A Gift for your Car: A Timely Tune-up!

This is the season for gift giving.  Don’t forget your vehicle, whether it’s old or new.  If it’s been squealing, sluggish, vibrating, and generally unreliable, it’s time to give it a tune-up.  Today’s vehicles differ significantly from older models that required a car tune up every 10,000 or 20,000 miles.  It’s now more common for manufacturer- recommended service intervals to stretch to 100,000 miles before certain maintenance items, such as replacing the spark plugs, need to be taken care of. 

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That doesn’t mean that routine maintenance or potential warning signs should be ignored.  Replacing a vehicle is expensive. A more economical alternative is to take care of the one you have. Start by paying attention to what your vehicle might be trying to tell you and by recognizing the signs that it’s tune-up time.

 1. Dashboard Warning lights.  These lights signal that a problem needs some attention.  Diagnosing and fixing a minor problem can help you avoid a much bigger and costlier problem down the road. 

2. Stalling.  Could be caused by fouled spark plugs or a clogged fuel filter. 

3. Hard starts.  Possibly due to a weak battery or a defective starter. 

4. Poor fuel mileage.  A sudden decrease in fuel mileage could be due to improper tire pressure, or it’s simply time for a tune-up.

5. Soft or noisy brakes. Brake pads, rotors and brake fluid will wear out over time and need to be maintained and replaced periodically.

6. Other strange noises.  Common noises include squealing when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (could be low power steering fluid level), squealing from under the hood when starting (possibly a loose or worn belt), noise from a wheel (maybe an unbalanced tire or a failing CV joint). Listen to your vehicle and get that noise checked out! 

7. Rough shifting.  Transmission fluid, filters and screens, all require periodic maintenance for protection and a long life. 

8. Loss of power.  Regular maintenance, or a car tune up, can help prevent loss of power, especially needed when merging onto a highway, overtaking a vehicle on a two-lane road, or towing a trailer uphill. 

9. Vibration.  The sudden appearance of a vibration in the steering wheel or throughout the whole car could indicate worn or unbalanced tires, a tire going flat, or a failing universal joint. 

Tip to Remember:  Read your owner’s manual.  In addition to advice from your auto repair technician, refer to your owner’s manual and follow its recommendations for maintenance service intervals, listen to what your vehicle is trying to tell you, and act on those warning signs. 

To learn more about the tune-up procedure that’s right for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Auto for more information about a car tune up and to schedule an appointment. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Noisy Muffler? Your Exhaust System may have a leak!

Until the muffler starts to make a lot of noise and a problem develops, not many drivers give much thought about their vehicle's exhaust system. Some drivers don't understand the job of the exhaust system. It does more than keep your car quiet--it routes toxic fumes away from the passenger cabin, helps your engine run properly, maintains optimum fuel efficiency, and reduces polluting emissions.

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The most common problem that develops in the exhaust system is a leak of the toxic fumes and gases. Depending on your vehicle, the cost to repair an exhaust leak and other muffler repairs can range widely. Delaying a needed repair can make it cost more because continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating system.

An obvious sign of problems is a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from your car. Don't just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler. Here are a few other issues to watch for:

• Catalytic converter -- The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and in some vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, it may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup. A failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic.
• Exhaust leak -- Leaks can be caused by road conditions and rust. Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of your car, it is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause it to break down over time. The normal wear and tear that an exhaust system is exposed to means that older cars are especially vulnerable to leaks and should be inspected
• Rust -- The water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor can also be problematic. When you only take your car for a short trip, the water vapor produced does not get expelled. So, it condenses back into water, which can cause rust. Sulfur is another by-product of engine emissions. If it mixes with water left in the exhaust system, it can form a corrosive acid that can eat away at the exhaust system.

Note to Remember: Before heading out on our summer road trip, be sure to have the exhaust system and muffler inspected along with the other systems of your vehicle.

Have a noisy muffler and need an inspection of your exhaust system? 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 center in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Vehicle Maintenance Look In Your Trunk!

With the prices of automotive parts and labor going up in today's economy, many vehicle owners would like to know of some ways to save money on car maintenance. Most auto shops understand this and want to help their customers to be safe as possible—both in their driving and in car maintenance, while at the same time helping them save a few dollars in their budget.

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Here are a few simple car maintenance tools to keep in your trunk that could come in handy on a road trip:

• Tire-Pressure Gauge — Flat tires are hazards for safety, so take a little extra time to check air pressure at least once a week and be sure they are at the right psi (pounds per square inch).
• Shop Towels – Keep a supply handy in your trunk and also in your garage. They are useful for all kinds of spills and wipes, including spilled sodas, kid's hands, cleaning the oil dipstick, washing off the headlights or windows, or wiping grime off the windshield wipers.
• Funnel -- This comes in handy when you need to top-off the oil, add water or coolant to the radiator, or add washer fluid to the water reservoir. Checking and topping-off fluids as necessary will save you expensive vehicle maintenance costs in the future.
• Jack and lug wrench -- These are necessary if you get stranded out somewhere with a flat tire. Even if you're unable to change the tire yourself, you will have the tools for someone to help you out.

These four items will be useful in all sorts of situations. One final tip, make sure you have professional vehicle maintenance taken care of at the proper intervals so you can drive safely down the road.

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

Auto Shop Lingo

There are times when taking your vehicle to an auto shop that you are confused as to what the mechanic is actually going to do to your car. An unknown auto center can either make your auto repair a pleasant experience, or one that's not so pleasant. It is up to you as a vehicle owner to ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. When you understand auto shop "lingo," you and your mechanic can "speak the same language" relating to labor, warranty, parts, and repairs. You'll have fewer surprises with regard to cost, time, or the expected vehicle operation.

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The next time you take your vehicle to an auto shop, here a few tips to help you communicate effectively with your auto mechanic:

• Questions and Answers — Don't hesitate to ask your mechanic to explain things simply and in layman's terms. Your mechanic should also ask questions of you in order to obtain diagnostic information and to understand exactly how you would like to proceed with any car repair.
• Take your time – Don't be in a hurry when talking with the mechanic and getting an exact diagnosis. An on-the-spot determination may be incorrect and waste both yours and the mechanic's valuable time.
• Clear Instructions -- Make sure that your mechanic knows you want to be called before any actual work begins to apprise you of the problem, course of action, and the cost.
• Be Available -- Leave a contact number so that the auto center can call you if there are any changes in repair plans.
• Know the Policies -- Finally, make sure you understand the auto shop's policies in terms of labor rates, guarantees, warranties, and acceptable methods of payment.

Remember: The more questions you ask and understand before the actual work begins, the more satisfied you will be with the service to your vehicle.

Need a trustworthy auto center? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

7 Automotive Repair Tips

A basic premise for receiving the appropriate automotive repair is to make sure any problem is correctly diagnosed. If you car doesn't start right up, there are numerous possibilities of what may be causing the problem. It is important that your auto mechanic rule out any potential issues that are not the true problem by running diagnostic tests. This will help him or her determine what type of automotive repair is actually needed.

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There are seven common problem areas that often come to light during an automotive service. You may have already experienced some, or all of them. If you keep an eye out for any of these issues and have them taken care of promptly, you will be able to avoid untimely and costly automotive repair. Take note of the following:

• brake problems (pads, drums, rotors, calipers),
• no-start problems (battery, starter, fuel filter, etc)
• suspension issues (shocks, axles, alignment, balancing)
• strange sounds when stopping, starting, or just driving (rattles, ticks, grinding, and crunches)
• dashboard warning lights (check engine light blinks, or stays on)
• transmission (engine repairs)
• Electrical system (spark plugs, combustion)

Don't pay for automotive repairs that really aren't necessary. Remember this tip--observe what you see, hear, and feel. Write it down so that you can relay the signs to your mechanic in precise and descriptive terms. This will not only help save you time and money, but will ensure that you will receive the appropriate automotive repair as quickly as possible, and hopefully, with little or no frustration.

Need quality automotive service? We can help keep your engine running efficiently, from a basic oil change to a complete engine rebuild. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians today 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 center in Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Exhaust System Billings MT: Is Your Muffler Heard Before You Are Seen?

Many people think that their automotive exhaust system and muffler are only designed to reduce noise. That’s just part of it. They are critical for reducing harmful emissions from entering the earth’s atmosphere and polluting our clean air. A muffler and exhaust system that function efficiently are not only better for sound, but better for the environment too.

You may be wondering how does a muffler actually work? It all starts at the front of your car with the exhaust emission system right behind your engine. The manifolds connect to the cylinder heads, which collect gases. The gases are analyzed by oxygen sensors as they move through the exhaust system. Then, the catalytic converter refines the gases. And finally, the gases are muffled by the muffler. By the time the refined gases leave your vehicle, and with each part of the emission system working efficiently together, your car will be running smoothly, cleanly and quietly. It’s a complex system, but a trained auto mechanic can diagnose and fix most any problem to keep you on the road.

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Here are a few indicators of problems…

• Cracks or small holes in the manifolds and gaskets causes leaks, affecting both safety and performance;
• Damaged wires, cracks, or blocked intakes in the oxygen sensors can cause incorrect fuel/air mixtures, resulting in poor fuel economy;
• Overheating, clogs, or corrosion in the catalytic converters can cause air pollution, excessive noise and rough idling;
• Excessive rust or holes in the muffler will add to air pollution, cause excessive noise, and rough idling;
• Excessive rust or broken bolts in the pipes, hangers, clamps, and brackets could mean exhaust system parts are hanging dangerously low to the road, resulting in lost parts while driving, and creating a hazard for the people driving behind you.

So, if your muffler is announcing your arrival before you are seen, ask our trained auto mechanics for expert advice about your car or truck’s exhaust system. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line at www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. They will be happy to help you with all your vehicle needs, starting with a simple oil change. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair and service center auto shop Billings, MT serves vehicle owners in the areas of auto repair Shepherd and auto repair Laurel, Montana.

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Article Source:-  http://autocenterbillingsmt.blog.com/2011/08/02/exhaust-system-billings-mt-is-your-muffler-heard-before-you-are-seen/