When your vehicle's engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest of the system, as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements the power from the charging system during periods of high demand. Your vehicle's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. Here are the three key components of the electrical system: Battery, Charging System, Starting System.

Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in your vehicle.. That's why regular inspections are so important. Here are the belt and hose types in your vehicle, along with their applications.

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

Brakes are one of the most important safety features that your vehicle offers. Brakes should be inspected frequently to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. Squeaking is not the only sign that your brakes may need replacement. Grinding, vibration when braking, a squishy feel when you push your brake pedal down, or your vehicle pulling to one direction when braking. Frequent requests for brake inspections to look for issues with uneven pad wear or rotors that need turning quicker than pad replacement is needed is a good way to make sure that your vehicle has the optimum ability to brake when you need it most. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect and recommend any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of systems---Hydraulics and Friction Materials.

Hydraulics

• Master Cylinder
• Brake Lines and Hoses
• Wheel Cylinders and Calipers

Friction Materials

• Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes

Types of Brakes

• Disc Brakes
• Drum Brakes
• Parking Brake
• Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For Safety

Your vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. With technically-advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's control computer. Our trained technicians are here to provide these basic services.

A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information, and, based on information and instructions coded within this computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control. Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging "check engine" light), our techs check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you'll know if your vehicle's performance is caused by a real problem, or just a sensor/computer issue.

Vehicle sensory components:

• Mass airflow sensor
• Throttle position sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Coolant temperature sensor
• Exhaust oxygen sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor

If you are experiencing rough idle, stalling, poor acceleration, lower fuel economy or high emissions levels, then a Fuel Injection Service could help your vehicle's performance. Fuel injectors can clog when deposits build up over time. The type of gas can also contribute to this concern. The EPA requires specific detergents be added to our fuel to prevent widespread issues of carbon deposits building up in the system, but often lower priced brands use the minimum amounts of these detergents and can cause problems. This is one of the main reasons certain manufacturers recommend specific gasoline for their vehicles, to maintain better performance over a longer period of time.

Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, for oil changes based on your individual driving habits and conditions, and have the oil changed accordingly. Typically this can range anywhere from 3000 - 7,500 miles. We will perform an oil and filter change service which includes a new filter, 5 quarts of new oil, using the oil type recommended for your vehicle, including synthetic blend, high-mileage, or full-synthetic oil. We will top off your fluids and we will check other filters, including the air filter, cabin filter, and fuel filter. We also check your vehicle's engine belts, hoses, and windshield wipers. As well as topping off all vehicle fluids.

The primary function of your vehicle's suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the vehicle, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Steering Systems

Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are:

• Steering Gear Box
• Center Link
• Pitman Arm
• Idler Arm
• Tie Rods

The main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:

• Rack and Pinion Assembly
• Bellows Boots
• Tie Rods

Suspension System

Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of the suspension system are:

• Control Arms
• Ball Joints
• Springs (Coil or Leaf)
• Shock Absorbers
• Struts

Check your tread depth. The easiest way to know if it's time to replace your vehicle's tires is to have them inspected by a professional, but there are ways to check them yourself by using a tire tread gauge.

Safety standard guidelines in the United States dictate that a tire's tread needs to be at least 2/32" deep. If the tires do not meet the 2/32" standard or are approaching that mark, you should replace your tires. Also, tires should not have sidewall damage or irregular wear. Irregular wear can be caused by improper alignment, overinflation, underinflation of tires, or a worn out suspension. Tires are an extremely important component of your vehicle, and it's a good idea to visually inspect them to see how they're holding up.

Tire rotation refers to the regular practice of switching the position of each tire on the car. The purpose of Tire rotation is to help equalize tread wear and is critical to gain the maximum life from your tire investment. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern.The rotation pattern varies with different makes and models, which shows the tire locations during rotation. Some vehicles have different size tires on the front and back or directional tires. This limits the locations that a tire may take on the vehicle. When in doubt, check the owner's manual or consult a professional technician for guidance.Tire rotation time also offers a good opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. It's another step you can take to maximize your tire investment.

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, which is why it's important for you to maintain your transmission by servicing it. Here are some of the essential maintenance tasks we complete:

• 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 make sure that your transmission is lubricated and cooled by the finest quality transmission fluids, installed by our service professionals.

Wheel alignment is the position of the wheels relative to your car. When properly aligned, the wheels point in the right direction. Without proper alignment, the wheels resist your steering commands, as well as each other. Alignment also affects gas mileage and tire wear. If your tires are pointed in different directions, they fight against each other and can cause tread wear. Proper wheel alignment is integral to maintaining your vehicle.

Computerized alignment equipment is used to measure all alignment angles on your vehicle.. These include both adjustable and non-adjustable angles. (Non-adjustable angles require repair or replacement of the suspension component.) The most common adjustable angles are:

• Toe - This refers to the tilted direction of the wheels toward or away from one another when viewed from the top. Toe is the most critical tire wearing angle. Tires that "toe-in" point toward one another. Tires that "toe-out" point away from each other.
• Camber - This refers to the tilt of the wheels toward or away from one another when viewed from the front. Wheels that tilt in toward the vehicle have "negative camber." Wheels that tilt away from the vehicle have "positive camber."
• Caster - This refers to the angle of the steering axis in relation to an imaginary vertical line through the center of the wheel when viewed from the side. "Positive caster" is the term used when the vertical line is tilted back toward the rear. If it's tilted forward, we call it "negative caster." The proper caster angle stabilizes your car for better steering.
• Thrust Angle - This refers to the relationship of all four wheels to each other, as well as their relationship to an imaginary center line that runs from bumper to bumper. The term "thrust line" refers to the direction in which the rear wheels are pointed. Thrust angle is correctable on cars with adjustable rear suspensions. If your car has a non-adjustable suspension, thrust angle is compensated for by aligning the front wheels to the rear wheels.

Often confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced wheel is a beautiful, perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination. This is accomplished by placing measured lead weights on the opposite side of the "heavy spot"-the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced tire.

If your vehicle vibrating at certain speeds, say, between 50 and 70 mph, then chances are your vehicle may have a wheel that is out of balance. One section of your tire may be heavier than the others because it's endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road. Come in for prompt, professional service-most people are very satisfied with the difference such a simple and inexpensive procedure makes. Look for one of these signs, and if you find either one, come see us:

• Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires.
• Vibration in steering wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds.