Deepa Auto Repair - Diagnostic

MAINTENANCE

Today's automobiles and trucks are more dependable and trouble-free than ever, thanks to technological advances and improved engineering. But to keep your vehicle trouble-free, routine maintenance is an absolute necessity. Such maintenance will keep your repair bills lower in the future, help your vehicle perform at its peak, and hold on to its value as the years pass.

Your vehicle's manufacturer has given you complete maintenance guidelines that are found in your owner's manual. Feel free to consult with our shop manager if you have any questions about these recommendations, or about services available.

EXHAUST

Since the exhaust system is designed to reduce an engine's noise, the system will probably "tell" you when there's a problem. A sound caused by the exhaust system will continue even when the car is idling, although it gets louder when you accelerate.

A sound that occurs only when the car is moving is more likely to be caused by some other mechanical problem.

A steady, pulsing roar generally means a hole in a pipe or exhaust system component. If the sound is more like a hissing or puffing noise , it could be caused by a crack in the exhaust manifold or a leaking gasket. A problem near the engine will be more noticeable with the hood of the car open.

A chugging or choking sound can be caused by a blockage in the exhaust system, such as a bent pipe or plugged catalytic converter. Rattling noises can be caused by a misaligned exhaust system that is touching something under the car, or by a loose baffle in the muffler or resonator. Rattling noises can also be caused by a catalyst that has broken apart internally and is loose in the system or has worked its way back to the muffler.

A loud metallic vibration usually indicates something is touching the exhaust pipe, or a clamp or hanger is loose. A more muffled metallic vibration coming from the back of the car, especially one that changes in pitch with different engine speeds, is more likely to be a broken baffle in the muffler.

Blue smoke from a tailpipe indicates that engine oil is being burned, and that unburned hydrocarbons (HC) are being released into the air. Black smoke indicates that the air-fuel mixture is too rich to burn completely. White smoke is steam, and is normally visible on a cold day. However, it can also indicate an internal engine coolant leak, especially if accompanied by a pungent odor.

BRAKE

Brake problems can be a real grind. Here are a few warning signs that your brakes need a break.

When your brakes have a problem they will usually let you know. A squealing noise indicates worn or missing hardware or your pads need to be replaced. A grinding or scrunching sound when braking results if your brake lining has been worn to the metal backing.

Pedal feel is also a good indicator of brake distress. A low or spongy pedal is caused by air in the hydraulic system, or a low but firm pedal may mean your rear shoes or parking brake could need adjustment. A high hard pedal means your power braking system is inoperative due to a defective booster. A pedal that pulses, or hops up and down, during braking indicates the brake drum or rotor is out of round or wobbling, or, on disk brakes, you have a warped rotor.

A red brake warning light that stays on could result from a defective parking brake switch, low brake fluid level, hydraulic leak or an electrical fault. If rear wheels lock during braking you could have grease on the shoes, out-of-round or oversized brake drums, loose wheel cylinders, or your hydraulic control valves could need service.

Finally, for the car that pulls to one side during braking, causes include: a defective suspension, leaking wheel cylinder, plugged brake hose, improper tire pressure, or a stuck wheel cylinder or caliper piston.

STEERING SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT

To keep precise control of your vehicle, the ability to steer properly is mandatory. And your ability to steer is directly affected by your car's suspension system and the proper alignment of your vehicle's wheels.

If your vehicle has a conventional suspension system, shock absorbers help hold your tires to the road when going over rough surfaces or making sudden stops. If your vehicle has a strut suspension (most front wheel drive cars and trucks do), your car has struts, which perform the same role as shock absorbers. However, struts are built-in to your suspension system, so they can also affect vehicle control, wheel alignment, and even tire wear.

Proper wheel alignment allows the suspension, whether it has shocks or struts, to deliver the highest levels of comfort, control, and safety. Warning signs of bad alignment include: steering wheel shimmy; a pull to one side when driving; tire squealing in turns; excessive vibration while accelerating; and changes in direction after hitting a bump in the road.

A trained ASE Certified technician can help you pinpoint any alignment concerns. Additionally, the technicians can provide free steering and suspension inspections.

CLIMATE CONTROL

There's a lot of metal under your vehicle's s hood, most of it surrounding your engine's internal components. And that metal generates a great deal of heat during driving. So a properly functioning cooling system, which circulates antifreeze/coolant, is absolutely necessary to keep heat from building up to destructive levels. Your car or truck has 5 principal components to its cooling system.

Radiator. An auto radiator has a set of tubes called the "core" that the coolant flows through. By passing through the core, the coolant is reduced to an acceptable temperature before going into the engine once again.
Radiator cap. There has to be a place to pour in coolant and the radiator cap covers that filling hole, while also increasing the boiling point of the coolant to make it more efficient.
Radiator hoses. The coolant goes from the radiator to the engine through a series of hoses that must be sturdy and flexible enough to handle engine vibration and high heat.
Thermostat. Like the device on your home heating/cooling system, the engine thermostat keeps the engine at the right operating temperature.
Water pump. This mechanism drives coolant through the whole cooling system, in addition to the engine block.

To keep all these components at peak efficiency, We recommends having a "flush and fill" performed on a regular basis. Old coolant, which over time breaks down and gathers impurities, is drained, the cooling system is flushed with water, and then refilled.

STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM

Keep your car going with a our maintenance-free battery.

Our trained charging system professionals can test and/or replace your battery to help give you peace of mind and trouble-free driving. Our batteries offer the most advanced features including:

A more rugged, durable design for longer battery life
High-tech construction designed to withstand temperature extremes for reliable performance
Increased reserve capacity provides extra power for on-board accessories, computers and emergency power needs
For added convenience, our batteries never require water in normal service life

You'll be on your way in no time with a well-priced, high-quality battery that is warranted for up to 72 months at over 2,200 North American locations. Visit your neighborhood our shop today and discover the difference: a great battery value guarantee!

IGNITION AND DRIVABILITY

In addition to the battery, there are two other components to your vehicle's ignition system. And these two components must be in good working order for your vehicle to start and run properly.

Starter. When you turn the ignition key, you are actually turning on the starter, which then cranks the engine. When a starter isn't working correctly, the engine may start with great difficulty, or not at all. Starter problems may be due to electrical/mechanical failure, or outright breakage.
Alternator. The alternator carries out two important tasks. It recharges your battery while the vehicle is running to keep it at peak starting power. The alternator also works with your battery as a team to operate electrical components, such as headlights, windshield wipers, and more. A malfunctioning alternator can cause electrical components to operate erratically, or even cause your engine to suddenly stop running.