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

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

Your vehicle's axle must bear the weight of your vehicle (plus any cargo) and the acceleration forces between you and the ground. So when it comes to axle inspection, we are your source for professional, knowledgeable service-essential for the equipment that carries you and your family to wherever you need to go.

A drive axle is one that is driven by the engine. A drive axle is split between two half axles, with differential and universal s between them. Each half axle is connected to the wheel by a third joint-the constant velocity (CV) joint-that allows the wheels to move freely. This joint allows the shaft to rotate, transmitting power at a constant speed without a significant increase in friction and heat. CV joints are usually dependable, but, as is the case for all of your vehicle's moving equipment, they do require regular inspection. An easy way for you to tell if you need to see us for axle repair is to go out to a large space (such as a parking lot), and slowly drive in tight circles. If you hear a clicking or cracking noise, you have a worn joint, and it must be repaired immediately.

We will have you back on the road, "click-free" in no time!

Description: A program designed to periodically check vehicle emissions to ensure they are within limits. Often referred to as an I/M (Inspection/Maintenance) program, they are used in numerous states and areas as required by the Environmental Protection Agency to improve air quality in those areas. Although the requirement comes from the federal government, states and their associated agencies have some flexibility in the type of test used, vehicle populations to be tested and other program-specific details. Some states run centralized programs that have state-contracted test stations exclusively dedicated to testing. Other states run decentralized programs, where emissions can be tested at local repair facilities. In a few cases, states may run "hybrid" programs using both centralized and decentralized test stations. The latest trend is to incorporate the use of second-generation onboard diagnostics (OBDII) into these programs, in many cases altogether eliminating the need for tailpipe emissions tests.

Purpose: I/M programs evaluate the emissions from vehicles and single out those that are polluting beyond the limits established for certain model years of vehicles. Aside from identifying vehicles with high emissions, such programs advocate proper maintenance to prevent high emissions due to maintenance neglect.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The best way to keep your vehicle environmentally friendly is by performing regularly scheduled maintenance, rather than waiting to correct a problem after your vehicle fails an emissions test. If the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light appears, have it checked out immediately by a professional technician. Neglecting these warning signs can cause or lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.

Content provided by Car Care Alliance

Your exhaust system is more than a muffler. It is a series of pipes that run under your vehicle, connected to your muffler and catalytic converter. The main function of your exhaust system is to control noise and to funnel exhaust fumes away from passengers. A vehicle''s exhaust system routes waste gases from the engine to the rear of the vehicle, where they are discharged into the atmosphere. Exhaust gases contain dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide, which can be hazardous if allowed to flow into the passenger housing of the vehicle. The exhaust system also converts pollutants into less harmful byproducts, reduces the noise of the engine, and directs exhaust gases so they can be used to heat air and fuel before they go into the engine's cylinders to be burned. Finally, the exhaust system provides just the right amount of backpressure into the engine to improve its fuel-burning efficiency and increase performance. Key components of your exhaust system include:

• Exhaust Pipes
• Exhaust Manifold
• Catalytic Converter
• Muffler
• Resonator
• Tail Pipe

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.