We understand all aspects of AC repair, from modern computerized components to environmental disposal concerns. Today's AC systems are fairly complex, and new improvements are always being initiated. That's why you need to turn to us, the qualified source for everything related to your air conditioning system. The following is a brief schematic of some of the basic components that comprise this system: compressor, condenser, receiver, orifice tube/expansion valve, evaporator.

Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in your vehicle.. That's why regular inspections are so important. Here are the belt and hose types in your vehicle, along with their applications.

• Alternator
• Water Pump for engine cooling
• Power Steering Pump
• Air Conditioning Compressor
• Radiator Cooling Fan
• Many late model vehicles use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories.
• Radiator and Heater Hoses - These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core.
• Fuel Hose - As the name implies, this hose transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.
• Power Steering Hose - It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.

Brakes are one of the most important safety features that your vehicle offers. Brakes should be inspected frequently to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. Squeaking is not the only sign that your brakes may need replacement. Grinding, vibration when braking, a squishy feel when you push your brake pedal down, or your vehicle pulling to one direction when braking. Frequent requests for brake inspections to look for issues with uneven pad wear or rotors that need turning quicker than pad replacement is needed is a good way to make sure that your vehicle has the optimum ability to brake when you need it most. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect and recommend any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of systems---Hydraulics and Friction Materials.

Hydraulics

• Master Cylinder
• Brake Lines and Hoses
• Wheel Cylinders and Calipers

Friction Materials

• Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes

Types of Brakes

• Disc Brakes
• Drum Brakes
• Parking Brake
• Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For Safety

Your vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. With technically-advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's control computer. Our trained technicians are here to provide these basic services.

A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information, and, based on information and instructions coded within this computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control. Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging "check engine" light), our techs check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you'll know if your vehicle's performance is caused by a real problem, or just a sensor/computer issue.

Vehicle sensory components:

• Mass airflow sensor
• Throttle position sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Coolant temperature sensor
• Exhaust oxygen sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Visual Inspection

• Interior controls and blower
• Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat
• The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension
• Leaks or other damage
• Component condition, leaks or damage

Heating and Air Conditioning Tests

• Pressure test engine cooling system
• A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer's specifications
• A/C system is leak tested
• Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents

The primary function of your vehicle's suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the vehicle, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Steering Systems

Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are:

• Steering Gear Box
• Center Link
• Pitman Arm
• Idler Arm
• Tie Rods

The main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:

• Rack and Pinion Assembly
• Bellows Boots
• Tie Rods

Suspension System

Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of the suspension system are:

• Control Arms
• Ball Joints
• Springs (Coil or Leaf)
• Shock Absorbers
• Struts

Check your tread depth. The easiest way to know if it's time to replace your vehicle's tires is to have them inspected by a professional, but there are ways to check them yourself by using a tire tread gauge.

Safety standard guidelines in the United States dictate that a tire's tread needs to be at least 2/32" deep. If the tires do not meet the 2/32" standard or are approaching that mark, you should replace your tires. Also, tires should not have sidewall damage or irregular wear. Irregular wear can be caused by improper alignment, overinflation, underinflation of tires, or a worn out suspension. Tires are an extremely important component of your vehicle, and it's a good idea to visually inspect them to see how they're holding up.

Wheel alignment is the position of the wheels relative to your car. When properly aligned, the wheels point in the right direction. Without proper alignment, the wheels resist your steering commands, as well as each other. Alignment also affects gas mileage and tire wear. If your tires are pointed in different directions, they fight against each other and can cause tread wear. Proper wheel alignment is integral to maintaining your vehicle.

Computerized alignment equipment is used to measure all alignment angles on your vehicle.. These include both adjustable and non-adjustable angles. (Non-adjustable angles require repair or replacement of the suspension component.) The most common adjustable angles are:

• Toe - This refers to the tilted direction of the wheels toward or away from one another when viewed from the top. Toe is the most critical tire wearing angle. Tires that "toe-in" point toward one another. Tires that "toe-out" point away from each other.
• Camber - This refers to the tilt of the wheels toward or away from one another when viewed from the front. Wheels that tilt in toward the vehicle have "negative camber." Wheels that tilt away from the vehicle have "positive camber."
• Caster - This refers to the angle of the steering axis in relation to an imaginary vertical line through the center of the wheel when viewed from the side. "Positive caster" is the term used when the vertical line is tilted back toward the rear. If it's tilted forward, we call it "negative caster." The proper caster angle stabilizes your car for better steering.
• Thrust Angle - This refers to the relationship of all four wheels to each other, as well as their relationship to an imaginary center line that runs from bumper to bumper. The term "thrust line" refers to the direction in which the rear wheels are pointed. Thrust angle is correctable on cars with adjustable rear suspensions. If your car has a non-adjustable suspension, thrust angle is compensated for by aligning the front wheels to the rear wheels.

Often confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced wheel is a beautiful, perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination. This is accomplished by placing measured lead weights on the opposite side of the "heavy spot"-the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced tire.

If your vehicle vibrating at certain speeds, say, between 50 and 70 mph, then chances are your vehicle may have a wheel that is out of balance. One section of your tire may be heavier than the others because it's endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road. Come in for prompt, professional service-most people are very satisfied with the difference such a simple and inexpensive procedure makes. Look for one of these signs, and if you find either one, come see us:

• Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires.
• Vibration in steering wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds.