Service

Electrical Services

Your car’s electrical system including the battery, alternator, and starter are held together by the serpentine belt. We also cover the air conditioning here because modern cars all have AC. The battery provides power to the starter, the starter starts things spinning so the pistons move, and once the engine is running the alternator keeps it charged.

Caution

We recommend watching this part carefully and scheduling a service date to prevent any future problems.

Urgent

We recommend you bring your car in immediately. This repair is critical to saving you money & your life.

Routine

We recommend you keep this repair as recurring scheduled maintenance to keep your car healthy and running great.

How critical is my repair?

This ranking system’s purpose is to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Delaying car repairs is never recommended as it can be costly and at times dangerous. If you are experiencing car trouble please bring it to your local repair shop.

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Parts and services

Car Battery

When you turn the ignition in your car the battery sends a high voltage signal to the car’s starter which then cranks the engine.

Symptoms:

⇒ You hear a low whining sound
⇒ Your lights appear dimmer
⇒ Corrosion on battery terminals
⇒ Car needs a jump start every time

Caution

1/2 day repair

Replace every 40,000 miles

Covered by warranty?

Air Conditioning

Your AC system comprises many parts: compressor, condenser, accumulator, expansion valve, and evaporator. The compressor compresses and therefore raises the temperature of the Freon. As it flows through the condenser it cools and contaminants and moisture are removed. Next it flows to the accumulator which slows the flow and causes the Freon to lose pressure and temperature as it enters the evaporator. The evaporator sits inside your dashboard and further cools the freon and removes moisture from the air. The blower motor blows the air over the evaporator pushing cold air out the vents. That’s a lot of activity to help keep you cool, but it’s very efficient and rarely troublesome.

Symptoms:

⇒ You hear a growling sound
⇒ A/C blowing warm air
⇒ Clear fluid leaking under engine
⇒ Damp or wet floorboard carpets
⇒ You smell mildew

Urgent

1 day repair

Inspect every 15,000 miles

Covered by warranty?

Alternator

Once your car is started, the alternator provides the direct current (DC) power that runs your vehicle’s electronics, like headlights, wipers, power steering, while you’re driving. The alternator also recharges your battery while you drive.

Symptoms:

⇒ You hear a growling sound
⇒ You smell burning rubber
⇒ Headlights or dash lights flicker, dim or brighten
⇒ Car stalls frequently
⇒ Check engine light comes on

Caution

1 day repair

Maintenance every 150,000 miles

Covered by warranty?

Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt is essentially the giant rubber band that runs through a series of pulleys and to all of your car accessories. It’s what powers everything from your alternator, to power steering, to the air conditioning.

Symptoms:

⇒ You hear a squealing or chirping sound
⇒ A sudden loss in performance of power steering
⇒ Car engine stalls
⇒ Check engine light comes on
⇒ A sudden drain on your battery

Urgent

1 day repair time

Replace every 60,000 miles

Covered by warranty?

Starter

Your starter is a small motor that uses electrical power from the battery to turn the engine and fire the spark plugs. The starter does just that, it starts your engine.

Symptoms:

⇒ A jump start doesn’t work despite several attempts
⇒ You hear a whirring sound
⇒ You hear a grinding noise
⇒ Your car won’t start
⇒ You hear a clicking sound