Caring For Your Car - Belts and Hoses

Many experts urge replacing belts, radiator and heater hoses at specific recommended intervals to prevent your car from breaking down.  Losing a belt today means big trouble for the engine because serpentine belts are used on most engines to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor.  If the belt snaps, everything is lost and you may be stranded.  Older cars use individual V-belts for these various accessories.  A blown hose results in an overheated engine and can cause additional engine damage.

Why Do You Need This Service?

It's not easy to know the true condition of a belt or hose by its outward appearance because most belts and hoses fail from the inside out.  Rubber hoses can become hard and brittle, deteriorating with age and exposure to heat, causing the hose to split, blister or leak.  Belts also break down with heat, mileage and age.  Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends.  Flexing produces heat that causes the rubber to harden over time.  In addition, if the belt is loose or slips, the wear process can be accelerated.

When was the last time your belts and hoses were replaced?  Visit our website today to schedule an appointment  www.theautoanalyst.com

CARING FOR YOUR CAR - Oil, Filters and Fluids

Critical parts of your engine are lubricated, cleaned and cooled by your car's oil and filter.  Other specifically formulated fluids are used to the operation and protection of system and components such as brakes, power steering, automatic transmissions, and cooling and axles.  Your car may also be equipped with a variety of filters including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation.

Why Do You Need This Service?
Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside.  Dust, metallic shavings, condensation and even antifreeze can contaminate motor oil.  Additives, which break down over time, are also subject to contamination.  Other car fluids may require periodic replacement.  For example, the majority of automatic transmission failures are heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures.  Your car owner's manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system because contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially on cars with antilock brakes (ABS).

Are You Aware?
Regular oil changes are your best investment toward the longevity of your engine!  For questions or more information please give us a call (530) 621-4591.  Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com

AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE

Most car owners don't service their air conditioning until after it fails.  Maintaining your family car air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job.  Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can't cool the air as well.

Air conditioning service starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks.  The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it's inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by certified technicians.  Then comes the leak test.  if a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it's repaired and the family car system is retested.  The certified technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant.  A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you're on your way.

How often this should be done varies from vehicle to vehicle.  your family car owner's manual will have the manufacturer's recommendation and, of course, your service advisor can tell you.  It's typically every two years.

Give us a call today or visit our website to schedule an appointment www.theautoanalyst.com

What's That Smell??

Does your vehicle have any unwanted odor inside from mildew, smoke, dropped food, etc?  Well our Ozonator can help.  What is an Ozonator you ask?  It is a special machine that not only gets rid of odors, it eliminates the source.  As it passes through the air, it is able to sanitize and disinfect all areas.  Naturally occurring elements such as mildew, yeast, viruses, mold and bacteria.  And best of all, when the Ozonator has done its job, there is no cleanup or disposal necessary.  Want more information?  Give us a call (530) 621-4591 or schedule an appointment at www.theautoanalyst.com

SPRINGTIME SAVINGS WEEK #10 OF 10

10.   Buy your vehicle a gift for Spring.  I suggest a new air freshener.  The packages of air fresheners are often cheaper and you have a couple when the other one wears out.  Also, if you leave the bag half way on, it will make the life of the air freshener go longer.  That way your car will look good and smell good also.  Perhaps even some new car mats if yours are worn.  www.theautoanalyst.com

SPRINGTIME SAVINGS WEEK #9 OF 10

9.   Check your wipers.  Again, winter can be rough on your windshield wipers and with the weird weather we have been having; you will want good wipers on your vehicle.  Stop by any time we have wiper refills in stock, no appointment necessary.  www.theautoanalyst.com

SPRINGTIME SAVINGS WEEK #8 OF 10

8.     Don't just clean the outside.  Spring clean the inside as well.  As much as you attempted to kick the snow and mud off your feet before entry, doesn't mean you got it all off.  Chances are you have muddied up the floor and other areas of your vehicle as well.  When cleaning the inside, don't forget to clean the windows as well.  If there are any unpleasant odors left over from the damp winter months give us a call we have the ability to rid vehicles of unwanted odors.  Call today (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com