Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Car Battery Replacement: Problems with your Car Battery?

It is common knowledge that all vehicles have at least one car battery to support its electrical systems. It is also common knowledge that if it is neglected, you will not have a dependable vehicle and more than likely you will need a premature car battery replacement.

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Here are a few basics to know:


  • Check-ups - Have your auto mechanic check the load levels at every oil change interval if the car battery is over 2 years old. A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause premature alternator failure. Dirty or corroded terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the car battery and alternator.

  • Basic Health – In order to prevent a premature car battery replacement, check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty cables are a common “no start” condition. Cable ends and terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion build up. Spray coatings for terminals are helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion.
  • Load – This is how much of a “load” or drain can be placed on the electrical system before the stored electricity in the battery begins to discharge itself and needs to be recharged. It is not uncommon for batteries to go completely "flat" without ever giving a warning signal.
  • Replacement - If a car battery replacement is necessary, the new battery should be the same size, have the same cable connections, and should be the same electrical capacity as the original. Your mechanic can help you identify and install the proper car battery for your vehicle.

(Caution: take off wrist watches and rings before working around a car battery—a hazardous spark can cause injury or fire.)

Need a quality car battery replacement or service? Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Transmission Service: Slipping Problems? It’s time for a Transmission Repair!

If your vehicle’s transmission is starting to slip, should you have a transmission service to change the transmission fluid and filter? The answer depends on the age and mileage of your vehicle. It’s time to seek professional advice about transmission repair.

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  • Lower Mileage Cars – Generally, for newer vehicles with less than 80,000 miles, it is recommended to have a transmission service every 25,000 miles, including changing the fluid and internal filter. Regular service can provide longer life expectancy, smoother shifting, and increased performance. If you maintain your engine early on in the life of your vehicle, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and avoid a costly transmission repair.
  • Higher Mileage Cars – For vehicles with high mileage (more than 80,000 miles) that have received regular transmission service as recommended, ask for advice from your qualified auto mechanic if you are experiencing problems such as slipping, hard or erratic shifting, and slow to shift when the engine is cold. If your vehicle has high mileage and the transmission has not been maintained, your mechanic may not recommend replacing the fluid and filter. The fluid has become dirty and gritty, and is actually providing needed friction for the worn internal parts. The internal components have become dependent on that friction and replacing the filter and the fluid would act to remove it. You might actually do more harm than good by replacing the fluid at this point. For example, putting new clean slick fluid in an older high mileage vehicle could cause slipping.

Some fast lube places perform a transmission service called "flushing," using a machine that acts like a blood transfusion machine. It pumps out the fluid, filters it, and then re-circulates it through the transmission several times until it is clean. It is possible this way to remove more of the old dirty fluid than the conventional method of removing the transmission pan, draining the fluid and replacing the internal filter, but many auto technicians will strongly advise that the internal filter should also be changed. Metal and plastic debris become lodged in the filter, causing it to break down and become compacted to the point that it restricts fluid flow.

For regular transmission service, the tried-and-true way of draining the old fluid and replacing the filter is highly recommended. If you have any doubt as to what method would be right for your vehicle, seek the advice of a qualified auto technician.

Need expert advice about transmission service? Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Article Source :  http://autocenterbillingsmt.blog.com

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Brake Repair: How Do I Know When My Vehicle Needs New Brakes?

When a brake master cylinder begins to go bad or fails, you will notice a soft or squishy feeling when you press down on the brakes. When constant pressure is maintained on the pedal (like at a stop light), it will begin to sink to the floor and go farther down than normal as the brake fluid leaks internally in the master cylinder. This is called "extended travel." When this occurs you will have to "pump" the pedal to regain normal pressure and to keep the car from moving forward as the brakes slowly release. The red brake warning dash light should come on to indicate low fluid, or excessive movement "travel." Don’t delay in calling your auto mechanic for a brake repair for the safety of you and your passengers.

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What else could indicate that my vehicle requires a brake repair? An external fluid leak is a visible indicator of a necessary brake repair. The master cylinder usually has a plastic reservoir that holds the brake fluid. This reservoir is mounted to the metal part of the master cylinder by rubber grommets, which can develop leaks as they age.

Another indication of a needed brake repair is when the metal lines that are attached to the master cylinder leak at the threaded connections. It can also leak from the back of the master cylinder due to the internal O-rings. When this happens, the fluid will drip down the power brake booster, indicating that you should have your vehicle’s brakes inspected.

Here are a few things you can check out first:


  • Check the fluid level and determine if more is needed
  • Check the cap and make sure it is fits snug on the cylinder
  • Make sure the cap is not leaking or showing obvious signs of past leakage
  • Visually inspect the cylinder externally for fluid leaks.

So if your vehicle experiences any of the above symptoms, don’t delay having your vehicle’s brakes checked out by a trusted auto mechanic fairly soon.

Need professional advice on brakes? Our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings,MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Safety Advice from an Auto Shop if you get stranded on the side of the road!

The possibility always exists with any vehicle that one day you may find yourself broken down on the side of the road. These days, that is a dangerous place to be. So, don’t panic and keep your wits about you until you can safely get to the nearest auto center.

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Tips to help keep you and your family safe:


  • Before you ever come to a stop, it's important to keep the car under control. This means not panicking and not over reacting.
  • Pull carefully over onto the safest area of the road. The key is to get out of the active lane of traffic and to the shoulder as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Turn on your hazards as soon as you pull over so that other drivers around you are aware that something’s not right. Know exactly where the trigger is located for those flashers.
  • Assess the situation. Keep everyone inside the car unless there's smoke, fire or your vehicle is still protruding into traffic. If you’re not able to fix the situation, try to get the car to safely limp to the nearest auto shop.
  • Call roadside assistance or a near-by auto center for help.
  • If at all possible, avoid leaving your vehicle to walk for help. If you absolutely have to walk for help, stay on the left hand shoulder facing traffic on a two-way highway. Walk as far to the right as possible on a freeway or expressway.
  • Wait for a tow truck from an auto shop to arrive. They will assess the situation and hopefully get you going on your way. If they cannot repair your vehicle on-site, they can tow your vehicle to an auto center for repairs.

Remember this Tip: If you’re stranded on the side of the road, stay calm and follow the advice above to ensure you arrive safely at your next destination.

Need quality vehicle maintenance? Whether you need a basic oil change, a car alignment, or an engine rebuild, our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Friday, 3 February 2012

Need a Wheel Alignment? What Every Driver Should Know About Car Alignment!

Simply stated, a wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is to maximum the life of your tires and to make sure that your vehicle tracks straight and true on a straight and level road.

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Wheel alignment is often confused with wheel balancing. Other than the fact that both of these adjustments affect the ride and handling of your vehicle, they really have nothing to do with each other. If the car alignment is not adjusted properly, it will cause excessive wear and tear on your tires, along with steering or tracking problems. If it’s just a wheel that is out of balance, you will likely feel a vibration in the steering wheel and/or the seat at highway speeds.

Wheel Alignment Basics:


  • A proper wheel alignment should always start and end with a test drive.
  • Before having a car alignment service, have the front end and steering linkage checked for excessive wear.
  • The tires should all be in good shape with even wear patterns. If one of your tires has excessive camber wear, the tire will only make partial contact with the road after the car alignment problem is corrected.
  • Pulling problems are not always related to wheel alignment. Problems with tires (especially unequal air pressure), brakes and power steering can also be responsible.

The informed driver will be able to recognize that they have a problem, understand the technicalities of a wheel alignment, and take their vehicle to a car alignment technician for inspection and possible repair.

Need a wheel alignment? Whether you need a basic oil change, a car alignment, or an engine rebuild, our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.