Engine Repair: Is an Engine Rebuild Really Necessary?

So, you thought your vehicle just needed a simple engine service? But, you heard the frightening words, you need an engine rebuild! You may be asking, are you sure? There are a number of reasons for this type of engine repair:

    * Worn components, such as connecting rods, crankshaft, pistons, bearings or seals;

    * Lack of oil, or dirty oil destroying bearings over time; or

    * Over-revving, which can break a connecting rod and cause other problems.

If you are looking for Engine Repair Billings MT services than meet our Auto Repair Shop Billings MT mechanic at Precision Automotive. Also find Car Battery Replacement Billings MT to save your vehicle from transmission problems.

How involved is an Engine Rebuild?

The first step is removing the motor from the vehicle. After that, it means disassembling the engine, cleaning the parts, machining the crankshaft, and cleaning up the bores. Then, it is reassembled with the same pistons and rods after replacing the bearings and rings with new ones. However, if any of the other components are beyond repair, they will also be replaced.

How expensive is it?

Rebuilding an engine is generally fairly expensive, depending on the car. Costs for rebuilding an engine include machine shop costs, any new parts, removal and re-installation of the engine as well as the many hours of labor required. Make sure to ask for an estimate.

How long will it take?

It usually takes at least several full days of work to remove an engine, rebuild it, and then reinstall it, depending upon the complexity of the engine service required.

Can I do it myself?

While it is possible for the amateur mechanic to do simple engine repair, it is not a job that should be taken lightly. There are many specialized tools that are needed, from a hoist to tools for assembling the internal parts of the motor. Because engines are built to extremely high tolerances, any major discrepancies in an engine repair, can result in an inefficient running vehicle, if it runs at all. Generally, a major engine service is something that should be left to an experienced mechanic.

For quality engine repair, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for expert advice on engine service. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Car Maintenance Part II -- The top 10 Most Expensive Car Repairs!

As you may recall, last month we listed the first 5 of the 10 most expensive car problems and repairs. We also provided tips for good car maintenance and suggested solutions for those problems (read our August 18th blog). Remember, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for vehicle maintenance will help avoid more costly repairs. As with life in general, so it is with car maintenance--taking care of small problems early on will avoid a much bigger problem somewhere down the road!

If you are looking for quality Car Maintenance Billings MT than your search can be over with our Precision Auto Repair Billings MT shop. Also find Muffler Billings MT service. 

Here we continue with #6 - 10 of the most expensive car repairs and the steps you can take to prevent them.

6. Camshaft Replacement – The camshaft controls how your engine takes in air by operating the valves within a vehicle's engine, pressing down and forcing them open. Failing to change your oil often enough, or using low-quality fuel, could be the cause of camshaft failure due to the buildup on valves. Preventing this failure is easy: Have an oil change service and the valves adjusted on a regular basis.

7. Spark Plugs and Cylinder Head - Trouble with spark plugs usually causes an engine to misfire, which then causes the cylinder to heat up. A good indication that your engine is having problems is that the “check-engine light” will come on. If you hesitate in getting a vehicle maintenance performed, the catalytic converter may be further damaged, so don’t hesitate getting your vehicle to an auto repair shop for service.

8. Transmission – The engine transfers power to the transmission and makes the wheels go round. A lot of people overlook the transmission because the engine itself is more prevalent. Transmission problems can be happening without any visible warning signs. You may be entitled for free transmission repair if you can stay on top of technical service bulletins from your vehicle’s manufacturer. 

9. Hybrid Inverter – Compared to gasoline powered counterparts, hybrids are still fairly scarce on the roads. The hybrid inverter changes direct-current power to alternating-current. Thankfully, the inverter doesn’t fail very often, because it is very expensive to replace. You should consider purchasing an additional warranty when purchasing a hybrid as it is difficult to prevent an inverter failure due to no warning signs other than the check-engine light on the dashboard.

10.Cylinder - The biggest of all problems is cylinder failure, usually due to neglect of the motor. Without the proper mixture of air, fuel, and spark, the temperatures can get too hot in the cylinder. Cylinder parts are pricey, and labor even makes it more costly because the mechanic has to disassemble the engine to replace the cylinder. Rather than get their vehicle repaired, many vehicle owners my decide to trade for another vehicle altogether.

For quality car maintenance and repairs, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for expert advice today. OOur Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT

Oil Change Quiz: It’s back to school time about oil changes!

With summer over, it’s back to school time! Take this oil change quiz and find out how much you know about oil changes. Even though oil changes seem so fundamental, they are one of the most important parts of regular car care.

If you are looking for quality Oil Changes Billings MT than your search can be over now with our Precision Auto Repair Billings MT shop. Also find Transmission Service Billings MT to solve transmission problems.

What is the correct interval between oil changes?

Because today’s driving conditions meet the definition of “severe,” vehicle owners’ manuals will typically recommend an oil change  every 3,000 miles or 90 days, in conjunction with a filter change.

What are “severe” driving conditions?

    * Trips less than 10 miles

    * Driving in dust and sand

    * Cold weather that prevents motor warm-up

    * Extended idling

    * Stop-and-go driving

    * Pulling trailers and heavy loads

    * Heavy duty driving, such as sustaining high-speeds in hot weather.

How does an Oil Filter get clogged?

When the filter begins to break down, the function, which is to "sift" or remove solid contaminants, will lose its effectiveness. This restricts the flow of oil and also allows contaminants to enter the engine lubricating areas. As the contaminants flow around the filter element, called "by-passing," contaminants return to the engine, resulting in damage to the moving parts of the engine, plus speeding up the formation of sludge.

Does it matter what size of filter I use?

The effectiveness of a filter is directly related to its size. Through the 1980’s, most auto and light truck filters held approximately a quart of oil. Since then, filters now will barely hold half a quart. The filter fills with contaminants, and then it bypasses.

How does “sludge” form?

If oil change services are ignored long enough, contamination (blow-by, condensation, fuel, dust, metallic shavings, anti-freeze) will mix into the oil, oxidizing (or baking), thereby clogging the filter.

A Thought to Remember: Just a few minutes of your time and a few dollars every three months or 3,000 miles will help keep dollars in your wallet and your vehicle running smoothly down the road.

Need expert advice about oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision 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.

Brake Repair: Do your Brakes need a Break?

The brakes of our vehicle work hundreds of times each day and we don’t think too much about them until all of a sudden they don’t seem to stop our car efficiently. Are you confident in the stopping power of your car? At a crucial moment, are you and your family going to be able to stop in time? How will you know if they require new brake pads, rotors, or some other form of brake replacement. 

With today’s busy schedules, many vehicle owners will start out and not even think about the performance of their brakes. Give them a break and have them regularly checked by a brake repair specialist.  This inspection typically involves removing all four tires and wheels to inspect the pads and rotors for wear.

If you are looking for Brakes Repair Billings MT than your search can be over now with our Precision Brake Replacement Billings MT services. Find Auto Repair Services Billings MT services for safe driving.

3 components that could fail --

Pads -- The alloys used in pads and rotors are sometimes very specific. The wrong pads can mean significant damage to rotors and other vital parts. Your vehicle should only receive the pads and other components that are specifically engineered for it.

Rotors -- The pads are just half of the relationship–without properly serviced rotors, your car will not stop as it 

should. At some point in time, every rotor should be resurfaced according to manufacturer specifications and lubricated properly to make sure the pads get the maximum durability. These steps can make a major difference in your car’s braking performance.

Fluid – This is an often overlooked component of the brake system. The “quantity” is generally checked, but the “quality” is often overlooked. It can become dirty and create problems if it’s supposed to be flowing smoothly to the calipers to stop your car. Clean, new fluid can help extend the life of your entire brake system and save you money on a costly brake repair or brake replacement in the future.

When you have a brake repair performed as needed, you will have peace of mind that your vehicle will perform in the manner that is required to keep you and your family safe.

Need expert advice on brake repair? Ask our brake replacement experts! Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for expert advice. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.