TIMING BELT

A timing belt or timing chain is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.  In an interference engine the timing belt or chain is also critical to preventing the piston from striking the valves.  A timing belt is usually a toothed belt - a drive belt with teeth on the inside surface.  A timing chain is a roller chain.

In the internal combustion engine application the timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn control the opening and closing of the engine's valves.  A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft.  The timing belt does this.  It has teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronized with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine.  In some engine designs the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump.

DO I REALLY NEED TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT?

The timing belt is an often overlooked part of the car but it plays an extremely important role.

Timing belts must be replaced at the manufacturer's recommended distance and/or time periods.  Failure to replace the belt can result in complete breakdown or catastrophic engine failure, especially in interference engines.  The owner's manual maintenance schedule is the source of timing belt replacement intervals, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles but sometimes as little as every 30,000 miles.  It is common to replace the timing belt tensioners and water pump at the same as the belt is replaced.

Don't have an owner's manual or have questions regarding your vehicle's timing belt/chain??  Give us a call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: Your Air Conditioning

I bet you didn't know but your cars air conditioning runs during the winter.  The air conditioning system is used for defogging the inside of the windshield and front windows.  When the inside of the car get wet from snow or rain the air conditioning system helps dry it out and rid the car of excess humidity.

Is your air conditioning working correctly?  Give us a call today at (530) 621-4591 to schedule an appointment or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to request an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR TIRES

It is time to check your tires and make sure they have at least 4/32 inches of tread depth remaining.  Rain and wet leaves reduce traction and can cause hydro-planing with tires with low tread.  Look for abnormal tread wear, which may indicate an alignment or suspension problem.  Cooler weather also causes tire pressure to drop, so inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire and loading label on the driver's door jam.

If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR BATTERY

Hot summer weather is hard on batteries, but when it gets cold outside that is when a bad battery shows itself.  First, look for corosion on the battery terminals.  This needs to be cleaned or repaired to eliminate resistance between the battery and the rest of the electrical system, such as the starter.  have the battery load-tested and replace it if it tests low or weak.

Don't wait until it's too late call today to have your battery tested (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR WIPERS

A good guideline is to replace standard wiper blades every six months and constant pressure blades every 12 months, but they may wear sooner.  Now is a good time to replace any wiper blades that streak, chatter or don't clear the windshield properly.  Don't forget to check the washer fluid level too.

If you have any questions or need wiper blades please stop by or give us a call at (530) 621-4591.  You can also schedule an appointment online at www.theautoanalyst.com

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR LIGHTS

This year daylight savings ends on November 4th. 

You need lights to see and be seen, especially when the rain, snow and fog reduce visibility.  Check that all lights are working properly, including marker lights, turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, backup lights, taillights, headlights, daytime running lights (if equipped), and fog lights (if equipped). 

If you headlight lens look cloudy or don't seem to be as bright as they used to be now would be a great time to have a headlight restoration or replacement performed.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your vehicle's lights please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIPS: YOUR BRAKES

With Fall comes a lot less light and a lot more precipitation so making sure your brakes are working well is extremely important.  If you are experiencing any type of squeaking, grinding, or scratching noise please have your brakes checked immediately.

Even if you are not currently experiencing problems but you have driven 35,000-45,000, you should get your brakes examined to make sure they are working the way they should.

Call (530) 621-4591 today to schedule your brake inspection by one of our ASE Master Technician or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule online.

GET YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR FALL

The weather will soon be changing, if that time hasn't already arrived.  Driving safely during the next few months requires more than just cautious driver behavior.  Your vehicle also needs some attention.

Here are a few practical tips to help get your vehicle ready for fall.

CHECK THE BRAKES AND TIRES.  Inclement weather and road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power.  That means good brakes and tires.  If the tires have wear bars showing you need to replace them. When was the last time your vehicle's brakes were checked?  If not recently, then make sure to have the brake lining and all components checked ASAP.

CHECK THE LIGHTS.  Walk around the outside of the vehicle and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers.  Make sure your headlight lens are not foggy causing the headlights to be dim.

REPLACE WIPER BLADES.  The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield.  Cracked or worn blades won't do an adequate job.  Check the blade's rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to make sure the blades clear the glass.  Replace worn blades.

MAKE SURE HEATER/DEFROSTER WORK.  Driving with an improperly working heater isn't fun or safe.  Neither is driving with fogged-up windows.  Make sure to check both the front and rear defrosters for correct operation.

CHANGE OIL AND AIR FILTER.  If the oil is dirty or you're at your recommended oil change time, change the oil.  Make sure the air filter is clean.

FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM.  It is recommended that your vehicle's cooling system (radiator) is flushed every other year.

CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS.  Make sure all levels are at or above minimum safe levels including the washer fluid.

Remember The Auto Analyst employs ASE Master Technicians to help you with any of the above or any other automotive needs you may have.  Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com or we can be reached at (530) 621-4591 Monday thru Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

DOES ANTI FREEZE EVAPORATE?

Your cooling system in your vehicle is a closed system, so coolant cannot evaporate.  If you are having to add coolant to your system, you have a leak somewhere.  Which means that you need to have a cooling system pressure test performed.  This test is usually performed overnight.  Some times leaks do not show up until the vehicle has completely cooled down.

When your engine does not have the proper amount of anti freeze (coolant) in the system it will start to overheat.  Don't let the engine run overheated, or you will likely damage it. 

Remember never remove the radiator cap or open the reservoir when the engine is hot. The fluid inside is under pressure and hot enough to scald you.

When adding anti freeze make sure you check your owner's manual for the correct type for your vehicle.

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com. 

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE

Your car's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps your car interior comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level.  The HVAC system also helps improve defroster operation.

Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.  The HVAC system will work as designed if properly serviced.

A thorough inspection of your car's HVAC system should be performed annually.  During this inspection a technician will check all pressures and outlet temperatures and make sure that the system is properly charged.  If the system is found low on a charge, the system will be recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant and dye will be added to the system if a leak is suspected but not detected.

Call (530) 621-4591 today to schedule an appointment to have your car's HVAC system inspected or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.  All of our technicians are ASE Master tech certified.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRANSMISSION

WHAT IS IT?

The transmission works with the engine to provide power to your car's wheels.  Whether automatic or manual, the transmission plays a major role in the overall performance of your car.  Make sure to check it at the first sign of problems.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

A transmission/transaxle keeps the engine's output optimally matched to the speed and load conditions.  The several different types of transmission fluid serve multiple purposes: cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force, transmits pressure, inhibits varnish buildup and continually protects the transmission.

TYPICAL WEAR AND TEAR

Wear and tear on the transmission can be influenced by:

• Driving habits
• Towing or excessive loads
• Operating conditions
• Condition of the transmission fluid
• Frequency of regular maintenance

TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICE/FLUSH

Recommended every 30,000 miles.  The fluid is constantly working to keep your transmission lubricated and clean.  Over time the fluid and filter (if equipped) gets dirty and needs to be changed.  When was the last time your vehicle's transmission fluid and filter changed?  Call (530) 621-4591 today to schedule an appointment or online at www.theautoanalyst.com.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WARRANTY

A warranty is basically a promise from the manufacturer to fix certain malfunctions over a set period of time and to pay for the repair and parts needed.

DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS?

No, a dealer cannot deny warranty coverage simply because repair or maintenance work was performed by someone else.  The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), makes it illegal for a dealer to do this.  This allows the vehicle owner to visit the repair shop of their choice or do the work themselves.

WILL DIFFERENT PARTS VOID YOUR WARRANTY?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also makes it illegal to deny or void a warranty due to use of an aftermarket part (a part made by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer).

WARRANTY TIPS:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Warranty:  Understand the details of your coverage and be aware of the expiration.  Have problems checked before the warranty expires.
• Regular Vehicle Maintenance:  Regular check-ups will keep your warranty intact.  See your owner's manual or check with your local auto repair shop.
• Know Your Rights:  If you think your warranty claim is denied unfairly, you may wish to file a complaint with your local Department of Consumer Affairs.

To schedule an appointment for any maintenance or repairs please call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.  The Auto Analyst is Your One Stop Auto Repair Shop.

APRIL IS NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH

April is National Car Care Month!

Why April?

In April, as winter comes to an end, it is time to get your car ready for spring driving and summer road trips! National Car Care Month reminds you to take car of any issues that may have occurred or been ignored during winter.

Spring driving brings its own hazard such as slick, wet roads. It is important to make sure you tires, brakes and windshield wiper are ready for the rain. Spring also means allergy season

Call (530) 621-4591 today to schedule your vehicle's check-up or schedule online at www.theautoanalyst.com.

WHAT THE AUTO ANALYST CUSTOMERS SHOULD KNOW

There are some things The Auto Analyst customers should know about automotive service and repair in Placerville.  First and foremost, The Auto Analyst cares about you and your family's safety.  And they really appreciate your business.  The Auto Analyst wants to build a trusting relationship that becomes the foundation for a mutually beneficial experience for years to come.

Building on that foundation, there are some things that would help you understand the Placerville auto service and repair business better.  First, it can be really hard to fix cars.  The days of shade tree mechanics in CA are long gone.  The majority of automotive systems are computerized.  It takes a lot of training and very expensive equipment to diagnose and repair modern vehicles.

The technicians who work at The Auto Analyst need extensive computer training - not just how to run the diagnostic systems, but also how to search for the right parts, network with other technicians to help them with a difficult problem and pull together a job order that makes sure that each step of the process is addressed.

The threshold for getting started as a technician gets higher all the time and there is a huge commitment to on-going training every year.  This training takes time and money.  It contributes to business overhead.  The average Placerville driver may not realize the business and environmental regulations The Auto Analyst must comply with.  Or course that costs money too.  Like any Placerville business, overhead is a big factor.

When you go into your favorite Placerville restaurant, you don't value the meal by what the food would cost at the grocery store.  The restaurant has rent, wages, insurance, taxes, utilities, professional fees, equipment, supplies - you get the picture.  The restaurant has to charge enough to not only pay for the ingredients, but for all these other things as well while making enough profit to remain in business.  If you value the meal and are satisfied with your dining experience, you'll come back and tell your Placerville friends.

It's the same for The Auto Analyst loves to see Placerville customers whenever they come in, but they would much rather see them three or four times a year for routine maintenance than once a year on a tow truck.  They want to work together with you to avoid breakdowns.

Tell you friends and family to go into The Auto Analyst for their scheduled maintenance, too.  That lowers The Auto Analyst's marketing costs and helps keep its labor rates down.  That's good for everyone. 

Give us a call.

The Auto Analyst

5850 B Mother Lode Drive

Placerville, CA 95667

530-621-4591

www.theautoanalyst.com