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Does my transmission ever need service?
How often should my car get a tune-up?
What can I do if my car overheats?
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Does my transmission ever need service?
How Often Should Belts and Hoses Be Replaced?
How do I tell if the FWD constant velocity joint needs replacing
What Is Included In A Complete Brake Job?
Why are there so many different spark plugs?

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Car Repair Blog

Brake Repair and Service

How often should my car get a tune-up?

The term “tune-up” actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). On these vehicles a tune-up would generally be required every 15,000 – 20,000 miles and consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap and adjusting the ignition timing as well as the carburetor.

On modern vehicles equipped with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computer controls, the term “engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term. A “tune-up” for these newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to maintain peak engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low exhaust emissions.

CAR CARE TIPS from Nevada Mobile Automotive Service

It's always better to fix something before it breaks, the same applies to your car. That's why regular maintenance is so important on today's vehicles. Below are some helpful hints and articles that we think will help you maintain your vehicle for years to come.

  1. Change your oil at regular service intervals.
  2. Replace your wiper blades twice a year for streak-free visibility.
  3. Screeching or grinding sounds from your brakes can mean trouble. Make an appointment with us to get a brake inspection.
  4. A loud muffler may not just be annoying, it can be dangerous because harmful exhaust fumes may be leaking into the passenger compartment.

Why choose Nevada Mobile Automotive Service over those other guys?

 
First, we'd like to tell you a little bit about Nevada mobile Automotive Service...
 
Nevada Mobile Automotive Service is a local, family owned, auto repair business; committed to providing our customers with the best auto repair and service in the industry. It is our goal to provide every customer with convenient, hassle free service that they would love to recommend to a friend.
 
What type of experience does your company have?
 
At Nevada Mobile Automotive Service our owners and mechanics have a combined 30 years experience in the automotive field.

Why do I need to periodically change my brake fluid?

DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid are glycol based and absorb moisture over time. Moisture contamination causes the fluid boiling point to drop (which could lead to fluid boil and brake fade during hard use).
 
Moisture contamination also contributes to internal corrosion in the calipers, wheel cylinders, and steel brake lines. The reason for replacing fluid periodically is to get rid of contaminated fluid and restore fluid heat and corrosion resistance.
 
Moisture seeps in through microscopic pores in rubber seals and hoses.

Is It Still Safe To Drive If The ABS Warning Light Is On?

An ABS warning light means the ABS system has been deactivated because of a self-diagnosed fault. Normal braking should remain. The vehicle should be safe to drive provided the driver does not have to call on his ABS system for panic braking as when on a wet or slick surface.
 
An ABS warning light may also indicate a loss of power-assist if the vehicle has an ABS system relying on an electric pump and pressure accumulator pump rather than a conventional vacuum booster.
 
The car will still brake, but will not have the usual power assist.

Bleeding the Brakes

Brake bleeding is a service procedure that involves purging air from the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, and wheel cylinders.
 
If there are air bubbles in the fluid, they will compress when the brakes are applied, causing either a low or soft pedal. Bleeding gets the air out, leaving only non-compressible brake fluid.
 
Air can enter lines when the system is opened for repairs. Air can also enter the lines if the master cylinder reservoir gets too low.
 
To remove air, bleeder screws on the calipers and/or wheel cylinders are opened one at a time.

What Is Included In A Complete Brake Job?

A complete brake job should restore the vehicle's brake system and braking performance to good-as-new condition. Anything less would be an incomplete brake job.
 
Brake components that should be replaced will obviously depend upon the age, mileage and wear. There is no pat answer as to which items need replacing and which ones don't. It's a judgment call.
 
 
A complete brake job should begin with a thorough inspection of the entire brake system; lining condition, rotors and drums, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake hardware, hoses, lines, and master cylinder.

Brake Rotors - To turn or not to turn...that is the question!

Often, when performing brake repair service, other auto repair shops will tell a customer they recommend the rotors be turned for proper brake and rotor wear. As a result, these shops have trained the customer to expect a rotor turning service every time they have their brake pads replaced, or a brake service performed on their car.
 
While resurfacing or “turning” the rotors helps to ensure proper brake wear, rotor turning service is not required as often as it is recommended, and will help to lessen the life of the rotor.