Auto Service Page 2
“”Fuel Injector Flush Service”” !
A fuel injector flush service , is normally done at the time of a tune up service, at extra cost of course
On a tune-up service , the fuel system is immobilized and a special cleaner is fed through the fuel injector system and into the engine .(the engine actually runs on the cleaner for about 10 minutes or so while the actual flush is performed ). This service will remove all the gum or residue etc of driving,
from the fuel injectors and system . It also clean carbon etc , from internal
engine parts such as pistons and valves . This service has been known to greatly improve performance and fuel mileage on vehicles two or three years old and vehicles that are slow driven or strictly city driven .________________________
“”Cooling System Flush Service”” !
- A cooling system flush service should be done about every 2 or 3 years . This will keep the acid level low in the cooling system , and so the components (radiator , water pump , hoses etc) will last much longer . It will save down time and money in the long term .
- On a cooling system service the cooling system is tested for leaks. Then the old coolant is remove from the engine and cooling the system (radiator etc). The corrosion , rust ,and debris etc is flushed out of the engine block and cooling system passages. In some cases the engine may be refilled with water and cleaning chemicals , and then run a short time to loosen all the scale and rust , and then drained and flushed again .
- New coolant is installed . The proper coolant for the vehicle must be used as coolants are NOT all the same any more .
The system is then rechecked for leaks and the coolant strength is tested .
- A properly maintained cooling system prolongs the life of the radiator, hoses , heater core etc. It also maintains proper circulation to cool the engine properly which increases the engines life. Heater system is also cleaned , to help proper operation and better heat in the vehicle in winter .
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“”Wheel Alignment Service”” .
- Wheel alignment should be checked if the vehicle is hard to keep straight on the road when driving , or if the vehicle wants to go to the left or right when driving , if any looseness is felt in the steering or if the steering wheel is not straight when you are driving on a straight road. Wheel alignment should be checked when new tires are installed on your vehicle . It should also be checked every year or two depending on your driving and mileage .
- A wheel alignment service is done , to ensure that the front wheels are aligned properly in relation to the rear wheels of the vehicle and that all wheels are aligned properly in relation to each other .
- On the wheel alignment service the steering and the suspension of the vehicle are inspected for worn , loose , or damaged parts . Then alignment equipment is used to read the vehicles steering alignment settings (caster camber toe-in etc) and the necessary adjustments are made to bring those setting within specifications .
-Proper alignment is very important as it gives the driver the best possible control of the vehicle while driving . A properly aligned vehicle is easier to keep straight on the road , easier to turns and corners better , is easier to control when braking or accelerating and is much safer and more relaxing to drive . Improper wheel alignment will wear tires out very quickly which will cost you money too soon .
Proper alignment also maximizes the life of your tires and save you money .
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“”
Power steering flush service”” !
- A power steering flush service should be done every 3 to 4 years . If the fluid is discolored or has a burned odor it should be flushed . High mileage driven vehicles should be done sooner
As the power steering fluid gets older it gets dirty (and discolored) and it loses its lubricating qualities . This can lead to failure of steering system parts such as , the power steering pump , and the steering gear . If the fluid is kept clean it will extend the life of these (very expensive) components , and save you money too . The flush service is much less expensive than these parts .
- On a power steering flush service the power steering system is checked for leaks and then the old fluid is flushed out of the power steering system and replaced with new clean fluid . The system is then tested for proper operation.
- Note I have seen times on older vehicle that lost most of the power steering assist , but the assist was greatly improved after the system was flushed .
- In over 40 years I have seen many failed power steering pumps . In every case the fluid was badly discolored and dirty and had that burned odor .
“”Hydraulic Brake System Flush Service””
If the hydraulic brake system is kept clean and free of rust , dirt and contaminates , the system will function more efficiently . The brake operation will be better . Seized and sticking calipers and wheel cylinders and leaks are much less likely to occur . Braking system parts life will be longer . It will save you money and keep you safer too .
- A hydraulic brake system flush service should be done every time the brake pads or shoes are replaced . It should also be done if the fluid starts to discolor .
- On a hydraulic brake system flush service the bleeders at all for wheels are opened to allow the old fluid , dirt and rust etc to run out . As the fluid level in the master cylinder is close to the bottom (but not quite empty )the master cylinder is refilled with new clean fluid. The bleeders are kept open and the master cylinder is kept full of new fluid until clean fluid is coming out of each and every bleeder. When all the fluid in the system in new , the brakes are bled of air by the normal procedure . If this service is done every time the pads or shoes are replaced it will help to prevent the brake calipers and wheel cylinders from leaking sticking , or seizing .
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“”Brake service”” !
Brake service is often recommended on vehicles when the brakes are dirty , rusty , or noisy , most commonly on vehicles over two years old with low mileage . If you drive low mileage , a brake service will help to keep brake parts from seizing and keep the brake system working evenly and safely .
On a brake service the brakes are tested for proper operation . All the brake parts are inspected for wear , damage , etc .
On a brake service on disc brakes , the pads are removed , cleaned and deglazed . The rotors are cleaned ( rust if any is removed) and any glazing is removed . Brake pins or sliders etc , are cleaned and lubricated , to work freely. The calipers and bushings etc are also cleaned and lubricated as needed .
On drum brakes , the drums are removed cleaned rust is removed if needed and the drums are deglazed. Brake dust is removed from all parts . The shoes are cleaned and deglazed . The backing plates are cleaned and lubricated . The park brake actuators are freed and lubricated as needed. The brakes are adjusted as needed .
The vehicle should be road tested to ensure proper brake operation .
“”Wheel Balance””
Wheels should be balanced every time new tires are installed on the vehicle . Wheel balance should also be checked if you feel any vibrations when driving at highway speeds . Wheels that are out of balance are very uncomfortable to drive on . Wheels that are out of balance can also cause erratic wear (flat spots , cupping ) on the tires . Wheels out of balance can also cause damage to suspensions, steering and even body and chassis components and can cause nuts bolt and fasteners to shake loose over time , due to the vibration . The centrifugal force on the out of balance can be 100 pounds or more for every ounce of unbalance .
When new tires are put on rims that is a wheel assembly . The wheel and tire are then balanced as an assembly .
Even the best tires are normally out of balance by 1 to 1 ½ ounces .
Vibration in the steering can be an indication of front wheels out of balance .
Vibrations on the floor or in the seat can indicate rear wheel unbalance .
Tires will often move (creep)very gradually on the rims , over time and with driving. This can make rebalance necessary after a period of time and mileage . Properly balanced wheels are much more comfortable to drive on and safer ._____________________
““Head Light Alignment””
If you can not see the road in front of you clearly at night , the first step would be to make sure the head lights are operating properly . If the light are working properly , then head light miss alignment is likely the problem . Also if you get a lot of light flashes from oncoming traffic at night , head light miss alignment is likely the problem .
Head lights should be aimed ½ degree down from level and ¼ to ½ degree to the right . If head lights are aligned to the proper settings you should be able to see the road ahead as well as in daylight , and have no complaints from oncoming traffic .
- The only way to align head lights properly is to use proper head light visualizes . When you get head lights aligned make sure the shop you go to has and uses , visualizes . Properly aligned head light will make your night driving much more comfortable and relaxing as well as much safer .
- Note Improperly aligned head lights can harm to the eye sight of the oncoming drivers . Misaligned headlights of oncoming vehicles can cause eye sight harm to you .
