BRAKES
The brake system of your vehicle is the most important safety system that it has. Improperly working brakes will not do the job they are designed to do and will not be as effective when needed, especially in a panic stop situation.
Brakes should be regularly inspected. We recommend that you have your trusted automotive technician regularly test drive the vehicle to see how the brake system functions. Then also perform an actual visual inspection, measuring pad and shoe thickness, check for even wear of the pads and shoes, check rotors for run out and hot spots, check hardware to make sure it is working properly and that it is adjusted properly. Make sure the wheel cylinders, brake lines and brake master cylinder are not leaking, inspect calipers for wear, free movement and fluid leaks, and check the level and condition of the brake fluid. Inspect for proper routing and placement of the brake and antilock brake sensors.
At Bluffs Affordable Auto Repair we have certified technicians who can inspect and make recommendations about your braking system. We install Wagner brakes and Bosch-Perfect Stop brake pads which meet or exceed OEM specifications. With every brake pad replacement we either resurface the rotors/drums or replace them to ensure maximum and precise braking.
DIAGNOSTICS
Using specialized software, car diagnostic tools quickly and accurately point to problem areas in a car’s engine or elsewhere, thanks to built in processors, microchips and sensors.
Diagnostic tests can reveal problems with a car’s engine, transmission, exhaust system, brakes and other major components, as well as performance issues with the fuel injector, air flow and coolant, ignition coils and throttle.
However, a common misconception about car diagnostic tests is that the technicians can use code reading tools to determine the exact problem that triggered the check engine light. In reality, the code tells the technicians which engine or component parameters are out of range, but it does not detail the cause of the problems. The technician uses experience and expertise to diagnose the underlying problem.
Today’s complex engines have many sensors and electrical components that keep your engine running smoothly. We can quickly identify and diagnose you engine problems with our precise diagnostic equipment.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
The A/C system needs to be recharged from time to time to bring it back up to maximum efficiency. Sometimes a leak may cause loss of refrigerant and will need to be fixed before refilling. It’s difficult to tell if a leak is present without specific test equipment so leave it up to a professional.
In recent years, the EPA has phased out the use of R-12 freon in all refrigeration systems and R-134 has become the new standard. If you have an older system with R-12 you may need to retrofit your system to handle the new R-134 refrigerant. Sometimes seals and hoses are not compatible with the new oils found in the R-134.
Corrosion will cause the heater core (secondary radiator) to leak. This will manifest itself by leaking steam into the passenger compartment and fogging your windows. You will know there is a leak by the sweet smell coming from your vents. Unfortunately changing the heater core is usually not the easiest job in the world as engineers tend to squeeze them into some pretty tight spaces under the dash.
At Bluffs Affordable Auto Repair our technicians are certified and have completed training in CFC-12/HFC-134A Refrigerant Recycling and Service Procedures offered by Mobil Air Conditioning Society Worldwide, as required by Section 609 of the Clean Air Act.
SHOCKS
Your vehicle’s shock absorbers and struts are responsible for the control and handling characteristics of your vehicle. They basically keep the tires seemingly glued to the road. They also stop your vehicle from bottoming out when you hit a pothole or other uneven road services. It’s very important to keep your shocks and struts in top condition. We recommend you include a shock and strut check in your regular vehicle maintenance schedule.
At Bluffs Affordable Auto Repair we have certified technicians who can easily identify worn shocks and struts and all related parts to keep your vehicle’s tires firmly on the road for precise control and handling.
SUSPENSION
Your car’s suspension system is responsible for smoothing out the ride and keeping the car in control. Specifically, the suspension system maximizes the friction between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling. The suspension system also provides comfort for passengers to limiting the impact of particular road conditions to not only the car, but the passengers riding inside.
At Bluffs Affordable Auto Repair we inspect the suspension and advise you, the customer of any worn or unsafe parts that would compromise safety as well as comfort. We install factory direct, Moog and Monroe suspension components to ensure a top quality product. All carry a 1 year warranty, parts and labor.
TUNEUPS
When you have a tune up regularly, you won’t have to worry about your car refusing to start or breaking down on the highway. Whether it’s the air filter, spark plugs or battery there are a variety o reasons why a car would break down, but if you have your car regularly maintained, its less likely to happen.
