A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Air filter- The air filter prevents dirt and other abrasive foreign particles in the air from entering the engine's cylinders where they would cause mechanical wear and oil contamination. Air filters have an impact on other vehicle systems such as the Emissions Control System - which regulates the car's air-fuel mixture; this is directly related to your vehicle's gas mileage. The air filter housing is also cleaned.

Alignment- Alignment is a highly mathematical process of adjusting steering and suspension components. More than pointing tires in the same direction, an alignment ensures they are properly positioned forward or back, and angled properly to the road. Improper alignment leads to worn tires, excessive steering system stress, and lost fuel economy. A vehicle should be checked for alignment every 10,000 miles or at least once a year. When you perform a full alignment, you make it easier to control your vehicle, add hundreds of miles to your tire life, and boost your gas mileage.

Balancing- Tires are not made perfectly balanced, so small amounts of weight must be added to the proper positions on a wheel to ensure an even rotation. If a tire is not balanced, it is noticeable at higher speeds when you feel the vehicle begin to shake. If left without attention it can cause excessive tire ware, and wear out the shocks/struts leading to more costly repairs. Not to mention an uncomfortable commute.

Ball joints-  Ball Joints help to hold the vehicles tire in place vertically. When there is free play from the ball joints, they must be replaced. The movement comes from wear on the joints. Left unattended they will continue to deteriorate dangerously resulting in a loss of control.

Battery Service- Over time battery acid can leak from the posts causing corrosion buildup around the battery terminals. As corrosion builds up, the conductivity between the post and terminal brakes down. Often times when a battery seems dead, it is simply because too much corrosion prevents current flow, and not because the battery is discharged. The battery service cleans the post and terminal, and applies a sealer to prevent future corrosion.

Bearings- Wheel bearings are the unsung heroes of the vehicle. They sit deep within the wheel assembly and allow the wheel to rotate while bearing the weight of the vehicle. A bad bearing is noticed when noise is heard when alternating direction, or when free play is allowed when testing. It is essential to address this issue immediately. When the bearing fails the wheel is no longer able to easily rotate. Instead, it encounters intense friction and heat causing a very dangerous situation that will result in loss of control and very costly repairs.

Belts- Your vehicles belts transfer the turning of the engine to other components of your vehicle, such as the a/c, power steering, alternator, water pump, etc. Belts require replacement every 100,000 miles, although they should be inspected regularly. When a belt develops cracking or splits, its structural reliability begins to fail and the belt needs to be replaced. If left unattended the belt can come off or snap causing the abrupt and complete failure of the power steering system and other essential components rendering the vehicle inoperable.

Timing belt- The timing belt controls the timing of the engine, and is essential to its proper function. The belt should be regularly checked with the same criteria as the other belts. In addition the engine timing should be checked and adjusted if necessary. If a vehicles timing is off it will cause a loss of efficiency, fuel economy, and could even damage the engine.

Brake Fluid Service- Brake fluid becomes contaminated over time and use. Contamination of brake fluid limits the ability of the fluid to defend critical brake components against the threat of corrosion and failure. Discoloration of brake fluid is a common sign of contamination. This service replaces the contaminated fluid with new hydraulic fluid. In addition, the service includes a thorough inspection of your entire brake system. During this process, your vehicle is inspected for leaks, master cylinder corrosion, harmful varnish, build-up, broken or rusted bleeder valves. The brake system is probably the most important safety instrument in your vehicle. Therefore, having it inspected regularly and free from contamination, corrosion, and leaks not only prevents costly repairs, but also helps keep people in your vehicle safe.

Brake pads- Brake pads are small metal cushions that rest directly adjacent to the rotors. When you press your brake pedal fluid is pushed through your brake system clamping the pads onto the rotors allowing your vehicle to come to a safe stop. Over time, the braking process wears the pad away. Brake pads must be routinely checked to ensure the pad depth is still sufficient. If a pad is left un-serviced for too long the pad will wear away completely. When this happens the metal plate it rests on will contact the rotor directly damaging the rotor, and causing a more expensive repair.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement- Cabin air filters clean incoming air during heater, air conditioner and vent modes. Dust, pollen, mold spores and other particles will reduce airflow into the passenger compartment, and increase bacteria growth if left unchanged for too long. If not replaced, eventually the heater and evaporator(air conditioner) may be damaged by corrosion. Cabin filters are particularly beneficial for people with allergies; as they do an effective job of removing allergens from the air.

Chassis Lube- This important maintenance item is commonly overlooked. Hard surfaces that rub against each other cause friction, which in turn causes wear, and ultimately part failure. Lubrication also ensures smooth and quiet Suspension and Steering System operation, which helps minimize vibration and road roughness. Furthermore, this service includes lubrication of door hinges, trunk and hook locks.

Climate Control Service- This service removes accumulated debris from the A/C Evaporator System. It restores efficiency, removes foul odors and freshens interior air. The Climate control service targets and kills bacteria that over time accumulates and grows within the A/C system.

Cooling System Service- Most major engine failures are the result of malfunctioning cooling systems. The use of old and contaminated coolant stops protecting your engine from corrosion and contamination caused by rust and sludge. This service cleans the entire cooling system by removing debris and worn out coolant, and replacing the coolant with new premium coolant. Conditioners are also included to prevent rust and corrosion. Lastly, a pressure test is conducted to test for leaks. This service increases the life of your engine, heater system, water pump, and radiator by making your engine run at a proper operating temperature.

CV-Joints- Constant velocity joints supply power from the drive train to the wheel through joints that constantly rotate. When these joints tear dirt and other contaminants can get into the joint causing the joint to wear down and become loose. If a bad CV-joint is ignored it can prevent your vehicle from getting proper power from the engine or render it inoperable.

Differential Service- Differential fluid provides lubrication to gears, bearings, shafts and other internal components. Heat, pressure and friction can slowly breakdown the additives in the differential fluid. In addition, small particles of metal and clutch material may come off as they wear and mix with the fluid. Clean fluid extends differential life by minimizing corrosion and deterioration.   This service involves the inspection of your vehicle's bearings, gears, and seals. Followed by a power flush of the system. Conditioners are then added along with the new fluid. Lastly, the system is checked for leaks.

Exhaust system- The exhaust system recycles unspent fuel, maintains proper combustion temperature, and reduces pollutants. This system is regulated by the state to minimize environmental harm and increase fuel efficiency.

Fluid leaks- Fluid leaks become a concern when they consistently drain enough fluid to effect fluid levels. Sometimes in these situations seals have broken down or components have been damaged enough to allow fluid to escape in dangerous amounts (see Fluid levels on this page).

Fluid Levels- Vehicles are pre-tuned to require specific levels of each fluid. Even if fluid is present the proper level is still essential required. If there is too little fluid the system pressure can be too low rendering it ineffective. Inversely if levels are too high, system pressure may rise too high causing damage to the system.

Fuel / Air System Service- Engines run by off a precise balance of air and fuel. Over time emissions that recycle through the intake and emissions system leave carbon deposits in the intake and engine. When this happens the carbon deposits block air flow and absorb fuel causing them to grow. This service corrects the balance of air and fuel flow by removing deposits on intake valves, fuel injectors, and the combustion chamber. Collectively, the result of the service is to reduce emissions, restore efficient horsepower, and improve gas mileage.

Fuel Filter- Fuel passes through the fuel filter cleaning it of impurities that may have collected in the fuel tank. When a fuel tank is ran low the sludge and impurities that settle to the bottom of the tank get sucked into the filter. Over time the filter will clog and block the flow of fuel causing the engine to die. To help prevent this a fuel filter should be changed every 35,000 miles. This also add life to the fuel pump.

Fuel Injection Filter Service- Fuel filters serve a vital function in today’s modern, Engine Fuel Systems. A fuel filter screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel. These particles cause rapid wear due to their abrasive nature - thus resulting in the failure of the fuel pump and the injectors. Moreover, the screening of contaminants in the fuel helps your vehicle burn fuel more efficiently and increases performance.

Hoses- The vehicles cooling system hoses carry coolant from the radiator, where it cools down, to the engine, where it absorbs heat, cooling your engine to the proper operating temperature. If hoses begin to crack or squeak when squeezed or connections begin to fall apart it can cause fluid leaks and loss of system pressure. When this happens engine, temperature can climb dangerously and the vehicle can shut down.

Idle Speed- High, low, or too much variation in vehicle idle speed causes a loss of fuel efficiency, and is a strong symptom of critical concerns that can arise in the intake and emissions system.

Ignition system- a vehicles ignition system is the system responsible for igniting the fuel air mixture to power the engine. Spark plugs should be changed on average every 50,000 miles. Testing to misfires in a common way of testing the ignition system. If a vehicle is misfiring, it will result in a loss of power, efficiency cause a rough ride, and damage the catalytic converter.

Lights- A vehicles lights are checked for operation, and to ensure there are no broken areas allowing excessive light to pass through. This is critical to the safety of you and the drivers around you. When a light housing is broken, it creates a difficult and dangerous driving condition for divers exposed to the excessive shine. This also exposes the bulb and wiring to the environment increasing the chance of bulb failure and wiring shorts.

Motor Mounts- motor mounts hold a vehicles engine in place on the frame. If a mount becomes worn out or broken it can allow the engine to move excessively providing a rougher ride. If allowed to persist extra strain will be put on the other mounts increasing their chance of failure, allowing the engine to come free in the vehicle causing very costly repairs.

OBD II- the OBD II reads the vehicles on board computer and checks for any problems found by the vehicles network of sensors. Repairs diagnosed by the OBD II often reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and are required by the state.

Oil change service- Periodic oil changes can significantly increase the life of your vehicle's engine and decrease the risk of lost efficiency, unnecessary engine tension, jamming, or total, catastrophic, failure.

Paint Protectant- Although aesthetically pleasing paint also protects a vehicle from rust and environmental corrosion. Over time sun, acid rain, and other environmental concerns wear away at the paint’s luster and durability. Paint protectant works like an extra shield, rejuvenating the vehicles protective layer bringing back its aesthetic brilliance and durable strength.

Power Brake- all small trucks and cars in the state of Texas are required to be able to stop within a distance of 25ft at a speed of 20 mph. The power brake test checks this, ensuring that the vehicles brake system is capable of being operating effectively in emergency situations

Power Steering System Service- Your vehicle's power steering system works under high pressures and heat. If neglected for too long, the pressure and heat causes the fluid in the system to breakdown, which in turn causes your vehicle's power steering pump or rack to fail.  To reduce the risk of these costly repairs, this service involves a power flush, where a machine flushes the entire power steering system and replenishes the system with new fluid and conditioner. The power flush effectively removes contaminated fluid, and abrasive metals and debris that grind away at valves and seals.  Overall, this service alleviates steering squeal caused by sticking valves, corrects that "jerky" feeling on the steering wheel, and increases the life and performance of your power steering system.

Rotors- Rotors are discs that rotate with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads contact the brake rotors and allow the vehicle to stop. Over time, rotors are worn down and should be routinely checked for sufficient thickness. Sometimes a rotor may become warped and cause the vehicle to shimmy when braking. If this condition is allowed to persist, it will continue to get worse making it dangerously difficult to control your vehicle while braking.

Shocks/Struts- Your suspension system provides you with a comfortable ride, and helps to maintain alignment. Over time shocks/struts wear down from the continuous dampening of various road conditions. In a perfect world we would replace the vehicles shock/struts every 100,000 miles although sometimes replacement may be required sooner depending on the road conditions that have been experienced. If a shock/strut shows leakage of its hydraulic fluid or ceases to dampen the jounce and rebound of a vehicle they should be replaced.  If Shocks/struts are bad they can cause tires to wear faster, misalignment, and an uncomfortable jarring and noise during road travel.

Tire condition- Tires provide a pillow of air between your vehicle and the road. Low tread depth weakens a tire and increases the chance of hydroplaning and blowout. Tire ware patterns are a useful diagnostic tool, often revealing issues with alignment, tire pressure, shocks/struts, and balancing. We take the time to examine and analyze any concerns we find. New tires increase traction, improving fuel efficiency, and stops pulling caused by tire wear.

Tie Rods- Tie rods are an essential component in the steering system. They transfer steering motion directly to the steering knuckles. This controls the direction of your front wheels allowing you to steer. A tie rod should sit firmly in the steering system. If the joints that connect it show free play, it is an indication that the joint has excessive wear. When this situation is not addressed, the tie rod can deteriorate allowing the wheel to tremble, causing a loss of control.

Tire valve caps- Tire valve caps provide a defensive shield for the tire’s air valve. Blocking out moisture and debris that can cause air leakage or blocking the valve preventing proper adjustment.

Transmission Service- A highly effective cleaner is added and the car is shifted through each gear in order to break down deposits in every part of the transmission. Rather than just removing the fluid found in the bottom of the pan, the entire transmission is cleansed and replenished with a BG PF5 machine. This service removes the old contaminated fluid while at the same time adding new premium fluid and conditioner [for longer transmission life].

Wipers- wiper blades serve the purpose of clearing water and debris from the driver’s field of view. When wipers wear out from sun and usage, they start to leave streaks witch inhibit driver vision rendering them a hazard. If left for too long the weakened rubber elements can tear apart, and allow the metal frame to scratch the windshield. Regular replacement helps to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

Wiper fluid- wiper fluid allows the driver to spray solution on the windshield to help clean off dirt and debris collected in the driving environment. It is important to use the recommended fluid to properly lubricate the components and prevent freezing.