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WHY YOU SHOULD PERFORM AN
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE
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!
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 ABS type brakes! When moisture contaminated
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.
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
computer controlled 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.
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
do-it-yourselfers and so called professionals resort to trial and error
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!
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!
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 0 rings.
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.
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!
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 full coverage 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.
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 0 rings .
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
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!
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 off center 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 factory specified 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!
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 and extended warranty.
Why T& D Automotive Service?
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 "high tech" 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!
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