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.