auto-aces

4×4 Fluid Service

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:11 GMT

What is the transfer case fluid all about?

The transfer case is a special gear box found in four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It sends drive power from the engine to the front and rear axles. In all-wheel-drive vehicles, the transfer case helps to shift power from one axle to another, depending upon traction conditions. Lubricant fluid in the transfer case helps to keep its gears cool and turning smoothly. Replacing this fluid at appropriate intervals can help prevent premature wear and damage caused by contaminated or broken-down lubricant.

Keep in mind:

If the transfer case fluid is low, the entire transfer case should be inspected for leaks.

How it’s done:

Check the condition of the fluid
Drain the fluid if it is dirty or brown in color
Fill the new fluid
Test drive vehicle and check for leaks

Our recommendation:

Transfer case fluid should be replaced at least every 30,000 miles. You should schedule this maintenance for your vehicle, and anytime the transfer case is inspected, the transfer case fluid should be checked.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the transfer case fluid?

Transfer case fluid is dirty
Car is unable to change gears

How important is this service?

The transfer case is a gear box that is unique to four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. The transfer case is responsible for sending power from the engine to both the front and the rear axles, and shifting power from one to the other depending on the conditions of the road. Transfer case fluid is responsible for keeping the components of the transfer case well lubricated. When this fluid leaks out or becomes contaminated, it is no longer able to act as a lubricant, and severe damage can be caused to the transfer case.

Need Wiper Blades?

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:10 GMT

Do you need new wiper blades ?

Some people will go years between a new set of windshield wiper blades, but that’s far too long. Wiper blades can wear out in as few as three months, and none will last longer than 12; even if you shell out big bucks for a fancy pair.

Please get in the habit of looking at your blades every few months. If you are seeing any clues suggesting they are wearing out, it’s best to be proactive and replace them before you’re stuck in a storm with a blurred view.

Plan on replacing wiper blades, at the very least, once a year. If you live in a region that sees snow or ice in the colder months, consider switching to a set of winter blades at the same time you are mounting your snow tires. These durable windshield wipers aren’t prone to freezing up and can handle heavier snowfall. As temperatures warm in the spring, you can switch back to a slimmer wiper blade.

What to Look for

To determine if your wiper blades are ready to be replaced, look for these telltale signs:

The blades are streaking, smearing or clicking when wiping the windshield. These are often the first clues for many drivers that there is a problem. If the wipers are still smearing after you clean the blades and the windshield, then you are ready for a new set.

The wiper blades have uneven edges and missing pieces. When you are cleaning your wiper blades, look down the length to see if the blade edge is even. Clearing salt or mud can damage the blades and leave them jagged. This causes the wipers to streak as they miss sections of the windshield.

Cracks are visible on the wiper blade. Just like tires deteriorate from weather, heat and time, wiper blades will crack if they are constantly assaulted by the elements. Once you see lines or cracks within the body of the blade, it’s time for a new set.

Poor wiping performance doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to replace wiper blades. Thoroughly clean your windshield with a paper towel saturated with windshield wiper fluid, or a mild detergent, and remove any buildup or grime that is hindering the blades before you make any decisions about the state of your wipers.

Visibility is paramount for drivers. The ability to see clearly in inclement weather starts and stops with your windshield wipers. Therefore, replacing your wiper blades should be a mainstay of your car care regimen.

Auto Aces stocks wiper blades to fit almost any vehicle. Depending on your degree of skill, installation might be tricky. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can have them installed at any of our locations.

Even if your wipers are in good shape, be sure to top off your wiper fluid regularly, especially during winter and early spring, and buy an extra jug to keep in the trunk.

Noisy Serpentine Belts?

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:09 GMT

When to change your Serpentine belts

Some vehicles have two drive belts, but most modern vehicles have a single belt, called a serpentine belt. It’s a reinforced, ribbed rubber belt that delivers power to your alternator, air conditioning, power steering, cooling system, and other components in your vehicle.

Usually, these belts don’t require maintenance, and will last up to 150,000 miles. Of course they’re not going to last forever, and once they fail, your vehicle isn’t going to go anywhere. That’s why you should have regular inspections, and have your drive belt replaced if you notice any problems.

So, how do you know if you need to replace your drive belt? Here are a few clues.

Noisy Drive Belt

This is the biggest tip off that you have a drive belt problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If your serpentine belt is squealing, it’s time for an inspection. Maybe it’s just water on the belt, which isn’t a huge issue. If you’ve been driving through torrential rain, you can expect some squeaking. But if the squeak is due to leaking or spilled motor oil, that’s a whole other ball game. Oil is the kiss of death to the belt, so make sure you don’t have any leaks.

Belt Wear

Before your belt fails, it will usually show signs of wear. If the ribs facing the pulley are missing chunks, it’s not necessarily the end of the world. Many belts will function quite well with a few bits missing. But if there are a lot of chunks gone, or if several notches appear close together, replace the drive belt right away – this is just a disaster waiting to happen. If one side is wearing unevenly, you could have a misaligned belt. This could be a problem with the pulley.

Cracks and Rot

Cracks and rot are, of course, indications that you should replace the drive belt. Any crack that’s more than halfway through the belt has to be replaced immediately.

If your drive belt is damaged, don’t take chances. You could drive for miles without a problem, or you could end up stranded by the side of the road. Worst case scenario, a damaged belt could cause extensive damage to other vehicle components. When in doubt, it’s best to replace.

Need Struts or Shocks?

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:07 GMT

When struts and shock absorbers should be replaced

Shock absorbers and struts are parts of the vehicle suspension that absorb shocks from the bumps and potholes and keep your vehicle riding smooth and stable. What is the difference between a shock absorbers and a strut?

A strut is the shock absorber built into one unit with the coil spring. Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back.

Struts and shock absorbers are maintenance-free units. Does this mean that they never have to be replaced? A strut or a shock absorber doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it or if you just want to upgrade your ride with new shock absorbers. The most common problem with shocks and struts is when they start leaking. Struts and shock absorbers are filled with oil. If during a regular inspection, your mechanic noticed that a strut or shock absorber is leaking, it must be replaced, as it will stop working without a sufficient level of oil. Sometimes a shock absorber may stop functioning even without visible leaks.

What are the symptoms of a bad shock absorber or strut? Symptoms include bounciness and/or knocking when driving over bumps. You may also notice that your car swings up and down more, like a boat. To pinpoint a weak or failed strut or shock absorber, your mechanic may do a quick “bounce test” where each corner of the vehicle is pushed down and quickly released. The corner with the weak shock absorber will keep bouncing up and down longer, while the corner with the good unit will rebound slowly and will not bounce more than twice.

Another common reason to replace struts is after hitting a major pothole, curb or after an accident. In any of these cases, the strut might be bent, which may not be visible. Driving with a failed strut or shock absorber is not safe. In addition, if one shock or strut is not working, there is more load on the other three, which will cause them to fail sooner.

Do you have to replace both shock absorbers or struts if only one is bad? It’s not necessary, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. This is because a new shock absorber will absorb road bumps better than the old one. If you replace only one shock absorber, it may create “unevenness” from side to side when driving over bumps. However, if your car is not very old, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be enough, since the opposite side is not worn out yet.

Do coil springs need to be changed when replacing the struts? The answer is no: if the spring is in a good shape, it can be re-used with the new strut.

If one coil spring is bad, is it necessary to replace both? The answer is a bit tricky: coil spring sag over time, so if you put the new spring on one side and leave the old one on the other side, the side with the new spring may ride a bit higher than the opposite side. However, if your car is not very old and you are replacing the broken spring with the OEM part, it might be OK to replace just one. Of course, your mechanic might recommend replacing both springs to keep your suspension “even”, but again, it’s not necessary.

When struts are replaced, in most cases the wheel alignment must also be performed. Replacing struts involves removing the coil springs that are under high tension. For this reason, it’s not something that can be easily done at home as a DIY project. It’s best to trust this job to your mechanic as most repair shops have a special spring compressor tool that can safely assemble or disassemble a loaded strut.

Ice is Not Nice

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:05 GMT

The #1 icy road driving tip: Reduce your speed

Slowing down is the most important thing to do when driving on ice and snow. High speeds make it both easy to lose control and difficult to stop. You should never be driving faster than 45mph in any vehicle when roads are icy – not even on highways! In many cases, much slower speeds are necessary. You can slide off of the road on certain types of more treacherous icing – like black ice – at 10mph or less! If you’re fishtailing or sliding at all, it means you are going too fast for the conditions.

You don’t have the skill to drive at normal speeds on icy road. A factor in many of the serious and fatal crashes is overconfidence in one’s abilities and/or equipment (traction control, antilock brakes, stability control, winter tires). Some feel that they have sufficient experience in winter driving, and can therefore continue normally (at or above the speed limit). But a fishtail on ice that occurs at highway speeds is usually unrecoverable by even the most quick-witted and experienced drivers. Practicing slow-speed slides in parking lots is useless for what happens to a vehicle at highway speed. A person who enters a high-speed slide will quickly learn that it is something they can’t handle – but all too late.

The #2 icy road driving tip: Don’t drive on icy roads

The best way to avoid an accident on an icy road is to simply stay off the roads until the threat passes. Nothing can inconvenience you more than a wreck or getting stuck!

Wear your seat belt!
Even though wearing your seat belt should already be a no-brainer at all times, during the winter it’s even more critical. An alarming number of road ice fatalities occur with minor accidents where the vehicle occupants were not wearing seat belts.
Pay attention to the weather
Make the weather forecast part of your daily routine during the winter. Awareness of conditions will help you be more prepared.
Go easy on your brakes
Brake application is a common trigger of slides that result in a loss of vehicle control. ABS (antilock brakes) do not work well on ice and snow, and often will lock up your wheels regardless. Sliding wheels are uncontrollable, that is, steering input will not change the vehicle’s direction if the wheels are sliding.
Turn into a slide
If you’re fishtailing or sliding, it usually means you are going too fast. Reduce your speed so you won’t need to worry about this! Most high-speed slides are difficult to correct successfully. If you’re caught off guard and begin sliding, turn your wheels in the direction that the rear of your car is sliding. It helps to look with your eyes where you want the car to go, and turn the steering wheel in that direction. It is easy to steer too far, causing the car to slide in the other direction. If this happens (called overcorrecting ), you’ll need to turn in the opposite direction.
Icy road accidents happen in multiples
Your own accident is sometimes not the greatest threat to you – additional out-of-control vehicles often are.
Don’t stop for accidents or stranded vehicles along an icy roadway
Being a Good Samaritan is a noble thing, but on an icy road, it can cause more problems than solutions. Parking on the side of an icy highway can cause passing drivers to brake and lose control, putting the lives of everyone involved in danger. Unless the stranded driver is in immediate danger, the best thing you can do is contact the authorities (call 9-1-1), who are equipped to safely block the road, or divert traffic while a tow truck can do the job properly.
Avoid hills or other dangerous roads during icy conditions
The laws of physics are unforgiving! If you attempt to tackle a steep enough incline, there is nothing you can do to stop gravity from taking its toll.

Diagnostics Value Proposition

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:51:04 GMT

What do I get for my Diagnostic Fee?

When your Check Engine light comes on, a trouble code will be stored in one or more of your vehicle’s computers. There are certain conditions (usually 4-5 specific criteria) that have to be met for a trouble code to set, and it is vitally important that the technician who is diagnosing your car checks all of them before he/she makes a repair decision.

The Diagnostic Trouble Code ( DTC ) is effectively the “tip of the iceberg”. The trouble code takes you to “an area” for further testing to properly determine where the real fault is. The diagnostic fee allows us the time to thoroughly test and accurately determine the real cause of the warning light using the professional test equipment we have invested in.

As a company, we subscribe to a professional auto repair information system as well as the most thorough database in the industry of proven experience-based repairs from the best technical experts in the auto industry. Our engine diagnostic services help us to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your vehicle’s engine problem and a repair that is done correctly the first time.

Wheel alignment schedule

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:10:11 GMT

How often should the wheel alignment be done

What is the wheel alignment?

The wheel alignment is the process of checking and adjusting the angles of the wheels relative to each other and to the car body. To perform the wheel alignment, the vehicle is placed on an alignment rack. Special sensors are mounted on each wheel. The computer controlled device measures the actual angles of the wheels. Based on the measurements, a technician adjusts the wheel angles (called toe, camber, caster, etc.) that are adjustable to the specifications. Before doing the wheel alignment, the technician will typically test drive the vehicle, adjust the tire pressure, as well as check the ride height and basic suspension and steering components (e.g ball joint, tie rod, strut, etc.). If any steering or suspension component is found to be bad, it should be replaced before doing the wheel alignment. After the alignment is done, you will usually get a printout showing the wheel angles before and after the alignment. Measurements that are within specifications are usually shown in green. The 4-wheel alignment is always the best option, as the 2-wheel alignment involves adjustment of only two (front or rear) tires.

Why the wheel alignment needs to be done.

The wheel alignment needs to be done because over time the wheel angles change. This happens as a result of deforming and wear of various rubber bushings in the vehicle suspension and sagging of the springs. Besides that, the wheel alignment needs to be checked after hitting large potholes and curbs, as well as after accidents. The wheel alignment also needs to be done after replacing any of the major suspension or steering components. Similarly, it should be done after lowering or raising the suspension.

What are the symptoms of improper wheel alignment?

– the steering wheel is off center when driving straight
– the vehicle pulls to one side when driving on a straight and level road
– the vehicle doesn’t hold the road well, feels unstable, wanders from side to side
– tires screech when turning
– tires wear unevenly

How often should the wheel alignment be done?

For most cars, there is no specific requirements. Your mechanic will typically recommend doing the wheel alignment every two-three years. Often, the wheel alignment is recommended when new tires are installed. The alignment should be done more often if your car has wider tires or if it’s a sporty car, e.g. Audi, BMW, Mazda 3, Nissan 370Z, etc. From our experience, we can tell that if you re-check the wheel alignment after a year or two of driving, usually it will be slightly off. If you hit a large bump, the alignment will most likely be off.

What are the benefits of doing the wheel alignment?

Your tires as well as suspension and steering components will last longer and your vehicle will handle better. You might notice that after the wheel alignment, the car holds the road better and feels more stable. Again, this is even more noticeable if you have a sporty car or wider tires.

Check your Sway Bars

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:08:08 GMT

Do you have a clunk in the front?

The basics behind Sway Bar Link replacement services

Connecting the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle is a stabilizer bar called the sway bar. The sway bar is charged with controlling “body roll” by distributing the weight of your vehicle to both sides of the suspension. When your vehicle moves through a turn, the sway bar keeps the vehicle level by minimizing body roll through the transfer of vehicle weight to the outside wheels. It also maintains solid contact with the surface of the road through the compression of the suspension components on the inside wheels.

Sway bar links are a crucial component in your vehicle’s suspension system. The sway bar links are what connect the suspension to the sway bar and transfer the force of motion from the wheels to the axles. When the vehicle turns or corners, the sway bar end links pull on the bar to resist body roll while stabilizing the force of motion and the weight of the vehicle.

Why should you have your Sway Bar Links replaced?

Because sway bar links are responsible for transferring the force of motion from the wheels to the sway bar and to the rest of the suspension system. If a sway bar end link is damaged, the control-ability of your vehicle and the safety of your passengers are at risk. While some sway bar links have bushing that can be replaced, other sway bar links require replacements upon wearing out.

Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system. Do not let symptoms of bad sway bar links or other suspension components go untreated. Little problems with suspension systems have the tendency to turn into larger problems and more expensive repairs if not repaired or replaced.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, allow our service staff at Auto Aces to determine if a sway bar link replacement is right for you.

When to replace air filter

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:07:00 GMT

Time to replace an Air Filter?

How to tell if your car air filter needs changing is important because a clean air filter is a necessity for the proper operation of a car. A clean air filter results in improved gas mileage, better acceleration, increased engine life, lower emissions and overall improved engine performance. Not only does an air filter clean the air entering the engine but it also prevents debris from entering the engine and causing damage. For each gallon of fuel the engine burns, it requires up to 10,000 gallons of clean air; thus why the air filter is such an important engine component.

As an air filter becomes dirty, the capacity for it to filter the air going into the engine is reduced. Because of this, the engine is not able to function properly, which may cause numerous drivability issues. Examining and replacing the air filter, as indicated by the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, is important but often times overlooked.

Symptoms of a dirty air filter vary but will often times include a noticeable decrease in gas mileage. Other symptoms are potential ignition problems cause by fouled spark plugs. A dirty air filter prevents the necessary volume of clean air from reaching the engine which affects the emission control systems of the car; reducing air flow and causing a too rich air-fuel mixture which can foul the spark plugs. Fouled spark plugs can create an engine miss, rough idle and even starting problems. In addition, a too rich fuel mixture increases engine deposits which may even cause the "Service Engine Soon" light to come on.

A brand new air filter will generally appear white to off white. A visual inspection of an air filter may reveal that the air filter has become darkened or full of debris. A visual inspection can be done by examining the air filter in bright light. However, an air filter can become clogged with dust and even pollen that may not be easily seen. Therefore, most car manufacturers recommend replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles regardless of whether or not the air filter appears to be clean. Cars driven in dusty or frequent stop and go conditions will requires a more frequent check and replacement of the air filter.

Changing an air filter is relatively easy and inexpensive. The air filter is located near the top driver’s side of the engine in a rectangular shaped plastic housing that either snaps or screws shut on most new cars. Older cars with carburetors usually have a circular shaped air filter located in a metal housing on top of the engine that fastens with a wing nut. Make certain to use the correct air filter replacement for your make and model of car.

In some situations, a clean air filter will improve gas mileage as much as 14% and may increase acceleration up to 11% depending on the make and model of car. This translates to a potential per gallon fuel savings of up to 15 cents. Learning how to tell if your car air filter needs changing will help you keep your car running properly and ultimately save money on gas and repairs.

Oil Product Differences

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:04:58 GMT

What are the differences between Synthetic and Conventional Motor Oils ?

Most readers know that synthetic motor oils typically perform better than conventional motor oils in providing protection for your vehicle, but they might not know why.

What’s the real difference between synthetic and conventional oil? Pretty much everything.

Conventional and synthetic oils begin in the ground. But that’s where the similarities end.

Synthetic oil is not only refined but also distilled, purified and broken down into its basic molecules. This process not only removes more impurities from the crude oil but also enables individual molecules in the oil to be tailored to the demands of modern engines. These customized molecules provide higher levels of protection and performance than conventional oils. But the synthetic base oil is only half the story. The correct blend additives must go into the mix to create the oil.

Our Mobil 1™ brand of advanced full synthetic motor oils has a unique, balanced formulation to keep your engine running like new. So what are the benefits of Mobil 1™ synthetic oil? Synthetics typically outperform conventional motor oils in providing more protection for your vehicle.

Here’s how all that chemistry translates to the real world.

Synthetic motor oil keeps your engine cleaner. As oil circulates through your engine, it can pick up deposits. Over time, conventional oils can sometimes form sludge, which can reduce your engine’s efficiency and, ultimately, reduce the life of your engine.

Mobil 1™ motor oils contain fewer impurities compared to conventional motor oils and can better resist the formation of sludge thereby preventing deposits from forming in your engine.

Synthetic motor oil for engine wear protection Offer greater engine wear protection Engine parts are in constant contact with each other. They’re also moving at high speeds. In the extreme environment of your engine, components can wear and break down. Your motor oil is the protective barrier between these components. As conventional oils break down, their ability to prevent engine wear diminishes. Mobil 1™ motor oils, on the other hand, retain their wear protection properties for a much longer time, increasing engine life.

Mobil 1™ oil in car driving in cold weather with snow on ground and trees flow better in low temperatures. When your car sits for awhile (let’s say overnight) the oil settles.

But, when you fire up the ignition, it begins flowing through critical engine parts to protect against friction. With conventional oils, it takes more time until they are able to flow smoothly through the engine.

During the cold winter months, or if you live in an extremely cold environment, this flow process takes even longer. Mobil 1™ motor oils, however, are engineered to flow quickly even at low temperatures, and they start protecting your engine right after you start your car.

Synthetic oil in your car protects it better in desert high temperatures. When running, engines are hot. Really, really hot. Over time, the high temperatures in your engine can cause conventional motor oils to break down or evaporate exposing your engine to wear. Mobil 1™ motor oils are engineered to resist these high temperatures, which is especially important if you’re driving in hot climates.

Synthetic oil protects turbocharger engine parts. To meet consumer demand, automakers are building cars with smaller engines (for greater fuel efficiency) by adding turbochargers (to boost power). We already mentioned how engines run at high temperatures, which can break down conventional oils faster, but today’s turbocharged engines are even more aggressive. The shaft inside a turbocharger can spin upwards of 200,000 revolutions per minute, so it’s critical that your motor oil can get to that shaft very quickly and lubricate it properly. Conventional oils can break down faster under these conditions and leave deposits on turbocharger components, which can lead to failure. Mobil 1™ motor oils can protect these components much better than conventional oils, keeping them operating at peak performance and boosting your engine’s power.