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.

When your vehicle's engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest of the system, as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements the power from the charging system during periods of high demand. Your vehicle's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. Here are the three key components of the electrical system: Battery, Charging System, Starting System.

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

Description: A program designed to periodically check vehicle emissions to ensure they are within limits. Often referred to as an I/M (Inspection/Maintenance) program, they are used in numerous states and areas as required by the Environmental Protection Agency to improve air quality in those areas. Although the requirement comes from the federal government, states and their associated agencies have some flexibility in the type of test used, vehicle populations to be tested and other program-specific details. Some states run centralized programs that have state-contracted test stations exclusively dedicated to testing. Other states run decentralized programs, where emissions can be tested at local repair facilities. In a few cases, states may run "hybrid" programs using both centralized and decentralized test stations. The latest trend is to incorporate the use of second-generation onboard diagnostics (OBDII) into these programs, in many cases altogether eliminating the need for tailpipe emissions tests.

Purpose: I/M programs evaluate the emissions from vehicles and single out those that are polluting beyond the limits established for certain model years of vehicles. Aside from identifying vehicles with high emissions, such programs advocate proper maintenance to prevent high emissions due to maintenance neglect.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The best way to keep your vehicle environmentally friendly is by performing regularly scheduled maintenance, rather than waiting to correct a problem after your vehicle fails an emissions test. If the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light appears, have it checked out immediately by a professional technician. Neglecting these warning signs can cause or lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.

Content provided by Car Care Alliance

If you are experiencing rough idle, stalling, poor acceleration, lower fuel economy or high emissions levels, then a Fuel Injection Service could help your vehicle's performance. Fuel injectors can clog when deposits build up over time. The type of gas can also contribute to this concern. The EPA requires specific detergents be added to our fuel to prevent widespread issues of carbon deposits building up in the system, but often lower priced brands use the minimum amounts of these detergents and can cause problems. This is one of the main reasons certain manufacturers recommend specific gasoline for their vehicles, to maintain better performance over a longer period of time.

Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, for oil changes based on your individual driving habits and conditions, and have the oil changed accordingly. Typically this can range anywhere from 3000 - 7,500 miles. We will perform an oil and filter change service which includes a new filter, 5 quarts of new oil, using the oil type recommended for your vehicle, including synthetic blend, high-mileage, or full-synthetic oil. We will top off your fluids and we will check other filters, including the air filter, cabin filter, and fuel filter. We also check your vehicle's engine belts, hoses, and windshield wipers. As well as topping off all vehicle fluids.

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.