The engine drives several accessories such as the air-conditioning compressor, the alternator and the power steering pump. A pulley, connected to the engine crankshaft, turns these accessories by mean of a belt or belts. Older vehicles use multiple V-belts, named for the cross-sectional shape of the belt. V-belts are rare today and manufacturers use serpentine belts and most designs.

They design most vehicles today, with sealed wheel bearings. These sealed bearing do not require service. Millions of trucks, trailers and cars also have wheel bearings that periodically require service. Serviceable wheel bearings are inexpensive and give long life. Improper service will also quickly destroy a serviceable bearing.

There are two things most people know about automotive air conditioning. You cannot do without it [in South Louisiana] and it is expensive to repair. The first is a fact the second can often be prevented.

Tire rotation is a simple matter, but like many things automotive it is also loaded with mis-information.  The principle is to even out tire wear, between the front and rear of the vehicle.  In theory this should provide longer tire service and there are four  patterns in general use.

Largely accepted is that things get old and break. Automobiles are certainly no exception. Many people get hundreds of thousands of useful miles. Others have to replace much sooner and have far more problems along the way. There are reasons and knowing them can save a person thousands of dollars.

I received an interesting question, asking for a recommendation of a new car dealership, from a service standpoint. I feel service should be a consideration when buying a new vehicle. I also have a different view point of how service might best be obtained. 

Very often, folks have their vehicles towed in for major repair. We see burned out ignition coils, bad fuel pumps, broken timing belts and so on. The failure often surprises the owner. We commonly hear, "I felt no symptoms." With an older vehicle the driver usually had symptoms that preceded a breakdown. For instance, an engine idles rough, is harder to start or even loses fuel mileage when it needs a tune-up.

An oil filter serves a similar function in the engine, as the kidneys do in the human body. The oil filter helps to clean the oil, which is the life blood of the engine. If the oil stops flowing, even for a matter of seconds, severe engine damage can result.

Several times a week vehicles come into the shop with major problems. Rear main seals, valve guide seals and valve covers leaking are very common. Inevitably, when the engine is examined it is clear the oil has not been changed often enough. The seals are now very hard and brittle and the engine has several leaks. More unfortunate, this may only be the beginning. 

As a repair shop owner, I often hear, "Why did this happen?"  When it comes to vehicle repairs, the answers may surprise you . . . 

Do you know what an "Up-sell" is, as it relates to the auto service business?  This knowledge may save you a bundle . . .

Several times a week people call with the question, "How much do you charge flush . . . ?" The first question is always, why do you feel you need this service? The answer always sounds the same. I don’t know, I took my vehicle in for warranty work and they told me I needed it.