Professional Auto Care
Engine
Oil Filter: Engine oil is sucked up from the oil pan at the bottom of the engine, and force through a filter to remove any debris that oil picks up. Oil filters have a pressure relief valve inside-when the engine is turning fast, the oil pressure is too high for all the oil to pass through a filter, and the pressure opens up a valve to allow the oil to bypass the filter. When a filter becomes too clogged up, the oil will also bypass the filter-so filters are always replaced when an oil change service is performed.
Oil System: Clean oil preserves the life of an engine. Many factors contribute to engine oil breakdown such as frequent cold starts and short journeys. When oil remains in contact with very hot parts of the engine after it is turned off-such as turbocharger cooler lines-the oil can bake and become sludge like. To prevent loss of adequate lubrication, engine oil should be replaced frequently, depending on the type of driving performed. When sludge develops inside the engine, or when the oil is black looking on the dipstick, an engine oil flush, where a detergent is added to the oil and circulated through the engine before changing the oil, can help to clean the system properly before new oil is added.
Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt drives the accessories attached to the engine, such as the alternators, power steering pump, AC compressor, and water pump and radiator fan. Some vehicles use a single belt to drive all pulleys, whereas other vehicles may have two or three belts to drive different components. Belts can become cracked over time, however newer belt designs do not crack when worn-instead the grooves on the belt become wider, potentially resulting in squealing noises as the belt does around the pulleys. A broken belt can result in the vehicle being undriveable. Without the alternator, the battery becomes drained quickly. Steering becomes heavy with the power steering pump, and if the water pump is not turning, the vehicle will overheat quickly.
Serpentine Belt Tensioner: Although some vehicles still use manual adjusters to tighten belts, most modern vehicles have a spring loaded pulley that keeps the serpentine belt tight. When the spring inside the pulley becomes weak as a result of normal wear, or when the pulley rusts and will not move freely to allow the belt to be tightened, the serpentine belt tensioner should be replaced.
Timing Belt: For the engine to run correctly, the valves must open at the correct time for fuel and air to enter the combustion chamber, close while the fuel is compressed, remain closed as the piston is pushed down by the combustion, then an exhaust valve opens to allow the exhaust gas out of the engine. The timing belt drives the valves to open and close at the correct time. Some vehicles use a metal chain or gears to drive the valves, however, timing belts, made out of lighter weight rubber, are generally quieter in operation, and more fuel efficient because the engine is driving less weight. Timing belts are generally not visible without removing several components and covers. The belt should be replaced at manufacturer recommended intervals, usually 60, 90, or 105,000 miles, or when inspection of the belt shows signs of wear. On some vehicles, the timing belt drives the water pump and must be removed to change the water pump. Since timing belt replacement is often a time consuming job, it is often advisable to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt. Other parts replaced at the same time may include the tensioner assembly that keeps the timing belt tight, and any other pulleys that the timing belt rolls around. When a timing belt breaks, the vehicle will be undriveable, and in may situations, the broken timing belt will also result in internal engine damage such as bent valves.
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9916 Honeywell Street Houston, TX 77074 (713) 270-0474
Serving the areas of Houston, TX | Sugar Land, TX | Missouri City, TX | Stafford, TX | Bellaire, TX for nearly 30 years.
