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.