Oil changes are cheap insurance! Oil changes done regularly will help insure long engine life. They allow technicians an opportunity to inspect your vehicle for other potential problems. The goal of an oil change is to spot anything that might become a problem before the next time we expect to see you. At Integrity Auto Care we don't just drain and refill your oil. We check all the fluid levels and conditions, air up your tires, perform a visual inspection of your belts and hoses, check your steering linkage, look at the exhaust system, check the battery if it doesn’t look recent, check your tires, and look at your brakes. An experienced technician (we have over 70 years combined experience) is more likely to spot potential problems while the car is being serviced.
The key to a long lasting and dependable vehicle is preventive maintenance. Following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual will insure that your car is properly cared for. The schedule includes routine services such as oil changes and filter changes and also includes recommended intervals to inspect other components such as brakes and steering and suspension components.
A timing belt is a toothed belt which keeps the camshaft(s) in time or sequence with the crankshaft of the engine. Timing belts all have a scheduled interval since they wear out and can break. At the very least, a broken timing belt means an engine that does not run. In some cases, however, a broken timing belt also will damage the valves and possibly the pistons, causing your repair bill to triple or more.
The CHECK ENGINE light or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light warns of a problem seen by the powertrain control module. The problem could be in the emissions system which would cause your vehicle to pollute more than it should; it could be something that would affect your vehicle’s performance; or possibly both. Small portable computers which interface with your vehicle’s computers are used to retrieve fault codes from the vehicle and to aid in diagnosis.
Your brakes need to work EVERY time! Brake pads that are worn down evenly will still function, but waiting too long may increase the cost of your repair bill. Brake symptoms can include squealing, squeaking, or grinding when stopping or tuning; shaking in the steering wheel or the seat when you are braking; or an inconsistent brake pedal firmness. Any of these symptoms warrant an inspection to insure proper stopping ability. Even brakes without symptoms should be inspected at least annually to confirm condition.
The battery and charging system provide the power to start the car and to run all the accessories and electronics. The primary job of the battery is to provide electrical power to run the starter motor, which spins the engine until it can run on its own. The battery is also a stabilizing influence in the electrical system when the engine is running. A weak or dead battery can easily cause a "no-start" condition and leave you stranded.
The job of a vehicle's suspension is to maximize the friction between the tires and the road surface, to provide steering stability with good handling, and to ensure the comfort of the passengers. These parts include ball joints, control arms and bushings, shocks and struts, springs, sway bars and links.