Don’t risk being stranded or getting less than you should from your car at trade in. A little attention to the basics now will improve its appearance and performance for years to come.
Now scheduling with your service center is easy, thanks to this handy checklist of items for the spring season. Don’t miss the first checklist, with items you can do yourself.
1.First, find a quality service shop. Look for one that services cars equal in value to your own (their parking lot will speak volumes!). Go inside and check out the equipment in the service bays (for example, our RK Chevrolet service center has state-of-the-art, computerized equipment. This facilitates faster diagnosis and repair, getting you back on the road quicker.)
To find out the qualifications of the technicians, scan the walls for trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes.
2.Have your technician check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses. (RK Scion technicians recommend that belts and hoses be inspected monthly).
Worn, glazed or frayed belts should be replaced, as should bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses. Clamps should be tightened.
3.Anything that is worn or damaged should be replaced to prevent sudden breakdowns.
4.If your air conditioner system is faulty, have it checked. Cooling inefficiency could be the result of a lack of air flow across the condenser. Have your mechanic make sure the electric cooling fan motor near the condenser is coming on.
In fan blade models, the fan should turn very fast. Also have your mechanic check the Freon level and pressure. Air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air if the system isn’t working properly.
5.If your engine is experiencing hard starts, rough idling, or stalling, have it fixed. Often times, the trouble stems from basic things like worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, or bad ignition wires, but if you’re not mechanically inclined whatsoever, it’s best to go straight to a professional.
(Taking care of little things early will likely improve your gasoline mileage and prevent minor problems from becoming expensive repairs later on.
6.Don’t neglect your transmission. RK Toyota technicians report that routine service can eliminate costly repairs down the road. A manual transmission does not usually experience trouble, except for the clutch, which can be problematic if improperly adjusted or abused.
A common problem with automatics is fluid breakdown from overheating. Fluid and filter changes every 24,000 miles can avoid premature transmission failure but few people heed such advice.
Don’t miss Part 1 of this series: RK Auto Group Spring Checklist of Services You Can Do On Your Own.
By: Tom Kline
Posts Tagged ‘Auto Maintenance’
Car Maintenance Services to Schedule With Your Auto Technician: Spring Auto Maintenance Checklist
January 26th, 2010Auto Inspection and Repair Tips for Car Owners
September 30th, 2009As a car owner, you need to educate yourself on matters concerning auto maintenance, inspection and repair. You may not be able to do the required automotive diagnostics or repair yourself but you should, at least, know what to look out for.
The most basic reference to be used for maintenance is the owner’s manual. The manufacturer provides the maintenance schedule appropriate to our vehicle. This could range from simple auto oil change to extensive monthly auto inspections. If you have a regular auto repair shop and mechanic in Tampa, compare their recommended maintenance schedule with your owner’s manual. Remember that if your vehicle is old or if you bought it used, it may need more attention.
Symptoms of Car Trouble
As the main user of your car, you should be the first to detect signs of trouble. Early detection will not only mean less costly repairs but, more importantly, road safety for you and others, as well.
Wet spots or puddles under the car should warrant closer inspection. If it is clear water, you need not be alarmed. It is probably condensation from the air conditioner. Colored liquid may indicate a leak in your car, though. If the liquid is yellow-green, blue or orange, it could mean that your anti-freeze is leaking or that your engine is overheated. Leaking transmission fluid or power-steering fluid will produce an oily red spot. Oil is dark brown or black. Sometimes, though, burnt transmission fluid could be dark brown or black, too, indicating an even more serious problem.
The odor of anything burnt should never be ignored. Transmission fluid that smells burnt could lead to failure of the car transmission system. Burning oil that is leaking smells acrid. Bring your car to the auto repair shop immediately.
If the odor is like burnt toast, light and sharp, it could mean an electrical short and burning insulation. Stop and call the nearest mechanic in Tampa.
The chemical odor of burning resin could mean that your clutch or brakes have overheated. Pull over and allow them to cool. Any sign of smoke means you should not attempt to restart the car. Call for a towing service.
Other odors could also mean trouble. Leaking coolant smells sweet and steamy. It could be immediately followed by overheating. Drive to the nearest auto repair shop or service station if you can. Once the odor turns metallic and you see steam coming from beneath your car hood, though, stop and call your towing service.
If what you smell is sulphuric, similar to rotten eggs, it could point to a problem in emission control devices such as the catalytic converter. The persistent odor of gasoline could mean a leak in the fuel system. In both cases, bring the car to the auto repair shop immediately.
Get used to the normal sounds and the feel of your car. Consult your mechanic in Tampa the moment you detect unusual noises, vibration or motion. You should not have any difficulty steering straight or to any side. Your brakes should not scrape or grind. You should not have difficulty in starting your engine, nor should it stall. There should be no vehicle jerks as you shift gears, and the car should respond immediately with no lag.
Auto Repair Do’s
Make sure that you choose a reputable auto repair shop and a highly skilled and experienced mechanic in Tampa. The best ones are fully capable of handling any car or truck repair ranging from engine repair to car transmission system repair. They also carry only the best brands in car parts and truck parts, such as AC Delco. It takes your vigilance and your mechanic’s professional skills to maximize the life span of your car.
By: Business Local Listings
