Battery Brakes Cooling Systems CV Axle Preventative Maintenance Timing Belts Tune-ups

Battery

The most important thing to remember when purchasing a battery is what the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends. All auto manufacturers require a minimum Cold Cranking Amp rating for each particular application. Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating is an indication of a battery’s ability to start your car at a specified temperature. Never have a battery installed in your vehicle that does not meet this minimum requirement. With today’s intricate electronics and onboard computer systems, it is not worth the risk of saving a few dollars on the cost of a battery, without the sufficient amount of power, just to turn around and spend plenty more on damaged or broken electronics. Stronger is Better Battery manufacturers have been trying to compete against one another by introducing batteries with higher and higher Cold Cranking Amp ratings. There was a time when a battery with a 550 CCA rating was considered a powerful battery. Now there are batteries with 750, 850 and even over 1000 CCA available. One reason for the “amp war” between battery manufacturers is that Stronger Is Definitely Better. The stronger the battery, the more reliable the starting power and the less effort required by the rest of the starting and charging system. Battery Cables The most powerful battery in the world will not be able to do its job properly if the battery cables are not up to the task. Two leading causes of starting trouble are dirty battery cables or undersized battery cables. If the cables have excessive corrosion or have been replaced with cables of inferior quality, the cable may not be able to deliver the battery’s full amp load to the starter.

Brakes

A complete brake service should begin with a thorough inspection of the entire brake system; not only the condition of the linings but also the complete hydraulic and mechanical system.  The hydraulic system consists of the following: Brake Master Cylinder Disc Brake Calipers Wheel Cylinders Rubber and Steel Lines Rust, heat and age have a detrimental effect on all of these components. A sticking, corroded or damaged caliper or wheel cylinder must be rebuilt or replaced. Leaks at the master cylinder or a brake pedal that gradually sinks to the floor, could indicate the master cylinder needs replacing. Any hoses that are found to be age cracked, swollen or leaking must be replaced. The mechanical system consists of the following: Brake Pads Brake Shoes Brake Hardware Wheel Bearings and Seals All Emergency Brake Components All brake pads and shoes showing excessive wear must be replaced. Rotors and drums need to be inspected for wear, heat cracks and other damage. Unless in perfect condition, they should always be resurfaced or replaced before new linings are installed. Any hardware components showing any detrimental effect should be replaced. Brake Fluid Brake fluid is glycol based, therefore will absorb moisture over time. Moisture contamination causes the fluid boiling point to drop, which could lead to brake fade during hard use. Moisture contamination also contributes to internal corrosion in the calipers, wheel cylinders and brake lines. Periodically flushing the hydraulic system will eliminate the contaminated fluid, thus restoring heat and corrosion resistance.

Cooling System

The purpose of the cooling system is to keep your vehicle running cool in the summer, and to prevent freezing in the winter, assuring you of continuous operation.  The cooling system consists of the following components: Radiator Water Pump Thermostat Belts Hoses Heater Core Antifreeze Belts and Hoses The cooling system’s belts and hoses should be replaced every four years or 48,000 miles. Visual inspections will often, but not always, uncover any bad belts or hoses. A belt or hose may appear like new yet be on the verge of failure because of weakened rubber or interior deterioration. As with all rubber products, heat, age and ozone will break down belts and hoses. This will cause the belts to become frayed and cracked, hoses to become cracked and brittle. Why should I Flush the Cooling System? Replacing the antifreeze on a regular basis will prolong the life of the radiator and other cooling system components. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend the antifreeze be changed every 30,000 miles. When antifreeze is changed, the entire system should be flushed rather than simply drained. This will insure that any accumulated debris is removed from the system. The system should be filled with a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. This will provide freezing protection to –35 degrees Fahrenheit and boil-over protection up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit.

CV Axle Service

Power generated by your vehicle’s engine and transmission must be delivered to the wheels. On front wheel and many four wheel drive vehicles, the component that transfers this power is the Constant Velocity Axle Shaft (CV Axle). This axle consists of the following: Shaft CV Joint (2) CV Boot (2) At both ends of the shaft are the 2 CV joints. These joints not only rotate with the shaft but also pivot when the steering wheel is turned. Surrounding these joints are the CV boots. These boots serve 2 purposes; they keep grease and lubricants in the joint and keep moisture and “road grime” out.

How Do I Know If I Have a Problem? A sure sign of a problem with the CV Axle is a loud clicking noise in the front end when turning. When this occurs it is commonly caused by the CV boot becoming torn, allowing the grease and lubricants to escape and moisture and grime to enter. Because of the enormous amount of friction on the CV joint, it does not take long for an exposed joint to be destroyed. In this instance, either the joint or the complete axle assembly will have to be replaced. A complete visual inspection can determine if there is a problem with the CV axle. Dried and cracked CV boots must be replaced. This will prevent any damage to the joint, leading to more expensive repairs.

Preventative Maintenance

Automobile manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer and increase your satisfaction with their product. Regular maintenance helps accomplish these goals by keeping your engine running efficiently and eliminating potential problems. The Benefits A More Dependable Vehicle Less Chance of a Costly Breakdown A Safer Vehicle Increased Value An Intact Warranty Manufacturer Maintenance Schedules  Each manufacturer has created a detailed maintenance schedules outlining specific operations to be performed on various components and systems. This maintenance at different mileage intervals (typically every 15,000 miles) will  ensure proper operations and prevent premature wear. The manufacturer also indicates what services must be done to maintain the factory warranty and extended warranty. Maintaining Your Vehicle Saves You Money Most people want to get the most for their hard earned dollar. One of the best ways to do this is extending the life of your vehicle. When you consider the true cost of buying a new car (price of car, sales tax, license, registration fees, and insurance) it is easy to see the money saving advantage of regularly scheduled maintenance. Safety Aspect The safety aspect of properly maintaining your vehicle should not be overlooked. Vehicle problems such as failing brakes, exhaust leaks and other problems can be prevented by following sound car care practices. Manufacturers generally provide interval service schedules for every 15,000 miles. Great American utilizes the manufacturer's information detailing your vehicles service requirements, further insuring your vehicle’s efficiency.

Timing Belts

What is a Timing Belt? Timing belts have replaced timing chains in many of today’s engines. Both belts and chains ensure that the crankshaft, pistons and valves operate together in proper sequence. Belts are lighter, quieter and more efficient than chains. Why Replace the Timing Belt? Timing belts are manufactured with a rubber by-product. As with all rubber products, heat age and ozone will break down the timing belt. This will cause the belt to become frayed and cracked, allowing it to break. What Happens if the Timing Belt Breaks? If the timing belt breaks on a “free-running” engine, the engine will stop and you will need to tow the vehicle to the repair shop. No mechanical damage will occur and the installation of a new belt is usually all that is needed. If the timing belt breaks on an “interference” engine, internal mechanical damage occurs. It most commonly involves open valves being struck by pistons, resulting in the need for expensive and timely engine repairs. In extreme cases, a replacement engine is needed. When Should Timing Belts Be Replaced? Most manufacturers provide a suggested service life and replacement schedule for this critical component. Refer to your owners manual or we will gladly check or data base for the maintenance information.

Tune-ups

Electronic ignition, computerized engine controls and electronic fuel injection have eliminated many adjustments that were once part of a “traditional” tune-up. Call it what you will, a complete tune-up should combine elements of preventative maintenance, adjustments and inspections. One of the main reasons people bring a vehicle in for a tune-up is because  they are experiencing some kind of engine performance problem. Seldom are these performance problems cured by a new set of spark plugs and a turn of a screw driver. The best guide to tune-up frequency is probably the recommended spark plug replacement interval supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Taking into account longer service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements of today’s vehicles, a tune-up is probably only necessary every 30,000 miles. This tune-up should by performed with a complete 30,000 mile Interval Maintenance Schedule. Great American offers a full line of factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that will keep your car operating at it’s best. We are confident that you will find that Great American can perform these services more efficiently and affordably than the dealerships. Interval maintenance includes the following: 15,000/45,000/75,000 Mile Service GA Fast Lube Premium Service Rotate Tires Add Fuel Additive Inspect and Adjust Drive Belts Inspect Brake System Inspect Suspension Components Inspect Drive Shafts and Boots Inspect Interior and Exterior Lighting Inspect Belts and Hoses Inspect Fluids and Fill to Proper Levels 30,000/60,000/90,000 Mile Service GA Fast Lube Premium Service Rotate and Balance Tires Replace Air Filter Replace Fuel Filter Change Transmission Fluid and Filter Fuel Injection Service Replace PCV Valve* Replace Spark Plugs Cooling System Flush Add Fuel System and Motor Oil Additives Inspect Brake System Inspect Steering System Inspect Suspension Components Inspect Drive Shafts and Boots Inspect Interior and Exterior Lighting inspect Belts and Hoses Inspect Exhaust System Inspect Engine Mounts Inspect Fluids and Fill to Proper Level