SERVICE TIPS
Why Preventive Maintenance?
A properly maintained vehicle will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and maintain its value. It will save you money on expensive component replacement such as (engines and transmissions), provide better fuel economy and help the environment by reducing emissions.
Why Hillmuth Certified Automotive?
Our service staff is trained to advise you of the most reliable service and with repair recommendations that fit your driving habits. Our ASE Certified technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment and information systems available. All technicians have a minimum of forty hours training yearly. You can be assured that you will receive personal, efficient, dependable service and the most reliable value for your service dollar. You also receive our 18,000 mile 18-month warranty. (Return to Top)
What's in it for you?
A more dependable vehicle
Helps eliminate costly breakdowns
A safer vehicle for you and your family
Maintains your manufacturer's warranty
Ten years of reliable transportation saves you money
200,000 miles of transportation, with a new car feel
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Complete Computerized Engine Analysis
Why a Complete Computerized Engine Analysis is worth every penny! In 1970, the average car had only $25.00 worth of electronics. By 1981 the average car electronics had risen to over $1,000.90 per car and by 1996 to over $1,500.00 per car and still rising. Today vehicle's computers operate everything from air conditioning, radios, air bags, alarm systems, anti-lock braking systems, traction control, ride control, cruise control, electronic digital and analog instrument panels, automatic transmissions, and last but not least, emission and engine controls. Too many people have tried to take advantage of the system. Instead of using proper diagnostic procedures, some people (mostly do-it-yourselfers, but also some so-called professionals) resort to trial-and-error parts swapping when they don't know how else to fix a computer or performance problem. Computers electronic parts are easily damaged by improper installation or testing and are very sensitive to voltage overloads; it does not take much of a voltage spike to ruin a component. Because of such risks (and the high cost of many parts), car dealers parts' suppliers refuse to allow returns on any electronic components. This fact is posted on their invoices and at their parts counter, leaving you the consumer with expensive parts you didn't need. Most computers range in price from $250.00 to as high as $1,500.00 depending on what they control. The major manufacturers have reported that as high as 80% of all computers returned for repair were found to be alright! For this reason, a complete computerized engine analysis can save you money by correctly diagnosing your vehicle's problems the first time! It is even more important to choose a shop that has experienced ASE Certified Master Technicians, the latest computerized diagnostic equipment and a computerized information system. Trying to diagnose today's vehicles without the proper training and diagnostic equipment can result in misdiagnosis costing the consumer hundresds or thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
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Tune-up?
The term 'tune-up' was coined when Henry Ford was working on his first prototype for the automobile. This first ignition system was very simple; one ignition coil for one spark plug, so if there were four spark plugs there would be four ignition coils. These coils needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these coils worked they made a buzzing sound and as a result when adjusted properly they all buzzed at the same level. Consequently, they were in tune and that's how the term 'tune-up' was coined. This term stuck and was associated with the replacement of spark plugs and any performance or rough idles problem that could be associated to engine operation. Once the distributor was developed, the term tune-up had no meaning as to how an engine performed. However, to consumers who were use to hearing this term around a garage, they automatically associated poor running quality with the need to be in tune. Today's automobiles do not require tune-ups. Automobile manufacturers have set forth in their recommended maintenance schedules specific intervals for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters etc. Concurrently, they recommend other items related to engine operation (such as ignition timing, idle speed and other emission control related devises) be checked for proper operation and or adjustment. When, and only when, the maintenance has been performed should a performance problem be addressed to correct any given set of problems. If an operating or performance problem were still present after the maintenance has been performed an engine analysis would then be required. Therefore, the term tune up indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor performance. If your vehicle experiences any operating or performance problems between maintenance intervals, that specific problem should be addressed by performing.
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Spark Plug Wires, Distributor Cap and Rotor
After 60,000 miles it is highly recommended that spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor be replaced; yet on distributorless ignition just the spark plug wires need replacing. Reason being, under hood vehicle electrical components over time are exposed to moisture, oil, grease and temperature that can rise as high as 550 to 700 degrees. As a result, spark plug wires, distributor cap/rotor and insulation break down creating an easier or alternative path to ground. Worn spark plugs also cause higher voltage requirements causing the ignition module and coil to produce higher and higher voltages to overcome the resistance. The resulting higher voltage breaks down. This causes the ignition module and coil to produce even more voltage, creating even higher current temperatures within them. Remember, higher resistance correlates to higher current temperatures and electricity always tries to find the easiest path to ground. The higher than normal resistance weakens transistor and electrical insulation within module, coils and computers, resulting in intermittent and premature failure. As a result, you may experience a variety of drivability problems. These problems are sometime hard to diagnose due to the intermittent nature of electrical components as a result of temperature, heat and moisture - resulting in expensive diagnostic time. If you have already experienced an ignition module or computer failure after 60,000 miles and haven't replaced your spark plugs wires, distributor cap and rotor you most likely will experience the same problem again. Most ignition modules range in price from $200.00 to $450.00 plus labor! The same is also true for vehicle computers.
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Electrical System Analysis
Your electrical system is comprised of two major systems - a charging
system and a starting system. A battery that goes bad can be the result of several problems; over charging, electrical drain as a result of a short or under charging as a result of a bad drive belt, voltage regulator or alternator. The charging system keeps the battery from going dead as the demand for more voltage is required as a result of accessory load. The charging system is comprised of an alternator, voltage regulator and the belt that drives the alternator. The voltage regulator can be either internal or external. Internalized regulators are usually located inside the alternator but there are those that are internalized inside the computer! The steady supply of voltage is crucial to the operation of today's vehicles due to the increased uses of highly sophisticated electronics. The lack of a steady supply of voltage can result in computer malfunctions (engine stalling or poor performance, check engine light to come on, computerized climate control, ride control and ABS brake control to malfunction etc.) Due to the lack of or fluctuation in voltage, a charging system that overcharges the battery and vehicle's electrical system can cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics. This can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage! The right equipment and the operator are crucial to arrive at accurate diagnoses that can save you money! The improper use of equipment, or the wrong equipment, can result in possible damage to other sensitive electronics.
Your starting system is comprised of a starter motor, starter solenoid, starter relay, neutral safety switch and ignition switch. Starter solenoids and relays can be either mounted on, or made as a part of the starter and some can even be mounted in remote locations. A vehicle that doesn't crank may or may not totally be caused by the starter. Your starting system is less complex but just as important. The battery must have enough capacity to turn the starter and
overcome the resistance in the engine. That's why checking the charging system is necessary. Diagnosing the starter system requires several different tests. A starter draw test will determine if the starter is drawing more amperage than is needed to turn the engine over. A circuit test will determined if all the other components are working properly and that voltage is present when and were it is needed. An electrical analysis can save you money and future headaches by diagnosing the problem right the first time!
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Air Conditioning Service - Recommended yearly
Your air conditioning should be checked for proper operation and Freon charge at least once a year. Freon is very hard to contain in an automotive system. R12 and R134 systems operate in the same manner. R134 has lighter gas compounds and is more sensitive to leakage. The seals, oils, components and connections are designed specifically for the 134 system. R12 systems are no longer being manufactured. Air conditioning compressors operate at different speeds due to engine RPM. The rest of the system is comprised of many dissimilar materials that expand and contract at different rates in conjunction with the movement of the engine; this allows a minute amount of Freon to escape. This is normal and that's why the system should be checked for low charge. Checking the amount of Freon in the system is very important because the Freon in the A/C system carries the refrigerant oil through the system to lubricate moving parts and seals. Insufficient Freon can damage the compressor, expansion valve and seals resulting in very costly repairs. Every time the defroster is turned on your air conditioning compressor engages to dry the air before directing it to the windshield. Yearly Freon checks are necessary to keep your air conditioner and defroster running properly.
We at Hillmuth Certified Automotive are certified by ASE and MACS in proper handling of refrigerant, and have the equipment to handle both R12 and the new R134A refrigerant along with some of the most sophisticated leak detection equipment now available.
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Brake System Flush - Recommended every two years or every 30,000 miles
This service helps maintain brake system function by removing harmful moisture. Moisture reduces brake fluid's ability to absorb heat by lowering the fluid's boiling point. Moisture also collects in the lower points of the hydraulic system causing rust and sludge to form. These conditions, left uncorrected, cause brake fade, pitting of caliper pistons, wheel cylinder and master cylinder bores which leads to brake fluid leakage, contamination of friction material or in extreme cases loss of braking completely. Sludge in the brake system causes the small orifices to become clogged. Antilock systems on today's newer vehicles require clean systems to operate properly. Sludge and corrosion buildup cause the brake solenoids and valves to stick or plugs the small orifices rendering the system inoperable. Most antilock systems are not repairable and can cost several thousand dollars to replace. Brake fluid flushing is an inexpensive way to maintain brake system integrity and reliability.
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Cooling System Flush - Recommended every two years or every 30,000 miles
As you engine heats and cools, deposits of metal are introduced into your radiator. This is a normal process. As this happens, the PH of your antifreeze and water mixture is changing and can be very corrosive causing your engine, radiator, water pump and other cooling system components to collect these metal deposits. The deposits cause early failure of cooling system components. Your vehicle will run hotter which will also shorten the life of your engine and transmission. Having your vehicle's cooling system flushed can help extend the life of your vehicle. Your cooling system should be checked yearly and PH (ideal PH is 9.5 to 10.5) and antifreeze protection should be adjusted as needed. The system should be drained; completely flushed and a new or recycled 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water (-30 degrees is the ideal for a 50/50 mix) added every two years or 30,000 miles. Extended Life anti freeze should be serviced every four years or 60,000 miles.
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Fuel System Service - Recommended every two years or every 30,000 miles
Although today's gasoline contains deposit control additives, deposit formation on intake valves and sludge deposits are still a problem. Valve deposits can cause cold starts, stalling and hesitation. Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber can cause power robbing detonation and detrimental engine damage. Sludge deposits on throttle plates can cause annoying stalling. By introducing solvents into the intake system and through injection systems these deposits can be reduced and controlled.
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Power Steering Flush- Recommended every two years or every 30,000 miles
Most people at one time or another have encountered a power steering problem with a power steering pump, hoses, gearbox or rack and pinion. Failures could be anything from noise, leaks or stiffness when first starting the car. Power steering fluid is designed for power steering systems, different manufacturers sometimes require different fluids. Power steering fluid turns dark because of heat created by the high pressure within the power steering system. Power steering will become very hot under load and start to breakdown causing electrochemical degradation. Once this process starts your power steering pump and rack and pinion begin to clog with sludge and varnish deposits. The sludge and varnish can cause stiffness, leaks or complete system failures. A power steering fluid flush service safely removes varnish and/or sludge deposits and cleans all internal power steering components, including the power steering hoses, power steering pump, rack and pinion and or gear box. This service is also the best way to remove metals that slowly grind away on your power steering internal components. Your car's power steering is thoroughly cleaned and protected with fresh power steering fluid and conditioners that revitalize the seals and 0-rings in your power steering system. When your car's power steering system shows signs of contaminated fluid, noise, stiffness, rough or hard turning, a power steering flush is strongly suggested. Neglecting to perform this service could lead to major repair work or the need for replacement of very expensive power steering components.
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Transmission Fluid Flush - Recommended every two years or every 30,000 miles
Nearly nine out of ten transmission failures are due to overheating and fluid contamination, according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association. Just like the oil in your car engine, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) suffers from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. Once this process starts, your transmission's vital parts begin to clog with sludge and form varnish deposits. Unlike your car's engine where all the oil can be drained out, most of the transmission fluid doesn't drain into the transmission pan. Instead it stays in the torque converter, valve body and transmission cooler lines making a complete fluid drain impossible. In fact, the typical transmission service only replaces 25% of the contaminated fluid, leaving behind 75% contaminated fluid to mix with the new ATF. According to automatic transmission fluid manufacturers, the addition of new fluid to contaminated fluid can actually cause sludge and varnish deposits to clog filters and restrict the flow of transmission fluid. This can result in a serious malfunction, or even complete failure of an automatic transmission.
Hillmuth Certified Automotive has a transmission fluid flush machine to provide you with the latest service procedure that safely removes varnish and sludge deposits and cleans all internal transmission components, including the transmission cooler, valve body and torque converter. This service is also the best way to remove metals that are slowly grinding away on your transmission's internal components along with most of the old, contaminated ATF. Your car's transmission is thoroughly cleaned and protected with fresh ATF and conditioner that revitalize the seals and 0-rings and enhances the properties of the transmission fluid. You should consider performing this service first if your car's transmission fluid is showing signs of contamination, or you are experiencing slippage, rough or hard shifting. This service is the first step before it becomes necessary to perform major repair work or install a replacement transmission.
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Wheel Alignment - Recommended yearly or every 15,000 miles
Wheel alignments are the specific adjustments made to your vehicle's suspension to optimize ride, handling and steering characteristics. Each manufacturer specifies precise settings to achieve the maximum performance from their vehicle. Maintaining the factory-specified suspension setting will make your car safer and easier to drive. Steering pull, unsteady or loose steering, hard steering can be caused by misalignment conditions. A properly aligned vehicle can save you money! Misalignment conditions can cause accelerated tire wear, poor fuel economy and excessive wear on other suspension parts. Whenever you impact a curb or pot hole hard, the alignment should be checked before unusual tire wear is detected, (edge wear, diagonal wear, cupping wear) which may result in premature tire replacement! Steering or handling problems such as loose steering, steering wheel off center, steering change direction after hitting bumps) should have the alignment checked as a part of the diagnostic procedure. The installation of new tires or the replacement of worn suspension parts should always be accompanied by a wheel alignment to help protect your tire investment. Checking the wheel alignment as a part of routine maintenance can significantly increase suspension parts and tire life, saving you money!
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