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Why is it important?
The Brake system provides the ability to stop a vehicle efficiently and safely and therefore is a vital component of driving safely. A well maintained Brake system protects the vehicle, driver, passengers and others sharing the road. Periodic inspection of friction material, vital system components and hydraulics helps to ensure efficient system performance and cost effective repairs.
What do we do?
Tech1AutoRepair technicians begin with a thorough inspection of a vehicle’s brake linings and key components. A written evaluation, with detailed diagnoses of findings, is provided and reviewed with the customer. Service recommendations are based on the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and the existing condition of brake components that impact system performance.
How often?
Vehicle manufacturers recommend brake inspection at regular intervals, usually every 12,000 miles, to ensure vehicle safety and cost effective repairs. Repairs are recommended based on vehicle manufacturer specifications and existing conditions for brake linings and other key components.
Benefits
Brake Service
Brake inspection is an important safety procedure and is recommended at regular intervals by vehicle manufacturers.
Replacing brake linings prior to damaging key system components saves money and keeps the vehicle in a safe operating condition.
It all starts with a few telltale problems: A dash light coming on for a brief moment, maybe dimmed headlights and a few flickering gauges. Perhaps there’s even an odd smell, or a growling sound coming from under the hood.
Is this a case of automotive possession? No. Most likely it’s one of many possible alternator problems, and without a little attention, this problem can cause car trouble ranging from slow starts all the way up to a dead car.
While an alternator is a relatively simple component containing only a few parts, it plays a critical role in any vehicle’s operation. Essentially it turns the mechanical energy of the engine’s rotating crank shaft into electricity through induction. Wires within the alternator cut through a magnetic field; this in turn induces electrical current. That current is used to power your car’s accessories, which can be anything from headlights to the electro-hydraulic lifts on a snow plow. The alternator also keeps the battery fully charged, providing the power it needs to start the car.
Because the alternator is connected to (and critical for) other vehicle systems, any mechanical auto problems can have an affect on its function and have an affect on diagnosing car problems. However, paying attention to the five trouble signs on this list can make diagnosing car trouble related to the alternator a little easier.
How Car Computers Work
Advanced Diagnostics
Another benefit of having a communications bus is that each module can communicate faults to a central module, which stores the faults and can communicate them to an off-board diagnostic tool.
This can make it easier for technicians to diagnose problems with the car, especially intermittent problems, which are notorious for disappearing as soon as you bring the car in for repairs.
BATauto.com: Technical Info Pages lists the fault codes stored in the ECU for various carmakers. Sometimes, the codes can be accessed without a diagnostic tool. For instance, on some cars, by jumping two of the pins in the diagnostic connecter and then turning the ignition key to run, the “check engine” light will flash a certain pattern to indicate the number of the fault code stored in the ECU.
Driving a stick shift automobile comes with its own set of troubles. Though driving a stick can be a lot of fun, and for many sports car drivers it is the only way to go, automobile clutch repair in San Diego can be a hassle.
Clutch cable repair is somewhat of a specialty in its own right. Not all automotive repair shops perform manual transmission and related repairs. Nowadays, clutch repair shops in downtown San Diego, at least the ones that know what they are doing, are a rare find indeed.
In and Out the Same Day Clutch Cable Repair and Service
Tech1AutoRepair, we’ve been performing clutch cable repair in San Diego for more than 55+ years. From sleek sports cars and Jeeps to Sports Utility Vehicle (SUVs) and luxury sedans, you can trust us for your clutch repair estimate. Our factory educated ACE certified mechanics know the ins and outs of clutch cable repair. They will explain to you how they will fix your manual transmission system and answer any questions you might have about the process.
Our mechanics encourage manual transmission drivers to have their vehicles’ maintenance service performed per the manufacturer’s schedule.
In addition to those services, you might need clutch inspection and repair if your vehicle demonstrates any of the following symptoms:
Clutch Cable Repair Services we perform include:
Looking for Cooling System Service & Repair in San Diego That You Can Trust?
If caught early on, auto cooling system repair doesn’t have to be a major expense. If your car is overheating (the temperature gauge is showing in the red), if you constantly have to add antifreeze to your cooling system, or if you frequently see puddles of antifreeze form under your car, you may need car cooling system repair.
If you notice any of these problems in your vehicle, call us at Tech1AutoRepair right away. Don’t continue to drive your car day after day ignoring the leak or the smell coming from your air vents. The ignore-it-and-it-will-go-away type of thinking will almost always get you in trouble when it comes to auto repair, especially cooling system maintenance.
Unfortunately, the problem probably won’t go away but will only get worse if you do nothing. Don’t turn a minor $50 repair into a major $500 engine repair, for example. Drive your car immediately to our San Diego auto cooling system repair shop for a complete diagnosis and a quick quote on your cooling system service cost.
To perform car cooling system service our experienced technicians will:
So bring your car or truck to Griffin’s Auto Repair. We’re a family business and our ASE-certified mechanics as well as our service center staff will treat you and your vehicle right. We provide fair estimates and can fix your car the same day so can go about your life. We’ve been providing cooling system service and repair in San Diego for over 50 years now so you can trust we’ll fix your car right. Give us a call today!
Why choose Tech1AutoRepair?
Same day service
All work is guaranteed with an 24 month, 24k mile warranty
We use Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts
What is this?
The rubber cover that protects the drive axle joint is commonly known as the CV boot. Cracks or tears in the rubber can cause leaks and expose the CV joint to the elements.
The rubber cover that protects the drive axle joint is commonly known as the CV boot. Cracks or tears in the rubber can cause leaks and expose the CV joint to the elements.
This is the inspection of the rubber cover that protects the drive axle joint. It’s also known as the CV (constant velocity) boot, because the drive axle joint it covers is more commonly called the CV joint.
Should I do this service when it’s recommended?
Yes.
Why do I have to do this?
The rubber boots degrade over time and can crack or tear open, which will expose the joint itself. Inspecting the boots will let you know right away if you have a problem, so you can replace them before damage is done to the more expensive CV joint.
What happens if I don’t do this?
If the boots crack or tear open, then the grease that the boots hold in will leak out. The CV joint will then be exposed to dirt, moisture and road kill. Without the boot covering — and the grease it holds in — the joint will fail. Replacing the CV joint can cost hundreds of dollars, whereas replacing a boot costs a fraction of that amount.
Battery Maintenance Services
The battery supplies electrical power to the starter, along with the rest of the electrical components of the vehicle, which is necessary to start the engine. When the engine starts running, the charging system takes over to provide electricity to the various vehicle electrical systems. The battery cable terminals connect the battery to the electrical system.
A vehicle battery has several important functions, some of which are:
Battery Diagnostic
The service includes testing of vehicle starting and charging system components:
Battery Replacement
The service includes:
Battery Terminal Cleaning
The service includes:
Battery Terminal Replacement
The service includes:
Light Bulb Inspection and Replacement
Why is it important?
Your exterior lights & headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights and marker lights—are essential parts of your vehicle’s safety equipment. They are the main ways that you see the road and are seen by other drivers.
What is the service?
Checking and testing all of your exterior lights. At your request, any malfunctioning bulbs can be replaced.
Keep Your Engine HEALTHY
Take care of your engine, and your car has a better chance of lasting for the long haul. If you stay on top of your engine maintenance and tend to any engine repairs immediately, your car or truck will last longer. With something as important as car engine repair, trust Tech1AutoRepair. For years, our skilled technicians have been servicing automotive engines. You’ll get no greater service or advice than from a Tech1AutoRepair.
Every time a vehicle’s driver presses the gas pedal, they are controlling how much fuel and air the engine takes in. The pedal tells the throttle valve how much air to let in and the computer tells the fuel system how much fuel to deliver. These calculated amounts of air and fuel are typically mixed together before being sucked into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. There the spark plug ignites the mixture, producing the controlled burn that powers the vehicle. It’s important for the fuel in the vehicle to be as clean as possible.
Performing fuel system cleaning service:
The service includes:
Why is it important?
The fuel filter is located on the line that brings fuel from the tank to the engine. The filter removes contaminants and particulates so fuel can flow to the engine smoothly and without obstruction. A clean, unclogged fuel filter can help prevent reductions in engine performance.
What is the service?
The old fuel filter is removed and replaced with a new one that meets your manufacturer’s recommendations.
What is a Maintenance Tune-Up?
One of the biggest changes in today’s automotive industry is the perception of a “tuneup.” Ask 10 motorists their definitions of a tune-up and chances are there will be 10 different answers. Contrary to some beliefs, today’s modern vehicles still need tune-ups to keep them performing at the most efficient levels.
Historically, the tune-up was associated with the routine replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and ignition points, along with basic adjustments to help “tune” the engine. But pressure for increased fuel economy and lower emissions drove car manufacturers to adopt electronic systems and do away with ignition points in the 1970s and the carburetor in the mid1980s. This eliminated the need for replacing and adjusting many ignition and fuel-system parts.
As the pace of technology quickened, the procedures required to perform a traditional tune-up changed. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems are now the norm, with one or more onboard computers controlling engine and transmission management functions. Things that were once handled mechanically are now controlled electronically through the widespread use of onboard computer technology.
“There is a misconception that today’s modern vehicles don’t need tune-ups because they never break down, but that simply is not true,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “If you’re at work and your computer goes down, you can’t get any more work done. It’s the same with your vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t being properly maintained, you’re not going to get where you want to go.”
As part of the Tech1AutoRepair Tune-Up,” the following systems should be inspected:
Motorists should become familiar with their vehicles from every aspect. Study the owner’s manual to become acquainted with the operation of all systems. Pay special attention to the indicator lights and instruments.
Without the heating and air conditioning systems in today’s modern vehicles, we would all be miserable driving to our destinations. We take for granted the heat that keeps us warm in the winter months, and the cool air that refreshes in the summer time. Let’s take a look at how both systems work to keep us comfortable all year round.
The heater in your car is a smaller version of your cooling systems radiator. Hot engine coolant is circulated through a small radiator, often times called a heater core. A fan is positioned in front of the heater core to blow cold outside air over the fins. As this air travels over the heater core, it heats up and becomes the hot air which blows out your heater vents.
Like your engines cooling system radiator, the heater core can suffer some of the same issues. If the heater core becomes clogged with rust or sludge, you will no longer have heat. Also leaks can cause a cabin full of white steam and really mess up your windows. If you smell the sweet aroma of coolant when your heater is on, chances are, you have a small leak in the heater core. Often times the heater core is buried under the dashboard, and replacing it, is a major job.
The air conditioning system in your car is comprised of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. If you have ever used a can of compressed air to clean computer components, you will know that the bottle gets very cold in a short amount of time. This is due to the rapid expansion of the compressed gas. The same thing happens in your car’s air conditioning system. Refrigerant (AKA Freon) is compressed in the compressor and turns into a hot gas. In the condenser, this hot gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the Freon goes through the expansion valve it returns to a low-pressure gas and rapidly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the air that eventually blows out your vents.
Common Problems:
From time to time the A/C system needs to be recharged to bring it back up to maximum efficiency. Sometimes a leak may cause loss of refrigerant and will need to be fixed before refilling. It’s difficult to tell if a leak is present without specific test equipment so let it up to a professional.
In recent years, the EPA has phased out the use of R-12 Freon in all refrigeration systems and R-134 has become the new standard. If you have an older system with R-12 you may need to retrofit your system to handle the new R-134 refrigerant. Sometimes seals, hoses and even the compressor need to be changed. The problem arises when the older seals and hoses are not compatible with the new oils found in the R-134.
Corrosion will cause the heater core (secondary radiator) to leak. This will manifest itself by leaving steam into the passenger compartment and fogging your windows. You will know there is a leak by the sweet smell coming from your vents. Unfortunately changing the heater core is usually not the easier job in the world as engineers tend to squeeze them into some pretty tight spaces under the dash.
The Tech1AutoRepair Service Oil Change helps maintain the value of your vehicle investment.
With as much as you paid for your vehicle, you want to keep it on the road as long as possible. That’s why we offer the The Tech1AutoRepair Service Oil Change. It’s more than an oil change, it’s preventive maintenance to change, inspect, check/fill and clean essential components of your vehicle and help keep it all running smoothly. By taking care of your vehicle with a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, you’ll be getting the peace of mind that your vehicle will be with you for a long time.
Tech1AutoRepair technicians will:
CHANGE
INSPECT KEY COMPONENTS
CHECK/FILL
Tire pressure and multiple vital fluids:
CLEAN
Radiators are heat exchangers used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine.
Internal combustion engines are often cooled by circulating a liquid called engine coolant through the engine block, where it is heated, then through a radiator where it loses heat to the atmosphere, and then returned to the engine. Engine coolant is usually water-based, but may also be oil. It is common to employ a water pump to force the engine coolant to circulate, and also for an axial fan to force air through the radiator.
In automobiles and motorcycles with a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine, a radiator is connected to channels running through the engine
and cylinder head, through which a liquid (coolant) is pumped. This liquid may be water (in climates where water is unlikely to freeze), but is more commonly a mixture of water and antifreeze in proportions appropriate to the climate. Antifreeze itself is usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (with a small amount of corrosion inhibitor).
The radiator transfers the heat from the fluid inside to the air outside, thereby cooling the fluid, which in turn cools the engine. Radiators are also often used to cool automatic transmission fluids, air conditioner refrigerant, intake air, and sometimes to cool motor oil or power steering fluid. Radiators are typically mounted in a position where they receive airflow from the forward movement of the vehicle, such as behind a front grill. Where engines are mid- or rear-mounted, it is common to mount the radiator behind a front grill to achieve sufficient airflow, even though this requires long coolant pipes. Alternatively, the radiator may draw air from the flow over the top of the vehicle or from a side-mounted grill. For long vehicles, such as buses, side airflow is most common for engine and transmission cooling and top airflow most common for air conditioner cooling.
Suspension problems with your car, truck or SUV are more likely to go unnoticed when compared to more obvious troubles, such as brake problems, transmission troubles or engine issues. More often than not, you can still drive your car for a little while if the suspension balance is not the way it should be.
Delaying Auto Suspension Repair Could Cost You
Because there are few red flag warnings when a car suspension repair must occur, such issues can go unnoticed. By continuing to drive on an improperly aligned auto suspension system, you run the risk of further damaging the system as well as other major components of the vehicle. As with most types of repair, auto suspension repair is best done as soon as possible so as not to risk a minor repair from becoming a major one.
So how do you know if your vehicle needs front suspension repair in San Diego? Some signs might include the following:
Are the tires on your vehicle wearing more on one side than on the other? This is an indication that your vehicle may be leaning to one side or another.
When driving straight down the road, do you have to tilt your steering wheel to the left or right?
When you drive over bumps or dips on the road, does it feel like your vehicle offers no support?
Try this test: drive your vehicle slowly down a back road or large open parking lot. Lift your hands from the wheel and lift your foot off the gas pedal for just a few seconds. Does your car veer toward the right or left on its own?
If your car or truck is doing any of these things on a regular basis, then we suggest you bring it in for inspection and air suspension repair.
We will perform the following:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange
Why is it important?
Transmission gears deliver power from the engine to the drive wheels, shifting automatically to provide the best power and efficiency for your driving speed. A special transmission fluid cools and lubricates the gears. Over time, this fluid degrades, and its lubricant qualities diminish. Changing the fluid at the correct intervals can help prevent premature wear and damage to the transmission.
What is the service?
Removal of the old transmission fluid and replace it with new, clean fluid of the grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Automatic Transmission Drain and Fill
Automatic transmission fluid lubricates, cools and cleans internal components of the transmission. It also helps to maintain the hydraulic pressure necessary for the transmission to function. The additives in the transmission fluid can be depleted over time.
The Automatic Transmission Drain & Fill service includes:
The Automatic Transmission Filter Replacement Service includes:
The Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange & Filter Replacement service includes:
A transmission is a speed and power-changing device located between the engine and the driving wheels of a vehicle. It provides a means for changing the ratio between engine RPM and driving wheel RPM to meet each particular driving situation.
Manual transmission fluid provides lubrication to gears, bearings, shafts, and other internal components. 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 these metal particles can mix with the fluid. Fluids can also become contaminated with water.
The service includes:
