Your car’s heating ventilating and air conditioning system keeps your car interior comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level.

The HVAC system also helps improve defroster operation.

Typical Service

• A thorough inspection of your car’s HVAC system should be performed annually.
• A service technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
• If the system is found to be to low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak.
• Refrigerant may be added if necessary to top off the system. (Some states do not allow topping off)
• A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
• A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

In 1996 an orange light on your car’s dashboard labeled “check engine” or “service Engine Soon” became standard on all car makes and models. The light tells you there’s a problem with your car’s engine and power train control system.

Why Do I Need This Service

An illuminated “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light indicates a problem detected by your car’s on-board diagnostic system. The light cannot indicate the exact nature of the problem-only the right training and diagnostic equipment can do that.

Typical Service

• A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity.
• A technician connects a scan tool to your car’s onboard diagnostic system to determine the problem.
• Further testing and diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
• Once the problem is pinpointed, repairs are made and light is reset.

Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.

Why Do I Need This Service?

To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced. Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In some cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired.

Typical Service

• Check inflation pressure at least once a month. (including the spare)
• Have the tires rotated every 6000 miles.
• Rotation time also serves as a good opportunity to have the tires balanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear. On full time four wheel drive vehicles, a difference of only ¼ inch between the outside circumference of the front and rear tires can cause expensive damage to the transfer case or center differential. Rotating the tires to keep the their sizes equal is critical on these vehicles, and replacing all four tires at the same time, rather than just the front or rear tires, is highly recommended.
• Uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem. Have your car’s alignment checked at least once a year.

Maintaining your car’s wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.

Why Do I Need This Service

Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension system, possibly throwing the alignment settings out of specifications. Ball joints, tie rods, steering arms, bushings and other suspension parts all wear gradually over time. Springs will gradually sag and age as miles accumulate. All of these will affect alignment angles and adjustments need to be made or components need to be replaced to restore optimum handling.

Typical Service

• Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually.
• Make sure it’s a four-wheel alignment, whether car, light truck or SUV
• Your technician will make adjustments to the camber, caster, toe and thrust angle, if needed.
• Have the alignment checked at the first sign of abnormal tire wear or improper vehicle handling.
• A wheel alignment is a good service to request as an insurance policy when you purchase a set of new tires.

A proper and routine tune-up allows your engine to work hand in- hand with the rest of your car’s power train. This is how optimum car performance is achieved.

Why Do I Need This Service?        

A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Modern engines compensate for worn parts to a degree, giving you the sense that everything is fine with your car. A routine tune-up will restore your car to its normal operating state, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine and emissions system.

Tune Up Typical Service

Based on spark plug type, the replacement interval can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Replace any other ignition system and or emissions system parts that may be needed or recommended.

Replace the fuel and air filters.

Adjust ignition timing and idle speeds (If Applicable)

Ensure the onboard computer control system is working properly.

Some Questions to Ask

How often does my car need a tune-up?

Are there other services that need to be performed at this time?

If the check engine or service engine soon light comes on, is it the same as saying its time for a tune up.