BRAKES:

Brakes are the single most important safety feature on your vehicle. Because of the complexity of the braking system, there are a number of areas that must be maintained to provide safety for you and your family. Here are some warning signs that indicate your brakes need immediate attention:

Brake squeal

If you hear a squeal when you apply your brakes, it is time to replace your brake pads and/or brake shoes. The linings are worn to the point that they will cause additional damage to the rotors if not replaced immediately.

Pulsation

A pulsation when you apply your brakes means your rotors have become overheated due to thin brake pads and either need to be resurfaced or, if too badly warped due to the heat, the rotors and brake pads need to be replaced.

Grinding

If you hear a grinding noise when you apply your brakes, this means you have no linings left on your brake pads and/or shoes and the metal backing plate is making contact with your rotor and/or drum. You will need to replace the pads and/or shoes and probably at least one rotor or drum.

Brake pedal on floor

If the pedal goes to the floor when you apply your brakes, you either have a contaminated brake system or you have a leak somewhere in the braking system that has caused all the brake fluid to escape and thus you have no pressure to activate the calipers and wheel cylinders, which are the parts that set the entire braking process in motion. DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Brake light on

When the red brake light appears on your instrument panel, it usually means the fluid level in your master cylinder is very low due to the brake pads and/or brake shoes being extremely worn or you have a fluid leak somewhere in your system. When the ABS light appears on your instrument panel, there is a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

IF ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE IS PRESENT, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.

FRONT AXLE:

Your front axles, also known as constant velocity (C.V.) joints, provide consistent drive shaft speeds regardless of the operating angle of the joint.

Here are a couple signs that your front axle may be bad:

(a) Vehicle makes clicking or a clunking noise, especially when turning corners.

(b) The rubber boot on the axle is visibly torn and the lubricating grease has escaped due the rotation of the axle.

IF EITHER OF THE SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE IS PRESENT, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER:

A catalytic converter is designed to filter out harmful pollutants and hydrocarbons to make our air safe to breathe. It is a federal law that every vehicle must have a catalytic converter. Here are some signs that your converter may be bad:

(a) Vehicle does not start easily, runs poorly and has no power or pick-up upon acceleration.

(b) You hear a rattle underneath your vehicle, especially when starting vehicle or when idling. This noise is due to pieces of broken converter rattling inside of unit.

(c) Vehicle has rotten egg smell due to unbalanced fuel mixture.

IF ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE IS PRESENT, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.

"Check Engine" Light:

If the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on, the chances are that you will be in need of a part, or parts, to correct a problem that caused the light to come on. A computer diagnostic scan will be necessary to help pinpoint the problem. There are a number of different areas that may house the defective part and only when you have your engine scanned will you be able to correct the problem.

THERE IS A FEE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC SCAN, BUT IT WILL BE WAIVED IF REPAIRS ARE APPROVED.

Shocks/Struts:

Struts and shock absorbers are designed to provide your vehicle with a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and rough spots in the road surface. Here are some situations that may be the result of faulty shocks and/or struts:

(a) Vehicle bangs or knocks when you hit a bump or rough spot in the road.

(b) Vehicle bobs up and down for an extended period after going over a small hill or incline.

(c) Your tires are wearing on the inside and/or outside edges.

(d) There are visible wet spots on the struts/shocks absorbers indicating fluid has leaked out of the unit.

IF ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE IS PRESENT, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.

Front End:

The front end of your vehicle contains many parts such as tie rods, ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, swaybar links, motor mounts, bushings and more. Any of these parts being worn or bad can cause a rattle, clunking noise, squeal, vibration or knocking noise. In a addition, it may cause your vehicle to wander while driving and may create excessive play in the steering wheel. And, one of the most expensive consequences is that a bad or worn front end part can ruin your front tires very quickly.

IF ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE IS PRESENT, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.

Power Steering:

Most vehicles are equipped with rack and pinion steering. When the rack goes bad, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially first thing in the morning. It is important to have the vehicle inspected as it may be a faulty fitting or a worn line or hose that has caused the fluid to leak out of the rack and pinion unit.

IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS THE SYMPTOM MENTIONED ABOVE, BRING IT TO US FOR A FREE INSPECTION.