Wondering about Why is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

Car alignment issues are more damaging than most drivers know.  Not only does misalignment affect the handling of your vehicle, but it adds excessive wear and tear to your tires, suspension, and steering systems. When your wheels are out of alignment, it means that the tires are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel.  It can shorten the life of your tires by thousands of miles and negotiation crucial steering and suspension parts.

Even though alignment issues can develop over time, it’s more likely to be caused by a specific incident, such as hitting curbs, going too fast over speed bumps, hitting potholes too fast, no matter how minor.  If you notice your car pulling to the left or right driving down the road, uneven or rapid tread wear, the steering wheel is crooked while driving straight or feels loose, schedule a wheel alignment service as soon as you can.

So why is wheel alignment necessary?  

• Boosts your car’s handling and safety, 
• Increases fuel efficiency,
• Prevents damage to steering and suspension components, and 
• Extends the life of your tires.  

It’s vital to have your car alignment inspected about every 10,000 miles.  At the very least, have the alignment inspected at every other oil change, or at the first sign of premature tire wear.  The price of an alignment service is much more cost-effective than paying for a new set of tires!

Need to know more about why is wheel alignment necessary?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

What’s included in a Major Car Service?

Let’s face it, most of us dread having to schedule a major car service because of the time and money it takes.  So we keep delaying it another month, or two, or three, in hopes that we will have a little left in the budget to cover the cost.  The issue is that we can end up requiring a major car repair, which will cost much more than if we had taken care of the car service in the first place.  Even though your car won’t look any different after spending some hundred dollars, it will definitely run more proficiently.

So what’s included in a major car service? Take a look below:

• Motor oil: Black dirty oil is replaced with clean oil.
• Filters: Oil, air, fuel, and pollen filters are all replaced.
• Spark plugs: Replaced to maximize fuel economy.
• Brakes: Inspected, cleaned and adjusted if compulsory.
• Fluids flushed and changed: Transmission, clutch, brake, and power steering and coolant fluids are all flushed and replaced.  
• Road test: Picks up issues that can’t be detected easily just by inspecting the engine.
• Safety inspection: You will have confidence in your car.
• Battery: Tested to make it is still taking a charge.  Otherwise, a new battery may be suggested.
• Other checks: Gearbox, transfer case, differential oil, shocks and/or struts, radiator, wiper blades, lights, and anything else your mechanic can see or touch.

There are two BIG benefits of up keeping up with major car service:

• You can find out what is starting to wear out, what wants replacing right away or what can wait, and what’s looking great. 
• You can drive your car with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable and safe source of transportation. 

If you need to know more about what’s included in a major car service, call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for more information about our maintenance and car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering what Does An Exhaust System Consist Of?

Is your vehicle starting to sound a little loud as you drive down the street?  Does it seem to lack power when trying to pass a slower vehicle?  If so, schedule an inspection of your exhaust system and muffler.   To fulfill its purpose, the components of the exhaust system work together to funnel gases from the engine's combustion chamber out the back end of the car.  If anyone or more of those components aren’t working correctly, the entire exhaust system will be affected and will run less efficiently.

So what does an exhaust system consist of?  Here is a brief description of the seven most vital components of the exhaust system:

• Exhaust pipe -- The exhaust pipe runs the length of the car and is connected to all of the exhaust system's components. 
• Exhaust manifold -- The engine’s cylinders funnel the fuel-air mixture from the combustion chamber into the exhaust manifold out through the exhaust pipe.
• Oxygen sensor -- This is commonly located in the exhaust pipe.  It measures the ratio of oxygen to the exhaust gases and alerts the car's computer if the emission levels are too high.
• Catalytic converter -- This converts the toxic fuel emissions into less toxic pollutants.  
• Resonator -- As exhaust gases travel through an internal pipe it helps eliminate a lot of the noise by rejecting sound waves and canceling each other out.  
• Muffler -- The muffler also eliminates noise by redirecting the airflow through porous pipes, allowing the exhaust gases to expand into sound deadening material.
• Tailpipe -- This is often the only visible part of the entire exhaust system where the exhaust gases exit the vehicle into the air.

Need to know more about what does an exhaust system consist of?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

What Does an Automotive Service Technician Do?

Many car owners cringe when they hear the words, “automotive repair.”  How do you know if you are getting the best automotive service probable when you take your vehicle to your favorite auto shop?  Most car owners are aware that technicians repair tires, change oil and check brakes, but are you aware of the extent of the training and knowledge that technicians acquire in helping you take care of your vehicle? 

Take a moment to consider the usual work performed by a certified automotive repair technician.  In doing so, you can have confidence in knowing that your vehicle will be well taken care of!  Certified automotive repair technicians.

• Use specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint existing or pending issues so that repairs and maintenance are done right the first time.
• Know maintenance checklists to ensure that all critical parts of your vehicle are thoroughly checked on a regular basis so they can be maintained properly.
• Recommend and perform preventative car maintenance at the right intervals.
•  Repair or replace worn-out parts.
• Disassemble, clean, and reassemble the major vehicle parts.
• Know how to explain to customers in easy-to-understand terms their vehicle issues, the automotive repair needed, as well as the cost and time required.

Because the electronic systems in today’s modern vehicles are controlled primarily by computers, it is important that all auto technicians receive specialized training. Plus, technicians are becoming more and more knowledgeable about vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

Let your ASE certified automotive service technician take care of your vehicle so that you are driving as safely as possible!  

So what does an automotive service technician do?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about our automotive repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

How Do You Know if You Need New Brake Pads or Rotors?

If there is one component in your vehicle that cannot be overlooked, it is the brake system.  If your vehicle fails to stop when and where you expect it to, an accident could be just minutes away.  Because correctly working brakes are an absolute must for safe driving, be alert if you feel your brakes begin to fail or lose their effectiveness.   Don’t put off a needed brake replacement.

So how do you know if you need new brake pads or rotors?

• Visually check the brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The external pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Usually, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. 
• Listen for a high-pitched squealing sound while braking.  This is an audible warning when brake pads need to replace. 
• If your brakes are not as responsive as they used to be, or if the pedal "sinks" toward the floor, this could be an indication of brake fluid or an air hose leak. 
• If your vehicle "pulls" to one side while braking, it may indicate that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid.  The brakes may want an adjustment, or the fluid drained and replaced. 
• A grinding noise is usually one of the signs of worn brake pads, most likely beyond repair. This is caused by the two pieces of metal rubbing together. This can scratch your brake rotors, creating an uneven surface. 
• If you feel a pulsation when applying the brakes it could be a sign of warped brake rotors, which happens when the brakes are applied for an extended period of time. 

If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, schedule an inspection of your braking system so that your vehicle drives as safe as possible.

Wondering how do you know if you need new brake pads or rotors?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center about a brake replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

How often do I need an Oil Change?

Even though oil changes are relatively simple and cheap, they significantly help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall operating performance. By staying on top of routine oil changes, you can prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your car’s performance by keeping the engine parts lubricated, protecting against metal-on-metal contact. 

You may not always be able to rely on the mileage interval or the dash warning light to let you know when it’s time to schedule an oil change service.  Oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness over time.  As a result, your vehicle may start to suffer from an overdue oil change.  

“How often do I need an oil change?”  The answer is simple—read your owner’s manual or ask your auto repair mechanic.  By adhering to the suggested intervals for oil changes, you can avoid the issues listed below:  

1. Dark and Dirty Oil -- Over time, the oil will darken and get dirty from the particles it collects from the engine.  If you can’t see the dip stick through the oil, it’s time for an oil change.
2. Noisy Engine -- You may start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring as dirty oil is not able to lubricate engine parts as well.
3. Warning Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the instrument panel indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. You may get by with adding a quart of oil.  But if the oil is dark, it’s time for an oil change.  
4. Exhaust Smoke -- If you notice smoke coming from the muffler (compared to translucent vapor in cold temperatures), there could be an oil leak in the engine.  
5. Oil Smell -- If you notice a strong smell of oil, there is possibly a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, it indicates that your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area, causing serious engine damage. 

Tip:  Ask your auto shop about their oil change coupons!

Are you asking, “How often do I need an oil change?”  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Are you wondering how often do Tires Need To Be Rotated?

It’s a sad situation when drivers don’t pay attention to the condition of their tires until they are stranded on the side of the road with a flat or damaged tire, looking for an urgent tire repair shop.  Inappropriately, they are endangering themselves, their passengers, and probably other motorists.  Statistics say that nearly 11,000 tire-related accidents happen every year, many of them because of tire failure due to uneven wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages motorists to include tire rotation as part of their basic vehicle maintenance routine.

Have you checked the tread on your tires lately?  Is there uneven wearing in various places?  Are you wondering how often do tires need to be rotated?  There is no set answer as every tire wears at a different rate due to the distribution of weight among the tires. The front wheels carry more loads, due to engine and transmission mass. Plus, the front wheels take the most stress during turns and braking.  If the front wheels are the drive wheels, the pressure on them amplifies.  

Inexperienced drivers may not understand exactly what rotating tires even means.  Simply stated, a tire rotation service is moving the tires around to a different position on the vehicle so that the tread wears in an even pattern on all four tires.  For example, the front tires will be moved to the rear of the car and the rear tires to the front.  

There are three main indicators that it’s time to rotate your tires:

• Uneven wear. The front tires may wear faster than the rear ones, or there is an irregular wear pattern in the tread on one of the front tires. 
• Vehicle vibration.  At speeds of 45 mph and higher, you may feel a vibration due to uneven tread wear. Your tires may need to be rotated, balanced.
• Pressure loss.  If a tire is losing air faster than any of the others, it may have too much pressure put on it. Repair the tire, if punctured, and rotate your tires as compulsory.

Normally, most tire repair technicians recommend that tires be rotated about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.  

Need expert advice on how often do tires need to be rotated?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for information about tire repair and to make an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

What An Auto Repair Service Technician Can Do?

Do you really know what an auto repair service technician is capable of doing to keep your car running smoothly and safely?  Most car owners know that auto technicians can perform oil changes, tire rotations, and replace brake pads, but are you aware of the extent of the training and knowledge that a technician acquires to help you take care of your car?  

Take a moment to consider your preferred auto repair shop.  Are the technicians ASE-certified?   Is the shop AAA approved? If so, then you can drive with peace of mind knowing that your car is being well taken care of!  Here are some things an ASE-Certified auto repair service technician can do for you: 

• Use specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint pending issues.
• Knows maintenance checklists to make sure that all the critical parts of your vehicle are thoroughly checked on a regular basis.
• Performs preventative vehicle maintenance at the right intervals, including oil changes, tune-ups, transmission flushes, tire rotations, belts, A/C units, and much more.
• Can repair or replace worn-out parts.
• Can disassemble, clean, and reassemble major vehicle parts.
• Knows how to explain in easy-to-understand terms vehicle issues, the auto repair service needed, and the cost and time required.
• Has received specialized training for the electronic systems in today’s modern vehicles.  
• Is knowledgeable about vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

Your vehicle is in good hands with an ASE-Certified auto repair service technician!   You can drive down the road with confidence knowing that you are driving a vehicle that is as safe as possible!   

Looking for a reliable auto repair shop?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about our auto repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering what are the signs of transmission problems?

Do you know how to keep your vehicle running at its peak performance level?  Follow the transmission service intervals suggested in your owner’s manual (normally every 60,000 to 100,000 miles).  This is essential if you want a reliable and safe vehicle on the road.

What are some signs of transmission problems?  You may start to experience shifting issues, such as lurching or jerking, popping out of gear, noisy gears, or even a warning light on the dash instrument panel.  Don’t wait until you can’t shift at all before scheduling a transmission service.

What does a transmission service include?

• Changing the Automatic Transmission Fluid:  Changing the fluid at the correct intervals can help prevent premature wear and damage to the transmission.

• Drain and Refill the Automatic Transmission Fluid:  Automatic transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and cleans internal components of the transmission. It also helps to maintain the hydraulic pressure compulsory for the transmission to function. 

• Replace the Automatic Transmission Filter:  The automatic transmission filter helps remove dirt and contaminants from the transmission fluid.  It can become clogged.

• Manual Transmission Service:  Heat, pressure, and friction can slowly breakdown the additives in the manual transmission fluid. In addition, small particles of metal may come off the gears as they wear and mix with the fluid. The fluid can also become contaminated with water.

The net result of all these services is to provide better lubrication, improve the holding ability of the friction components, and reduce heat so that your transmission will keep running better and longer, and you are less likely to face a major transmission repair.

Need to know more about what are the signs of a bad transmission?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for information about transmission service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering What Causes The Check Engine Light To Come On?

You’re on your way to work, running late when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on your dash panel.  Should you drive straight to your auto repair shop or can you go on to work?  Do you want to pull over and call a tow truck?  First of all, don’t panic!  There are some reasons the check engine light may be triggered. 

What causes the check engine light to come on while you’re driving?  The first thing to inspect is your gas cap.  If it is loose, cracked, or faulty, it allows fuel to evaporate, thus triggering your check engine light.  As soon as it’s safe to do so, pull off the road and make sure your gas cap is tight.  If this was the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles after you start driving again.

Secondly, triggers could be from a damaged vacuum hose, ignition coil(s), a failing catalytic converter, or simply worn-out spark plugs.  At the earliest time potential, take your car to a certified mechanic and ask for a diagnostic test.  Most modern cars have an onboard diagnostic system that offers a code identifying the specific problem at hand.  This test will help your mechanic pinpoint the issue and make sure the correct engine repair is performed quickly.  The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.

Fortunately, a check engine light rarely signals anything disastrous.  It is usually okay to keep driving for a few more miles or days, but it would be wise to get your car into your auto shop as soon as possible to avoid a potential costly engine repair.

Are you wondering what causes the check engine light to come on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering What Does Regular Car Maintenance Include?

It seems that there are a lot of drivers on the road who don’t keep up the vehicle maintenance needed to keep their vehicle in good operating condition.  Or, it could be that they just don’t have the money in their budget to pay on seemingly avoidable items.  The potential cost of repairing the damage that could take place in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, or suspension systems would be much greater than actually paying for the suggested preventative vehicle maintenance items.  You have possibly heard it before because it is true—you don’t save money by extending the time between the suggested vehicle maintenance service intervals. 

Wondering what does regular car maintenance include?  Here are the most common items:

• Changing the oil and filter
• Tire service--rotation, alignment, balancing, air pressure (including the spare)
• Car battery
• Topping off or replacing fluids for the radiator, transmission, power steering, brakes, and even the windshield washer
• Air filter
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Lights (exterior and interior)
• Air conditioner and heater

There are a couple of bit benefits of keeping up with preventative vehicle maintenance.  First, your mechanic can let you know what is starting to wear out, what wants replacing right away, and what’s looking great. Secondly, you can drive your car with confidence; know that you have a trustworthy and safe source of transportation. 

If you want to know more about what does regular car maintenance include, call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for more information about the preventative vehicle maintenance intervals and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering How Often Should You Replace A Car Battery?

The battery is one of the most vital parts of a vehicle.  It powers a range of tasks and devices, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.  Did you know that a dead car battery is one of the top causes for roadside assistance calls?  The batteries are easily too old for the job they’re performing.

Most car batteries will be almost totally defective after 4 or 5 years.  Many will become inefficient within just 3 years of everyday use in usual conditions, even with correct maintenance.  Cold weather puts a two-fold strain on the battery by reducing its power output and increasing the amps wanted to crank a cold engine.

So how often should you replace a car battery?  Here are a few problems to consider when deciding if it’s time for a car battery replacement:

• Accessories that have significant power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should. 
• Many new cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is turned off.  These computers can draw energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate. 
• Be sure to have frequent checks of your charging system.  A battery could go from 90% performance to 20% over the course of a few months.
• Cars with stop-start technology place a greater strain on their batteries than standard vehicles, and often need a special battery.

Note to Remember:  The price of a car battery replacement is worth the cost to avoid the stress and hazards of a roadside breakdown.

Are you wondering how often should you replace a car battery?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.