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 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!

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

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.