Click
on any topic below to learn more about the important aspects
of servicing and maintaining your vehicle.
Don't
wait until you need your air conditioning in hot weather to find
out that Your vehicle is low on Freon! You need your A/C even
in winter!
Did you know that every time you turn on your defroster, your
air conditioning compressor must dry the air before the defroster
directs it to your windshield?
Low Freon may indicate a leak. However, it is normal for some
Freon to escape, due to the movement of your vehicle's engine,
the expansion and contraction of the materials that make up the
A/C system, and variations in the operating speed of your air
conditioning compressor due to engine RPM.
Your air conditioning system should be checked for proper operation
and Freon charge at least once a year. Insufficient Freon can
damage your vehicle's compressor, expansion valve and seals, resulting
in very costly repairs. Maintaining the proper amount of Freon
ensures that the refrigerant oil is carried through your air conditioning
system to lubricate its moving parts and seals.
We have the most sophisticated air conditioning service and leak
detection equipment now available. We are certified by ASE and
MACS to handle both R12 and the new R134A refrigerant. Call today
to make an appointment!
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WHY YOU SHOULD
SERVICE YOUR BRAKE FLUID
Your brake fluid requires regular service because it becomes contaminated
by moisture.
How does moisture get into your brake fluid? Brake fluid is hygroscopic,
which means that it magnetically attracts and absorbs moisture
from the atmosphere, usually through the brake master cylinder
reservoir and permeable brake hoses.
Moisture contamination lowers the boiling point of your brake
fluid, so, even under ordinary driving conditions, it could cause
the fluid to boil and release vapor into your brake system. When
this vapor compresses inside the system, you may find yourself
facing one of the most dreaded driving crises a dangerously low
brake pedal or even no brake pedal!
Moisture contamination can also result in very costly repairs
into the thousands if you have ABStype brakes! When moisturecontaminated
brake fluid reaches very high temperatures as much as 450 to 500
degrees an electrochemical reaction makes the fluid highly acidic.
The acid breaks down the steel line and rubber hoses and can cause
early failure of the cast iron and aluminum components in your
brakes.
Brake fluid contamination has become so much of a concern, some
car manufacturers have added brake fluid service to their required
maintenance schedules. Let our ASE certified technicians perform
this important safety service for you today.
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WHAT IS A
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE?
Your radiator protects your engine and air conditioning condenser
from overheating. It also plays another important role. In today's
computercontrolled engines, a radiator coolant temperature sensor
actually tells your car's computer and other sensors how to adjust
your fuel mixture and timing. So, the efficiency of your radiator
directly effects the efficiency of your engine.
That's why we recommend flushing your cooling system and pH balancing
your antifreeze at least once every two years. More importantly,
we recommend having this service performed by a knowledgeable
repair shop with the right equipment.
Our Cooling System Power Flush continuously forces coolant under
pressure through the engine, radiator and heater core in both
directions at different times. Simultaneously, it forces the coolant
through 25 and 5micron filters to remove contaminates.
While the coolant is circulating, we add water or antifreeze,
whichever is needed. The molecules in water are spaced far apart,
so water easily absorbs heat from the engine, but water can freeze
and corrode metal. The molecules in antifreeze are packed tightly
together, so antifreeze does not absorb heat from the engine as
efficiently as water, but its ethylene glycol silicone base keeps
the water from freezing, protects your radiator from corrosion
and lubricates the moving parts in your cooling system. When our
coolant temperature reading indicates 35 degrees throughout the
system, we know that we have achieved the correct 5050 balance
of water and antifreeze.
We also add a special concentrate to achieve the correct pH level
of 10.5 throughout the cooling system. Without this, the 7.0 7.2
pH of water would combine with the 10.5 pH of antifreeze to create
an 8.75 pH mixture so acidic that the resulting electrochemical
degradation would deteriorate your radiator, heater core, water
pump, head gaskets, freeze plugs, radiator and heater hoses.
Finally, we pressure test your cooling system for leaks, clean
the recovery bottle and test the radiator cap to be sure that
it holds the proper pressure.
Once your cooling system service is completed, the radiator coolant
should stay in the safe pH range of between 9.8 and 10.5 for about
2 years or 30,000 miles.
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COMPLETE COMPUTERIZED
ENGINE ANALYSIS
Why It's Worth Every Penny!
In 1970, the average car had only $25 worth of electronics. By
1981 the average car contained over $1,000 in electronics, and
by 1996 it included over $3,500 in electronics! That figure is
still rising.
Today, vehicles' computers operate everything from air conditioning,
radios, air bags, alarm systems, antilock braking systems, traction
control, ride control and cruise control to electronic digital
and analog instrument panels, automatic transmissions and emission
and engine controls. These computers can cost from $250 to as
much as $1,500, depending on what they control!
However, instead of using proper diagnostic procedures, some doityourselfers
and socalled professionals resort to trialanderror parts swapping
when they don't know how to fix a computer or performance problem.
Since car dealers and parts suppliers refuse to allow returns
on electronic components (due to possible damage), that may leave
you, the consumer, with expensive parts you didn't need. In fact,
the major manufacturers have reported that as many as 80% of all
computers brought in for repair were found to be OK!
Avoid unnecessary repair and parts costs! We have the latest computerized
diagnostic equipment, a computerized information system, and experienced
ASE Certified Technicians who are trained to properly care for
your car. Our complete computerized engine analysis can save you
money by correctly diagnosing your vehicle's problems right from
the start. Make an appointment today!
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WHY YOU SHOULD
HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ANALYSIS
A steady supply of current is crucial to operating the highly
sophisticated electronics in today's vehicles. Lack of current
or fluctuations in the supply of current can:
- cause the "Check Engine" light to come on
- cause poor engine performance or stalling
- result in malfunctions of the computers that operate your vehicle's
climate control, ride control and ABS brakes.
To maintain a steady supply of voltage, the electrical system
in your vehicle is comprised of two systems: a starting system
and a charging system.
The starting system, which gets your vehicle's engine going, is
comprised of a starter motor, starter solenoid, starter relay,
neutral safety switch and ignition switch. The starter solenoids
and relays can be part of the starter or mounted on it; some may
be mounted in other locations, so, if your vehicle doesn't "crank,"
the problem may or may not be caused by your starter.
Diagnosing the starter system requires several different tests.
A "starter draw test" determines if the starter is drawing
more amperage than is needed to turn over the engine. A "circuit
test" determines if all the other components are working
properly and if voltage is present when and where it is needed.
Your vehicle's battery must maintain enough voltage to turn the
starter and overcome the engine's resistance. That's where your
vehicle's charging system steps in. The alternator, alternator
drive belt and voltage regulator that make up the charging system
work together to supply enough voltage to run your vehicle's accessories
and continuously recharge your battery to keep it from going dead.
A battery goes dead because of electrical drain caused
by one of the following:
- a short circuit
- undercharging due to a bad drive belt, alternator or voltage
regulator overcharging, which can cause serious and expensive
damage to highly sensitive computer electronics and your battery.
You need the right equipment and technician to make an accurate
diagnosis of your electrical system, without causing possible
further damage to sensitive electronic components. A properly
performed electrical system analysis can save you money and future
headaches by diagnosing the problem right the first time!
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WHY YOU
SHOULD PERFORM A FUEL INJECTION SERVICE
Since you purchased your new vehicle, dirt, varnishes and carbon
deposits have been forming in the fuel system, on the intake valves
and in the combustion areas. These buildups can rob your car of
performance, and if left untreated, these buildups may lead to
costly engine repairs.
Symptoms related to carbon buildup are:
- engine pinging
- hesitation
- poor acceleration
- lack of power
- repeated stalling or poor performance when cold rough idle and
poor fuel economy.
Our Fuel Carbon Cleaning System is a revolutionary new process
that will clean your vehicle's fuel system, including injectors,
and remove harmful carbon deposits. Our system utilizes a unique
cleaning solution that will not damage your vehicle's sophisticated
engine components.
After our Fuel Carbon Cleaning System cleans your engine, you
will notice improved performance, acceleration and increased fuel
economy. Make an appointment today! Take care of your vehicle,
and your vehicle will take care of you.
WHY YOU SHOULD FLUSH OUT YOUR POWER STEERING
FLUID
At one time or another, most drivers encounter a power steering
problem with their car anything from fluid leaks or noise to stiff
steering or hard turning after first starting the car. Normal
driving eventually causes your power steering fluid to suffer
from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. The high
pressure created when you hold hard turns is especially damaging.
Your power steering fluid, which starts out clear, eventually
turns dark with age. Sludge and varnish deposits build up in your
power steering system and prevent the easy turning and responsive
handling you expect from your vehicle.
Our Power Steering Fluid Flush safely removes varnish and sludge
deposits. It is also the best way to remove wear metals that slowly
grind away your power steering's internal components, including
the power steering hoses, power steering pump, rack and pinion
and/or gear box. Our Power Steering Fluid Flush thoroughly cleans
your vehicle's steering system and protects it with fresh power
steering fluid and conditioners that revitalize the seals and
0rings.
If your vehicle's power steering system is showing any signs of
contaminated fluid, try this service before major and expensive
repair work becomes necessary. Let our ASE certified technicians
perform a Power Steering Fluid Flush for you today.
CONSUMER WARNING: UNDER NO CONDITION IS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF) TO BE USED IN POWER STEERING SYSTEMS. DO NOT ALLOW
ANYONE TO SUBSTITUTE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR POWER STEERING
FLUID IN YOUR CAR UNLESS SPECIFIED BY YOUR VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER!
The pressure in a power steering system during hard turns is much
higher than that in an automatic transmission under load. The
ATF will become very hot under pressure and break down much faster
than power steering fluid. Once this electrochemical degradation
begins, your power steering pump, rack and pinion will be subject
to leaks, stiffness or complete power steering system failure.
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WHY YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR SPARK
PLUG WIRES,
DISTRIBUTOR CAP, AND ROTOR
Spark plugs, wires, distributor caps and rotors break down and
fail over time, due to exposure to moisture, oil, grease and under
hood temperatures that can reach as much as 550 to 700 degrees.
Here's what happens:
Worn spark plugs cause higher voltage requirements, forcing the
ignition module and coil to produce higher and higher voltages
to overcome the resistance. The higher voltage breaks down the
spark plug wires' insulation, creating an easier path to ground.
This causes the ignition module and coil to produce even more
voltage, creating even higher current temperatures within them.
(Remember that higher resistance correlates to higher current
temperatures and that electricity always finds the easiest path
to ground.) This higher than normal resistance weakens transistors
and electrical insulation within modules, coils and computers,
resulting in intermittent and premature failure.
What does all this mean to you?
If your vehicle has over 60,000 miles on it and you haven't replaced
your spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, you may experience
a variety of drivability problems that are often difficult and
very costly to diagnose and repair. In fact, ignition modules
and vehicle computers range in price from $200 to $450, plus labor!
That's why you should replace your spark plug wires, distributor
cap and rotor after 60,000 miles. (On distributor-less ignition,
the spark plug wires should be replaced.) Take care of your vehicle,
and your vehicle will take care of you!
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THE TRUE COST OF DRIVING
Q: Do you know how much it costs you to drive from Point A to
Point B?
Consider this when you need to spend $1,000 in maintenance or
repairs to prolong the useful life of your vehicle:
· The average new car now costs around $23,500+, so
financing that car at 8% interest over 4 years runs
$573.70 per month.
· The average fullcoverage insurance policy costs around
$95.00 per month.
· Most people drive an average of 15,000 miles per year,
which comes to 60,000 miles over 4 years. That mileage
requires an average of $1,616 in maintenance over 4
years, which comes to $34 per month.
· Based on these averages, driving costs you $702.70 per
month, or $8,432.40 per year, not counting tires or gas!
(And that's after paying $1,175 in sales tax!)
A: Driving from Point A to Point B costs you $33,729.60* over
4 years!!!
*May vary depending on your individual transportation requirements.
If you have more than one vehicle, multiply the above accordingly.
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WHY YOU
SHOULD FLUSH OUT YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID
Your transmission's vital parts get clogged with sludge and varnish
deposits because, just like the oil in your car's engine, automatic
transmission fluid (ATF) suffers from heat, friction and electrochemical
degradation. In fact, nearly nine out of ten transmission failures
are due to overheating and fluid contamination.*
However, unlike oil, which can be completely drained from your
car's engine, most of the transmission fluid cannot be drained.
Instead it stays in the torque converter, valve body and transmission
cooler lines, making a complete fluid drain impossible.
Typical transmission service removes and replaces only 25% of
your car's contaminated automatic transmission fluid. Adding new
fluid to the remaining contaminated fluid can actually cause sludge
and varnish deposits to clog filters and further restrict flow.
This can result in a serious malfunction or even complete failure
of your automatic transmission.
Now you have an option. Our Transmission Fluid Exchange safely
removes most, if not all, of the old, contaminated fluid, as well
as varnish and sludge deposits. It also cleans the transmission
cooler, valve body and torque converter to remove worn metals
that slowly grind away your transmission's internal components.
Our Transmission Fluid Exchange thoroughly cleans your car's transmission
and protects it with fresh ATF and conditioners that revitalize
the seals and 0rings .
If your vehicle's transmission is showing any of the typical signs
of contaminated transmission fluid slippage or rough or hard shifting
try this service. It may help you avoid the cost of major repair
work or even prevent the need for a new transmission.
* According to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association
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WHAT IS A TUNEUP?
The term "tuneup" dates to the time when Henry Ford
was working on his first automobile prototype.
In Ford's simple ignition system, there was one ignition coil
for each spark plug. If there were four spark plugs, there were
four ignition coils, which needed to be adjusted to provide the
same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these
ignition coils worked, they made a buzzing sound, and when they
were adjusted properly, they all buzzed in "tune." The
term "tuneup" stuck and became associated with replacing
spark plugs and correcting rough idle problems effecting engine
performance.
Once the distributor was developed, the term "tuneup"
had no meaning, but the consumer who was used to hearing this
term around a garage still associated poor running quality with
the need for a "tuneup."
Today's automobiles do not require "tuneups." The term
indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated
with poor performance. Automobile manufacturers have developed
recommended routine maintenance schedules, which specify intervals
for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters, etc. These
schedules also specify intervals for checking or adjusting ignition
timing, idle speed and other items related to engine operation,
as well as emission control related devices.
If you experience any operating or performance problems between
maintenance, let us perform an engine analysis. Make an appointment
today!
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WHY IS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT IMPORTANT?
Your car's manufacturer specifies carefully calculated adjustments
and precise settings for wheel alignment that will reward you
with maximum vehicle performance, optimum driving enjoyment and
cost savings.
Improper wheel alignment will result in difficult handling, greatly
accelerated tire wear, poor fuel economy and excessive wear on
your car's suspension system.
Steering or handling problems may include offcenter steering wheel,
steering pull, unsteady steering, loose steering or hard steering.
You may also notice a change in steering direction after hitting
bumps.
Unusual or accelerated tire wear may take the form of edge wear,
diagonal wear or cupping wear that, if left unattended, will require
premature tire replacement.
Failing to maintain proper wheel alignment will make it impossible
to maintain factoryspecified suspension settings that control
the quality of your ride.
Protect your investment in your vehicle by keeping your wheels
properly aligned. If you bump a curb or hit a pot hole hard, have
the alignment checked. If you have new tires installed or worn
suspension parts replaced, be sure to have these repairs accompanied
by a wheel alignment. And when you bring in your vehicle for routine
annual maintenance, let us check your wheel alignment.
Remember proper wheel alignment will optimize your vehicle's ride,
handling and steering capabilities. It will make your car safer
and easier to drive. What's more, it will save you money by significantly
extending the life of your tires and suspension!
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WHY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE?
Manufacturers know that a properly maintained vehicle will be
more dependable, safer, last longer and increase your satisfaction
with their product. Car manufacturers and owners also have a responsibility
to make sure emission controls receive regular service and are
functioning properly. Regular maintenance helps accomplish these
goals by keeping your engine running efficiently and eliminating
potential problems that may leave you stranded.
What's In It For You?
* Saves you money!
* A more dependable vehicle
* A vehicle that retains more "new vehicle feel"
* Less chance of a costly breakdown
* A safer vehicle for you and your family
* Doing your part for cleaner air
* A car that is worth more at trade in or sale
* An intact warranty
Manufacturer's Maintenance Schedules
Manufacturers create detailed maintenance schedules outlining
specific operations to be performed on various components and
systems. These services are done at different mileage intervals
to ensure proper operation and prevent premature wear. Manufacturers
also indicate specific services that must be done to maintain
the factory warranty andextended warranty.
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WHY CHOOSE
JEFF'S AUTOMOTIVE?
We have ASE Master Certified Technicians and the latest computerized
diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, our computerized automotive
information system provides detailed data for your vehicles by
year, make and model to ensure that your vehicle repairs and maintenance
are in complete compliance with your manufacturer's warranty.
Other data includes lists of "hightech" specialty lubricants
required for your particular vehicle, the latest service procedures,
diagnostic information and factory issued Technical Service Bulletins.
The bottom line is efficient, dependable and cost effective service
for you!
Information provided courtesy of Ned Tomarchio's
Automotive Leadership Institute
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