing and Diagnostics

An unrestricted exhaust system is key for the engine being able to do what it needs to do. Damaged pipes, a clogged catalytic converter, or other similar issue can restrict exhaust flow and cause a variety of symptoms. The first step is to perform a visual inspection and check for any obvious signs of an issue. From there a technician will go through and check individual components for clogging or restrictions. If nothing is found, vacuum testing can also be performed.

Battery Testing and Replacements

When your vehicle struggles to start, the first step is to test the battery. This can be done while the battery is still installed in the vehicle or after it has been removed. There are two main ways to test a battery. Battery load testers and electronic testers will both determine if a battery is fit enough to function properly and if it is starting to weaken. If this is the case, it must be replaced. Always invest in a quality battery, as it is a very simple yet important component for your vehicle.

Fuse and Relay Testing and Replacements

Fuses are designed to protect your vehicle’s electronic systems. In the case of a power surge or electrical issue, the fuse will “pop” cutting off electrical power to the component it is protecting. Otherwise, the vehicle’s computers and other more intricate electronic components would be at risk. Relays on the other hand are electromagnetic switches designed to keep power away from certain components until it is needed. Luckily, fuses and relays are very easy to change out and are designed to be replaced quickly.

Alternator Testing and Replacements

Once your vehicle has started, all of the electronics on board run off of the power generated by the alternator. A poorly functioning alternator can cause numerous electrical problems, issues with engine performance, low battery performance, stalling, and most noticeably dim headlights. A failing alternator will put excess stress on the battery, and will eventually cause it to need to be replaced as well. If you suspect your alternator is going bad, have it tested right away.

Starter Testing and Replacements

The vehicle’s starter may only be used for a second or two at a time, but it is solely responsible for physically turning the vehicle’s crankshaft in order to get the engine started. It is a heavy job done by a small motor. Without it, the vehicle will not be going anywhere. If your vehicle is struggling to start, you will want to have the starter tested before it fails completely. Slow cranking when turning your key is the first sign of an issue.

Radio and Instrument Cluster Diagnostics and Repairs

Dashboards hold a majority of the electronics in our vehicles. Between the instrument cluster and the radio or infotainment system, most of the controls and switches are within an arm’s reach of the driver. From fuses, to wiring harnesses, to individual components, issues with these systems tend to need electrical testing. With the right tools and the right knowledge, issues with any single one of these integrated systems can be pinpointed and repaired.

Wiring Harness Replacements

In order to keep wiring from the many electrical components on a vehicle organized, the wiring is designed in a harness that is strategically mapped throughout the vehicle. When a vehicle gets water damage, is subjected to extreme heat, or has another form of significant body damage, the entire wiring harness may need to be replaced entirely. It is one of the only ways to ensure that every wire is clean, dry, and tight.

Ignition System Testing and Maintenance

After fuel and air has been pulled into the engine, a spark plug ignites the mixture in order to create the explosions that power your vehicle. This spark is dependent on a strategically designed ignition system that is timed very precisely. Misfires, combustion issues, and overall poor engine performance can all be caused by ignition system errors. Finding and repairing the component that is to blame can take time and various types of testing, but will dramatically improve the engine’s performance.

Pulsing Brake Diagnostics

The feeling of pulsating brakes is hard to deny. When the brakes feel like they are shaking and vibrating rather than applying pressure smoothly, you can feel it all over the car and up the brake pedal. This is caused by uneven braking surfaces, most commonly due to warped brake rotors. However, it is why the rotors are warped that matters. Hard stops, extreme heat, and poor wheel mounting can all contribute to uneven rotor wear.

Noisy Brake Inspections

Noisy brakes can be attributed to anything from nonharmful brake dust to brake failure. Consistent brake squeaking or squealing is typically a sign that your brake pads are starting to wear down and need to be replaced soon. Brake grinding can be a sign of serious mechanical failure, or the brake pads being completely worn out. Often a test drive and a visual inspection are enough to pinpoint the issue and make repairs.

Brake Fluid Flush

Hydraulic brake fluid is the key component in the braking system, which allows you to stop your vehicle with a small amount of effort. Brake fluid is extremely hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. Over time, this causes the brake fluid to lose its hydraulic characteristics. Other contaminants, including air, can also enter the system when the fluid reservoir cap is off or if there is a leak. Regardless, the system will need to be flushed out and filled with fresh brake fluid.

Master Cylinder Repairs and replacements

The brake master cylinder helps turn the push of a pedal into hydraulic force. Over time, seals on the moving components inside will wear down. Some models have replaceable seals, which means the master cylinder can be repaired. More serious damage or an unserviceable master cylinder will require that a new one be installed. Master cylinder repairs are also accompanied by a brake fluid flush, since the hydraulic system is opened and exposed to the air.

Brake Pad Replacements

Brake pads are designed to wear down over time. Every time you stop a small amount of brake pad material is worn down, much like when you use an eraser. Harder stops lead to more wear, as does city driving and stop-and-go traffic. While some last longer than others, your vehicle will eventually need new brake pads.

Brake Booster Replacements

The brake booster works along with the brake pedal and master cylinder to create a large amount of hydraulic power from pressing the brake pedal. When your brakes get harder to push and the vehicle takes longer to stop, it is likely that you have a failing brake booster. The booster will have to be replaced in order to restore full braking abilities.

Brake Caliper Maintenance and Replacements

Calipers hold the brake pads and let them to move back and forth when the brakes are applied. The grease that allows brake calipers to move without friction can collect dirt and debris. This can eventually cause your brake pads to wear unevenly and cause the caliper to stick in a closed position pushing the brake pads against the rotor. If the caliper is in good condition, the pistons and grease can be replaced inside. Otherwise, the caliper will need to be replaced and new pads installed.

Brake Rotor Machining and Replacement

Attached to the wheel hub is a brake rotor, which your brakes grab onto in order to stop the wheels from rolling. The rotor is designed to be perfectly flat, so that the perfectly flat brake pads press evenly on the rotor. Hard stops, hot temperatures, and even over-tightened lug nuts can lead to warped rotors. If the rotors are thick enough, they can be resurfaced so they are flat and work like normal. If the rotors are worn beyond manufacture specifications, they will need to be replaced.

Drum Brake Adjustments and Repairs

As drum brakes wear down, they need to be adjusted in order to restore full braking abilities. The further a brake shoe wears down, the further the shoes have to travel in order to make contact with the brake drum. Adjustments compensate for that extra space, increasing stopping power and making the brakes feel tighter to the driver. While brake drums are more uncommon amongst new models, they are still found on many older vehicles.

Brake Line Replacements

Brake lines carry hydraulic brake fluid from the master cylinder to each brake on each wheel. The lines must be air-tight, and are perfectly designed to work in unison as a system. Any damage to a brake line, including a leak, can cause major safety concerns and compromise the system. Brake lines that are in good condition can be repaired, while more serious damage may warrant replacing the entire line.

Parking Brake Adjustments

A majority of parking brakes are cable activated. The movement of a pedal or handle physically activates the brakes. Those cables, or lines, can become stretched and loose. This will leave you with a parking brake that does not completely engage or does not engage at all. If there is no major damage, the cable can be tightened up and adjusted to restore the parking brake.

Emergency Brake Diagnostics and Repairs

Your emergency brake, or parking brake, acts as a secondary way to apply the brakes when you are parked on a hill or in the case of an emergency. It is considered a safety device that has the potential to keep you and your car out of harms way. Mechanical parking brakes, as opposed to new electric parking brakes, are relatively simple systems. Having your parking brake repaired will ensure that you have that backup safety feature in place when you need it most.

ABS Diagnostics and Maintenance

All modern cars are equipped with an anti-lock braking system that keeps the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The system includes several wheel speed sensors and brake system sensors, all of which must be working for ABS to be active. If the ABS warning light is on, electronic diagnostics must be run in order to pinpoint what part of the system is malfunctioning. Further testing can be done from there if needed.

Heater Diagnostics and Repairs

The heater in your car can make a huge difference in your comfort when on the road, and even be a life saving feature in extreme weather. When the heater fails, it may be an issue with the heater core, blower motor, or a sign of a problem with the cooling system. Once the issue has been correctly diagnosed, repairs can be made to resolve the issues.

Blower Motor Repairs and Service

A vehicle’s air conditioner and heater both utilize the same blower motor to move air into the cabin. If the blower motor fails to turn on and circulate air, or fails to respond to different fan speeds, then the motor or its switch may have failed. Testing can pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong and determine what needs to be done to resolve the problem.

A/C Refrigerant Recovery and Replacement

Air conditioning refrigerant will degrade over time and your AC will lose its cooling effects. Eventually, the AC system will need to be recharged with new refrigerant. The best way to do this is with a recovery and recharge machine, which will properly collect old refrigerant and replace it with new. This not only is the most effective way to clear out all of the old refrigerant, but it also collects the old refrigerant which is toxic and bad for the environment. This way it can be properly disposed of.

A/C Compressor Service and Repairs

The AC compressor is powered off of the engine’s drive belt, and is responsible for pressurizing the system. Your car’s AC will not be able to cool the air coming into the cabin without a properly functioning compressor. Some components of the compressor, such as the clutch and pulley, can be replaced in order to restore function. However, the compressor may eventually need to be replaced entirely in order for you to enjoy air conditioning while on the road.

Evaporator Diagnostics and Replacements

An evaporator or evaporator core cools the air coming into your car when you turn on the AC. It works very similarly to the radiator, in that warm air passes over the core and is chilled before entering the cabin. The evaporator is a relatively common place to develop leaks, which will keep the system from working properly. Signs of a leaking evaporator include the AC only being intermittently cold, blowing warm air, or the smell AC refrigerant. When this happens, the evaporator will have to be replaced.

Orifice Tube and Expansion Valve Maintenance

Both orifice tubes and expansion valves work in similar ways to reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator core in order to regulate the AC system’s pressures. These very small passages can easily become clogged, and will reduce the AC system’s ability to cool. While some can be cleaned, it is most often practical to simply replace it. It is also often recommended to replace the orifice tube or expansion valve if the compressor fails, as the inner compressor oil may have leaked into the system.

Power Steering Pump Replacement

The power steering pump helps you steer with a fraction of the effort it would take without the hydraulic assistance it provides. It is powered off of the engine, which is why it is harder to steer when the vehicle is not running. The power steering pump is a common place for leaks. Most often it makes a whining sound while turning if its struggling to run or the power steering fluid is low. Losing power steering while driving can be dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road. Any signs of power steering issues should be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Suspension Noise Inspection and Diagnostics

A car’s suspension plays a huge role in supporting the vehicle on its wheels, and allowing the driver to control it. If your car makes excess noise as it goes over bumps and rough roads, it is a sign that the suspension components are starting to wear down. Creaking, popping, squeaking, or grinding can all be signs of an issue, and it is important to know how serious that issue is. Certain suspension issues can cause very dangerous driving conditions, particularly at high speeds.

Steering Noise and Vibration Diagnostics and Repairs

The steering components in your car are intricately designed to keep you in control. When these components get damaged or wear down, they need to be adjusted and repaired in order to maintain that control. Steering noises and vibrations are the most noticeable signs of an issue, and they should not be ignored as the problems will only continue to get worse.

Ball Joint Inspection and Maintenance

Worn down ball joints cause a series of issues including uneven tire wear, clunking noises from the suspension, excess vibrations, and steering wandering. Some ball joints can be maintained and refilled with grease, while others will need to be replaced. Ball joint issues will also put stress on other steering and suspension components, causing these other parts to wear down faster. It is extremely beneficial to the entire system to get your ball joints serviced at the recommended manufacture service interval.

CV Joint Inspections and Replacements

CV joints serve as critical connections points from the transmission to the axle and from the axle to the wheels. They allow the wheels to steer and rotate, while still providing rotational power from the transmission. The most common issue is a cracked CV joint boot and leaking grease. These cracks also allow dirt and road debris to get into the joint and further deteriorate and dry it out.

Axle Shaft and Assembly Inspections and Repairs

Axle and CV axle problems can start out as clicking while turning, turn into a metallic clunking, and eventually end in an inoperable car. It is particularly dangerous for an axle to fail while the car is moving. Every vehicle manufacture will utilize a slightly different style of axle, depending on the overall design of the drivetrain. Replacing and repairing axles can vary in complexity, and it is important to repair them before they fail completely.

Shock and Strut Inspections and Service

Shocks and struts are under constant pressure and take a large amount of force away from the driver and the body of the vehicle so you have a smooth and comfortable ride. These components will eventually need to be serviced, if they are serviceable, or replaced entirely. Symptoms of a failing shock or strut include creaking sounds, excess bouncing, body sway, tire cupping, or any obvious signs of physical damage.

Bushing Inspections and Maintenance

Bushings are small rubber and plastic buffers that are placed throughout the suspension in order to minimize vibration, excess movement, and stabilize the connections between components. The rubber will eventually stretch out, start to crack, and become brittle enough to not perform its function. These bushings can be removed and replaced in order to properly support the suspension components they assist.

Stabilizer Bar Inspections and Replacements

Stabilizer bars, or sway bars, are used to limit the body of the vehicle from rolling when in a turn. They dramatically reduce the chance of a rollover, particularly at high speeds. A worn stabilizer bar will allow the vehicle to “roll” too far to one side during a turn, and can even break if put under enough stress. Problems with the stabilizer bar can be both visually seen and felt while driving. Bushings may appear worn, there may be too much body roll during turns, and you may notice clicking while driving over bumps.

Control Arm and Bushing Repairs

The control arm, also known as an A-arm, is responsible for suspending and holding the wheel. It attaches the wheel hub while allowing it to pivot as you steer and roll over bumps. The control arm typically wears down around its bushings, giving it excess play and resulting in vibrations, clunking, and wheel wondering. Depending on the extend of the damage, the bushings may be serviceable on their own, or the whole control arm may need to be replaced.

Flat Tire Repairs

Flat tires are debilitating and tend to happen at the worst time. Not all flat tires need to be replaced, and tires that are punctured with a single hole can be repaired. With a plug and a patch, the hole can be filled and the tire reinstalled. 

Wheel Alignments

As your steering and suspension components wear down, the wheels start to fall out of line and the steering will become compromised. The vehicle may pull to one side or another, the tires may wear unevenly, and you may notice the steering wheel resting off center. A wheel alignment adjusts your wheels to compensate for this wear and restore the flat and centered position of the wheels.

New Tire Installation

Installing new tire is faster and easier when you have the right tools at hand. If you are needing new tires, there are a few considerations to make. First and foremost, you want to make sure to purchase new tires that are the right size. Secondly, you want to buy tires that are suitable to the driving conditions you plan on facing. If needed, it is also appropriate to rotate your tires when installing new ones. Call or email for TIRE QUOTE.

Tire Rotations

Due to the uneven weight distribution on most vehicles, it is important to rotate your tires so that you get an equal lifespan out of each. Tires under the engine and under the driver tend to carry the most weight most often, and will wear down the fastest. Rotating the tires ensures that the extra weight is shared amongst the tires.

Wheel Bearing Diagnostics and Maintenance

Wheel bearings allow the wheels to spin freely, giving them frictionless movement and reducing the amount of work it takes to move the vehicle. Wheel bearings can lose their inner grease, causing the ball bearings inside to collect dirt and dry up. This puts extra stress on the transmission, hub assembly, and the axles. Eventually, the wheel can complete seize up. Wheel bearings that are serviceable can be repacked with grease, while others are designed to be replaced as a unit.

Tire Inflation and Pressure Regulation

All tires naturally lose air just, as a balloon does when given enough time. The average car will lose around 3 psi of pressure every month. Even without a damaged or leaking tire, they will need to be reflated every 2-3 months to maintain tire life and fuel mileage. Nitrogen filled tires, usually marked with green valve stem caps, will not naturally lose air as quickly. This is because nitrogen is a larger molecule that can’t escape the tire as easily. Nitrogen filled tires may need to be checked twice a year.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Diagnostics and Repairs

Most newer cars come stock with a tire pressure monitoring system that lets you know when your tires are running low. Because each tire has its own sensor located on the outside of the wheel, they are prone to being hit by road debris, ice, water, and hit on curbs. Issues with the tire pressure monitoring system will usually trigger a check engine light. Diagnostic testing can be done to pinpoint which sensor is having an issue, and further testing can determine if it needs to be replaced and reprogrammed.

Tire Balancing

As a tire wears down, it does not always wear down evenly. Tiny variations in the rim and tire’s tread can cause the wheel to spin in an uneven rotation. This can lead to bumpy driving conditions, vibrations while driving at higher speeds, and reduced fuel economy. Balancing tires is a simply procedure that ensures the wheel’s weight is balanced all the way around by adding small clamp-on weights to the rim. The older a vehicle and its tires get, the more often you will need to rebalance your wheels.

Tire Mounting

A new set of rims doesn’t get you very far without the right tires. Once you have chosen the right tires, mounting them on the rims is a very simple and easy procedure if you have the right tools. A wheel mounting machine reduces tire mounting time down to a few seconds, and ensures that the rim stays scratch free the entire time.

Fluid Leak Repairs

Transmissions, regardless if they are manual or automatic, will not shift without the right amount of transmission fluid or gear oil. Locating the source of a transmission fluid leak is the first step. The transmission fluid pan, transmission lines, and transmission fluid coolers can all be a source of a leak. Any leaks in the system should be taken seriously and repaired as soon as they are located.

Transmission Fluid Flushes and Filter Changes

In addition to its other key roles, transmission fluid is designed to clean the transmission and keep the gears and components inside lubricated. Heat and contamination will eventually start to break down the fluid and cause it to be less effective. You may notice the transmission slipping, grinding, and delayed shifting if the fluid gets dirty enough. The transmission fluid will need to be drained and refilled, along with the installation of a new transmission fluid filter.

Transmission Replacements

Transmissions can fail for a variety of reasons. They may lose single gears or become completely incapable of moving the vehicle. When a transmission fails there are two options, rebuild it or replace it. The type of damage and the extent of that damage both play a large role in which option is best. Both automatic transmissions and manual transmissions can be rebuilt, but it is often more cost effective to put in a new one if possible.