Your brakes are one of the most important systems of your vehicle. The brake service begins with a thorough inspection of the entire brake system. Our ASE certified technicians are qualified to work with the advanced anti-lock braking systems on today's cars. We use only top-quality parts to ensure maximum braking performance and eliminate brake squeaks. We recommend a complete brake inspection at least once a year, call to schedule yours today.
Shocks/Struts
Shocks and struts help to hold your tires down on the road, provide a smooth ride and keep your vehicle stable during turns and over bumps. As the internal parts wear, the shock/strut loses its ability to perform these functions. In severe cases the oil inside the shock will start to leak out. Most shocks/struts have a life expectancy of around 60,000 miles. They should also be replaced if they begin to leak. In many cases, the mounts will also require replacement and an alignment should be done when struts are replaced.
.
Clutch
The clutch engages and disengages the transmission from the engine. The life expectancy of your clutch depends on your driving habits and how much you drive. Some signs of clutch wear are the clutch slipping, hard shifting or trouble getting the transmission into gear. If you are experiencing any problems with the clutch you should call us to have one of our technicians’ road test the vehicle and inspect the clutch and related components.
Alignments
The alignment is the procedure that adjusts the vehicle so all the wheels are pointing in the same direction to ensure proper handling and prevent irregular tire wear. In some cases, the vehicle will pull to one side when the alignment is out. However, to say "the car drives straight, the alignment is fine" is a MYTH. Generally speaking, the angle that will cause up to 90% of tire wear CANNOT cause a pull and the primary angle that may cause a pull CANNOT cause tire wear. We recommend a wheel alignment at least once per year for maintenance or any time a suspension or steering component has been replaced.
Heating/Air Conditioning
Also referred to as the climate control system, the heat and air conditioning help to keep us comfortable in the vehicle. The air conditioning system operates under high pressures and with the current EPA regulations, should be left to the professionals. The A/C system doesn't generally require routine maintenance but should be service at the first signs of not cooling well enough. The heater uses the engine coolant to provide heat in the vehicle. The coolant should be flushed periodically to keep the system in top condition.
Battery/Starting/Charging System
The battery is there to get your vehicle started. After the engine is running the lights and other accessories operate off the power generated from the alternator. The starter is basically an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. All of these components wear out and can produce similar symptoms when they fail, the engine won't start. A complete electrical system test is the best way to find out which component is causing the problem. Our starting and charging system test will inspect the battery, starter and alternator for proper operation.
Drivability and "Check Engine Light" Diagnostics
The advanced computers in today's vehicles have the ability to adapt to problems related to engine performance so it is hard to tell there is a problem. Then the computer turns on the dreaded "check engine light" or "service engine soon light". To properly diagnose these types of problems requires more than just retrieving the codes from the computer and replacing parts. Our technicians use the information from the trouble codes to know which components to test. Only after positively identifying a failed component are we able to recommend a fix. It takes specialized equipment and years of training to properly interpret the information provided by your vehicles computer. The technicians at Big Red’s Automotive have the tools, training and experience to properly diagnose your problem.
Maintenance:
Just like any machine, your vehicle requires routine maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. Through proper maintenance your car will be more dependable, more fuel efficient and it will last longer.
Big Red's Automotive has the knowledge and expertise to help you keep your car on the road and dependable. By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and performing a thorough inspection with each service we are able to alert you to upcoming repairs which allow you to schedule the time and money necessary for the repairs. By scheduling these repairs and services in advance, you eliminate extra costs associated with emergency repairs such as tow bills and rental cars.
While today's vehicles are more dependable, they are also more complex and still require routine maintenance. We follow the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer to keep your vehicle in top running condition.
Standard 3,000 Mile Vehicle Maintenance Service (Oil Change):
With this service, we drain the old oil from the engine, replace the oil filter and fill the oil to the proper level. We conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle including all belts and hoses, wipers, lights, heater and A/C, starting and charging system and battery, fluid levels and conditions, tires, suspension, steering, drive train, exhaust and clutch operation. A completed checklist is provided to the customer detailing the results of the inspection and any recommendations that are made.
Comprehensive 6,000 Mile Vehicle Maintenance Service (Level 2 Service)
This service incorporates all the services of the standard maintenance service and also completes a comprehensive inspection of the entire vehicle. This service includes rotation and balance of the tires (should be completed every 5-7000 miles), battery testing and service and a full inspection report.
Major Service (30-60-90K Service)
Following the recommendations of the manufacturer of your vehicle, we complete a thorough and comprehensive inspection of your vehicle and replace some parts/fluids that are designed to wear out and should be replaced periodically. Some of these items may be coolant, transmission fluid, spark plugs, cabin air filters and fuel filters. By using your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule, we are able to keep you vehicle in top running condition and help to reduce or eliminate breakdowns and emergency repairs.
Transmission Service
Your transmission endures extreme temperatures, many cycles of shifting where clutches and solenoids engage and disengage resulting in wear. Transmission fluid has a very high detergent content. What this means is that the fluid is constantly cleaning the inside of your transmission. When the fluid is so dirty it can no longer absorb any more material, the debris begins to build up inside your transmission. This can gum up solenoids and valves and accelerate the wear inside your transmission. The second-most expensive component to replace on your vehicle, it is important to keep it running smoothly. We recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 miles or anytime the fluid becomes burnt or discolored.
Coolant Service
Maintaining your cooling system helps to prolong the life of many of the related components. As the coolant begins to wear out, it becomes acidic. As the coolant becomes more acidic the coolant actually starts to create voltage (much like a battery) and this can confuse or even damage one of the numerous sensors on the engine. We recommend a coolant flush every 2 years/24,000 miles or sooner if the fluid becomes dirty or contaminated.
Brake Fluid Flush
The brake fluid in your vehicle is the lifeblood of your braking system. It endures extreme temperatures (as high as 400 degrees) and any contamination in the system reduces the boiling point of the fluid. This can lead to impaired braking performance. Additionally, moisture in the fluid may promote corrosion and significantly impact the life expectancy of other components in the brake hydraulic system.
Power Steering Fluid Flush
Just like any other fluid your power steering requires periodic servicing. As parts wear, the fluid becomes contaminated. Dirty fluid can cause additional wear and additional expense to replace parts that have worn out prematurely. Our power steering flush service completely flushes the system and adds conditioners that help extend the life of your system.
Differential/Transfer Case Service
Rear-wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicles have additional components that require regular servicing. The front and rear differentials and the transfer case should be serviced at least every 30,000 miles, more often if the vehicle is subject to severe service such as towing, mountain driving and/or stop and go traffic. This fluid is inspected with our standard service and regular service will help reduce the chance of a costly repair.
Fuel Injection Service
The fuel injectors endure the heat of combustion and fire several times per second. Deposits accumulate in the injector that can rob your engine of power, hurting your performance and fuel mileage. Through regular maintenance the fuel injectors continue to operate at maximum efficiency, resulting in a smooth running engine.
Timing Belt
The timing belt connects the upper and lower part of the engine and keeps them synchronized. Over time, just like any other belt, the rubber dries out and the belt starts to crack. Vehicle manufacturers recommend replacement of this belt at intervals between 60,000 and 105,000 miles. On many vehicles, there are other pulleys and components that should be replaced at the same time. Most vehicles have an interference type engine, meaning if the belt were to break, internal engine components could be damaged. By replacing this belt before it breaks, you avoid costly engine repair.
