THE BASICS BEHIND HEATER HOSE REPLACEMENT SERVICES 

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Heater hoses play a crucial role in a vehicle’s heating system, which operates in conjunction with the cooling system. Running engines produce a tremendous amount of heat that will need to be transferred away from the engine in order to prevent overheating and subsequent breakdowns. Heater hoses are responsible for carrying coolant to prevent overheating. Coolant or antifreeze flows through the engine, absorbs the excess heat, and carries the heat away from the engine. More specifically, heater hoses are responsible for transferring coolant away from the engine to the heater core, where the warm air can be blown inside the compartment of your vehicle by engaging the adjacent fan. Heater fans blow through the heater core to heat the vehicle and cool the antifreeze inside of it. The hoses transfer the coolant back into the path of the cooling system at a lower temperature so the coolant can continue to regulate consistent temperatures inside the engine.

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WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE HEATER HOSE REPLACEMENT 

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Made of durable rubber, heater hoses are built to sustain the hot coolant that is carried from the engine to the heater core. Poor climate control is a sign of problems with your vehicle’s hoses. When your heater hoses near the end of their useful life, they will become hard and brittle or soft and mushy. If they crack, the coolant will leak and pool underneath your vehicle. When this happens, allow a member of our service staff to replace your heater hoses. A leaky hose means your heating system will not effectively heat your vehicle, and your cooling system will not have a proper supply of coolant. Leaky heater hoses can result in your engine overheating. As such, we encourage you to periodically inspect your heater hoses to determine the correct time to replace them.

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THE BASICS BEHIND RADIATOR HOSE REPLACEMENT SERVICES

 

Your car or truck’s radiator hoses, which connect the engine to the radiator, are important components that maintain consistent internal engine temperatures. The upper hose connects to the top of the engine, while the lower hose connects to the bottom. Coolant flows through the engine to cool internal temperatures and works with the hoses. Radiator hoses carry hot coolant away from the engine and into the radiator, a large tank with small channels where the coolant flows to dissipate heat. Radiator fans, which are located behind the radiator, help cool the antifreeze or coolant once it enters. The radiator hoses also carry the coolant back into the engine to absorb the heat created during the combustion process. Once the engine reaches operating temperatures, the hot coolant cycles back to the radiator where it is cooled again. Because the engine can reach extreme temperatures, the coolant is often extremely hot. Over time, hot coolant can cause radiator hoses to deteriorate from the inside out.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE RADIATOR HOSE REPLACEMENT SERVICE?

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Replacing your radiator hoses is one way to minimize the chance of engine failure and breakdowns. A visual inspection of your hoses can help you determine the proper time to replace them. Cracks, bulges, and hardened hoses are all signs that your radiator hoses are nearing the end of their useful life. Poor heating system performance also indicates a problem with your hoses. Heat, vibrations, and corrosion are all contributing factors to bad radiator hoses. A coolant leak in either green, red, or yellow liquid is another warning sign of a cracked or corroded radiator hose that should be replaced. Bad hoses can cause serious engine damage through an overheating engine or catastrophic failure. At the first sign of a bad radiator hose, be sure to contact our service staff to have your radiator hose replaced.

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THE BASICS BEHIND SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT SERVICES

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As the timing belt synchronizes engine processes, the serpentine belt powers peripheral processes in the engine compartment, like the power steering pump, water pump, cooling fan, air conditioner, and alternator. The serpentine belt receives its name from the snake-like path it takes through the various steering and electrical components it powers. Belt tension also plays an important role in serpentine belt maintenance. A properly tensioned belt helps promote long belt life while ensuring that all components are not overloaded or strained during operation. Serpentine belts are tough, built to sustain years of continued and heavy use, but they do have a natural life projected by every manufacturer. Periodic inspections of your serpentine belt will help prevent breakdowns, though replacing your serpentine belt is a natural part of overall car maintenance. If you suspect trouble with your serpentine belt, please give us a call or contact us for assistance.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT SERVICES? 

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Because your serpentine belt powers varying processes in the front of your engine, failure of the belt will result in failure of the other processes. If the serpentine belt fails to power the water pump, an important part of the cooling system, your engine could overheat and break down. Steering would also be impossible without a fully functioning belt. Regular inspections can keep your serpentine belt operating as intended. Visual inspections are the best way to detect early signs of serpentine belt issues, like frays and cracks. Trouble turning or steering at low speeds is another sign of possible belt failure. A loose belt can result in overheating, engine noise, or a dead battery. Manufacturers advise adhering to specific maintenance intervals for scheduling a serpentine belt replacement. When it’s time to replace your serpentine belt, just give us a call or contact us online.

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THE BASICS BEHIND TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT SERVICES

 

The timing belt, or timing chain in some vehicles, is a drive belt that synchronizes the rotation of the engine’s crankshaft and camshaft with the opening and closing of your engine’s valves. Depending on the vehicle, it may also rotate the water pump. When the crankshaft turns, the timing belt turns the camshaft, which opens and closes the engine valves to allow the pistons to move up and down. Your vehicle’s engine operates in four phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. During the intake phase, intake valves open and exhaust valves close as fuel and air enter the cylinders. As the air and fuel is mixed, compressed, and ignited by spark plugs during the compression and combustion phases, the valves close. The remaining air and fuel is pushed out of the exhaust valve during the exhaust phase. The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing this process and for opening and closing valves during normal engine operation.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT SERVICES? 

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Avoiding a timing belt replacement can result in complete engine failure. A worn or stretched belt can disrupt the operating order of the valves and pistons, which can result in a piston hitting a valve and damaging the engine. Timing belt failure warning signs include rough idling or difficulty starting the engine. Cracks on the belt, which is made of reinforced rubber, are an indication that it may soon break. Replacement of your timing belt will help keep your engine performing as it should and ensure you avoid expensive future repairs. During our replacement service, your belt will be replaced and synchronized with the crankshaft and camshaft to restore proper operating precision and order. It is widely recommended that you have your water pump changed during a timing belt replacement service as well. If your water pump fails later, it can do great damage to your vehicle. Since the water pump is easy to change during a timing belt replacement, consider having a new one installed at this time. Referring to your owner’s manual will help determine the appropriate service intervals for timing belt maintenance.

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THE BASICS BEHIND FUEL INJECTION SERVICES 

During a fuel injection, your vehicle’s fuel injectors are checked. Located in the intake manifold of the engine, fuel injectors use small nozzles to spray a mist of fuel that your engine can burn. Fuel injectors work with your throttle valve, which lets air into the engine whenever you use the gas pedal. When the valve opens, fuel injectors release the fuel mist so it mixes with the air. This fuel and air combination then enters the combustion chamber and helps your vehicle run. Over time, fuel injectors can become dirty. Clogged injectors can negatively affect your vehicle’s performance, leading to poor gas mileage and dirty exhaust emissions. Short trips make it especially easy for dirt and grime to build up inside the fuel injector nozzles. Because a healthy fuel injection system is important for overall vehicle maintenance, we advise you to keep watch over your fuel injectors and have them serviced as needed.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE FUEL INJECTION SERVICES PERFORMED?

Are you ready for a fuel injection service? If you are experiencing lean misfire, poor acceleration, or rough idling, your fuel injection system may be to blame. When you encounter any of these issues or notice that your fuel injectors are clogged with dirt and grime, give us a visit. Our staff understands that dirty injectors can bring various problems to your vehicle, and we are equipped with the right tools for cleaning them. We will work hard to remove any build up in the nozzles of your injectors. In addition, we can check the pressure and volume of your fuel pump and pressure regulator. While inspecting your vehicle’s fuel injection system, we can also inspect fuel lines, fuel rails, throttle components, and fuel filters. We will also check to see if your vehicle’s sensors are performing correctly. When your vehicle is ready for a fuel injection service, don’t delay.

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