The days of diagnosing and repairing automobiles without a laptop beside you are quickly fading. Newer vehicles include a large number of onboard computers that are each dedicated to performing specific tasks. Common onboard computers in newer vehicle include the Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Body Control Module (BCM) and numerous other control modules to manage every electronic system from power door locks to crash data.

Each onboard computer is programmed at the factory with software enabling it to perform certain tasks. Inside the ECM is software containing hundreds or even thousands of parameters to control spark, fuel, idle, cruising, emissions, economy, drivability, and performance. Likewise, a TCM will have software to control how the transmission and torque converter function. Sometimes, after the vehicle is shipped from the automaker, updates are released to improve emissions, fuel economy, drivability, performance, or specific bugs in the original software that have caused warranty issues. Updating this software can be a proactive fix because often it will resolve problems that a customer hasnt reported or noticed yet..

The practice of updating software in these modules is more commonly known as flash reprogramming.

LIMITED PARTS WARRANTY POLICY
Your VEHICLE has been thoroughly inspected and the parts we replaced is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in workmanship and parts for ONE (1) YEAR from the date of repair or TWENTY THOUSAND (20,000) KILOMETERS, whichever comes first. If you experience any trouble with your VEHICLE within this warranty period, return your VEHICLE at your cost to any SMART CARE AUTO CENTRE IN ABBOTSFORD or authorized service centre and, if on inspection, it is determined that the failure/breakdown is caused by a defect in workmanship of a covered component, SMART CARE AUTO CENTRE will at its option repair such defective workmanship or repair or replace such defective parts without charge.
This warranty does not include or apply where:
The unit has been resold by the original purchaser. Repairs have been made by unauthorized personnel. The unit has been abused, misused or improperly maintained. Alterations/modifications have been made to the unit.	The unit has been used for commercial or rental purposes. The unit has been used in competition, racing, stunt riding or jumping. Batteries (1-year warranty)
CAUTION THIS WARRANTY is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit any legal rights provided to you by applicable provincial legislation.

Vehicles that work create savings

An idle vehicle means lost  revenue. Companies that don’t perform timely maintenance and repairs, don’t put a stop to overcharges or take advantage of rebates and discounts are losing out on savings. ARI’s Total Management System® (TMS) for vehicle repair services can help, with savings averaging 10–25%.

ARI TruckServe®, for vocational vehicle fleet maintenance, offers custom-designed solutions for clients that include a dedicated ASE certified coordinator with experience in medium/heavy truck repair.

Our management strategy works in the following ways:

• 24 hour maintenance service through ARI’s all-Canadian call centres
• Preventive maintenance that lowers repair costs long-term.
• Controlled authorization preventing overcharges and unnecessary repairs.
• Lower contracted pricing and effective vendor management producing long-term savings.
• Post-warranty claims and field adjustments that save money by securing parts and labour pricing, negotiated discounts, repeat repairs vendor coverage and gaining the maximum benefit from manufacturer warranties.
• Effective vehicle cycling which helps cut fleet maintenance expenses.
• ARI maintenance specialists evaluate client spend to determine if a maintenance operation is on track or in trouble. Problems are identified and fixed.

Inspections

Private and Commercial Vehicle Inspections are performed by trade qualified mechanics that are authorized through CVSE as Authorized Inspectors (AI’s). Inspections are completed at a Designated Inspection Facilities (DIF) or Preventative Maintenance Facilities (PMP) throughout the province. Preventative Maintenance Facilities may only conduct inspections on their own vehicle fleet. CVSE Area Vehicle Inspectors conduct Audits on both DIF’s and PMP’s are conducted by a CVSE Area Vehicle Inspector to monitor compliance of all applicable inspection standards and regulations.

Primary statutory provisions under this program include Divisions, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 25 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, and the standards of Safety and Repair Regulation (Vehicle Inspection Manual).

Standards

The Vehicle Standards Program mandate is to accurately interpret and apply BC Motor Vehicle regulatory standards, Canadian Manufacturing Standards, and National and International Vehicle Safety Standards.  It is the Program’s intent to maintain road safety and ensure compliant and safe vehicles are operating on BC roadways through proper application of applicable standards and regulations.

Inspections

Private and Commercial Vehicle Inspections are performed by trade qualified mechanics that are authorized through CVSE as Authorized Inspectors (AI’s). Inspections are completed at a Designated Inspection Facilities (DIF) or Preventative Maintenance Facilities (PMP) throughout the province. Preventative Maintenance Facilities may only conduct inspections on their own vehicle fleet. CVSE Area Vehicle Inspectors conduct Audits on both DIF’s and PMP’s are conducted by a CVSE Area Vehicle Inspector to monitor compliance of all applicable inspection standards and regulations.

Primary statutory provisions under this program include Divisions, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 25 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, and the standards of Safety and Repair Regulation (Vehicle Inspection Manual).

Standards

The Vehicle Standards Program mandate is to accurately interpret and apply BC Motor Vehicle regulatory standards, Canadian Manufacturing Standards, and National and International Vehicle Safety Standards.  It is the Program’s intent to maintain road safety and ensure compliant and safe vehicles are operating on BC roadways through proper application of applicable standards and regulations.

RIV inspection

It is the importer’s responsibility to complete the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection within 45 days (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) from the date of import. All required modifications must be completed prior to the RIV inspection. If you are having trouble completing the RIV inspection within 45 days (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) it is important to Contact us.

Failure to pass the RIV inspection process within the specified time will make the vehicle non-compliant. The importer will receive written notification, outlining fines and penalties under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and dictating that the vehicle must be removed from Canada.

Please contact the Inspection Centre facility ahead of time in order to arrange for an appointment, some locations have designated time slots for Federal Inspections.

Smart Care Auto Centre has been authorized to perform RIV inspections in your area.

Once the vehicle has passed the RIV inspection process, the inspection centre will stamp your Vehicle Import Form – Form 1. Keep the stamped copy of your Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 as it will be required for registration and licensing of the vehicle.

RIV will send you a Canadian Statement of Compliance (SOC) label with instructions on where to affix it to your vehicle.

If you are having trouble completing the RIV inspection within 45 days (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) it is important to contact us.

Your car has a lot of responsibilities.  It takes you to work.  And the kids to school.  It can’t be late for soccer practice.  Or the orthodontist.  Most importantly, it has to do all these things, and many more, while keeping you and your family safe.  At Smart Care Auto Centre, we’re committed to maintaining the safety and reliability of your car.  In fact, our mechanics are trained to perform factory-recommended maintenance services for most vehicles.

Smart Care Auto Centre Maintenance Package
The Smart Care Auto Centre Maintenance Package is more than just an oil change.  We start with an oil and filter change, being sure to use the factory-recommended viscosity grade.  Then we rotate all four tires and perform a visual check of your vehicle’s major systems: engine, transmission, brakes, steering, starting and charging, heating and cooling, and lighting.  When your car rolls off our lift, you can be confident it will be safe and reliable.

Ask a Smart Care Auto Centre Mechanic – Preventive Maintenance

Q: I want to make sure I’m covered under my car manufacturer’s warranty, do I have to go to the dealer for scheduled maintenance to be covered?

A: Not necessarily.  Most automobile warranties require that you comply with the factory-recommended maintenance schedule to keep the warranty in force.  However, depending on the terms of the warranty, you do not always have to go to the dealers to get the maintenance work done.   Smart Care Auto Centre has the factory-recommended maintenance schedule for almost every vehicle.  Just stop by, we’ll be happy to review it with you.

Q: I want to hang onto my ’99 Honda for as long as possible (hey, it’s paid for), but hate to waste money on service it doesn’t really need.  How can I be sure I am performing only the maintenance my car truly requires?

A: The proper way to determine what service your car needs is with a thorough mechanical inspection.  At Smart Care Auto Centre, we perform the necessary inspection so that you can be confident your car receives only the service it requires, and nothing else.  Furthermore, we believe in following the factory-recommended maintenance schedule.  Proper routine maintenance helps keep your car safe and fuel-efficient.  And without it, you risk costly repairs or even a breakdown.  When in doubt, just stop by Smart Care Auto Centre – and ask for your car’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule. *Subject to availability.

Q: Air filters, engine oil weight, brake fluid, coolant, and tire wear. How am I supposed to keep this stuff straight, much less keep up with what needs to be checked and when?

A: The good news is you don’t have to, thanks to your friendly Smart Care Auto Centre mechanic.  Our Smart Care Auto Centre service will help you stay up-to-date with your vehicle’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule.

When was your last oil change? Not sure? Hey, that’s not good. Changing your oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers), or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer based on your driving conditions, is vital for your vehicle and can help you avoid costly problems. With each oil change, the oil filter may also need to be replaced.

Ask for an oil change and a trained Smart Care Auto Centre technician will select the correct viscosity grade oil for your vehicle and perform oil and filter service. While you’re there, ask for a Smart Care Auto Centre Maintenance Courtesy Check, including a visual check of the following items:

• Engine air filter
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Automatic transmission fluid
• Coolant/antifreeze

We’ll also walk you through your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing these vital fluids and filters.
Ask a Smart Care Auto Centre Mechanic – Oil changes

 

Q: I’ve heard different things about how often to change my oil. What’s the best guide?

A: A good rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles for an oil change. However, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. They will specify the frequency for an oil change for your driving conditions. The frequency of your oil and filter changes should follow those recommendations.

Q: I’ve got an older car, how important is it to change oil as frequently?

A: An oil change puts fresh oil into your car. More importantly, an oil change drains out the old oil that can become filled with dust, metal particles or other contaminants. As your oil ages, outside items make their way in. Without an oil change, this contamination can lower your gas mileage or in the worse case, cause your engine to fail. An oil change is a great preventive step to help keep you car running clean and smooth. Make sure to change your oil filter as well, it helps to remove impurities from the oil and the engine.

Q: This may be a dumb question, but what do the numbers mean on oil, and do I need to care which is used?

A: Good question. It’s something that most people probably aren’t familiar with. The first number (such as 5W) indicates the low-temperature (Winter) viscosity. Viscosity simply is a measure of an oil’s ability to flow and protect at certain temperatures. The lower the number, the easier the oil will flow (and protect) in cold weather when starting your car. The second number (such as 30, in 5W-30), indicates the thickness of the oil at operating (high) temperatures. When you get an oil change, you should follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. Take a look at your owner’s manual before your next trip to Smart Care for an oil change.

Preventive Auto Maintenance & Oil Change Service:
Your car has a lot of responsibilities.  It takes you to work.  And the kids to school.  It can’t be late for soccer practice.  Or the orthodontist.  Most importantly, it has to do all these things, and many more, while keeping you and your family safe.  At Smart Care Auto Centre, we’re committed to maintaining the safety and reliability of your car.  In fact, our mechanics are trained to perform factory-recommended maintenance services for most vehicles.

Smart Care Auto Centre Maintenance Package
The Smart Care Auto Centre Maintenance Package is more than just an oil change.  We start with an oil and filter change, being sure to use the factory-recommended viscosity grade.  Then we rotate all four tires and perform a visual check of your vehicle’s major systems: engine, transmission, brakes, steering, starting and charging, heating and cooling, and lighting.  When your car rolls off our lift, you can be confident it will be safe and reliable.

Ask a Smart Care Auto Centre Mechanic – Preventive Maintenance

Q: I want to make sure I’m covered under my car manufacturer’s warranty, do I have to go to the dealer for scheduled maintenance to be covered?

A: Not necessarily.  Most automobile warranties require that you comply with the factory-recommended maintenance schedule to keep the warranty in force.  However, depending on the terms of the warranty, you do not always have to go to the dealers to get the maintenance work done.   Smart Care Auto Centre has the factory-recommended maintenance schedule for almost every vehicle.  Just stop by, we’ll be happy to review it with you.

Q: I want to hang onto my ’99 Honda for as long as possible (hey, it’s paid for), but hate to waste money on service it doesn’t really need.  How can I be sure I am performing only the maintenance my car truly requires?

A: The proper way to determine what service your car needs is with a thorough mechanical inspection.  At Smart Care Auto Centre, we perform the necessary inspection so that you can be confident your car receives only the service it requires, and nothing else.  Furthermore, we believe in following the factory-recommended maintenance schedule.  Proper routine maintenance helps keep your car safe and fuel-efficient.  And without it, you risk costly repairs or even a breakdown.  When in doubt, just stop by Smart Care Auto Centre – and ask for your car’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule. *Subject to availability.

Q: Air filters, engine oil weight, brake fluid, coolant, and tire wear. How am I supposed to keep this stuff straight, much less keep up with what needs to be checked and when?

A: The good news is you don’t have to, thanks to your friendly Smart Care Auto Centre mechanic.  Our Smart Care Auto Centre service will help you stay up-to-date with your vehicle’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule.

Your vehicle’s brake system has one job – to stop your vehicle. But it takes several key components to deliver that singular end result

To bring a vehicle to a halt, three things are necessary: leverage, hydraulic force and friction. Leverage is supplied by the driver’s leg pressure and the brake pedal. The pedal is connected by levers and rods to the back of the power booster. The power booster uses either engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump to multiply and transfer the force of that leverage to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle’s brake hydraulic system. It uses applied leverage to force a reservoir full of brake fluid through valves, steel lines and rubber hoses into hydraulic calipers and wheel cylinders. That hydraulic pressure is then used to help create friction.

For example, disc brakes use a hydraulic caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc (or rotor). Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a hydraulic wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against the inside of a spinning drum. Either design involves highly engineered parts and precise movement. The more force a driver applies to the brake pedal, the greater the stopping force that is applied at the wheels.

In addition to this primary braking system, most of today’s vehicles utilize an electronic Anti-lock Brake System. Using electronic sensors and high pressure pumps, under certain conditions, your ABS system can measure vehicle speed, wheel slip, and brake force. Then it actually pumps the brakes for you during an emergency stop.
That’s why it is essential to be proactive about testing overall brake components, and to know whether a brake component needs simply to be serviced or totally replaced.

What to Watch for

When brakes need a mechanic’s attention, they usually give certain warning signals.

Common Signs of Wear

• A low or spongy pedal, which can mean there may be air in the hydraulic system
• A red brake-warning light that could indicate an imbalance in the system
• An amber brake-warning light that could signal a problem with the ABS system
• Continuous squeals and grinding sounds – may mean it’s time for new brake pads or shoes
• Brake pad and rotor thickness – worn pads or rotors that are too thin cannot dissipate the extreme heat produced during braking
• Brake shoe and drum diameter – worn shoes or drums not only dissipate less heat, they can cause your brake pedal to be pushed further to the floor to make your vehicle stop
• Shaking felt in your brake pedal when slowing from higher speeds- warped brake rotors due to extreme heat during braking

These conditions can cause longer stopping distances and difficult stopping in an emergency situation. Rotors and drums that are too thin may even become over-stressed and break. Remember, any time you notice any one of these or a combination of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have the brakes checked. In fact, we recommend that you have them inspected on a regular basis.

Wheel alignments help provide optimal tire wear and vehicle handling

During a 4-wheel alignment at a Smart Care Auto Centre location, alignment specialists measure and correct wheel angles so they’re set to vehicle manufacturer specifications. They also:

– Ensure proper placement of weight around all tires and rim assemblies
– Completely inspect steering and suspension systems
– Adjust wheel angles so they’re perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other

Wheel alignment services are backed by the Smart Care Auto Centre Network Warranty.

Why is a wheel alignment important for my vehicle?

– Proper wheel alignments can help improve your driver safety, create a smoother ride, and help increase fuel efficiency
–  Alignments could save you hundreds of dollars on replacing tires due to premature treadwear

When should I bring my vehicle in for a wheel alignment?

Most manufacturers recommend getting a 4-wheel alignment at least once a year. Other times you may need a front-end or 4-wheel alignment include:

– After purchasing a set of new tires
– After a collision, accident, or hitting a large pothole
– When replacing suspension or steering parts
– If you feel your vehicle pulling to one side when driving
–  If your steering feels unstable or you feel a vibration
–  If your tires are wearing unevenly or squeal on turns

For more ways to keep your vehicle driving smoothly, see Smart Care’s vehicle and tire maintenance guidelines

Related tire services you may be interested in:

Tire-pressure monitoring systems
Tire rotation
Wheel balance

Everyone knows that tires play an important role in your vehicle’s road-handling performance. But people forget that proper tire maintenance, along with monitoring tire pressure, tread depth, and performing regular tire rotations are all safety issues.

Consider these Car Care Council statistics:

• Only 14% of drivers properly check their tire pressure
• Nearly 70% don’t know how to tell if their tires are bald
• 45% wrongly believe that if taking a trip with a fully loaded vehicle, they are better off with tires that are slightly under inflated

To keep you from landing on the wrong side of these statistics, our technicians are committed to proper tire maintenance.

Remember, tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Monitoring tread depth will help ensure you’re receiving the proper level of traction and road-hugging performance as well as the ability to funnel water out from under the tire to reduce hydroplaning. Rotating your tires can even out wear rates based on the amount of weight that each tire carries on a vehicle.

What to Watch for

Here are a few pointers to help keep you and your tires rolling along trouble-free.

Rotate your tires regularly. In fact, your vehicle’s manufacturer has specific recommendations for tire rotation.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Your tires typically lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) each month. That adds up very quickly. And remember, temperature can have a major impact. A drop of 10°F can also cause a 1 psi loss in pressure. Low tire pressure, in turn, can result in reduced gas mileage and excessive heat build up leading to tire damage. Check for signs of excessive or uneven tire wear. Uneven wear on the inside or outside could be an indication that other problems are lurking, so make sure your tires are professionally inspected.

Here’s an old trick you can try yourself. Insert a penny in the tread of the tires; if you can see the top of the Queens head, it’s time to have them checked out. Better still, ask our technician to inspect your tires and help you to avoid possible problems down the road.

When it comes to absorbing the shocks of the road, you’d think the shock absorbers would take care of everything. But you’d only be half right. Actually, coil or leaf springs handle the abuse of the road. Your shock absorbers handle the abuse caused by the rebound of the springs. They both work together to keep your vehicle under control. Those two components, plus a variety of control arms, shafts, rods, bushings, joints, and knuckles, make up what is commonly called a conventional suspension. Many larger SUVs and pick up trucks still use this time-tested design.

However, many of today’s front-wheel drive cars have a strut suspension system that combines the control arms and shock absorbers of a conventional suspension into one unit, eliminating the need for a lot of other components. Struts cost more, but they do more than conventional shock absorbers. Also, there’s less stuff to break.

No matter what kind of suspension you have, its operation is affected by your car’s alignment, which determines everything from the position of your steering wheel to how your tires actually touch the road.

What to Watch For

Here are a few symptoms to watch for if you think you are having steering, suspension, or alignment problems.
Excessive tire wear, poor steering control, or if the steering wheel is off centre, are all signs that your vehicle may have steering or suspension issues. It could also indicate improper “tracking” that result from your car’s wheels being positioned an unequal distance from the centerline.

Symptoms of bad shocks, struts, or worn springs include excessive bouncing over road bumps, loss of control during sudden stops, excessive swerving while changing lanes, front-end nose diving during quick stops, and vehicle sag in front or rear. If you experience any of the above, bring your vehicle to our shop for an alignment inspection or steering or suspension inspection.

Air filter

Your air filter plays a key role in preventing contaminants like grit, dust, and dirt from entering your engine. Air is drawn through the filter and to the cylinders where air and fuel combine to power your vehicle. A dirty air filter can lead to poor fuel economy. We will check your filter with every oil change and recommend replacement when needed.

Cabin air filter

Cabin air filters help to protect your health by improving the quality of the air you breathe in your vehicle. Increasing traffic congestion and longer commuting distances add up to more time spent in the vehicle than ever. These filters trap a broad range of microscopic particles, harmful gases, and unpleasant odors. Regularly replacing your cabin air filter can offer relief for asthma, allergy and hay fever sufferers, and also help to protect the performance of your air conditioning system.

Fuel filter

When you press your gas pedal, your fuel system controls the amount of power you get from your engine by moderating the flow of fuel and air. Unfortunately, fuel isn’t perfectly clean, so it passes through a fuel filter that picks up any dirt that might interfere with the engine’s performance. Over time, dirt and particles build up in the filter. The fuel filter needs to be replaced or it will reduce the flow of fuel to your engine, affecting your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy.

Emission (PCV) Valve and Filter

The emission (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve and filter work together to route toxic fumes created by the engine back into the combustion chambers. These fumes are then re-burned to improve fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution. The valve ensures that your engine breathes properly and continues to receive the correct amount of airflow. The filter helps to remove harmful oil vapor. Failure to replace the PCV valve and filter can lead to problems like rough idling, stalling, high oil consumption, loss of power, and excessive wear on internal parts, reducing the oil and air filter life.

Serpentine belt

A serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple devices in your engine such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, A/C compressor and air pump. If your serpentine belt breaks, it will cause numerous components in your vehicle to stop working and lead to costly repairs. Our technician will check your belt every time you get your oil changed and alert you if there are signs of wear.

Battery

The battery in your vehicle performs many functions. The most obvious is to provide electrical energy to crank the starter motor and get the engine running. It must also provide energy to the lights, heater, radio, air conditioning, and other electronics. Your battery has the ability to last several years because your vehicle’s alternator works to replenish it with electric current. However, over time the battery will lose its ability to store and hold an electrical charge and make it difficult to start your vehicle. Our Technician can check your battery and help identify a change in the condition and state of the charge, so that you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. Plus, we offer battery replacement when the time comes.

In addition to the battery, there are two other major components to your vehicle’s starting and charging system. These two components must be in good working order for your vehicle to start and run properly.

Starting

When you turn the ignition key, you are actually turning on the starter, which then cranks the engine. When a starter isn’t working correctly, the engine may start with great difficulty, or not at all. Starter problems may also cause premature battery and alternator failure. Starter problems may be due to electrical/mechanical failure or outright breakage. Our technician can check your starter for wear on our diagnostic equipment to determine its current condition.

Alternator

The alternator carries out two important tasks. First, it recharges your battery while the vehicle is running to keep it at peak starting power. Second, the alternator works with your battery to operate electrical components such as headlights, windshield wipers, and more. A malfunctioning alternator can cause electrical components to operate erratically, or even cause your engine to suddenly stop running. Out technician can check your alternator charging output on our diagnostic equipment to determine its current condition.

Your exhaust emission system really starts at the front of your car, right behind your engine. Exhaust manifolds connect to the cylinder heads, where they collect exhaust gases. As the gases move through the exhaust system, they are first analyzed by oxygen sensors, refined by the catalytic converter, and finally, muffled by the muffler. So by the time those gases leave the vehicle, your emission system has made your car run smoothly, cleanly, and quietly.

It is a complex system, but our expert factory trained technicians can diagnose the problem and get you right back on the road.

Your exhaust emission system does all of its important work while hanging precariously from the bottom of your vehicle. So to help keep your car running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently, we recommend having your exhaust system checked at least once a year.

Common Signs of Wear

• Exhaust manifolds and gaskets: cracks or small holes could cause exhaust leaks, affecting both safety and performance
• Oxygen sensors: cracks, damaged wires, or blocked intakes could cause incorrect fuel/air mixture adjustments and poor fuel economy
• Catalytic converters: overheating, dents, clogs, or corrosion could cause air pollution, excessive noise and rough idle
• Resonators and mufflers: excessive rust or holes could cause air pollution, excessive noise and a rough idle
• Pipes, hangers, clamps, and brackets: excessive rust or broken bolts could cause parts to hang dangerously low, resulting in a hazard for the people driving behind you

Your vehicle has five principle components in its cooling system.

• Radiator — an auto radiator has a set of tubes called the “core” that the coolant flows through. Cooling fins surround the core. As air passes through the fins, the coolant releases its heat to the fins, which dissipate the heat.
• Radiator cap — there has to be a place to pour in coolant and the radiator cap covers that filling hole. The cap is also designed to seal the system to a specific pressure.
• Radiator hoses — the coolant goes from the radiator to the engine through a series of hoses that are sturdy and flexible enough to handle engine vibration and high heat.
• Thermostat — like the device on your home heating/cooling system, the engine thermostat keeps the engine at the proper operating temperature.
• Water pump — this is the heart of the engine cooling system. It pumps coolant through the whole cooling system and into the engine block.

What to Watch For

Engine overheating can come from a variety of sources. With combustion temperatures reaching 2000° F and higher, there is a lot of heat to dissipate. If your engine is running hotter than normal, either shortly after starting or over time, it’s probably time for an inspection.

Check to see if any green, orange, or yellow fluid has formed under the vehicle. If it has, you are probably losing coolant, which could indicate a leak in the system. Loose or improperly adjusted belts and hoses, leaking gaskets or components, and even mechanical engine damage could be the culprit. Our technicians have the knowledge and expertise to correctly diagnose and repair your system.

Your air conditioning (A/C) system is divided into two sides, known as the high side and the low side. The compressor, beginning at the high side, functions like a pump, moving refrigerant through the system. The expansion valve, which begins at the low side, restricts refrigerant flow, lowering the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant.

What to Watch For

Your air conditioning system has components that require internal lubrication (provided by periodic A/C system operation) to avoid drying out and cracking, which can lead to system leaks. Running your air conditioner regularly — even during winter months — helps lubricate these components and is recommended for many vehicles. However, some newer models eliminate the need for this. We recommend that you consult your owner’s manual or visit our technician to get the right information for your vehicle.

Engine oil

Oil keeps your engine lubricated and reduces heat. Your oil filter helps prevent engine damage by removing contaminants that build up in the oil. Carbon, dirt, and debris become suspended in the oil and cause it to lose effectiveness, leading to increased engine wear and decreased fuel economy. Regular oil and filter changes keep your engine clean and lubricated.

Transmission fluid

Your transmission transfers energy from the engine to the wheels to get your vehicle moving. Transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and cleans the inside of the transmission while maintaining the necessary pressure inside the transmission required for it to function properly. Whether your transmission is automatic or manual, the transmission fluid eventually breaks down. If it isn’t replaced, components inside can overheat, causing transmission failure.

Engine (Radiator) coolant

Radiator coolant, or anti-freeze as it’s commonly known, ensures your engine doesn’t freeze or overheat. Coolant works by removing heat from the engine block. It protects the engine and lubricates the water pump seals. Over time, coolant loses its ability to protect vital engine parts.

Differential fluid

The differential works with the transmission to deliver power from the engine to the axle to turn the wheels. Like engine oil, heat causes wear on differential fluid, which can lead to excessive wear on the gears and bearings. To prevent this, make sure your differential fluid is changed regularly.

Transfer case fluid (4-wheel & all-wheel only)

The transfer case is the heart of a vehicle’s four-wheel or all-wheel drive system. It provides power to both the front and rear differential assemblies, which turn your wheels. It also allows you to switch between gears, such as 4High and 4Low. Like engine oil, the fluid that lubricates the transfer case will begin to break down over time and lead to excessive wear on bearings and gears.