Engine Repair

In order to meet Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations, today's vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated electronic engine control systems. These systems do not require periodic adjustments. The only services required on a scheduled basis are spark plug and filter replacement. Tune-ups, as we knew them, are no longer necessary.

Engine Control Computer

The computer receives information from a network of sensors and switches that convert engine operating conditions into electrical signals. Based on the information and instructions stored in the computer program, commands are then sent to three primary systems:

Ignition System
Fuel System
Emission Control System

The sensors that monitor one or more of these

systems include:

1. Mass Airflow Sensor
2. Throttle Position Sensor
3. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
4. Coolant Temperature Sensor
5. Exhaust Oxygen Sensor
6. Crankshaft Position Sensor
7. Camshaft Position Sensor

Engine Maintenance

10 care tips that will keep your motor running strong

If you take good care of your car, it will take care of you. Every time you start and run your vehicle you are causing wear and tear to various parts of the engine, but most engine problems can be prevented with simple maintenance procedures. In order to prolong the life of your vehicle, you need to give the engine the appropriate care it deserves. Here are 10 maintenance tips for your motor:

Change the oil - If you do just one thing for your engine, it had better be changing

the oil. It's the most important element in the performance of your car. The oil and filter

should be changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, but check with your auto manual for the

specifics on your vehicle. You should also periodically check the oil level.

Clean the engine - The visual appearance of the engine is a good indicator of its condition. When your engine gets too dirty and greasy it affects the efficiency and performance of its parts. An oil and dirt

convicted engine will hold in too much heat and not allow the heat to dissipate. The

easiest way to clean the engine is to use a commercial degreaser. Simply spray it on

the cool engine, let it sit for two or three minutes and rinse clean.

Replace the air filter - When the air filter becomes dirty, it needs to be replaced.

Paper filters can't be cleaned and therefore must be replaced.

Use original parts - When replacing parts in your engine, only use original equipment

for a proper fit. Ill-fitting parts can cause damage to your engine in a matter of minutes.

Use clean fuel - If you have a weekend cruiser that you store for the winter make sure that you fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from going stale and to prevent condensation from

forming. If your vehicle is supercharged, only use premium fuel.

Check the battery - Your car battery will not last forever. Your owner's manual

should indicate when you should have it replaced. Keep the battery casing clean

and check for bulging, cracks or corrosion which may indicate that the battery

needs replacing. Remove the battery during winter storage and charge periodically.

Change the belts - Most vehicles have a serpentine belt that runs various pumps

and accessories and a timing belt that runs the engine itself. The belts will need replacing over time due to regular wear and tear. Don't wait until they actually break to replace them or you

could risk further damage. Check with your owner's manual for scheduled

belt replacement and have our Technicians check your belts regularly.

Check fluids - Ensuring that all fluid levels are topped off can maintain the

health of your engine. This includes engine coolant, power steering fluid,

brake fluid and windshield washer fluid.

Replace spark plugs - Changing the spark plugs is a simple task which

can improve the performance of your engine and prevent costly repairs

down the road.

Fix small problems - If you hear strange engine noises or your "check engine" light comes on then bring your vehicle into our service center to have your car examined by one of our ASE Certified Technicians. It's important that you have any small problems fixed right away before they can cause damage to your engine.