Automotive Repair and Automotive Service: Simply Understood

A simple understanding (not a mechanics knowledge) of automotive service does not have to be more complicated than it really is. Most vehicle owners are interested in at least the basics of automotive repair. The following is a general outline for those drivers who are curious and want to be knowledgeable enough to help prevent serious future automotive repair costs down the road:

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• Every Fuel Fill Up:

OIL: Check level, color and cleanness

TIRES: Visually inspect for low air, uneven wear, and damage

UNDER THE HOOD: Quickly inspect for leaks, loose connections, contamination, damage, etc. (on battery, engine, and fluid reservoirs, such as oil, coolant, brake, transmission, etc.)

GAS MILEAGE: Calculate (get receipt, then miles divided by gallons equals miles per gallon)

• Every Month:

FLUIDS: Check level, color and cleanness of power steering, brake, transmission, coolant, etc.

UNDER THE HOOD: Carefully inspect for leaks, loose connections, contamination, damage,

etc. (on battery, engine, fluid reservoirs, condenser) and clean parts with damp rag

TIRES: Check pressure with gauge or go to your automotive service center for a check and filling to the correct Psi.

• Every Three Months (3,000 Miles):

OIL: change oil and filter

• Every Six Months (6,000 miles):

TIRES: Rotate (generally between 5,000-6,000 miles) depending on condition of tires (fwd=rears to opposite sides on front, & fronts to same side on rear);

BRAKE SYSTEM / STEERING AND SUSPENSION: Inspect [while tires are off for rotation] for wear, contamination, leaks, and a necessary lube job

A/C AND HEATER SYSTEM: Remove guards under wipers and clean, check/replace cabin air filter from inside dash, use vacuum to clean contamination and sprays to clean system

• Every Twelve months (12,000 Miles):

AIR FILTER: Inspect for contamination, vacuum, or replace, as necessary.

TIRES: Rotate again, 5,000-6,000 miles

BRAKE SYSTEM: Inspect for wear, contamination, and leaks

COOLING SYSTEM: Inspect for loose connections, bubbles, cracks, holes, leaks, rust, contamination in liquid

FUEL LINES / BRAKE LINES: Inspect for leaks, cracks, rust, holes, broken brackets/straps

EXHAUST SYSTEM: Inspect for rust, holes, broken brackets/straps, soot

PARKING BRAKE / ENGINE VALVES: Inspect/adjust

• Every Two Years (24,000 Miles):

SPARK PLUGS: replace, tuning to manufacturer's specifications with wire feeler gauge

BELTS: Inspect for cracks, splits, contamination, and adjust/replace if necessary

COOLANT: Flush and/or replace at 2-5 years depending on quality/warranty of coolant

TRANSMISSION FLUID / FILTER: Flush and/or replace at 24-30k mi.

If these basic automotive service procedures are carried out routinely, either by the vehicle owner or at an automotive repair center, they can prevent costly repairs in the future and provide reliability for the vehicle's owner.

Needing a quality automotive service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price's Precision automotive repair shop 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.

Radiator Repair: Check out 3 Radiator Service Tips!

Spring has arrived, and it is time for some spring cleaning, including your vehicle! A good place to start is with a radiator service. Just to be on the safe side, here are some issues to check out before you head down the road. If there are any problems, schedule a radiator repair with a trusted mechanic.

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Before turning on the engine:

    * Is the coolant/antifreeze at the proper level? Remove the radiator cap (when the engine is cold) and look inside. You should be able to actually see the fluid. If you have to add more than a pint, or if you see any leaking on the ground or in the engine compartment, schedule a radiator service to have the cooling system pressure tested.

    * If your engine is overheating, especially if there is no visible leak and the fluid level is correct, pay attention to "when" it happens and jot it down. This will give your mechanic a good idea as to the possible cause for the appropriate radiator repair.

When the engine is idling:

    * Does your vehicle have an air conditioner condenser fan? The air conditioner compressor requires a cooling fan to operate as long as the compressor is on.

    * Is the cooling fan working properly? This cooling fan prevents the engine from overheating, especially when the vehicle is idling or running at a low speed.

While the engine is running at driving speed:

    * Is the coolant/anti-freeze circulating properly? Airflow and coolant circulation are crucial at 55 MPH. The water pump should be pumping a large amount of coolant/antifreeze throughout the cooling system.

    * Is overheating occurring at normal driving speeds? It could be caused by a restriction in the system such as a kinked radiator hose, a restricted radiator, or a stuck thermostat.

To prevent major engine damage caused by overheating from occurring, don't delay in having any problems diagnosed early so that the appropriate radiator repair can be taken care of as soon as possible.

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Need a Transmission Service: Check these Failure Symptoms!

Next to an engine, the transmission is probably the most important component which may cause improper vehicle operation. Problems can take several forms. Each symptom may have a number of possible causes, some requiring extensive transmission repair while others need only an adjustment or minor transmission service.

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The following are the most common failure symptoms leading to a transmission repair:

Engine Light On–Dashboard light prompts you to "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon".

Strange Noises– Unusual sounds can come from hood or rear of car, such as a hum or low whine, clicking, knocking, screeching, buzzing, whistling, clanking, or grating.

"Slow Response"–When the vehicle is cold, it won't move, or it shifts late during the first few minutes of operation.

Slipping–Engine races, but vehicle moves slowly or won't accelerate as it should. It sometimes may feel like it is in gear, but pauses or hesitates before the vehicle moves.

Stalling–The vehicle stalls or labors on takeoff. This typically happens repeatedly over a short period of time.

No Response– When the shift lever is placed in Drive, nothing happens. Even while racing the engine, there is still no response.

No Reverse–Vehicle doesn't move when shift lever is placed in Reverse. There may be a lunge backwards, but the vehicle does not totally get in reverse gear.

Leaks–Transmission fluid stains or pools under the vehicle.

Loss of Power–The passing gear doesn't engage, and there's no surge of power when the accelerator is pressed to the floor.

Erratic or Improper Shifting– Shifting that is noticeable early or delayed. Unexpected shifts, or speed at which shifts occur keeps changing.

Labored Shift Handle movement–The shift handle is hard to move into or out of any position. Applying more pressure does not remedy the problem.

Vehicle Moves (or Jerks) – While first starting the car or before you turn it off, the vehicle moves or jerks while in Park or Neutral.

Strange Smell–Burnt or rancid odor is coming from under the hood or underneath vehicle.

Shift Indicator Off–The indicator must be slightly off (P) or (N) to start the car. Shift indicator doesn't point to the proper range.

Metal Shavings or Debris–Inspection during a transmission service reveals excessive amounts of debris in the transmission pan.

If your vehicle experiences any of the issues, you should seek a qualified transmission repair diagnostician to help you determine the root cause of the problem and have the problem taken care of as soon as possible.

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