The brake system applies frictional force to the wheels to slow or to stop the vehicle. We recommend having your brake system checked annually. We check your vehicle’s brake fluid level at every oil change.

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS helps you maintain directional control during emergency stops and when road conditions are poor. When turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the amber BRAKE, ANTILOCK or ABS light on the instrument panel should glow momentarily, and then turn off. If the light stays on or flashes, or comes on while driving, it indicates a fault in the ABS system. If you experience this kind of problem, have us inspect your vehicle’s ABS system immediately, so we can determine the source of the problem.

Brake Hardware
Brake hardware generally refers to the supporting hardware for disc and drum brakes. Hardware related to disc brakes usually includes anti-rattle springs, pad-retaining springs, silencing shims, caliper pins, support keys, return springs, and retaining screws. Typical drum brake hardware includes return springs, hold-down springs, tension springs and star wheel adjuster. Symptoms of brake hardware problems may include dragging brakes, squealing while braking, grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking.

Brake Hydraulics
The brake hydraulic system consists of the master cylinder, disc brake calipers (disc brakes), wheel cylinders (drum brakes), hydraulic lines and hoses, and combination/proportioning valve. When you push on the brake pedal, the force of your leg generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder, which then flows through the hydraulic lines and hoses to the wheel cylinders and calipers. The hydraulic force applies pressure through the wheel cylinders and calipers, forcing the shoes against the drums (drum brakes) and the pads against the rotors (disc brakes).
The Car Care Consul recommends checking the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir regularly. We check the brake fluid level at every oil change. Your owner's manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system, which should not be overlooked.

Disc Pads/Shoes
Pads and shoes are the wearable friction elements of the braking system. We recommend having your car's brakes inspected annually. Symptoms of brake problems may include dragging brakes, squealing brakes, a pulsating brake pedal (with ABS not functioning), grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking.

Drums & Rotors
Brake drums and rotors are the spinning members of the braking system that come in contact with the lining material from the brake shoes and pads. Because of the heat generated from all the friction, a drum or rotor must be able to remain stable even when subjected to the temperatures of repeated braking. Signs of drums and rotors wear are reduced braking force, low brake pedal height, pulling to the side, increased stopping distance, squealing or scraping noises and brake pedal pulsation.

Brake System Warning Lights
The hydraulic warning light is located on the instrument panel and is usually red and labeled BRAKE. The hydraulic warning light glows when there is a loss of pressure detected in the hydraulic system. On some cars, this light may be used to alert the driver that the brake fluid level is low. The parking brake warning light notifies that the parking brake is engaged. This reduces the chances of driving off with the parking brake engaged, causing premature wear of the rear brakes. 

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The ride and handling system supports the vehicle’s weight, keeps the wheels in contact with the road and helps provide a comfortable ride.

Ball Joints
Ball joints serve as the pivot points between the tires and suspension. Ball joints also support weight. A ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. Ball joints, along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually. The most common symptoms associated with worn ball joints are rough ride, play in steering wheel, slow or stiff steering wheel return or uneven tire wear.

Shocks
Shock absorbers dampen movement of the vehicle’s springs as they compress and rebound during vehicle travel. Without shocks, a vehicle would continually bounce, making control difficult. Shock absorbers have a strong influence on vehicle control and handling and hold the tires to the road. Your vehicle’s shocks should be checked once a year, usually in conjunction with a wheel alignment. Under normal conditions, shocks wear out gradually and you may not notice incremental losses in ride quality, handling and control. Some signs that your vehicle may have worn shocks include excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting or nose-diving while braking, swaying, or cupping wear on the tires.

Springs
Springs support the weight of the vehicle and allow the suspension system to move and adapt to road irregularities, compressing when the wheels hit a bump and expanding when the wheels encounter a dip. Vehicles with air springs also have the ability to change ride height based on driving conditions. Springs weaken gradually over time and may sag, causing your car’s ride height to drop. Springs can also break as they age. Ride height influences steering and suspension operation, so it’s important to have them checked once a year. Weak or damaged springs can cause rough, unstable or inconsolable ride, abnormal tire wear and increased wear of steering and suspension parts.

Struts
A strut serves multiple purposes, because it integrates different components into one assembly. With its spring, it can support the weight of the vehicle while moving to adapt to road irregularities. The internal shock absorber dampens movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds during vehicle travel. The strut housing serves as a structural part of the suspension system and connects the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint so that the entire assembly can pivot when the steering wheel is turned. Your vehicle’s struts should be checked once a year, usually in conjunction with a wheel alignment. Under normal conditions, the shock absorber portion (the strut cartridge) wears out gradually and you may not notice incremental losses in ride quality, handling and control. Some signs that your vehicle may have worn struts include bottoming out, excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting or nose-diving while braking, swaying, or cupping wear on the tires.

Suspension
Suspension components are responsible for maintaining the relationship between the wheels and the frame. The suspension system interacts directly with the steering system to provide vehicle control. Suspension components typically include springs, shocks, struts, bushings, control arms, strut rods, and the sway bar. Your vehicle’s suspension system should be checked regularly, at least once a year. Worn or damaged suspension system components can cause wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, bottoming out, or poor ride and handling.

Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment consists of a series of interrelated measurements and adjustments that bring a vehicle’s steering, suspension and on-road driving characteristics into manufacturers’ specifications. Proper wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, while increasing driving enjoyment and safety. Your car’s alignment should be checked once a year. Some common symptoms of your car needing an alignment include uneven tire tread wear, pulling to one side, “wandering” and an off-center steering wheel.

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The steering system enables you to steer your vehicle in the desired direction. Your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems should be checked regularly, at least once a year. We check the power steering fluid level at every oil change.

Tire Rod
The tire rod transmits force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, causing the wheels to turn. The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle’s “toe”, a critical alignment angle. A worn tie rod end can cause “wandering”, erratic steering and excessive tire wear. If tie rod replacement is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required because tie rod replacement disturbs the toe setting.

Power Steering Hose
Power steering systems have two hoses: a high-pressure hose and a low-pressure hose. The high-pressure (supply) hose carries high-pressure oil from the power steering pump to the steering gear. The low-pressure (return) hose carries oil from the steering gear back to the pump or its reservoir. Hoses showing leaks, rusted or corroded fittings, sponginess, stiffness and cuts and abrasions should be replaced.

Power Steering Pump
The power steering pump generates high pressures used to reduce steering effort, easing driver fatigue. The power steering pump is typically a vane style pump driven by a belt off the engine. A fluid reservoir may be mounted to the pump itself or the reservoir may be mounted remotely. The pump may use specialized power steering fluid or automatic transmission fluid. When turning the steering wheel, never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds - this could damage the pump. Some common warning signs of power steering problems may be high steering effort, erratic power steering assist, a loud whining sound from the pump, frequent “topping off” of the fluid reservoir and a squealing pump drive belt.

Steering Gear
The steering gear converts and multiplies rotational force from the steering wheel into the force required to move the steering linkage, which steers the vehicle. The steering gear should be inspected closely at least once a year, usually at the same time as a wheel alignment, or more often as needed. The steering gear should be checked for leaks, looseness, wear, and loose mounting bolts and bushings. Symptoms of a worn steering gear include wandering, excessive play in the steering wheel, no power assist when cold and fluid loss.

Steering Knuckle
The steering knuckle is the pivot point of the steering system, which allows the wheels to turn. We recommend having your vehicle’s alignment checked once a year. A bent or damaged steering knuckle affects proper wheel alignment. The alignment process checks the steering knuckle angles to ensure that they meet carmaker design specifications. Most SUVs, pickups and rear-wheel-drive cars need regular front wheel bearing maintenance. This can prevent expensive damage to the steering knuckle’s spindle should a bearing seize. We recommend having the bearings cleaned, inspected and repacked with fresh lubricant every two years or 24,000 miles. If the wheel bearings are exposed to any underwater conditions, even for a short period, the bearings need to be serviced more frequently. The wheel seals should also be replaced every time the bearings are serviced.

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The starting and charging system starts the engine, maintains the battery’s charge and provides power to the electrical accessories while the engine is running.

Battery
The battery supplies energy needed to start the engine, provides the current to operate the accessories when the vehicle is not running and protects the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) from high-voltage surges. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion-free. Batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail. If your vehicle's battery is three years old or more you may want to consider replacing it.

Spark Plugs
The spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture inside the cylinder. This occurs when high voltage, triggered at precisely the right instant, bridges the gap between the center and the ground electrodes. The end result is an even burning of the air/fuel mixture inside the cylinder. The spark plug also provides a secondary purpose of helping to channel some heat away from the cylinder. Typical replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the type of spark plug. Symptoms of one or more faulty spark plugs include poor gas mileage, a failed emissions test, and rough running/poor acceleration with the engine under load. A bad spark plug can cause engine misfire, triggering the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light to appear. If this is the case, it's best to have us checkout your car immediately.

Ignition Components
As a team, the ignition components work together to sense engine position and conditions and provide a high-energy spark inside the engine’s cylinders at precisely the right instant. Ignition components generally include spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor, distributor, ignition coil, ignition module and primary circuit triggering device. For ignition management, the system also relies on the powertrain control module (PCM), which also manages other engine functions. An engine that runs rough, bucks, surges, stalls, gets poor fuel economy or fails an emissions test are all signs of a potential ignition system problem. Although some cars now use platinum spark plugs with 100,000-mile service life, other parts such as ignition wires still need attention and periodic replacement.

Alternator
The alternator generates direct current for recharging the battery and for powering vehicle electrical loads. An alternator problem can cause a discharged battery, poor accessory and light operation, frequent bulb replacement, repeat voltage regulator failures, erratic engine operation or a dashboard warning light to illuminate.

Starter Motor
The starter cranks the engine when the ignition switch is turned to the start position. The starter drive uses an overrunning clutch that freewheels if the engine starts while the starter is still engaged, reducing the likelihood of damage to the starter drive and ring gear. Corroded or loose connections can cause slow cranking, arcing at cable connections, and other electrical system problems. Excessive current draw usually means a worn starter and results in hard starting.

Distributor
The distributor has pickup coil, rotor and distributor cap. It serves as connection between spark plugs wires and the ignition coil wire. Signs of distributor wearing are inability to start the engine, poor starting qualities, misfire and decreased fuel economy.

Tune-Up
The traditional “tune-up” has been replaced by high-tech engine performance checks. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems are now the norm, using one or more onboard computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions. Things that were once handled mechanically are now controlled electronically through the widespread use of onboard computer technology. This has brought about non-adjustable idle speeds and ignition timing, 60,000-mile+ spark plug replacements and the elimination of other traditional, tune-up-related procedures. Ensuring good performance, fuel economy and emissions may mean that a technician needs to interrogate the vehicle's onboard computer for trouble codes or other system information, analyze exhaust gas readings, or use a “scope” to look at the operating characteristics of the ignition system or other electrical/electronic circuits.

Cruise Control
Cruise control automatically maintains consistent vehicle speeds, reducing driver fatigue during extended driving periods. As a system, cruise control doesn’t require regular maintenance. Generally, the system is taken for granted until it no longer works or works improperly. Most cruise control ailments stem from simple things like a blown fuse, disconnected or damaged wiring, bad connections or grounds; cut, split, or broken vacuum hoses and fittings; and misadjusted, damaged or missing servo linkage. Some common cruise control problems include non-engagement, inability to hold a set speed, no response to switch inputs, and surging with the cruise set.

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The heating and air conditioning system heats and cools the vehicle cabin and defrosts the window.

A/C
The compressor draws refrigerant gas in on its inlet side and pumps the refrigerant out on the exhaust side to the condenser. As the refrigerant gas passes through the condenser, it releases its heat to the surrounding air using the heat exchanger characteristics of the condenser. A large drop in temperature occurs within the refrigerant gas and it then condenses into a liquid by the time the refrigerant leaves the condenser, on its way towards the evaporator. The liquid refrigerant next passes through the orifice tube or expansion valve, which regulates the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator. The evaporator absorbs the heat from the car's interior and transfers it to the liquid refrigerant using the opposite heat exchange process that previously occurred in the condenser. The large amount of heat transfer into the refrigerant raises its temperature, resulting in the refrigerant changing from liquid back into a gas. The heat-laden refrigerant gas exits the evaporator and passes into the receiver-drier or accumulator, which dries the refrigerant with its internal desiccant and also allows any liquid refrigerant to settle to prevent it from being drawn into the compressor. At this point, the cycle repeats itself, with the compressor once more drawing refrigerant gas in on its intake side.

Hoses
High- and low-pressure refrigerant hoses connect the main parts of the air conditioning system together. Refrigerant hoses provide a path for refrigerant and refrigerant oil between the key components of the A/C system. Heater hoses connect the engine's cooling system to the heater core. Heater hoses provide a supply and return path for warm engine coolant circulating in the heater core. Hoses and valves should be inspected periodically for condition and to make sure all connections are secure. Chafed, cut or damaged hoses should be replaced. Poor A/C cooling may indicate problems with the orifice or expansion valve. Insufficient heat, or heat that can't be turned off may indicate a problem with the heater control valve.

Heater Core
The heater core provides a source of heat for the interior of the vehicle. The driver, using the heater controls and blower motor, controls the exact amount of heat. The heater core does not require regular maintenance by itself, but is cared for by regular maintenance of the cooling system. This includes coolant changes per the manufacturer's recommendations. Symptoms of a faulty heater core include coolant on the floor of the interior, a strange smell while the heat is turned on, and poor heater output.

Blower Motor
The blower motor moves air from outside the vehicle, through a cabin air filter if equipped, then through the heater core, and/or evaporator based on driver demands. The air control doors control the exact direction of airflow from the blower motor. The resulting airflow then warms or cools the interior, or is used to de-fog or de-ice the windshield. Symptoms of a blower motor or circuit problem include no airflow when the blower is turned on, a noisy blower motor, or a blower motor that only operates at some speeds.

Compressor
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the various parts of the A/C system, thereby allowing heat collected from the car's interior to be moved and transferred to the air outside. The engine drives the compressor with a belt and the compressor is activated by an electro-magnetic clutch that engages and disengages the drive pulley on the front of the compressor. Based on operating conditions and driver input, an electrical signal commands the compressor to turn on when interior cooling is required.

Condenser
The condenser works a lot like a radiator in that it releases heat, collected by the refrigerant from inside the car, into the outside air. The losses of heat results in a large temperature drop in the refrigerant, causing it to change from a gas to a liquid (condensation). The condenser earns its name for this function. For proper heat exchange, the car needs to be moving or a cooling fan (electrical or mechanical) must be operating for sufficient airflow over the condenser's fins.

Evaporator
The evaporator absorbs heat from the interior of the car and transfers the heat to the refrigerant moving inside. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it changes from a liquid to a gas. The resulting chilling effect also promotes condensation of interior moisture on the evaporator’s fins, helping to greatly reduce the humidity of the air. Although the evaporator can absorb some heat on its own, its efficiency is greatly increased by the airflow provided by the A/C system’s blower motor and fan.

Accumulator/Drier
Your car will be equipped with either a receiver-drier or accumulator, depending on the type of air conditioning system in your car. Both perform dual roles, the first acting as a system drier and the second serving as a collection reservoir for liquid refrigerant. Both units contain a moisture-absorbing material known as desiccant, which draws moisture from the A/C system to prevent damage to it.

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The cooling system removes heat from the engine to keep it running in proper temperature. In the cooling system, belts drive the water pump circulating coolant through the system.

Timing Belt/Chain
The timing belt maintains crankshaft-to-camshaft synchronization, keeping valve operation matched to piston position. On some engines, the belt also drives other components. These include the oil pump, water pump, and balance shafts. Manufacturers generally recommend a certain mileage for belt replacement. If the timing belt is not replaced at the suggested interval, the belt could break, leaving you stranded and possibly causing major engine damage. If you’re having the timing belt replaced, consider replacing other parts that may be accessed at the same time. The water pump, timing belt sprockets and tensioning pulleys are good examples.

Serpentine Belt
Serpentine belts provide power to engine-mounted accessories like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, mechanical cooling fan, and air injection pump. The chances of a serpentine belt failure rise dramatically after 50,000 miles. This doesn’t mean that the belts shouldn’t be inspected before then, though. We check your belts on every oil change.

Radiator & Cooling Hoses
Radiator hoses provide a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator. The radiator hoses should be inspected at least twice a year, both in the spring and in the fall. Hose clamp connections should also be checked to ensure that they’re secure and free from leaks. Coolant hoses should be replaced at least every four years, or more often as needed. It’s also a good idea to change any hoses that connect to a part of the cooling system that’s being replaced.

Water Pump
Water pump circulates coolant through the radiator and engine system to maintain proper engine temperature. Signs of water pump wear are engine overheating, leaking coolant, and excessive looseness in water pump shaft or noise in the pump.

Radiator and Cap
The radiator transfers heat from the engine’s coolant to the outside air while the radiator cap seals and pressurizes the cooling system. The signs of radiator wear are leaking, engine overheating, rusting, physical damage, lack of pressure in the cooling system, vapor escaping from cap, ill-fitting cap and worn gasket.

Thermostat
The thermostat is basically the cooling system’s temperature regulator. The thermostat is a critical part of the cooling system that can cause various symptoms and problems. A bad thermostat can result in low heater output, overheating, poor fuel economy, knocking or pinging when accelerating, high idle speed, an electric cooling fan that runs continuously and low temperature gauge readings.

Engine Cooling Motor
The engine cooling motor drives the radiator fan to move additional air through the radiator. Signs of wear are overheating, fan doesn’t turn and squealing noise.

Coolant Flush
The most common formulation of antifreeze is green in color and uses ethylene glycol as a base with anti-corrosion additives mixed in. When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil and anticorrosive properties. Even though the coolant freeze protection may test OK with a hydrometer (freeze protection only drops with extreme dilution, not with age), the additives break down over time. When changing coolant, it also presents an opportune time to replace bad cooling system hoses. Leaking, brittle, spongy, cracked, or rotted hoses should be replaced before new antifreeze is installed. Hose clamp connections should also be checked to ensure that they're secure and free from leaks.

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The filtering system prevents contaminants from entering the engine and transmission while allowing enough fluid or airflow to keep them running properly.

Air Filter
The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (some fuel-injected cars) and sometimes in cleaning the air that enters the crankcase for crankcase ventilation. The air filter also serves as a silencer for your car’s intake system. Your car’s engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, so it’s easy to see how big a job the air filter has. We check the air filter at every oil change. Driving with a dirty filter restricts the air entering the engine, and if severe, can impact fuel economy and performance.

Oil Filter
The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. We change the oil filter at every oil change.

Fuel Filter
Fuel filters trap harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors and intricate fuel injectors. Fuel filters for carbureted engines only clean the fuel before it enters the float bowl. Injection filters, on the other hand, clean the fuel whenever the fuel pump runs (unless the fuel injection system is a “returnless” design). Fuel moves continuously up the supply side, through the filter to the fuel rail or throttle body. The fuel that doesn't make it into the engine returns to the tank and the whole process starts over again. With a full tank of gas, the filter may clean the volume of fuel in the tank many times before it's all used. On carbureted cars, it is recommended to replace the filter once a year. On cars with fuel injection, it is recommend replacing the filter every 2 years. A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from your car’s electric fuel pump, eventually taking a toll on its life. Frequent filter replacements remove all doubt about whether the filter may cause other problems down the road.

Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust, and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle's ventilation system, making the interior of the car a healthier place. Cabin air filters should be replaced according to owners' manual guidelines, usually every 15,000 miles.

Transmission Filter
A transmission filter prevents harmful contaminants from entering the hydraulic system, where they can increase wear and cause scoring and sticking of hydraulic control valves. Additionally, if a major part fails inside the transmission, the filter may prevent pieces of that part from contributing to a more catastrophic transmission failure. Normally transmission filters trap metal chips from hard parts like gears and bushings and the normal fine material that results from wear of the hydraulic clutch facings and bands. Your car’s automatic transmission filter and fluid should be changed periodically according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.

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The fuel and engine management system supplies the proper mixture of air and gasoline to the engine while reducing harmful fuels vapors and exhaust pollutant.

Fuel Pump
The fuel pump provides fuel with the proper pressure and volume for delivery by the carburetor or fuel injection system. The electric fuel pump circuit also employs various safeties that stop the pump from running in the event of an accident. Mechanical fuel pumps require no maintenance, but should be replaced at the first sign of a problem. Pressure or volume may drop off, giving an early warning sign of impending pump failure. With fuel-injected vehicles, regular fuel filter changes can help extend the life of the electric fuel pump. It's best to replace the filter every two years or 24,000 miles. A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from the electric fuel pump, eventually taking a toll on its life. You can also help protect the pump by keeping the tank at least half- full at all times. Since fuel cools the pump, having plenty of fuel in the tank helps keep the pump from getting too warm, which could damage it.

Carburetor
The carburetor mixes fuel with air in the right ratios for all engine-operating conditions.

Fuel Injector
Fuel injection delivers fuel to the engine in exactly the right amount for all engine-operating conditions. Not only does the system provide better control for fuel economy, performance and emissions, it also does away with many of the maintenance requirements of a carburetor. It's best to replace the filter every two years or 24,000 miles. A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from your car’s electric fuel pump, eventually taking a toll on its life. Frequent filter replacements remove all doubt about whether the filter may cause other problems down the road.

Air Sensor
The air sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine the most efficient air/fuel mixture or achieving clean burns. Signs of wear are engine hesitation, stalling, decline in engine performance and CHECK ENGINE light illuminated.

Fuel Tank
The fuel tank stores gasoline for the engine, holds the electric fuel pump and sending unit, and provides a connection to the vapor collection/recovery components of the emissions system. The tank also has a filler neck, which restricts fueling to only unleaded fuel nozzles. Unless damaged, fuel tanks last for the life of the vehicle.

Turbo and Supercharger
Turbochargers and superchargers enable increased burning of air and fuel by forcing more air into the engine’s cylinders, thereby improving an engine’s breathing characteristics. The turbocharger or supercharger on your car’s engine will last for many thousands of miles if cared for properly through a regular engine maintenance regimen. This includes regular oil and filter changes, engine performance check-ups and cooling system maintenance. If you notice that engine performance drops off, that the engine is using oil, or notice other problems with coolant temperature or oil pressure, it’s wise to have us looked at your car as soon as possible.

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The exhaust and emissions system muffles engine noise while reducing harmful fuel vapors and exhaust pollutants.

Catalytic Converter
Using its internal catalyst, a catalytic converter's job is to greatly reduce the level of harmful emissions in a car's exhaust. Namely, these are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. All of these emissions are serious health and environmental hazards, plus they contribute to the formation of photochemical smog. A catalytic converter changes these poisonous gases to harmless carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and water. Catalytic converters do not require maintenance of their own, but their long-term livelihood depends on proper care and maintenance of your vehicle.

Muffler
The muffler reduces and changes engine exhaust sound and tone. When properly matched to the engine, a muffler will not impair engine performance due to exhaust backpressure, which is simply the resistance to exhaust flow. We recommend to have your vehicle’s exhaust system inspected periodically. The muffler may not be individually replaceable due to the condition of other exhaust system components, or because the original exhaust system uses a unitized construction, where sections are welded together. Keep in mind that exhaust gas, especially carbon monoxide, can be deadly if it enters the interior of the car. The symptoms of an exhaust leak may include a louder than normal exhaust sound, the sound of exhaust coming from unusual places on your car, a “ticking” noise when accelerating, and the smell of exhaust. However, don’t rely on your sense of smell as a conclusive means of determining if there’s an exhaust leak. Carbon monoxide has no odor. If you suspect any problem with the exhaust system, have us inspect the vehicle immediately. Another symptom of a potential exhaust leak is a failed emissions test.

Exhaust Pipes
Exhaust pipes route exhaust gas away from the engine, through the catalytic converter and muffler and out the rear of the vehicle. As a result, pollution and sound are reduced, while ensuring safety by directing exhaust gas away from the vehicle.

Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor senses oxygen content in the exhaust gas. The signs of wear are rough-running engine, poor fuel economy and CHECK ENGINE light illuminated.

Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold routes the exhaust gases leaving the cylinder head to the exhaust system. As such, the manifold also serves as a connection point for the exhaust pipe. Although not commonly replaced with other exhaust system parts, exhaust manifolds should be checked periodically to ensure they are tight, free from cracks and that the exhaust pipe mounts are secure. A “ticking” noise during acceleration or the sound or smell of leaking exhaust could indicate a leak at the manifold or its connections.

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The powertrain includes the engine, transmission and drive axles that work in tandem to move the vehicle.

Engine
As the heart of the vehicle, the engine uses internal combustion energy to send power through the transmission or transaxle to the wheels. Signs of wear are rough-running engine, high oil and/or fuel consumption and visible oily smoke while engine is running.

Axles
Since axles vary in complexity, so do their purposes. A simple straight axle helps to support the weight of the vehicle and serves as an attachment point for the wheels. A drive axle does all of this, along with providing the torque transfer capabilities of a differential. A transaxle serves all of the same purposes as a drive axle, but also includes the gear-changing capabilities of a transmission. Axle maintenance is related to the complexity of the axle. A straight axle requires periodic cleaning and repacking of wheel bearings, usually every two years or 24,000 miles.

Differential
The differential transfers torque from the drive shaft or transmission output to the differential’s drive axles. The spider gears and side gears allow the axles to turn at different rates, which is necessary when the car makes a turn. The outer wheel must turn faster than the inner wheel, creating a speed differential (which is how it got its name). When cared for properly, differentials provide many thousands of miles of trouble-free operation. When a differential problem does occur, symptoms may include: a high-pitch sound when accelerating or decelerating, clunking when accelerating or when shifting between reverse and drive or a howling sound.

Check Engine Light
The importance and function of the CHECK ENGINE light became more critical starting in 1996, when the second generation of onboard diagnostics, known as OBDII, became standard equipment on all makes and models of cars. Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for tighter emissions control, OBDII has the ability to monitor a diverse range of engine-related functions and record critical information. You can think of this information as your car's electronic "vital signs." OBDII information has proven to be so credible that it is now being used by some states as part of their emissions testing programs. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE LIGHT has several modes and can indicate a normally functioning system, a system that requires prompt attention and a system that needs immediate attention.

Drive Shaft & U-Joints
The drive shaft and U-joints provide a means of transferring engine torque to drive axles. The universal joints allow the drive shaft to move up and down, to allow for suspension travel. Some drive shafts also have a slip joint that allows the drive shaft to make minor length changes as the vehicle suspension height changes. Symptoms of a bad universal joint include a repeating squeaking sound when accelerating from a stop, a heavy clunking noise when shifting from drive to reverse or vise versa, or a shuddering sensation when accelerating or driving.

Transmission Replacement
The transmission uses a combination of fluid pressure and gears to transfer power from the engine to the rear drive wheels. An automatic transmission/transaxle changes the engine’s speed and torque in relation to the speed and torque of the drive wheels. This keeps the engine’s output matched as close as possible to varying road speeds and loads. Signs of transmission wearing are noticeable transmission “slippage” or lack of acceleration and the transmission fluid emitting a burning odor. We do not repair transmissions, but we can put a new transmission in your car.

Clutch
The clutch manually disengages and reengages the engine to the transmission. Signs of wear are slippage, lack of transmission engagement, loss of power to drive wheels and inability to shift transmission smoothly.

Transfer Case
The transfer case routes torque from the transmission to both the front and rear axles. Many transfer cases require periodic changes of oil or fluid to maintain peak performance. Although transfer cases are usually trouble-free, they can develop problems over time. Common problems may include: no four-wheel-drive operation, four-wheel-drive operation only in some modes or the inability to switch modes. These problems do not necessarily mean that the transfer case itself is at fault. The problem may lie in the transfer case engagement controls, as many of today’s vehicles use electric or vacuum controls to carry out driver’s commands.

Gaskets & Sealing
 Engine seals and gaskets prevent the leakage of oil, coolant and air between mating surfaces, internal passages and the outside of the engine. Seals and gaskets also prevent the entry of dirt and air into the engine. Gaskets and seals are usually named after their location or function on the engine. For example, a head gasket seals the cylinder head to the cylinder block. A rear main seal prevents the area around the rear crankshaft main bearing from leaking oil. The best way to care for the gaskets and seals on your engine is to follow a regular maintenance regimen. This includes regular oil and filter changes, engine performance check-ups and cooling system maintenance.

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